HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE, SYSTEM COMPRISING A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance, such as a water-conducting household appliance, a system comprising a household appliance and a method for operating a household appliance.

[0002] Conventional water-based household appliances, such as dishwashers, feature various automatic functions designed to make dishwasher operation easier for the user. These include, for example, automatic programming, which is designed to optimize cleaning results depending on various factors, such as the dirt load in the wash water, certain user-defined settings, and the like.

[0003] In this regard, document DE 196 51 346 A1 describes a dishwasher with a control device that allows for complete adaptation of the program sequence to the various degrees of soiling of the dishes to be cleaned. The program sequence can be preselected on the control device using at least one essentially continuously adjustable parameter that is necessary for and influenced by the washing process.

[0004] It's also known to operate household appliances using an app. The range of functions is limited to the basic functions of the appliance, such as program selection or adjusting basic settings. Critical functions, such as switching on or starting the appliance, are restricted by a security feature.

[0005] Furthermore, after the end of the wash program, the user is asked to evaluate the wash results, i.e., to provide feedback, for example, on the cleaning performance, drying performance, or program runtime. Depending on the user's evaluation, wash program parameters can be changed for the next wash program run.

[0006] Conventional methods and devices for this purpose are known from the documents US 9,743,820 B2, DE 10 2015 107 521 A1, EP 1 779 762 B1 and US 8,721,799 B2.

[0007] DE 10 2015 201948 A1 discloses a household appliance for treating objects, comprising a control device and an operating device, comprising a data processing unit, a data storage unit in which a program library with treatment programs for the objects is stored, a data communication unit and an operating means, wherein the data communication unit provides a data connection between the operating means, the data processing unit, the data storage unit and the control device of the household appliance, characterized in that the operating device is designed to enable a user to enter data for a plurality of objects to be treated, an assignment routine is stored in the data processing unit,which can compare the program library with the data input and determine at least one optimized treatment option B opt for the simultaneous treatment of a large number of objects to be treated, and the operating means allows the user to accept an optimized treatment option or to change it within predetermined limits, whereupon the possibly changed optimized treatment option B opt is transmitted to the control device of the household appliance for execution of the treatment program.

[0008] KR 2005 0066324 A discloses a method for controlling a household appliance using a smart server, comprising: when a washing control instruction is received, measuring the hardness of the water supplied to the washing machine by the controller of the smart server and comparing it to a preset reference value; wherein the message comprising a question asking whether to change the washing method according to the result of the comparison is sent to the user of the smart server; wherein the method further comprises the step of transmitting the operation instruction for changing the washing method based on the user's response message to the washing machine in the smart server.

[0009] WO 2018 / 015124 A1 discloses a method for controlling a dishwasher, the method comprising the following steps: detecting a user preference for a cleaning run of the dishwasher; sampling parameters associated with a cleaning run of the dishwasher across multiple cleaning runs; detecting a user input indicating user satisfaction with one of the cleaning runs; and determining an optimization of one of the parameters depending on the user input and the user preference.

[0010] US 2011 / 209729 A1 discloses a method for operating a dishwasher, comprising: determining a user satisfaction with a dishwashing cycle; adjusting at least one operating parameter of the dishwashing cycle based on the user satisfaction; and incorporating the adjusted operating parameter into a subsequent dishwashing cycle.

[0011] WO 2019 / 132284 A1 discloses a washing machine comprising: a washing drum; a voice receiver configured to receive voice information; a communication unit, activated by a seed input, for communicating with a server providing washing-related information; a touchscreen outputting a graphic object corresponding to a washing-related function executable by the washing drum; and a control unit sensing a user's proximity to display a first graphic object on the touchscreen and controlling the touchscreen to change the first graphic object to a second graphic object indicating that a voice recognition function is activated in response to the seed input.

[0012] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to improve the operation of a household appliance.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a household appliance, in particular a water-conducting household appliance, is proposed according to claim 1. The household appliance comprises a control device for carrying out a treatment program from a plurality M of treatment programs, wherein each of the M treatment programs is determined by a plurality of program parameters, an output unit for outputting successive feedback surveys, each with one or more feedback questions according to a feedback cycle, to a user of the household appliance, wherein a feedback cycle is determined by the time duration between two successive feedback surveys for triggering a respective feedback by the user, and a setting unit for adapting a content of at least one feedback survey of the feedback surveys depending on feedback from the user detected by an input means.The setting unit therefore adapts the next or future feedback survey and in particular a sequence of future feedback surveys depending on the feedback collected.

[0014] For example, the program parameters include a cleaning intensity, a drying intensity and / or a program duration.

[0015] The proposed adaptation of the content of the feedback survey depending on the feedback collected from the user can improve the operation of the household appliance. The feedback survey can have one or more feedback questions. For example, a feedback survey can include a feedback question about cleaning, another feedback question about drying, and another feedback question about the program duration. The sequence and / or content of the individual feedback questions within a feedback survey is advantageously determined depending on the respective answers given. This means that the next feedback question can be determined depending on the answer to the previous feedback question. In particular, in the case of a negative answer (i.e. negative feedback) to a feedback question, an additional feedback question can be inserted to request further detailed information.Alternatively or additionally, improvement measures can also be proposed.

