Method and control unit for operating a household appliance and household appliance system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance (110), wherein the household appliance (110) has a sensor device (120). The method comprises a reading step, a detection step, and an output step. In the reading step, a proximity signal is read, representing the presence of a user's (125) mobile device (115) within a detection range of the sensor device (120). In the detection step, an individual, distinguishable user (125) is determined from the proximity signal and an assignment rule for assigning the proximity signal to the individual user (125). In the output step, a control signal is output to the household appliance (110) to control the household appliance (110) in response to information about the determined individual user (125).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control unit for operating a household appliance and a household appliance system.

[0002] A user can be detected near a household appliance using presence detection via sensors integrated into the appliance itself, which can then react to the user. Furthermore, user identification and localization can be achieved via a smart device such as a smartphone. The appliance's responses can then be controlled internally via the UWB (Ultra-Waveband) receiver within the appliance.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved method and control unit for operating a household appliance and an improved household appliance system.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method and a control unit for operating a household appliance and by a household appliance system with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention consist in particular of creating a method that enables reliable control of a household appliance.

[0006] A corresponding method is provided for operating a household appliance, wherein the household appliance has a sensor device. The method comprises a reading step, a detection step, and an output step. In the reading step, a proximity signal is read, representing the presence of a user's mobile device within the detection range of the sensor device. In the detection step, an individual, distinguishable user is determined from the proximity signal and an assignment rule for assigning the proximity signal to the individual user. In the output step, a control signal is sent to the household appliance to control it, responding to information about the identified individual user.

[0007] The household appliance can be located in a kitchen with other household appliances. The sensor device can be positioned on the appliance or adjacent to it. The sensor device can detect a user if the user is at least partially within its detection range. A mobile device can also be detected by the sensor device if it is at least partially within its detection range. Using this information, the household appliance can be controlled automatically. The approach presented here can therefore also be understood as automated app functions via the cloud with UWB localization.

[0008] The approach presented here enables user identification via UWB communication using worn mobile devices, also known as smart devices. In addition to user identification, UWB allows for localization. This localization enables numerous assistance functions, such as waking the device from standby and accessing user profiles, as soon as the user is detected within a defined distance. Furthermore, device software adjustments, including profiles across all devices where user-specific settings are stored, can be implemented based on internal component communication (UWB module to host system and UI computer). This approach also allows for user identity verification.When carrying a mobile device, which can also be called a smartphone, on which the app or a competitor's app is running, information about the user's location can be transmitted and used.

[0009] As an alternative to UWB, user localization can also be achieved using "Bluetooth Channel Sounding". For the sake of simplicity, the present invention will be described below exclusively using UWB as an example. However, where technically feasible, UWB can be replaced by "Bluetooth Channel Sounding" in all described embodiments.

[0010] In other words, the approach presented here, using app and cloud communication, allows for the triggering of assistance functions and routines, as the app knows when a specific user is near the appliance. Furthermore, the existing app and cloud communication can significantly reduce the development effort required for the initial, rapid implementation of UWB-based use cases in the appliance sector. Existing remote control functions can be utilized. The sensor device, also known as a UWB chip, can be integrated cost-effectively and compactly, both in terms of hardware and software. Hardware integration can be achieved by installing a complete UWB module (including antennas, UWB IC, and microcontroller) and connecting a power supply (e.g., 3.3 volts) and simple communication (e.g., I2C) via a 4-pin cable.

[0011] During the initial reading step, the distance between the mobile device and the sensor can be measured. A proximity signal can then be triggered if the distance is less than a predefined threshold. Alternatively, or additionally, the position between the mobile device and the sensor can be measured during the initial reading step. A proximity signal can then be triggered if the position is within a tolerance range around a reference direction from the sensor. This ensures that only users or mobile devices within a predefined distance of the appliance are detected by the sensor. This prevents unintentional activation of the appliance by another user.

[0012] During the reading step, the distance and / or position can be detected using a UWB signal. The distance and / or position can therefore be read very precisely, for example, down to the centimeter range.

[0013] During the output stage, the control signal can be output in such a way that different functions are activated for different identified users. This can increase user satisfaction, as, for example, the user's profile is automatically accessed and their favorite beverage is prepared if the household appliance is configured as a coffee machine.

