Household appliance and method for displaying selectable function information in a stand-by mode of a household appliance

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for displaying selectable function information (10, 11, 12, 13) on a display unit (5) of a household appliance (1), comprising the following steps: - providing several separate function information items (10, 11, 12, 13) that can be displayed on the display unit (5); - creating a favorites list of function information items (10 to 13); characterized by the steps: - displaying the first function information item (10 to 13) on the electronic display unit (5) in a standby mode of the household appliance (1). One aspect also relates to a household appliance (1).

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for displaying selected functional information on a display of a household appliance. The method involves providing several separate functional information items that can be displayed on the display unit. A favorites list of functional information is automatically created. Another aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance.

[0002] DE 198 30 844 A1 discloses a control system for a program-controlled household appliance with country program lists. During normal operation of the household appliance, control program descriptors can be displayed as explanations of the control programs. To increase ease of use, the displayed country program lists each have a country-specific order of the control program descriptors. DE 10 2010 060 295 A1 describes a household appliance with an operating and display device. EP 2 573 470 A2 describes a user interface for a hob.

[0003] Modern household appliances offer a relatively wide range of functions. Various menu structures are also created to organize these functions. This also results in different menu levels that can be displayed on a single display unit.

[0004] Such a variety of functions is desirable in modern appliances, both to provide the most versatile uses for the appliance and to meet the most diverse user needs. On the other hand, however, it is also desirable to be able to optimally tailor the individual user behavior of the household appliance. It is also known that an individual user typically only uses a certain range of the available features of the household appliance.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a household appliance with which or in which an improved display of information for a user is made possible and a user-friendly and quick use of the household appliance is made possible.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method and a household appliance according to the independent claims.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for displaying selectable functional information on a display of a household appliance. In the method, several separate pieces of functional information of the household appliance are provided. These several separate pieces of functional information can be displayed on a display unit of the household appliance. This means that they are provided as intended, that they are actually displayed on the display unit depending on the situation and / or need.

[0008] Furthermore, a favorites list of function information is created. The favorites list is generated in particular from the multiple separate pieces of function information that are provided. The first piece of function information on the list is displayed on the display unit in a very specific operating mode of the household appliance, namely in standby mode. Such a configuration ensures that information is still actively displayed on the display unit in this specific operating mode of the household appliance. This information display is not arbitrary but rather directed towards actively displaying the first piece of function information from this favorites list. Although the appliance is therefore in standby mode, the first piece of function information on the list is still actively displayed.This ensures that even in the household appliance's standby mode, visual information is always presented on the display unit, which the user can recognize and use. By displaying this first-line function information, the user can immediately access a desired scenario by activating this function information. This also allows the household appliance to be immediately awakened from standby mode and transferred to normal mode, in order to then start this selected function information. This provides a particularly user-friendly concept to enable quick and needs-based use of the household appliance.In the context of this proposed method, the user essentially no longer has to laboriously search through a wide variety of functional information and perform extensive operation of the household appliance in order to even find functional information that might be of interest to them, let alone then execute it. This type of search scenario is thus completely implemented in this design. By displaying the first functional information on the list not only in normal mode, but explicitly in this standby mode, the household appliance can be started up as quickly as possible and used immediately, even when it is in standby mode.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, when standby mode is activated in the household appliance, this first-listed functional information is automatically displayed on the display unit. In this embodiment, the user does not need to perform any configuration to actively display this specific functional information in this standby mode. This advantageous embodiment thus ensures that this first-listed functional information is always available. In particular, this automatic display enables this first-listed functional information to actively illuminate and thus be recognizable.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, when the household appliance is in standby mode, the area surrounding the household appliance is detected by at least one detection unit. The detection unit can be arranged on the household appliance itself. However, it can also be arranged externally to the household appliance. The at least one detection unit can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, it can be a camera that is sensitive in the spectral range visible to humans. However, it can also be an infrared camera, for example. The detection unit can also be a proximity sensor. When a person is detected approaching the household appliance, it is provided in an advantageous embodiment that the display of the first function information on the display unit is automatically activated.In this alternative embodiment, the first function information is not permanently displayed in the standby mode of the household appliance. Only when a person actually approaches the household appliance is this active display of the first function information in the standby mode of the household appliance carried out. This allows the relevant information to be presented to the user sufficiently early, comprehensively, and perceptibly. On the other hand, energy-efficient operation of the household appliance is enabled, since the first function information does not need to be permanently displayed in the standby mode of the household appliance.

