Method for operating a household appliance and household appliance and computer program

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance (1), in particular a coffee machine (11), with a display (2) and a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) accesses a process memory (4) and a media memory (5), comprising the steps: a) detecting an input for executing a specific process (41, or 42, or 43) from a selection of several processes (41, 42, 43) stored in the process memory (4) with the household appliance (1), b) carrying out the specific process (41, or 42, or 43) with the household appliance (1) and outputting a display content on the display (2), wherein the following steps are included during steps a) and / or b): c) determining media contents (51, 52, 53) in the media storage (5) which do not represent the specific process (41, or 42, or 43), and is characterized in particular in that the following steps are included during step b) and / or c): d) comparing an expected runtime of the specific process (41, or 42, or 43) stored in the process memory (4) with a list of time markers (61, 62, 63) of the media contents (51, 52, 53), in particular those determined in step c), stored in the media memory, e) selecting a specific media content (51, or 52, or 53) of the media content (51, 52, 53) based on its classification in the list according to step d), f) outputting the specific media content (51, or 52, or 53) selected according to step e) in the display content. The invention also relates to a household appliance (1), in particular a coffee machine (11), with a correspondingly programmed control device (3) and a corresponding computer program [product] comprising corresponding commands.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a method for operating a household appliance, a corresponding household appliance, in particular a corresponding coffee machine, and a related computer program.

[0002] Drinks or coffee machines with a display are known, for example, from CN 1 13 971 711 A and CN 1 10 992 592 A.

[0003] It is known that vending machines in fast-food restaurants, retail stores, or kiosks can display a selection of different beverages on a display, such as a selection of different carbonated branded beverages. It is also known from WO 2015 191 276 A1, for example, that, based on pre-programmed instructions, promotional material for the selected carbonated branded beverage or matching complementary flavors can be shown on the display.

[0004] However, in the case of household appliances such as coffee machines, such blatant advertising can be perceived as irritating. However, such household appliances can also result in waiting times, for example, from selecting a coffee beverage to its preparation, which are often perceived as annoying or boring.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the disadvantages mentioned, in particular to increase operating comfort and, in particular, to positively influence the perception of waiting times.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1, by a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine, according to claim 9 and by a computer program according to claim 10. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The method according to the invention for operating a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine, with a display and a control device, in which the control device accesses a process memory and a media memory, comprises the steps: a) capturing an input to execute a specific process, from a selection of several processes stored in the process memory, with the household appliance, b) carrying out the specific process with the household appliance and outputting a display content on the display, wherein during steps a) and / or b) the following steps are included: c) Determining media content in the media storage that does not represent the specific process is characterized in that during step b) and / or c) the following steps are included: d) comparing an expected runtime of the specific process stored in the process memory with a list of time markers stored in the media memory, in particular the media content determined in step c), e) selecting a specific media content from the media content based on its classification in the list according to step d), f) outputting the specific media content selected according to step e in the display content.

[0008] A specific process should be understood as meaning in particular (but not exclusively) a preparation process for a specific beverage, e.g. an espresso preparation process with which an espresso is prepared.

[0009] This not only increases user comfort, because media content suitable for the selected process can be displayed in the display content, for example, livening up the display content a bit and / or making it appear more interesting. It can also positively influence the perception of waiting times if the media content is precisely tailored to the process, e.g., its length is precisely tailored to the process or selected to match the specific process duration.

[0010] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the list is sorted by ascending time markers, and in step e), one of the media content items in the list is selected, e.g., based on its time marker, as the first item that can be played back completely within the expected runtime. This allows the content that can most reliably be played back completely within the expected runtime of the process to be selected in a particularly simple manner. Thus, the perception of waiting time can be positively influenced in a particularly simple and particularly discreet manner.

[0011] The time marker can therefore include, for example, but not exclusively, the running time of a video. However, it can also include the viewing or processing time of operators. For some types of media content, this viewing or processing time can far exceed the running time of a video.

