Electrical device and method for releasing control of the electrical device to an electronic terminal device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical device (1) with a sensor device (11) configured to detect a predetermined scanning area (15) spaced apart from the electrical device (1) and to generate corresponding sensor signals, a display device (12) configured to display indicators (14), and a control device configured and designed to evaluate sensor signals from the sensor device (11), and, in the event of the detection of the presence of an electronic terminal device (2) and / or a specific gesture by a user (3) of the electronic terminal device (2), to control the display device (12) and to display a code (4) containing pairing information.and to allow control of the electrical device (1) by means of the electronic terminal (2) via a predetermined website and / or a predetermined app following a pairing process with the electronic terminal (2) triggered by optical detection of the code (4) by the electronic terminal (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for releasing control of an electrical device (1) to an electronic terminal (2), comprising an identification step in which the electrical device (1) identifies the electronic terminal (2), wherein the electrical device (1) displays a code (4) with pairing information upon and / or after sensing the presence of the electronic terminal (2) and / or a specific gesture by the user (3), and the electronic terminal (2) optically detects the code (4).so that a pairing process is carried out between the electrical device (1) and the electronic terminal device (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical device and a method for releasing a control signal of the electrical device to an electronic terminal device.

[0002] A user of an electrical device, who has an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet, wants to be able to control the electrical device via the electronic device. Before this is possible, an identification step, also called pairing, must be completed at least once. This identification step usually comprises several sub-steps.

[0003] Several identification methods exist. Some require no additional electronics and rely on entering a key or scanning a QR code. Others utilize additional electronics such as Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication) to simplify the pairing process. Additionally, some methods involve a QR code affixed to the device or displaying a QR code on the device's screen via a specific operating sequence. Depending on the method, identification without additional electronics requires either manually editing a key, affixing a permanently visible QR code to the device, or displaying a QR code on the device's screen via an operating sequence. However, this is expensive and / or complicated.

[0004] The invention therefore aims to provide an electrical device and a method with an identification step that simplifies the process for the user.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an electrical device with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 4. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims below.

[0006] The advantages achievable with the invention lie in the fact that the process enables simplified pairing without additional electronics. Furthermore, the pairing information, and thus the code, is only displayed under certain conditions, thereby preserving the external appearance of the electronic device. In this way, the pairing information is more easily accessible than a QR code, which is either only displayed depending on a specific operating sequence or is concealed on the back, etc., of the electronic device. Moreover, the identification step can be used as a fallback solution if identification via additional electronics such as NFC fails.

[0007] The invention relates to an electrical device with - a sensor device designed to detect a predetermined scanning area at a distance from the electrical device and to generate sensor signals accordingly, - a display device designed to display display elements, and - a control unit that is set up and trained, • To evaluate sensor signals from the sensor device, • in the event of a detection of the presence of an electronic terminal and / or a specific gesture by a user of the electronic terminal, to control the display device, to display a code with pairing information, and • to allow control of the electrical device by means of the electronic terminal device via a predetermined website and / or a predetermined app following a pairing process with the electronic terminal device triggered by optical detection of the code by the electronic terminal device.

[0008] The sensor device is preferably designed as a camera, more preferably as a time-of-flight sensor. This allows for easy detection of the presence of the electronic device and / or the specific gesture of the user. The sensor device is, for example, integrated into a device bezel, which preferably includes the display device and / or an operating function. Preferably, the sensor device is arranged on and / or at the front of the electronic device. The user only needs to hold the electronic device within the predetermined scanning area, which preferably includes an area in front of the sensor device. Position and direction information refers to a standard operating position of the electronic device. The display device can be designed as a display or a touchscreen. The code preferably has an optically readable form, such as a barcode or a QR code.Preferably, the code is in the form of a QR code. The specific gesture is a gesture whose movement sequence is stored as a gesture in the control device and can therefore be recognized by it as such a gesture for the request to pair devices.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the control device is set up and designed - to determine a two-dimensional matrix with distance points via the sensor device designed as a time-of-flight sensor, - to check which of the distance points lie in a plane, - then to determine the boundary points of the plane, and - if two mutually perpendicular vectors for a plane can be determined from the boundary points of the plane, their orientation and length are compared with the dimensions stored therein, predetermined for the electronic terminal, and if the orientation and length of the two mutually perpendicular vectors for the plane correspond to the dimensions stored therein, predetermined for the electronic terminal, the presence of the electronic terminal is detected.