[0011] According to the invention, the favorites list is automatically created by the household appliance itself. This makes it possible to evaluate even more complex relationships and create a favorites list based on them. It can also be provided that a favorites list can be created by the user themselves. This allows the user to manually specify their individual favorites list. This favorites list can be stored in the household appliance, for example, in the display unit. The display unit can be equipped with a memory for this purpose.

[0012] According to the invention, the automatic creation of the favorites list depends on at least one use of function information in the past and / or depends on the installation location of the household appliance. This makes it possible to analyze and evaluate past user behavior of the function information. A favorites list can then be created automatically based on this. This makes it possible to use a needs-based user scenario and then create the favorites list based on this. Thus, by displaying the function information at the top of the list, a possible potential future use of function information can be met. In addition to or instead of this, the installation location of the household appliance can also provide information about how the function information is used and which function information could be at the top of the list in this context.It is possible, for example, that a household appliance is used differently in a private area than, for example, in public. In this context, the public could be, for example, a freely accessible household appliance in a train station, an airport, a swimming pool, or the like. Use in public buildings, such as a school, a kindergarten, or a government office, can also be different in this context than, for example, private use in one's own apartment or private house. Likewise, the user of the household appliance may have different functional information requirements in a company than in a private area.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that a change criterion is monitored and evaluated and the creation of the favorites list is automatically adjusted depending on the change criterion. In addition to or instead of this, it can also be provided that a change criterion is monitored and evaluated and the creation of the favorites list is automatically adjusted depending on a change in this change criterion. The monitoring of the change criterion can, for example, also take place continuously, for example during normal operation which differs from the standby mode of the household appliance. In particular, with regard to a change criterion, a usage behavior of the household appliance can be observed, and an already created favorites list can be changed depending on this. A change criterion can, for example, also be a time of day, a day of the week, or a time of year.Depending on this, for example, warm or chilled drinks may be preferred, and the appliance may prepare them accordingly. The same can be true for food.

[0014] This advantageous implementation allows for highly dynamic responses to current and / or changing scenarios. This allows such a favorites list to be dynamically updated and, thus, tailored to the current situation, the initial functional information to be determined and provided. Since some of the change criteria are independent of the operating mode of the household appliance—i.e., regardless of whether it occurs in normal operation or standby mode—while other change criteria depend on whether the household appliance is being monitored in normal operation or standby mode, precisely these different scenarios can also be incorporated into this monitoring and analysis.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that a favorites list is generated which is dependent on a time of day and / or a day of the week and / or a season, and in standby mode, depending on at least one of these time parameters, the respective first function information in the list is displayed on the display unit in an activated manner.

[0016] Preferably, in addition to the first function information list generated by the household appliance itself, the display unit displays first function information individually defined by the user in standby mode. This is another very advantageous embodiment. This allows, on the one hand, a highly customized display tailored to the individual user's needs to be presented to them, while, on the other hand, preferred function information determined by the system itself can be presented to another user or another user group.

[0017] Preferably, the functional information displayed on the display unit consists of letters and / or symbols. Abbreviations and / or letter combinations or entire words can be displayed in this context. Numbers can also be displayed in this context. So-called icons can be displayed as symbols. These symbols can also represent the functional information in a self-explanatory manner. For such a design, functional information is presented in a compact yet intuitively perceivable and understandable manner.

[0018] According to the invention, the first function information listed is displayed on a touch-sensitive control panel of the household appliance, which is part of the display unit. Touching the displayed function information starts the associated function of the household appliance.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one piece of functional information can be configured by the user themselves. This makes the household appliance even more flexible to use. This not only provides predefined functional information, but also allows for user-specific customization. Such self-configured functional information can also be saved in an advantageous embodiment. For example, this allows for customized configuration of a preparation program. In this context, individual preparation times and / or individual preparation temperatures and / or individual humidity levels, etc., can be defined.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, past usage behavior is also monitored and analyzed. In particular, the display of first-listed function information and the resulting usage behavior can also be analyzed in this context. This also makes it possible to train the household appliance itself, particularly mechanically. This enables an even more needs-based, user-tailored creation of a favorites list and / or the display of first-listed function information.

[0021] A further aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance with functions that are operating functions and / or preparation functions. The household appliance also has a control unit. The household appliance is designed to perform a method according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In particular, this method is performed using the household appliance. It can be controlled by the control unit.

[0022] The invention thus generally makes it possible to provide new generations of interfaces for household appliances. Such favorites of functional information can be stored actively or passively, and the corresponding display can be performed in the household appliance's standby mode. For example, in addition to the time and date, a user can define one or more such functional information items in standby mode, particularly as quick accesses or links, or have them automatically defined with device-specific status displays.