[0014] In the reading step, identification information can be read from the mobile device, and in the identification step, the individual user can be identified using the identification information.

[0015] During the reading step, the proximity signal can be read if a mobile phone and / or an app on a mobile phone of the user and / or an RFID tag of the user is detected in the detection range of the sensor device.

[0016] The process can include a step of creating a user profile, which can represent a setting for the household appliance that is predefined or configurable by the individual user. This can also increase user satisfaction. For example, the household appliance could be switched on when proximity is detected.

[0017] During the input step, the proximity signal can be output to an interface of an external central unit. Additionally or alternatively, during the identification step, the individually identified user can be output to the interface of the external central unit. During the output step, the control signal can be read from the interface of the external central unit to the household appliance. This implementation also allows the advantages of the approach described here to be realized very efficiently.

[0018] The approach presented here further creates a control unit designed to execute, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate devices. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a device, also allows the underlying problem to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0019] The control unit can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as a discrete component or comprised of a discrete component.

[0020] A household appliance system comprises an embodiment of a control unit mentioned herein, at least one household appliance, a mobile terminal, and an external central unit. The household appliance and the mobile terminal are interconnected via the external central unit to transmit signals.

[0021] The household appliance system may include a sensor device, which may be located on the household appliance or adjacent to it. The sensor device may, for example, be a UWB tag.

[0022] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or control unit, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0023] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector or a container washing system.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance system; Fig. 2. A flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a household appliance; and Fig. 3 a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control unit for operating a household appliance.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance system 100.

[0026] The household appliance system 100, for example, is part of a kitchen 105 and comprises at least one household appliance 110, a mobile device 115, and an external central unit 120. The household appliance 110 and the mobile device 115 are connected to each other via the external central unit 118, enabling signal transmission. The household appliance system also includes a sensor device 120. The sensor device 120 is shown here as an example attached to the household appliance 110. Alternatively, the sensor device 120 can be arranged adjacent to the household appliance 110.

[0027] According to the embodiment shown here, a user 125 is in the kitchen 105. The user 125 is carrying, for example, the mobile device 115 in his hand and is approaching the household appliance 110. As soon as the user 125 is within the detection range of the sensor device 120, he is detected by the sensor device 120. For illustrative purposes only, the user 125 is one meter away from the household appliance 110 and is detected by the sensor device 120 at this distance.

[0028] Simultaneously or at a later time, the presence of the mobile device 115 is detected by the sensor device 120. Using the detected mobile device 115 and an assignment rule, the user 125 is individually and identifiably determined. Based on this information, the household appliance 110 is controlled, where the household appliance 110 is merely an example of a coffee machine.

[0029] In other words, user 125 approaches the household appliance 110, which can also be referred to as a coffee machine, on which the sensor device 120, also known as a UWB tag, is located. The sensor device 120 has been registered in the app on user 125's mobile device 115, for example, as a coffee tag. Upon approaching the household appliance 110, the app, via a connection to the external central unit 118, which can also be referred to as a cloud connection, switches on the household appliance 110 and loads user 125's user profile.

[0030] The approach presented here, for example, simplifies the effort required to implement UWB-based use cases. UWB-based use cases are applications and assistance functions that improve user-friendliness. They are based on knowledge of the user's identity and their relative position to the household appliance. Reducing the implementation effort also reduces time-to-market and development costs.

[0031] The task is solved by utilizing and expanding the app's remote control functions. The app communicates with the user's household appliances (125) via the external central unit (118). For example, the app triggers various appliance functions, such as switching the appliance (110) on and off. With a coffee machine, for instance, the profile stored in the app is transferred and activated. With certain appliances, it is also possible to open and / or close an automated door via the app. This is also possible with other household appliances, such as a refrigerator.

[0032] The functions are currently triggered actively by user 125. However, as soon as the app receives information about user 125's location relative to a household appliance 110, these functions will also be activated automatically, thus acting as an assistance function. The automatic activation of a coffee machine and the automatic retrieval of a user profile when user 125 approaches are examples of such an assistance function.