[0010] For this recognition process, it is assumed that the electronic device has a flat, rectangular surface which the user holds within the predetermined scanning area. The electronic device is preferably a smartphone, a tablet, and / or a laptop. More preferably, the electronic device is a smartphone. The electrical appliance is preferably a household appliance, a built-in appliance, and / or a water-bearing electrical appliance. More preferably, the electrical appliance is a washing machine, washer-dryer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, coffee machine, pizza oven, warming drawer, vacuum drawer, combination oven, microwave oven, refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, steam oven, and / or extractor hood.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit is further configured and designed to, upon detecting the presence of the electronic device and / or a specific gesture from a user of the electronic device, to control the display unit and to show information regarding the code in the form of a QR code. The user can scan this information with their electronic device to initiate the pairing process, thereby granting permission to control the electronic device. For example, the code links to a website that appears on the electronic device after scanning, allowing the electronic device to be controlled via this website. This enables browser-based control.Following the pairing process, the electrical device can alternatively allow the electronic device to control it via a predetermined app installed on the electronic device.

[0012] The invention further relates to a method for releasing control of an electrical device to an electronic terminal, comprising an identification step in which the electrical device identifies the electronic terminal. In the identification step - the electrical device detects a predetermined scanning area with a sensor device and evaluates generated sensor signals to detect the presence of the electronic terminal and / or a specific gesture by a user of the electronic terminal, - the electrical device displays a code with pairing information upon and / or after the detection of the presence of the electronic terminal and / or the specific gesture of the user, - the electronic terminal optically detects the code, so that a pairing process is carried out between the electrical device and the electronic terminal and the electrical device identifies the electronic terminal, and - Following identification, the electrical device allows its control by the electronic terminal.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a QR code links to a website displayed on the electronic device, allowing the user to control the device. This eliminates the need for the user to install a separate app. Such an app and the operating system of the electronic device each have their own requirements. Therefore, each app version must be continuously maintained and updated, and the user must be informed about new versions. A website typically supports all common operating systems on end devices.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, following the pairing process, the electrical device allows the electronic terminal to be controlled via a predefined app installed on the electronic terminal. This has the advantage that the app typically loads faster and is quicker and easier to navigate than a website. An app is also typically able to efficiently utilize native terminal functions such as the camera for the app's purposes. Furthermore, an app can be personalized. Additionally, an app can be used without internet access. Data can be stored locally on the electronic terminal.

[0015] Preferably, the electronic device uses a sensor array configured as a time-of-flight sensor to determine a two-dimensional matrix of distance points and checks which of these distance points lie in a plane. It then preferably identifies the plane's boundary points. If two mutually perpendicular vectors for the plane can be determined from these boundary points, it preferably compares the orientation and length of these two perpendicular vectors with predefined dimensions stored for the electronic device. If the orientation and length of the two perpendicular vectors for the plane correspond to the predefined dimensions stored for the electronic device, it preferably detects the presence of the electronic device. A resolution of preferably 16 x 16 ensures trouble-free detection.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical device displays and / or outputs information, preferably a message regarding the code, during and / or after sensing the presence of the electronic terminal and / or the specific gesture of the user of the electronic terminal. The information can also be output audibly, for example, if the electrical device has a suitable output device. Preferably, however, the information is displayed visually.