[0016] For example, if the user provides feedback: "Poor drying performance!", the setting unit can issue an additional feedback question, asking about the affected areas in the dishwasher, e.g., the lower and / or upper basket, or about the affected items of crockery, e.g., cups, plates, plastic dishes, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the setting unit can formulate the content of the subsequent feedback question as follows: "To improve drying, please select: a) Increase the drying intensity by 1 b) Increase the drying intensity by 2 c) Increase the drying intensity by 3"

[0017] As the latter example shows, a feedback question does not have to be a "question" in the classic sense, but can also offer the user a choice.

[0018] According to the invention, however, it is not, or not only the sequence of the individual feedback questions within a feedback survey that is adapted to the feedback, i.e. the answers to a feedback question, but an entire feedback survey. This means that a current feedback survey, which is issued after completion of a treatment program, depends on the previously collected feedback on another treatment program completed in the past. The current feedback survey can contain more or fewer questions, or even different questions than a previous feedback survey. For example, if a user has already given feedback on a treatment program several times that they were satisfied with the program duration, a corresponding question can be omitted in the next feedback survey for this treatment program.

[0019] The household appliance is designed, for example, as a dishwasher, such as a household dishwasher, as a cooking appliance, as a refrigeration appliance, as a washing machine, as a kettle, or as a coffee machine. The cooking appliance is, for example, an oven, a microwave, a stove, or a steamer. The refrigeration appliance is, for example, a refrigerator.

[0020] The control device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. The same applies to the respective units, for example, the setting unit. The control device is particularly integrated into the household appliance. The control device preferably integrates the output unit and the setting unit.

[0021] Alternatively, the control device can also be arranged outside the household appliance. In a hardware implementation, the control device can be configured, for example, as a computer or a microprocessor. In a software implementation, the control device can be configured as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as part of a program code, or as an executable object.

[0022] For example, the treatment program can comprise a dishwashing program for rinsing dishes and / or a cleaning program for cleaning parts of the household appliance, for example a sieve. The control device is configured to execute one dishwashing program from a number of dishwashing programs for rinsing the dishes. A dishwashing program comprises, for example, various sub-program steps, such as pre-rinsing, cleaning, final rinsing, and / or drying. Different dishwashing programs differ, for example, in the order and / or type of sub-program steps, as well as in various operating parameters, such as the duration and / or rinse water temperature of one or more sub-program steps.

[0023] For washing in a household dishwasher, the items to be washed are placed in the washing chamber, particularly on one or more dishware holders. The items to be washed include, in particular, various dishes, cutlery, and / or utensils used for preparing, storing, and / or eating food. These include, for example, plates, pots, cups, knives, glasses, and the like.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the setting unit is further configured to set the content of the feedback survey depending on the feedback collected from the user and on data collected during use of the household appliance.

[0025] By using the data collected during the use of the household appliance to formulate the content of the feedback survey, the feedback survey can be further specified and refined, thereby further improving the operation of the household appliance.

[0026] For example, the data collected when using the household appliance includes: Data on device settings of the household appliance, data on treatment programs carried out, data on user inputs made by the user before or during the treatment programs carried out and recorded by the input means, an evaluation history comprising a plurality of user feedbacks recorded by the input means during the treatment programs carried out, and / or at least one sensor signal or a sequence of sensor signals from a number of sensors installed in the household appliance.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the sensors installed in the household appliance include a turbidity sensor, a dirt load sensor, a drying sensor, and / or a camera arranged in a treatment chamber of the household appliance. The washing chamber of the household dishwasher is an example of a treatment chamber of the household appliance.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the setting unit is further configured to set a feedback cycle depending on the user feedback detected by the input means.

[0029] The feedback cycle is determined by the time period between two consecutive feedback surveys to trigger a respective feedback by the user.

[0030] As explained above, the dispensing unit is configured to issue a feedback survey to the user of the household appliance according to the feedback cycle. Such a feedback survey may, for example, include the following feedback questions: "Were you satisfied with the cleaning performance?" "Were you satisfied with the drying performance?" "Were you satisfied with the program duration?"

[0031] If the input device detects feedback from the user in response to such a feedback survey, the input device preferably forwards the detected feedback to the setting unit. The setting unit is configured to adjust the content of the feedback survey and preferably the feedback cycle depending on the detected feedback, in particular to adjust it automatically. In addition, the setting unit can also be configured to adjust the sequence of feedback questions within a feedback survey currently being run depending on the detected answer to one of the feedback questions posed. For example, in the case of negative feedback regarding the drying performance, further in-depth feedback questions can be asked within the feedback survey currently being run. These questions can of course be omitted in the case of positive feedback regarding the drying performance.