[0033] In the simplest implementation of the approach presented here, user 125 registers the sensor device 120 in their app as a tag for the household appliance 110 (in this case, the coffee machine), and then places the sensor device near the appliance 110. This could be, for example, directly on the front of the appliance 110, on the side, on the back, or in close proximity to a kitchen cabinet, the wall, as a plug-in module at the socket, or lying on the countertop. Upon approach, the app recognizes the ID of the sensor device 120 and measures the precise distance using UWB. User 125 then programs a routine in the app, for example, that when the sensor device 120 is detected approaching, perhaps at a specific time, the household appliance 110 is switched on and their user profile is accessed. These functions are already available in the app and are transmitted to the networked household appliance 110 via the external central unit 118.This approach allows all existing app functions to be used as automated assistance functions. The app also recognizes and learns specific usage patterns in order to offer the user assistance and routine functions. For this purpose, information is available on when a specific user is at and operating a household appliance.

[0034] In another embodiment, the UWB module is also integrated into the household appliance 110 and supplied by it via a connection. Later, through subsequent software updates, the UWB module will also communicate with the device's internal host computer. Until then, however, the existing connection is sufficient, and the use cases are implemented according to the approach presented here. Extended functions are feasible, even security-relevant functions that require the user 125 to be present in a supervised area near the household appliance 110. Knowing that the UWB module is permanently installed in the household appliance 110, and through additional presence detection in the mobile device 115, further functions can be implemented via the app and cloud communication.

[0035] In another embodiment, the UWB module is also a commercially available UWB-capable third-party device, which is integrated via the app, provided the third-party device allows this.

[0036] The user's position (125) can also be detected using other technologies. If precise location tracking is sufficient for the user's routine, a Bluetooth connection can be used as an alternative to UWB. For device-specific location tracking, a MotionReact sensor can be used in the household appliance (110) to detect that the user (125) is approaching the appliance or is within operating range. Here, too, existing app functions and cloud communication can be used to trigger device functions and implement assistance features. The approach presented here is applicable to the app and to household appliances that have functions that can be automated.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 200 for operating a household appliance. The method 200 is designed to operate the household appliance from Fig. 1 or a similar household appliance.

[0038] For this purpose, procedure 200 comprises a reading step 205, a determining step 210, and an output step 215. Optionally, procedure 200 includes a creation step 220.

[0039] In step 205 of the reading process, a proximity signal is read, representing the presence of a user's mobile device within the detection range of the sensor device. According to one embodiment, in step 205 of the reading process, a distance between the mobile device and the sensor device is detected, and the proximity signal is output if the distance is less than a threshold value. Additionally or alternatively, in step 205 of the reading process, a position between the mobile device and the sensor device is detected, and the proximity signal is output if the position is within a tolerance range around a reference direction from the sensor device. For example, in step 205 of the reading process, the distance and / or the position is read using a UWB signal.

[0040] According to another embodiment, in step 205 of the reading process, the proximity signal is read when a mobile phone and / or an app on a mobile phone of the user and / or an RFID tag of the user is detected in the detection range of the sensor device.

[0041] In step 210 of the identification process, an individual, distinguishable user is determined from the proximity signal and an assignment rule for assigning the proximity signal to the individual user. According to one embodiment, in step 205 of the reading process, identification information is read from the mobile device, and in step 210 of the identification process, the individual user is determined using this identification information.

[0042] In step 215 of the output process, a control signal is sent to the household appliance to control it, responding to information about the identified individual user. According to one embodiment, in step 215 of the output process, the control signal is configured so that different functions are activated for different identified users.

[0043] In step 205 of the reading process, the proximity signal is output to an interface of an external central unit. Additionally or alternatively, in step 210 of the determination process, the individually determined user is output to the interface of the external central unit. In step 215 of the output process, the control signal is read from the interface of the external central unit to the household appliance.

[0044] In step 220 of the creation process, for example, a user profile is created that represents a setting of the household appliance that is predefined or definable by the individual user.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control unit 300 for operating a household appliance. The control unit 300 is designed to execute the method from Fig. 2 or a similar procedure to target and / or execute.

[0046] The control unit 300 includes a unit 305 for reading data, a unit 310 for determining data, and a unit 315 for outputting data. Optionally, the control unit 300 includes a unit 320 for creating data.