[0017] Preferably, the electrical appliance involved in the process is a household appliance, a built-in appliance, and / or a water-bearing electrical appliance. More preferably, the electrical appliance is a washing machine, washer-dryer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, coffee machine, pizza oven, warming drawer, vacuum sealing drawer, combination oven, microwave oven, refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, steam oven, and / or extractor hood.

[0018] Preferably, the electronic device involved in the process is configured as a smartphone, tablet, and / or laptop. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops typically have at least one flat, rectangular surface by which they can be identified as electronic devices. Preferably, the electronic device is configured as a smartphone. For the user, a smartphone is a handy and usually readily available electronic device.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It is shown schematically and not to scale. Fig. 1 a perspective partial view of an electrical device according to the invention. Fig. 2 to 4 show a process of the invention in a top view of an electrical device and an electronic terminal device according to the invention.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective partial view of an electrical device according to the invention. A sensor device 11 of the electrical device 1 is shown, while a user 3 (in this figure only some of the user's fingers are shown) holds an electronic terminal device 2 in a predetermined scanning area 15 of the sensor device 1. A control device (not shown) of the electrical device 1 is configured to use the sensor device 11, which is designed as a time-of-flight sensor, to generate a two-dimensional matrix with distance points P. 11 -P mn to determine and verify which of the distance points P 11 -P mnto determine the boundary points of the plane, and if two mutually perpendicular vectors V1, V2 can be determined for a plane from the boundary points of the plane, as shown here, to compare their orientation and length with the dimensions predetermined for the electronic terminal 2, and if the orientation and length of the two mutually perpendicular vectors V1, V2 for the plane correspond to the dimensions predetermined for the electronic terminal 2, to detect the presence of the electronic terminal 2.

[0021] Fig. Figures 2 to 4 show a top view of a method according to the invention, including an electrical device and an electronic terminal. The method is designed to release control signals from an electrical device 1 to an electronic terminal 2. The method includes an identification step in which the electrical device 1 identifies the electronic terminal 2. The sequence of this identification step is shown in Fig. Shown 2 to 4.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the electrical device 1, which has a sensor device 11 and a display device 12. The sensor device 11 is configured to detect a predetermined scanning area 15 spaced away from the electrical device 1 and to generate sensor signals accordingly. The display device 12 is configured to display elements 14, such as operating modes.

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the electrical device 1 and an electronic terminal 2, which is held by a user (not shown) in front of the electrical device 1 in the predetermined scanning area 15, so that it is detected by the user, since the electrical device 1 detects the predetermined scanning area 15 with the sensor device 11 and evaluates generated sensor signals in order to sense the presence of the electronic terminal 2 and / or a specific gesture of a user 3 of the electronic terminal 2.

[0024] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of the electrical device 1 and the electronic terminal 2, wherein the electrical device 1 is shown during and / or after the detection of the presence of the electronic terminal 2, as shown in Fig.2 is shown, and / or the user 3 displays a code 4 with pairing information based on a specific gesture, and the electronic terminal 2 optically detects the code 4, so that a pairing process is carried out between the electrical device 1 and the electronic terminal 2 and the electrical device 1 identifies the electronic terminal 2. Following identification, the electrical device 1 allows its control by the electronic terminal 2.

[0025] Optionally, the electrical device 1 displays further information, e.g., a message regarding code 4, during and / or after the detection of the presence of the electronic terminal 2 and / or the specific gesture of the user 3 of the electronic terminal. The electrical device 1 allows its control by the electronic terminal 2 either via browser-based control, if a website is linked via code 4 in the form of a QR code, which is displayed on the electronic terminal 2, thus enabling control of the electrical device 1. Alternatively, the electrical device 1 allows its control by the electronic terminal 2 via a predefined app installed on the electronic terminal 2 following a pairing process triggered by the electronic terminal 2 optically scanning code 4. Reference symbol list P 11 -P mn each distance point V1, V2 each vector 1 electrical appliance 11 Sensor device 12 Display device 14 Display element 15 sampling range 2 electronic terminal 21" touchscreen 22 scan elements 3 users 4 Code 5 Information