[0012] In a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the list is sorted by ascending time markers, and in step e), the last media content in the list that can be played back completely within the expected runtime is selected. This allows for a particularly simple selection of the content that best matches the expected runtime of the process. This allows the perception of waiting time to be positively influenced in a particularly simple way.

[0013] In a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the time markers take into account the runtime of the respective media content. This is particularly advantageous when the viewing or processing time of operators is already taken into account in the runtime of the media content. The time marker can then be compared particularly easily and yet with the expected runtime of the specific process.

[0014] In a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the time markers take into account the last previous retrieval time of the respective media content. This makes it possible to influence easily and precisely whether a specific media content should, for example, be repeated several times in succession or whether repetition should be prevented for as long as possible. For example, in the case of media content with a so-called daily motto or a weather forecast for the following day, a direct repetition or more frequent repetition on the corresponding day may actually be desirable and can be advantageously achieved by the development. In contrast, with jokes or games, repetition can advantageously be prevented for as long as possible. The advantageous development mentioned here makes all of this possible particularly easily.

[0015] In a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the last previous retrieval time is given priority over the runtime. This makes it particularly easy to prevent a specific media content, such as the stated motto of the day or the weather forecast for the following day, from being overlooked because other media content would be even better suited to the expected runtime of the process.

[0016] In a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the selection according to step e) is carried out on a person-specific basis for specifically identified operators. This advantageously prevents the basic idea of ​​the above-mentioned aspects from being invalidated by, for example, alternating operation. For example, without this development, with two operators each alternately calling up the same process and two corresponding media contents displayed alternately, each operator could always be shown the same media content. This development can advantageously prevent such a situation or influence it even more specifically.

[0017] In a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the process memory comprises at least three process memory groups, in particular an espresso beverage memory group, a milk-based beverage memory group and a cleaning and / or care process group, and the media memory comprises at least three media memory groups, in particular a weather and headline group, a games, puzzles and short-term health exercises group and a long-term health exercises, series and film group, wherein each of the media memory groups is / are assigned to one of the process memory groups. The weather and headline group can, in particular, include not only weather data and classic headlines, which can also have a location reference, for example, but also headlines for specific promotional offers that match a determined user preference. The specific reference can prevent this from being perceived as irritating.The games, puzzles and short health exercises group can include, in addition to well-known types of games and puzzles, short health exercises, in particular short stretching or activation exercises or individual units from well-known health exercise programs, such as short individual yoga exercise instructions, for example instructions for performing the yoga position “tree”, “cobra” or “warrior”, etc. The long health exercises, series and film group can, in addition to series and films, particularly include complete well-known health exercise programs or longer excerpts or compilations of several coordinated or matching individual exercises, such as a yoga workout, an aerobics course, etc. By grouping them together, access times and / or loading times can be significantly reduced, which in itself can have a further positive influence on the perception of waiting times.However, this can also be used to specifically influence the creation of media content for the respective group, as it makes it very easy to take into account a targeted orientation toward an average preference distribution.

[0018] A solution to the aforementioned problem is also provided by a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine, with a display and a control device, wherein the control device accesses a process memory and a media memory, characterized in that the control device is configured and programmed to carry out the steps of the method described here. As a result, the household appliance, in particular the coffee machine, on the one hand, and the method on the other hand can be particularly advantageously coordinated with one another, thus particularly advantageously increasing operating convenience and having a particularly positive influence on the perception of waiting times.

[0019] A solution to the problem mentioned above is also provided by a computer program comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a control device, in particular that of a household appliance, particularly preferably that of a coffee machine, cause the control device to carry out the steps of the method described here. As a result, for example, the control device of the coffee machine can be programmed accordingly by implementing the computer program via an internet interface using an app. For example, even coffee machines that have already been delivered with corresponding devices, but so far without corresponding programming, can be very easily retrofitted via an update or a corresponding app using the internet connection. This also makes it possible to provide a particularly sustainable solution to the problem mentioned above.