[0023] For example, it can be provided that such quick accesses are configured by the user themselves. This can be done, for example, via an input unit on the household appliance. However, it can also be done via an external unit. For example, this can be an external communications device. This can be networked with the household appliance, for example. Favorites information can also be compiled using self-defined characteristics of the user, in particular actively in this regard. However, it can also be done automatically using an algorithm. In particular, criteria or parameters such as the frequency, intensity, time and duration or user intensity of an application to be executed can determine the evaluation of an individual quick access. In particular, in standby mode, only a shortcut and thus a link is set that calls up the result configuration.

[0024] A household appliance can, for example, be designed for preparing food. It can be, for example, an oven, a steamer, a microwave, or a hob. However, a household appliance for preparing food can also be, for example, a fully automatic coffee machine. However, a household appliance can also be, for example, a household refrigeration appliance. For example, this can be a refrigerator, a freezer, or a refrigerator-freezer combination. The household refrigeration appliance can, for example, have a dispenser designed to dispense beverages and / or ice cubes. For example, functional information can be associated with this dispenser.

[0025] For example, it can be provided that a fully automatic coffee machine shows coffee types on the display unit in standby mode depending on the time of day. For example, this can be based on an algorithm that determines the most frequently used coffee types based on typical coffee-drinking time windows. For example, the algorithm can be executed directly in the household appliance or on an external processing unit. In particular, this information can then be transmitted to the household appliance via a home network. If, for example, the displayed function information, such as a symbol and / or text and / or numbers, is displayed on the display unit in standby mode as the first function information in the list and is touched, for example, by a user, the configuration level for the beverage type is called up. The user can then activate the coffee preparation immediately by operating another control element.For example, this can be done by touching the displayed beverage type. In particular, the automation can also be designed to provide a self-learning system whose data can be provided via the home network and can also be constantly updated.

[0026] In another embodiment, the household appliance can be a microwave oven, for example. For example, repetitive cooking processes, such as heating liquids, can be automatically identified and saved as individual settings by the system. For example, actively setting a favorite on the display unit in standby mode could be heating baby food or milk. All of these specific examples are by no means exhaustive and are intended only to illustrate the possibilities available.

[0027] This approach, particularly with quick access, allows users to customize applications themselves or have them customized according to their own habits. They use familiar operating patterns that they are already used to or familiar with from other devices. This also helps meet expectations of modern household appliances, making operation more intuitive and user-friendly. Users also benefit from the convenience of current technology. The intelligent linking and evaluation of data allows users to use compilations that avoid the repeated entry of setting parameters or, in case of doubt, even open up new access points that would otherwise be unknown. This approach also reduces the complexity of device operation and, thanks to its placement on the top menu level in standby mode, also ensures quick and easy operation.The method also makes it possible to mark existing favorite information. This information can also be found in a form on the standby field as a so-called shortcut. Such marking of a favorite can be performed by the user themselves or automatically. In particular, favorite information displayed, for example, as symbols such as icons can be marked accordingly and thus selected. In this context, it can only be provided that it has the status marked or unmarked. Thus, in this context, an embodiment is already shown that illustrates the creation of a favorite list.

[0028] It is also possible for a favorites list to consist of only one favorite in a minimal configuration. However, the favorites list can also contain at least two favorites. In particular, the number of favorites of function information that can be selected is limited. For example, the system can predetermine the number of two such favorites of function information, and in this context, no more than these two can be selected and marked. If one of these favorites is deleted, logic can be provided that provides for re-sorting the function information. In particular, a re-sorting of the function information displayed in standby mode can be provided. However, such logic can also be omitted if the number of these possible favorites is small, for example, no more than 2.

[0029] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction", etc., indicate the positions and orientations given during proper use and positioning of the arrangement.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows an exemplary representation of a possible procedure for determining a favorites list of functional information; Fig. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a procedure for determining a favorites list of functional information; Fig. 4 shows an exemplary representation of a first-in-list functional information item on a display unit of the household appliance; and Fig. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a display of functional information in the standby mode of a household appliance.