[0032] As an alternative to automatically setting the feedback cycle, the setting unit is preferably configured, for example, to provide the user with suggestions for changing the feedback cycle via an output from the output unit. Preferably, the output unit generates a list of different feedback cycles, e.g., a day, a week, a month, from which the user can select using the input means.

[0033] Furthermore, the input means is preferably configured to capture spontaneous feedback from the user, preferably at any time, and forward it to the setting unit for further processing. In particular, the user can capture spontaneous feedback after completion of a treatment program for which no feedback survey was issued according to the feedback cycle. In particular, however, the user can also reject a feedback survey, for example by not providing feedback on an issued feedback survey. In such a case, the output unit is configured to issue a new feedback survey to the user at a later, in particular adjustable, time. The user can also refuse to answer individual feedback questions within a feedback survey.In such a case, the output unit can be configured to display the next feedback question or to ask the user whether he or she wants to continue with the feedback survey or cancel it.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the setting unit is configured to automatically extend the feedback cycle in the event of feedback with positive content detected by the input means or to offer the user an extension of the feedback cycle by means of an output by the output unit.

[0035] The output from the output unit may, for example, be a list of several different time periods for extended feedback cycles, from which the user can select using the input device.

[0036] Such an output could, for example, be designed as follows: "Please select a new extended feedback cycle: a) one month b) two months c) three months"

[0037] In addition to the ability to output absolute numbers for the extension of the feedback cycle, as shown above, the output can also include relations, such as: "Please select for the extension of the feedback cycle: a) a doubling b) a tripling c) a quadrupling"

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the setting unit is configured to automatically shorten the feedback cycle in the event of feedback with negative content detected by the input means or to offer the user a shortening of the feedback cycle by means of an output by the output unit.

[0039] Such an output could, for example, be designed as follows: "Please select a new shortened feedback cycle: a) one week b) two weeks c) one month"

[0040] Relations can also be used in output to shorten the feedback cycle.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the setting unit is configured to set the feedback cycle depending on the user feedback detected by the input means and depending on data detected during use of the household appliance.

[0042] By using the data collected during use of the household appliance, the setting of the feedback cycle can be refined and thus improved.

[0043] According to the first aspect, a storage device is provided which is configured to store a sequence of a plurality of user feedbacks detected by the input means relating to a sequence of performed treatment programs, wherein the respective detected feedback is stored associated with the respective performed treatment program.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the control device is configured to select a treatment program from the sequence of treatment programs stored by the storage device when specific feedback from the user is detected by the input means and to carry out the selected treatment program.

[0045] For example, if the user provides feedback such as "Performance was better last time," the controller can jump back in the stored sequence of feedback given and then reselect the second-to-last treatment program performed.

[0046] According to the first aspect, the control device is configured to select one of the treatment programs stored in the memory device associated with a specific feedback with positive content when specific feedback with negative content is detected by the input means, and to carry out the selected treatment program.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the memory device is configured to store the M treatment programs in the form of an N-dimensional matrix, wherein one of the M treatment programs is assigned to each matrix element of the matrix, wherein the respective matrix element can be determined by one of a plurality of specific N-dimensional input vectors.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the household appliance comprises a selection unit for selecting one of the determined N-dimensional input vectors as a function of a user input detected by the input means for changing at least one of the program parameters, and a determination unit for determining a matrix element from the matrix by means of the selected input vector, wherein the control device is configured to carry out the treatment program associated with the determined matrix element.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the household appliance comprises a selection unit which is configured to interpret the user feedback detected by the input means for changing at least one of the program parameters and to select one of the determined N-dimensional input vectors depending on the interpreted feedback, and a determination unit for determining a matrix element from the matrix by means of the selected input vector, wherein the control device is configured to carry out the treatment program associated with the determined matrix element.

[0050] Using the interpreted feedback, the user can adjust the cleaning intensity, drying intensity, and program duration. Depending on this setting, a specific input vector from the N input vectors is selected, a corresponding matrix element is determined, and the treatment program assigned to the matrix element is executed. As an alternative to immediately executing the assigned treatment program, the user can also be offered one or more alternative treatment programs to choose from. For example, a slightly more energy-efficient or a slightly faster treatment program can be offered.

[0051] Using the interpreted feedback, and in particular using a stored sequence of interpreted feedback, the setting unit can also determine the extent to which the respective user is interested in the household appliance's processes or rejects them, and whether they might be annoyed by excessive feedback requests. Consequently, the setting unit can use the sequence of interpreted feedback to tailor and thus personalize the operation of the household appliance to the respective user. This allows the program parameters to be adjusted over time to the optimal conditions for the user, utilizing the technical capabilities of the household appliance. The results are evaluated on a customer-specific basis and not just according to standard criteria.

[0052] In this case, the processing technology available in the household appliance is optimally utilized, taking into account the user's individual preferences, communicated in particular through their feedback. The user can change at least one of the program parameters that determine the treatment program to be selected through their input or feedback.