Claims

[1] Electrical appliance (1) with - a sensor device (11) configured to detect a predetermined scanning area (15) spaced away from the electrical device (1) and to generate sensor signals accordingly, - a display device (12) which is configured to display display elements (14), and - a control unit that is set up and trained, • To evaluate sensor signals from the sensor device (11), • in the event of a detection of the presence of an electronic terminal device (2) and / or a specific gesture of a user (3) of the electronic terminal device (2), to control the display device (12), to display a code (4) with pairing information, and • to allow control of the electrical device (1) by means of the electronic terminal (2) via a predetermined website and / or a predetermined app following a pairing process with the electronic terminal (2) triggered by optical detection of the code (4) by the electronic terminal (2). [2] Electrical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the control unit is set up and trained, - via the sensor device (11) designed as a time-of-flight sensor, a two-dimensional matrix with distance points (P) 11 -P mn ) to determine, - to check which of the distance points (P 11 -P mn ) lie in a plane, - then to determine the boundary points of the plane, and - if two mutually perpendicular vectors (V1, V2) for a plane can be determined from the boundary points of the plane, to compare their orientation and length with the dimensions stored therein, predetermined for the electronic terminal (2), and if the orientation and length of the two mutually perpendicular vectors (V1, V2) for the plane correspond to the dimensions stored therein, predetermined for the electronic terminal (2), to detect the presence of the electronic terminal (2). [3] Electrical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the control device is further set up and designed to control the display device (12) to display information (5) concerning the code (4) in the form of a QR code in the event of sensing the presence of the electronic terminal device (2) and / or the specific gesture of a user (3) of the electronic terminal device (2). [4] Method for releasing control of an electrical device (1) to an electronic terminal device (2), comprising an identification step in which the electrical device (1) identifies the electronic terminal device (2), characterized by that in the identification step - the electrical device (1) detects a predetermined scanning area (15) with a sensor device (11) and evaluates the sensor signals generated in order to detect the presence of the electronic terminal device (2) and / or a specific gesture of a user (3) of the electronic terminal device (2), - the electrical device (1) displays a code (4) with pairing information upon and / or after sensing the presence of the electronic terminal (2) and / or the specific gesture of the user (3), - the electronic terminal (2) optically detects the code (4), so that a pairing process is carried out between the electrical device (1) and the electronic terminal (2) and the electrical device (1) identifies the electronic terminal (2), and - the electrical device (1) allows its control by the electronic terminal (2) following identification. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that the code (4) in the form of a QR code (4) links to a website which is displayed on the electronic terminal (2) through which the electrical device (1) allows its control. [6] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that following the pairing process, the electrical device (1) allows the electronic terminal (2) to control it via a predetermined app installed on the electronic terminal (2). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized by, that the electrical device (1) via the sensor device (11) designed as a time-of-flight sensor a two-dimensional matrix with distance points (P 11 -P mn ) determines, checks which of the distance points (P 11 -P mn ) lie in a plane, then boundary points of the plane are determined, and if two mutually perpendicular vectors (V1, V2) for a plane can be determined from the boundary points of the plane, their orientation and length are compared with the dimensions stored therein, predetermined for the electronic terminal (2), and if the orientation and length of the two mutually perpendicular vectors (V1, V2) for the plane correspond to the dimensions stored therein, predetermined for the electronic terminal (2), the presence of the electronic terminal (2) is detected. [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, characterized by, that the electrical device (1) continues to display and / or output information, preferably an informational text relating to the code (4), during and / or after the detection of the presence of the electronic terminal (2) and / or the specific gesture of the user (3) of the electronic terminal. [9] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 and method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by , that the electrical appliance (1) is designed as a washing machine, washer-dryer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, coffee machine, pizza oven, warming drawer, vacuum drawer, dialog oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, steam oven and / or extractor hood and / or the electronic terminal (2) is designed as a smartphone, tablet and / or laptop.

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