[0031] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0032] In Fig. 1 a household appliance 1 is shown. The household appliance 1 can be an appliance for preparing and / or storing food. For example, it can be an oven, a steamer, or a microwave oven. It can also be a hob. However, it can also be, for example, a household refrigeration appliance. The household appliance 1 can also be a fully automatic coffee machine. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the household appliance 1 has a housing 2. A receiving space 3 is formed in the housing 2. The receiving space 3 is designed to receive food. The food can be prepared and / or stored in the receiving space 3. The household appliance 1 also has a door 4. This is provided for closing the receiving space 3. The door 4 is movably arranged in the housing 2. In addition, the household appliance 1 has a display unit 5. In the exemplary embodiment, this is arranged on a front panel 6.However, it can also be positioned differently. The display unit 5 is designed, in particular, as an operating and display unit. It can be designed, at least in part, as an electronic display. It is designed as a touch-sensitive operating device.

[0033] In addition, the household appliance 1 has a control unit 7. This can be arranged internally within the household appliance 1. However, it can also be provided that the household appliance 1 is part of a system 8. This system 8 also has a communications network 9. Several devices can communicate with each other via this communications network 9. In such an embodiment, the control unit 7 can then also be external to the household appliance 1. It can communicate with the household appliance 1 via the network 9.

[0034] The control unit 7 can then be, for example, a portable communications terminal. For example, it can also be a smartphone or a tablet. Likewise, the control unit 7 can then be part of another device, in particular another household appliance.

[0035] The household appliance 1 can be operated in a normal mode. It therefore has this normal mode. In this normal mode, for example, foodstuffs such as drinks or meals can be prepared. In this normal mode, the household appliance 1 is thus activated for its intended purpose. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 can have a standby mode that is different from the normal mode. The household appliance 1 has a plurality of functions, and thus at least two functions. These can be operating functions and / or preparation functions. With regard to the household appliance 1, it is provided that several items of functional information are provided. Functional information is, in particular, information that belongs to the aforementioned functions. They can therefore describe this function or provide explanatory information about it. This functional information can be displayed on the display unit 5.

[0036] In the representation according to Fig. 2 In one example, several pieces of functional information 10, 11, 12, and 13 are displayed electronically. A favorites list of these pieces of functional information 10 to 13 can be created. The functional information 10 to 13 is each shown here as optical blocks on the display unit 5. They contain letters, symbols, and sometimes numbers. The creation of a favorites list can be performed by a user themselves. Alternatively, such a favorites list can also be created automatically by the household appliance 1 itself.

[0037] According to the invention, a favorites list is automatically created by the household appliance 1 itself. Additionally, it can be provided that a user creates a favorites list themselves.

[0038] A favorites list can contain at least one function information 10 to 13. There is always a function information first in the list. Starting from the top left image in Fig. 2 , in which function information is displayed as favorites, can be changed according to the next step in the middle upper image in Fig. 2 edit and these favorites of the function information 10 to 13. For example, it is possible that symbols, especially when creating a favorite, an input device, such as a keyboard or the touch-sensitive control panel itself, are specified here. The creation of this favorites list and thus also of a list of first function information can also be done by the user himself. This can also be selected, for example, as shown in the right image in the top row in Fig. 2 is shown, when adding a function information of a standby display on the display unit 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the user thus determines which function information 10 to 13 from these function information 10 to 13 is the first function information in this regard and which should therefore be displayed in standby mode on the display unit 5. In the exemplary embodiment, this is according to the image in the lower row in Fig. 5 the function information 11. In the right picture in the bottom row in Fig. 2 A display 14 in the standby mode of the household appliance 1 is then shown on the display unit 5 as an example. The time 15 is shown here. Furthermore, only one symbol 16, which symbolizes the function information 11 of this function, is actively displayed. Function information can be selected by simply selecting this function information, in particular by touching the symbol 16 on the display unit 5. According to the invention, a start occurs when the symbol 16 on the touch-sensitive control panel is touched.

[0039] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that, in this standby mode, additional functional information is actively displayed on the display unit 5. This can also be done, for example, using just one symbol 17. This symbol 17 can symbolize functional information that was automatically created, for example, by the household appliance 1. It thus represents the first item of functional information in a favorites list that was automatically created by the household appliance 1 itself.

[0040] In a further embodiment according to Fig. 3 It can be provided that the functional information 10 to 13 is displayed in the display unit 5 as a so-called carousel, in which this functional information is visually represented as square tiles. The respective priority element in the carousel is, as shown in the left image in Fig. 3 shown enlarged. This is the function information 11. This concerns, for example, the so-called favorite A. In the right picture in Fig. 3 An example of a display in standby mode is shown on the display unit 5. This favorite A, for example, is again assigned a symbol 18, which is actively displayed on the display unit 5 in standby mode.