[0053] As explained above, the program parameters include, for example, a cleaning intensity, a drying intensity, and a program duration. Depending on the recorded user input or the feedback regarding the change in the program parameters, a specific input vector is selected from the possible input vectors. Using the selected input vector, the matrix element from the matrix for storing the treatment programs that is assigned to the selected input vector is then determined. The determined matrix element identifies and thus determines a specific one of the possible treatment programs. This determined treatment program can then be executed by the control device or, if necessary, offered to the user together with alternative treatment programs.The assignment of treatment programs to the matrix elements depends on the program parameters used to map user preferences based on user input, making it particularly useful. For example, if the user requests an increase in cleaning intensity, the matrix element downstream of the current matrix element in the matrix will have a higher cleaning intensity. Considering one of the program parameters, such as cleaning intensity, the matrix elements in this dimension of the matrix are arranged in ascending order according to their intensity. The same preferably applies to the other program parameters.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the number of adjustable program parameters is N, with the N-dimensional input vector having N vector components. The respective vector component of the input vector is related to one of the N dimensions of the matrix. If, as in the above example, three program parameters exist: the cleaning intensity, the drying intensity, and the program duration, the respective input vector also has three vector components.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the matrix is ​​a three-dimensional (x×y×z) matrix, with N = 3. Here, x, y, and z are discrete values, and the number M of treatment programs corresponds to a product of x, y, and z. If, for example, there are four setting options for each of the program parameters, then M = 4*4*4 = 64 different treatment programs and thus 64 different input vectors that can be selected.

[0056] According to a further embodiment, x determines a value range of a first vector component of the input vector, y determines a value range of a second vector component of the input vector and z determines a value range of a third vector component of the input vector.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, the setting unit is further configured to adapt the content of the feedback survey depending on the recorded emotional state of the user.

[0058] In this embodiment, the sensed emotional state forms the sensed feedback, and the emotion recognition unit forms the input means or at least part of the input means. The emotional state can also be referred to as mood or emotion.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the setting unit is configured to set the feedback cycle depending on an emotional state of the user detected by an emotion recognition unit.

[0060] Advantageously, the feedback cycle and / or the content of the feedback survey can be adjusted based on the recorded emotional state. Furthermore, direct system adjustments to the household appliance can also be derived from the recorded emotional state. The emotion recognition unit is configured to determine the emotional state, for example, by capturing and analyzing audio-visual signals. The emotion recognition unit can be integrated into the household appliance or arranged externally. An external arrangement of the emotion recognition unit is possible, for example, as a separate, dedicated device or integrated into a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0061] The emotion recognition unit comprises, for example, a microphone for detecting ambient noise from the household appliance. Furthermore, the emotion recognition unit can be configured to infer the user's mood using frequency analyses, for example, focusing on the user's voice pitch. Furthermore, the emotion recognition unit can additionally or alternatively be configured to detect the intensity of keystrokes, for example, on a haptic input device.

[0062] The emotion recognition unit can also be coupled to a number of cameras or have such a camera in order to detect the user's emotional state, for example by analyzing the user's movement profiles, his current facial expressions and / or gestures.

[0063] Furthermore, the setting unit is particularly designed to adjust the feedback cycle and / or the content of the feedback survey not only depending on the user's currently recorded emotional state, but also depending on its frequency.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, the household appliance integrates the input means. For example, the input means comprises a voice dialog system configured to capture user feedback in the form of voice inputs as the user's responses to feedback questions generated by the voice dialog system.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the input means comprises a touch-sensitive display which is configured to capture the user's feedback in the form of display inputs as the user's answers to feedback questions output by the display.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the input means comprises a voice dialogue system, a touch-sensitive display, and / or an emotion recognition unit. The respective part of the input means can be arranged internally or externally to the household appliance.

[0067] In particular, the household appliance comprises a communications unit that can be coupled, for example, via a network, to the external device and thus to the app installed on the external device. The network includes, in particular, a mobile network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or another wireless or wired data network.

[0068] According to a second aspect, a system is proposed comprising a household appliance according to the first aspect or one of the embodiments of the first aspect and comprising a device external to the household appliance, wherein the input means is designed as an app that can be installed on the external device.

[0069] According to a third aspect, a method for operating a household appliance, in particular a water-conducting household appliance, with a control device for executing a treatment program from a plurality M of treatment programs, each of the treatment programs being determined by a number of program parameters, is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: Outputting successive feedback surveys, each with one or more feedback questions, to a user of the household appliance according to a feedback cycle, wherein a feedback cycle is determined by the time duration between two successive feedback surveys for triggering a respective feedback by the user, adapting a content of at least one feedback survey of the feedback surveys depending on feedback from the user detected by an input means, storing a sequence of a plurality of feedbacks from the user detected by the input means to a sequence of performed treatment programs, wherein the respective detected feedback is stored associated with the respective performed treatment program, selecting one of the treatment programs in the case of a specific feedback with negative content detected by the input means,which is associated with a specific feedback with positive content, and carrying out the selected treatment program. ,

[0070] The embodiments and features described for the proposed household appliance apply accordingly to the proposed method.