[0047] The reading unit 305 is configured to read a proximity signal 308, which represents the presence of a user's mobile device within a detection range of the sensor device. According to one embodiment, the reading unit 305 is configured to read a distance between the mobile device and the sensor device, with the proximity signal 308 being output when the distance is less than a threshold value. Additionally or alternatively, the reading unit 305 is configured to read a position between the mobile device and the sensor device, with the proximity signal 308 being output when the position is within a tolerance range around a reference direction from the sensor device. For example, the distance and / or position is read using a UWB signal.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, unit 305 is configured to read the proximity signal 308 when a mobile phone and / or an app on a mobile phone of the user and / or an RFID tag of the user is detected in the detection range of the sensor device.

[0049] Unit 310 for identification is configured to identify an individual, distinguishable user from the proximity signal and an assignment rule for assigning the proximity signal to the individual user. According to one embodiment, unit 305 for reading is configured to read identification information from the mobile device, and unit 310 for identification is configured to identify the individual user using this identification information.

[0050] The output unit 315 is configured to output a control signal 318 to the household appliance in order to control the appliance in response to information about the identified individual user. According to one embodiment, the output unit 315 is configured to output the control signal 318 in such a way that different functions are controlled for different identified users.

[0051] Unit 305, for reading, is configured to output the proximity signal 308 to an interface of an external central unit. Additionally or alternatively, unit 310, for determining, is configured to output the individually determined user to the interface of the external central unit. Unit 315, for output, is configured to read the control signal 318 from the interface of the external central unit to the household appliance.

[0052] The Unit 320 is designed to create a user profile that represents a setting of the household appliance that is predefined or definable by the individual user.

Claims

[1] Method (200) for operating a household appliance (110) wherein the household appliance (110) has a sensor device (120) wherein the method (200) comprises the following steps: Reading (205) a proximity signal (308) representing the presence of a user's (125) mobile device (115) within a detection range of the sensor device (120); Determining (210) an individual, distinguishable user (125) from the approach signal (308) and an assignment rule for assigning the approach signal (308) to the individual user (125); and Output (215) of a control signal (318) to the household appliance (110) in order to control the household appliance (110), responding to information about the identified individual user (125). [2] Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein in step (205) of reading a distance between the mobile device (115) and the sensor device (120) is detected, wherein the proximity signal (308) is then output when the distance is less than a threshold value and / or wherein in step (205) of reading a position between the mobile device (115) and the sensor device (120) is detected, wherein the proximity signal (308) is then output when the position is within a tolerance range around a reference direction from the sensor device (120). [3] Method (200) according to claim 2, wherein in step (205) of reading the distance and / or the position is detected using a UWB signal. [4] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the output step (215) the control signal (318) is output in such a way that different functions are controlled for different identified users (125). [5] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (205) of reading an identification information is read from the mobile device (115) and in step (210) of determining the individual user (125) is determined using the identification information. [6] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (205) of reading the proximity signal (308) is read when a mobile terminal (115) is a mobile phone and / or an app on a mobile phone of the user (125) and / or an RFID tag of the user (125) is detected in the detection range of the sensor device (120). [7] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising (220) a step of creating a user profile that represents a setting of the household appliance (110) that is predetermined or definable by the individual user (125). [8] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (205) of reading the proximity signal (308) is output to an interface to an external central unit (118) and / or wherein in step (210) of determining the individually determined user (125) is output to the interface to the external central unit (118), wherein in step (215) of output the control signal (318) is read from the interface to the external central unit (118) to the household appliance (110). [9] Control unit (300) configured to perform and / or control the steps (205, 210, 215, 220) of the method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 in corresponding units (305, 310, 315, 320). [10] Household appliance system (100) with a control unit according to claim 9, comprising at least one household appliance (110), a mobile terminal (115) and an external central unit (118), wherein the household appliance (110) and the mobile terminal (115) are connected to each other via the external central unit (118) in a signal-transmitting manner. [11] Household appliance system (100) according to claim 10, comprising a sensor device (120), wherein the sensor device (120) is arranged on the household appliance (110) or adjacent to the household appliance (110). [12] Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (300) according to claim 11.

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