[0020] The principle of the invention is explained in more detail below using a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a coffee machine with a display in the front view when dispensing the specific media content “51”, Fig. 2: a schematic representation of the coffee machine according to Fig. 1 when outputting the specific media content “52”, Fig. 3: a schematic representation of the coffee machine according to Fig. 1 when outputting the specific media content “53”, and Fig. 4: a representation according to Fig. 1

[0021] In Fig. 1 shows a household appliance 1 configured as a coffee machine 11 with a display 2 and a control device 3, wherein the control device 3 accesses a process memory 4 and a media memory 5. This is programmed so that it can be operated using a method comprising the steps: a) Capturing an input for executing a specific process 41 from a selection of several processes 41, 42, 43 stored in the process memory 4 with the household appliance 1, b) Executing the specific process 41 with the household appliance 1 and outputting a display content on the display 2, wherein during steps a and / or b the following steps are included: c) Determining media contents 51, 52, 53 in the media storage 5 that do not represent the specific process 41, is characterized in that during step b and / or c the following steps are included: d) comparing an expected runtime of the specific process 41 stored in the process memory 4 with a list of time markers 61, 62, 63 of the media contents 51, 52, 53, which were determined in particular in step c), e) selecting a specific media content 51 of the media content 51, 52, 53 based on its classification in the list according to step d), f) outputting the specific media content 51 selected according to step e in the display content.

[0022] In the figures, reference numerals 41, 42, and 43 represent several processes stored in the process memory 4, which can be both selected and executed. Therefore, on the coffee machine 11 shown, both the respective input options for execution and the collecting containers for the respective specific process result (espresso cup 41, cappuccino cup 42, cleaning container 43) are provided with the respective reference numerals 41, 42, and 43. This should not be understood as a contradiction, but rather to clarify the corresponding assignment without assigning a separate reference numeral to the collecting containers.

[0023] The list is sorted by ascending time markers 61, 62, 63 and in step e) the first of the media contents 51, 52, 53 in the list that can be played back completely within the expected running time is selected. However, the time markers 61, 62, 63 take into account the running time of the respective media content 51, 52, 53 and a last previous retrieval time of the respective media content 51, 52, 53, with the last previous retrieval time being given priority over the running time. Furthermore, the selection according to step e) is person-specific for specifically identified operators. This can ensure that the shortest of the media contents 51, 52, 53 that can be played back completely within the expected running time is selected, but direct repetitions can be avoided, except for, for example, a special daily motto such as "Merry Christmas" or a daily weather report.

[0024] For this purpose, the process memory 4, as in Fig. 4, three process storage groups 4a, 4b, 4c, namely an espresso beverage storage group 4a, a milk beverage storage group 4b and a cleaning and / or care process group 4c, and the media storage 5 comprises three media storage groups 5a, 5b, 5c, namely a weather and headlines group 5a, a games, puzzles and short health exercises group 5b and a long health exercises, series and film group 5c. Each of the media storage groups 5a, 5b, 5c is assigned to one of the process storage groups 4a, 4b, 4c (in the Fig. 2 not specifically shown).

[0025] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 is stylized by a hatched arrow that the specific process 41 is selected by an operator and a corresponding input for executing the specific process 41 is recorded. It is also shown that a corresponding collecting vessel for the specific process result (espresso cup 41) has been provided. Accordingly, the specific media content 51 is also output in the display content. In contrast, in Fig. 2, it is stylized by the hatched arrow that the process 42 is selected and a corresponding input for executing the specific process 42 is recorded, a cappuccino cup 42 has been provided, and accordingly the specific media content 52 is output in the display content. In Fig.3, the hatched arrow indicates that the process 43 has been selected and a corresponding input for executing the specific process 43 has been detected, a cleaning container 43 has been provided, and accordingly the specific media content 53 is output in the display content.