[0071] According to a fourth aspect, a computer program product is proposed which causes the method as explained above to be carried out on a program-controlled device.

[0072] A computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be provided or delivered, for example, as a storage medium, such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or in the form of a downloadable file from a server in a network. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communications network by transmitting a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means.

[0073] Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0074] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher; Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of details of the embodiment of the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a matrix for storing treatment programs for the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a household dishwasher; and Fig. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a household dishwasher.

[0075] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0076] A first embodiment of a household dishwasher as an example of a household appliance 1 is described with reference to the Fig. 1 bis 3 explained. The Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the household dishwasher 1. The Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of details of the embodiment of the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1 , and the Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a matrix X for storing treatment programs BP for the household dishwasher 1 according to Fig. 1 .

[0077] The household dishwasher 1 comprises a washing container 2, which can be closed by a door 3, in particular in a watertight manner. For this purpose, a sealing device (not shown) can be provided between the door 3 and the washing container 2. The washing container 2 is preferably cuboid-shaped. The washing container 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The washing container 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing items 15.

[0078] Door 3 is in the Fig. 1 shown in its open position. The door 3 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided at a lower end of the door 3. With the help of the door 3, a loading opening 6 of the washing container 2 can be closed or opened. The washing container 2 has a base 7, a ceiling 8 arranged opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the closed door 3 and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite one another. The base 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be made, for example, from a stainless steel sheet. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made from a plastic material.

[0079] The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one dishware receptacle 12, 13, 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware receptacles 12, 13, 14 can be provided, wherein the dishware receptacle 12 can be a lower dishware receptacle or a lower basket, the dishware receptacle 13 can be an upper dishware receptacle or an upper basket, and the dishware receptacle 14 can be a cutlery drawer. Fig. 1 As further shown, the dishware receptacles 12, 13, 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each dishware receptacle 12, 13, 14 can be moved either into or out of the washing container 2. In particular, each dishware receptacle 12, 13, 14 can be pushed into the washing container 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled out of the washing container 2 in an extension direction A, opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0080] The household dishwasher 1 also has a control device 100 which is arranged on the door 3.

[0081] The control device 100 of the Fig. 1 is designed to select a treatment program BP from a plurality M of treatment programs BP (see Fig. 3 ). Each of the treatment programs (BP) is determined by a number of program parameters (RI, TI, PD). Examples of program parameters include a cleaning intensity (RI), a drying intensity (TI), and a program duration (PD), which can be set by the user.

[0082] The control device 100 of the household dishwasher 1 of the Fig. 1 comprises a dispensing unit 140 and a setting unit 150. The household dishwasher 1 of the Fig. 1 further comprises a storage device 200 and an input means 300 for recording user inputs BE of the user of the household dishwasher 1. A feedback FB of the user represents a specific user input BE.

[0083] Further examples of user inputs BE include such user inputs or user commands for the immediate modification of program parameters RI, TI, PD (see Fig. 3 ) or to directly choose a treatment program BP.

[0084] The memory device 200 is designed, for example, as a RAM memory, as an EPROM memory, or as an EEPROM memory. The memory device 200 is configured to store the M treatment programs BP in the form of an N-dimensional matrix X. For the example N = 3, the Fig. 3 an example of a matrix X for storing 64 treatment programs for the household dishwasher 1 according to Fig. 1 . The x-axis of the Fig. 3 shows the cleaning intensity RI, the y-axis shows the drying intensity TI and the z-axis shows the program duration PD. Thus, in the example of the Fig. 3 For each of the program parameters RI, TI and PD there are four setting options and thus M = 4*4*4 = 64 different treatment programs BP.

[0085] The matrix X of the Fig. 3 has 64 matrix elements XE, and each of the matrix elements XE is assigned one of the 64 treatment programs BP, in particular uniquely assigned. The respective matrix element XE can be determined by one of a plurality of specific N-dimensional input vectors EV. As explained above, N for the example of Fig. 1 bis 4 equal to 3 (N = 3).

[0086] The Fig. 2 a schematic view of details of the embodiment of the household dishwasher 1 according to Fig. 1 . In the example of Fig. 1 bis 3 the input means 300 is part of the household dishwasher 1. With reference to the Fig. 4 A further embodiment will be explained in which the input means 300 is external to the household dishwasher 1.

[0087] The input means 300 is configured to capture user inputs BE, such as feedback FB from the user in response to a feedback survey with one or more feedback questions FF. As explained above, a feedback FB is a specific user input BE.

[0088] The output unit 140 is configured to output a feedback survey to the user of the household appliance 1 according to a feedback cycle FZ. For example, such a feedback survey may include the following feedback questions FF: "Were you satisfied with the cleaning performance?"; "Were you satisfied with the drying performance?"; "Were you satisfied with the program duration?".

[0089] If the input means 300 detects a feedback FB from the user in response to such a feedback survey, the input means 300 forwards the detected feedback FB, i.e. the answers to the feedback questions FF included in the feedback survey, to the setting unit 150.

[0090] The setting unit 150 is configured to adapt the content of the feedback survey based on the collected user feedback FB. Feedback questions FF can be added, removed, or modified for the next or future feedback surveys. During this adaptation, the setting unit 150 can preferably also utilize data collected during the use of the household appliance 1.Such data recorded during use of the household appliance 1 include, for example, data on the appliance settings of the household appliance 1, data on treatment programs BP performed, data on user inputs BE made by the user before or during the treatment programs BP performed and recorded by the input means 300, an evaluation history comprising a plurality of user feedbacks FB recorded by the input means 300 during the treatment programs BP performed, and / or at least one sensor signal or a sequence of sensor signals from a number of sensors installed in the household appliance 1. Examples of such sensors installed in the household appliance 1 include turbidity sensors, dirt load sensors, drying sensors, and cameras arranged in the rinsing chamber 4 of the household appliance 1.

[0091] The setting unit 150 is further preferably configured to set the feedback cycle FZ depending on the detected feedback FB.

[0092] The set, possibly extended or shortened, feedback cycle FZ is output by the setting unit 150 to the output unit 140, so that the output unit 140 has the option of outputting the next feedback survey FF to the user of the household appliance 1 according to the updated feedback cycle FZ.

[0093] For example, if the input means 300 detects feedback FB with positive content, the setting unit 150 will preferably automatically extend the feedback cycle FZ or offer the user an extension of the feedback cycle by means of an output from the output unit 140. However, if the input means 300 detects feedback FB with negative content, the setting unit 150 is preferably configured to automatically shorten the feedback cycle FZ or offer the user a shortening of the feedback cycle FZ by means of an output from the output unit 140.

[0094] To set the feedback cycle FZ, the setting unit 150 preferably uses, in addition to the detected feedback FB, also sequences of detected feedback FB and / or data detected during use of the household appliance 1.

[0095] The storage unit 200 can preferably also be configured to store a sequence of a plurality of recorded feedbacks FB from the user relating to a sequence of performed treatment programs BP. The respective recorded feedback FB is preferably stored associated with the respective performed treatment program BP.

[0096] In particular, the control device 100 is configured, upon a specific feedback FB detected by the input means 300, to select a treatment program BP from the sequence of treatment programs BP stored in the storage device 200 and to execute the selected treatment program BP. This means that, depending on the current feedback FB, the control device 100 can select the currently optimal treatment program in the sequence of feedbacks and the associated treatment programs BP. For example, if the user provides feedback such as "Performance was better last time," the control device 200 can jump back in the sequence of given feedbacks and then reselect the second-to-last performed treatment program BP.

[0097] In other words, the control device 100 can be configured to select such a treatment program BP, which is stored in the memory device 200 associated with a feedback FB with positive content, in the case of a feedback FB with negative content detected by the input means 300, and then to execute the selected treatment program BP.

[0098] As the Fig. 2 shows, the input means 300 can forward user inputs BE, such as feedbacks FB, to a selection unit 110.

[0099] In the following, two different cases A and B are considered in detail. They have in common that at least one of the program parameters RI, TI, PD is changed. In case A, the input means 300 detects a user input BE for directly changing at least one of the program parameters RI, TI, PD. In case B, the input means 300 detects feedback FB, which is interpreted, with the interpreted feedback FB then causing the change of at least one of the program parameters RI, TI, PD. Fall A:

[0100] The input means 300 detects a user input BE for immediately changing at least one of the program parameters RI, TI, PD.

[0101] The selection unit 110 is configured to select one of the specific N-dimensional input vectors EV depending on the detected user input BE.

[0102] With N = 3, the input vector EV is a three-dimensional input vector with three vector components. Each of the vector components of the input vector EV is related to one of the three dimensions of the matrix X of the Fig. 3 related. For example, the first vector component of the input vector EV is related to the x-axis of the matrix X, the second vector component of the input vector EV is related to the y-axis of the matrix X, and the third vector component is related to the z-axis of the matrix X.

[0103] In this example, there are accordingly also 64 different specific input vectors EV that can be selected by means of the selection unit 110.

[0104] For example, if the input vector EV(RI, PD, TI) = (3, 1, 1) at a certain point in time, this means that the cleaning intensity is set to 3, the program duration is set to 1, and the drying intensity is set to 1. If the user then changes the input vector EV(RI, PD, TI) to (4, 1, 1) using a user input BE, the user has increased the cleaning intensity RI by 1 (from 3 to 4) using their user input BE. The captured user input BE is transferred from the input means 300 to the selection unit 110. The selection unit 110 then selects the three-dimensional input vector EV(RI, PD, TI) = (4, 1, 1) and transfers it to the determination unit 120.

[0105] The determination unit 120 determines a matrix element XE from the matrix X using the selected input vector EV(RI, PD, TI) = (4, 1, 1). The determined matrix element XE is in the Fig. 3 marked with the reference symbol XE.