[0026] In the present example, the control device 3 is configured and programmed to carry out the steps of the method described here. In the present example, this is achieved by a computer program comprising commands which, when executed by the control device 3 of the coffee machine 11, cause the control device 3 to carry out the steps of the method described here. In the present example, the control device 3 of the coffee machine 11 was programmed accordingly by implementing a computer program directly in the control device 3 via an internet interface (not shown) using an app (not shown). These facts are not shown in the figures. However, this not only makes it possible to increase operating comfort and, in particular, to positively influence the perception of waiting times, but also achieves this in a particularly sustainable manner.

[0027] The components illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, such as the display 2 and the control device 3, as well as their relative sizes, are generally not to be viewed as being to scale. Rather, individual elements, such as the process memory 4 and the media memory 5, may be illustrated as exaggeratedly thick or large for clarity and / or clarity. However, these can advantageously be implemented within the control device 3. The explanation of the method according to the invention and the coffee machine 11 based on the described exemplary embodiments is not to be viewed as limiting the invention to these. Rather, the invention encompasses any new feature and any combination of features, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or the exemplary embodiments. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 household appliance 11 coffee machine 2 Display 3 Control device 4 process memory 41 first trial 42 second process 43 third process 4a Espresso drink storage group 4b Milk drink storage group 4c Cleaning and / or care process group 5 media storage 51 first media content 52 second media content 53 third media content 5a Weather and Headlines Group 5b Games, puzzles and short health exercises group 5c Long-term health exercises, series and film group 61 first time marker 62 second time marker 63 third time marker

Claims

[1] Method for operating a household appliance (1), in particular a coffee machine (11), with a display (2) and a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) accesses a process memory (4) and a media memory (5), comprising the steps: a) Capturing an input to execute a specific process (41, 42, or 43) from a selection of several processes (41, 42, 43) stored in the process memory (4) using the household appliance (1), b) Performing the specific process (41, 42, or 43) with the household appliance (1) and outputting a display content on the display (2), wherein the following steps are included during steps a) and / or b): c) Identifying media content (51, 52, 53) in the media storage (5) that does not represent the specific process (41, 42, or 43), characterized by , that during step b) and / or c) the following steps are included: d) Comparing an expected runtime of the specific process (41, 42, or 43) stored in the process memory (4) with a list of time markers (61, 62, 63) of the media content (51, 52, 53) determined in particular in step c) stored in the media memory. e) Selecting a specific piece of media content (51, 52, or 53) from the media content (51, 52, 53) based on its classification in the list according to step d). f) Outputting the specific media content (51, 52, or 53) selected according to step e) in the display content. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the list is sorted according to ascending time markers (61, 62, 63) and in step e) the media content (51, 52, 53) that is the first in the list to be fully reproducible within the expected runtime is selected. [3] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the list is sorted according to ascending time markers and in step e) the media content (51, 52, 53) that is the last in the list to be fully reproducible within the expected runtime is selected. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the time markers (61, 62, 63) take into account the running time of the respective media content (51, 52, and 53, respectively). [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the time markers (61, 62, 63) take into account a last previous retrieval time of the respective media content (51, 52, or 53). [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that the last previous retrieval time is given priority over the runtime. [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the selection according to step e) is person-specific for specifically identified operators. [8] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that the process memory (4) comprises at least three process memory groups (4a, 4b, 4c), in particular an espresso beverage memory group (4a), a milk-based mixed beverage memory group (4b) and a cleaning and / or maintenance process group (4c), and the media memory (5) comprises at least three media memory groups (5a, 5b, 5c), in particular a weather and headlines group (5a), a games, puzzles and short health exercise group (5b) and a long health exercise, series and film group (5c), and that each of the media memory groups (5a, 5b, and 5c) is / are assigned to one of the process memory groups (4a, 4b, and 4c, respectively). [9] Household appliance (1), in particular coffee machine (11), with a display (2) and a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) accesses a process memory (4) and a media memory (5), characterized by , that the control device (3) is set up and programmed to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Computer program comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a control device (3), in particular that of a household appliance (1), especially preferably that of a coffee machine (11), cause the control device (3) to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images