[0106] The determined matrix element XE is then transferred from the determination unit 120 to the control device 100 in such a way that the latter is configured to carry out the treatment program BP assigned to the determined matrix element XE.

[0107] If a user input BE detected by the input means 300 for changing one of the program parameters RI, TI, PD outside the specific value range, the control device 100 preferably determines a measure and triggers or initiates the implementation of the determined measure. For example, if the value range for the cleaning intensity RI is [1, 2, 3, 4] as in the example above, but the user states the value 5 for the cleaning intensity RI via voice input, their user input BE for changing the program parameter cleaning intensity RI is outside the specific value range of [1, 2, 3, 4]. A suitable measure can then be to adjust certain operating parameters to improve the cleaning intensity, such as the rinse solution temperature. Fall B:

[0108] In case B, the selection unit 150 receives feedback FB detected by the input means 300 and interprets the detected feedback to change at least one of the program parameters RI, TI, PD. If, for example, the detected feedback is "Unhappy with the cleaning intensity," the selection unit 110 will interpret this detected feedback FB such that the program parameter cleaning intensity RI is incremented by at least 1. Accordingly, the selection unit selects the input vector EV depending on the interpreted feedback FB and passes this selected input vector EV to the determination unit 120. The determination unit 120 determines a matrix element XE from the matrix X using the selected input vector EV. The control device 100 is then configured to execute the treatment program BP associated with the determined matrix element XE.

[0109] The input means 300 comprises, for example, a touch-sensitive display, which, for example, as in Fig. 1 shown - is arranged on the outside of the door 3.

[0110] The touch-sensitive display is configured to capture user feedback FB in the form of display inputs as responses to feedback questions FF issued by the display. For the above-mentioned example of changing the program parameter RI, such a question to the user could be: "Do you want to increase the cleaning intensity?" The user is then presented with two input fields via the touch-sensitive display: one with "Yes" and one with "No." In the example shown above, the user has selected the "Yes" input field, so the input vector EV(RI, PD, TI) = (4, 1, 1) is selected.

[0111] Furthermore, the Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a system 600 with a household dishwasher 1. The embodiment of the Fig. 4 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2 in that the input means 300 is arranged externally to the household dishwasher 1. In the example of Fig. 4 the input means 300 is designed as an app which is installed on an external device 400, for example on a smartphone or on a tablet, and is operated on this.

[0112] The user can then enter the user input BE (or the feedback FB) using the app 300, and the recorded user input BE (or the feedback FB) is transmitted via a network 500, for example the Internet or an intranet, to the household dishwasher 1. For communication with the external device 400, the household dishwasher 1 comprises a communication unit 130. In the example of the Fig. 4 the communication unit 130 receives the detected user input BE (or the feedback FB) and forwards the received user input BE (or the feedback FB), for example, to the selection unit 110.

[0113] The app 300 can, for example, also implement a voice dialog system on the external device 400. The voice dialog system is configured, in particular, to capture user feedback FB in the form of voice inputs as user responses to voice outputs generated by the voice dialog system as feedback questions FF. For example, the voice dialog system can ask the user whether they would like a shortened feedback cycle FZ. Using a voice input, the user can then respond to the voice dialog system stating whether or not they would like a shortened feedback cycle FZ.

[0114] The further functionalities are according to the example of Fig. 2 .

[0115] Fig. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of a method for operating a household appliance, such as the household dishwasher 1 of Fig. 1 or the Fig. 4 . The procedure of Fig. 5 includes steps S1 and S2:

[0116] In step S1, a feedback survey is issued to a user of the household appliance 1 according to a feedback cycle FZ. The feedback cycle FZ is determined by the time period between two consecutive feedback surveys for triggering a respective feedback FB by the user.

[0117] In step S2, the content of the feedback survey is determined as a function of an input means 300 (see Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 ) recorded user feedback FB. Preferably, the feedback cycle FZ is also set depending on the recorded user feedback FB.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference symbols used:

[0119] 1 Household dishwasher 2 Washing container 3 Door 4 Washing chamber 5 Swivel axis 6 Loading opening 7 Floor 8 Ceiling 9 Rear wall 10 Side wall 11 Side wall 12 Dishwasher receptacle 13 Dishwasher receptacle 14 Dishwasher receptacle 100 Control device 110 Selection unit 120 Determination unit 130 Communication unit 140 Output unit 150 Setting unit 200 Storage device 300 Input device 400 External device 500 Network 600 System A Pull-out direction BE User input BP Treatment program E Insertion direction EV Input vector FF Feedback question FZ Feedback cycle PD Program duration RI Cleaning intensity TE Drying intensity S1 Process step S2 Process step X Matrix XEM Matrix element

Claims

1. Household appliance (1), in particular water-conducting household appliance, with a control device (100) for carrying out a treatment program (BP) from a plurality M of treatment programs (BP), wherein each of the M treatment programs (BP) is determined by a plurality of program parameters (RI, TI, PD) an output unit (140) for outputting consecutive feedback surveys with in each case one or more feedback questions in accordance with a feedback cycle (FZ) to a user of the household appliance (1), wherein a feedback cycle (FZ) is determined by the user by the period of time between two consecutive feedback surveys for triggering a respective feedback, an adjustment unit (150) for adjusting a content of at least one feedback survey of the feedback surveys depending on user feedback (FB) detected by an input means (300), and a memory facility (200), which is configured to store a series of a plurality of user feedbacks (FB) detected by the input means (300) for a series of treatment programs (BP) carried out, wherein the respective feedback (FB) detected is stored assigned to the respective treatment program (BP) carried out, wherein the control device (100) is configured for a specific feedback (FB) with negative content determined by the input means (300), to select one of the treatment programs (BP) that is stored in the memory facility (200) assigned to a specific feedback (FB) with positive content and to carry out the selected treatment program (BP).

2. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the adjustment unit (150) is configured to adjust the content of the at least one feedback survey of the feedback surveys depending on the user feedback (FB) detected and depending on data detected during the use of the household appliance (1).

3. Household appliance according to claim 2, characterised in that the data detected during the use of the household appliance (1) comprises: - data about device settings of the household appliance (1), - data about treatment programs (BP) carried out, - data about user inputs (BE) made before or during the treatment programs (BP) carried out and detected by the input means (300), - an assessment history comprising a plurality of user feedbacks (FB) detected by the input means (300) during the treatment programs (BP) carried out, and / or - at least one sensor signal or a series of sensor signals of a number of sensors built into the household appliance (1).

4. Household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the adjustment unit (150) is further configured to adjust a feedback cycle (FZ) depending on the user feedback (FB) detected by the input means (300).

5. Household appliance according to claim 4, characterised in that the adjustment unit (150) is configured to adjust the feedback cycle (FZ) depending on the user feedback (FB) detected by the input means (300) and depending on data detected during the use of the household appliance (1)6. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the control device (100) is configured to store the M treatment programs (BP) in the form of an N-dimensional matrix, wherein one matrix element (XE) each of the matrix (X) is assigned to one of the M treatment programs (BP), wherein the respective matrix element (XE) is able to be determined from one of a plurality of specified N-dimensional input vectors (EV).

7. Household appliance according to claim 1 or 6, characterised by a selection unit (110) for selecting one of the specific N-dimensional input vectors (EV) depending on a user input (BE) detected by the input means (300) for changing at least one of the program parameters (RI, TI, PD) and a determination unit (120) for determining a matrix element (XE) from the matrix (X) by means of the input vector (EV) selected, wherein the control device (100) is configured to carry out the treatment program (BP) assigned to the matrix element (XE) determined.

8. Household appliance according to claim 1 or 6, characterised by a selection unit (110) which is configured to interpret the user feedback (FB) detected by the input means (300) for changing at least one of the program parameters (RI, TI, PD) and for selecting one of the specific N-dimensional input vectors (EV) depending on the interpreted feedback (FB) and a determination unit (120) for determining a matrix element (XE) from the matrix (X) by means of the input vector (EV) selected, wherein the control device (100) is configured to carry out the treatment program (BP) assigned to the matrix element (XE) determined.

9. Household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the adjustment unit (150) is configured to adjust the content of the feedback survey of the feedback surveys depending on an emotional state of the user detected by an emotion detection unit.

10. Household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the household appliance (1) integrates the input means (300), wherein the input means (300) has a speech dialog system, which is configured to detect the user feedback (FB) in the form of speech inputs as responses of the user to feedback questions (FF) generated by the speech dialog system, and / or wherein the input means (300) has a touch-sensitive display, which is configured to detect the user feedback (FB) in the form of display inputs as responses of the user to feedback questions (FF) output by the display.

11. System (600) with a household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a facility (400) external to the household appliance (1), wherein the input means (300) is embodied as an App able to be installed on the external facility (400).

12. Method for operating a household appliance (1), in particular a water-conducting household appliance, with a control device (100) for carrying out a treatment program (BP) from a plurality M of treatment programs (BP), wherein each of the treatment programs (BP) is determined by a number of program parameters (RI, TI, PD), with output (S1) of consecutive feedback surveys with in each case one or more feedback questions in accordance with a feedback cycle (FZ) to a user of the household appliance (1), wherein a feedback cycle (FZ) is determined by the user by the period of time between two consecutive feedback surveys for triggering a respective feedback, adaptation (S2) of a content of at least one feedback survey of the feedback surveys depending on a user feedback (FB) detected by an input means (300), storing a series of a plurality of user feedbacks (FB) detected by the input means (300) for a series of treatment programs (BP) carried out, wherein the respective feedback (FB) detected is stored assigned to the respective treatment program (BP) carried out, for a specific feedback (FB) with negative content determined by the input means (300), selecting one of the treatment programs (BP) that is stored assigned to a specific feedback (FB) with positive content and carry out the selected treatment program (BP).

13. Computer program product, which brings about the execution of the method according to claim 12 on a program-controlled facility.