[0041] As an alternative to the examples in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in which the first function information is displayed only with symbols 16 and 18 on the display unit 5 in standby mode, associated information, such as that shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained and are presented by way of example, in addition to or instead of these symbols 16 and 18, are actively displayed on the display unit 5 in standby mode. For example, in addition to these symbols 16 and 18, letters and / or words and / or numbers can also be displayed. For example, in this context, the function information 11, as shown in Fig. 2 shown in the left image in the bottom row, instead of the only intended symbol 16. The same can be shown, for example, in Fig. 3 For example, keywords representing the function and / or parameter values ​​representing the function can be displayed here.

[0042] In Fig. 4 Another example of information display on the display unit 5 in standby mode of the household appliance 1 is shown. An alternative representation of the time 15 is shown here. This is not digitally but symbolically with hands. In particular, only one symbol 19 is shown in the surface area of ​​this clock 15 on the display unit 5. This symbol 19, in turn, represents the first item of function information in a favorites list. Here, too, instead of the symbol 19 shown only, additional information can be displayed that additionally specifies the relevant characterizing function information.

[0043] In Fig. 5 Another illustration shows a display on the display unit 5 in standby mode of the household appliance 1. In addition to the clock display 15, symbols 18 and 17 are shown here as examples. These can be, for example, displays of a microwave cooking appliance, which, on the one hand, represent the first item of functional information listed, here by symbol 18, and describe, for example, the heating of a liquid. On the other hand, symbol 17, which in this example represents the first item of functional information listed, can symbolize a function for preparing porridge, particularly for a toddler.It can be provided that one of these two functional information items, which are characterized by the symbols 17 or 18, was specified by a user himself as the first functional information item in the list and the other was automatically generated by the household appliance 1 itself as the first functional information item in an automatically created favorites list of functional information items.

[0044] In general, a piece of functional information can consist of at least a single letter and / or at least a single symbol and / or at least a single number. A wide variety of these different characterizing features of a piece of functional information can also be combined. The essential thing is that a list of functional information, which was automatically created by a user or by the system itself, is displayed on the display unit 5 in standby mode of the household appliance 1. And in particular, can be selected immediately. A selection can be made either by manually touching the displayed information on the display unit 5 or, for example, by a voice signal. It is also possible to make a corresponding selection using a gesture. Bezugszeichenliste

[0045] 1Haushaltsgerät 2Gehäuse 3Aufnahmeraum 4Tür 5Anzeigeeinheit 6Frontblende 7Steuereinheit 8System 9Kommunikationsnetz 10Funktionsinformation 11Funktionsinformation 12Funktionsinformation 13Funktionsinformation 14Anzeige 15Uhrzeit 16Symbol 17Symbol 18Symbol 19Symbol AFavorit

Claims

1. Method for displaying selectable items of function information (10, 11, 12, 13) on a display unit (5) of a household appliance (1), in which the following steps are performed: - providing multiple separate items of function information (10, 11, 12, 13) which can be displayed on the display unit (5); - creating a favourites list of items of function information (10 to 13); wherein the favourites list is automatically created by the household appliance (1) itself; wherein the favourites list is automatically created dependent upon items of function information (10 to 13) having been carried out at least once in the past and / or dependent upon the site in which the household appliance (1)is installed; - displaying the most important item of function information (10 to 13) on a touch-sensitive control panel of the electronic display unit (5) in a stand-by mode of the household appliance (1); - detecting the displayed item of function information (10 to 13) has been touched; and - in reaction thereto, automatically changing the household appliance (1) from the stand-by mode into a normal operation and simultaneously starting an operating function of the household appliance (1) linked to the displayed item of function information (10 to 13).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that when the stand-by mode is activated in the household appliance (1), the most important item of function information (10 to 13) is automatically displayed activated on the display unit (5).

3. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that in the stand-by mode of the household appliance (1) the surrounding area (20) of the household appliance (1) is detected using at least one detection unit (1a) and if it is detected that a person is approaching the household appliance (1), the display of the most important item of function information on the display unit (5) is automatically activated.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a change criterion is monitored and evaluated and the creation of the favourites list is automatically adapted dependent upon the change criteria and / or a change of the change criteria.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a favourites list is generated dependent upon the time of day and / or a day of the week and / or a time of year and in the stand-by mode the respective most important item of the function information (10 to 13) is displayed activated on the display unit (5) dependent upon at least one of these time parameters.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a most important item of function information (10 to 13) individually selected by the user is additionally displayed in the stand-by mode on the display unit (5).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that letters and / or symbols (16, 17, 18, 19) and / or numbers are displayed as an item of function information (10 to 13) on the display unit (5).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one item of function information (10 to 13) can be configured by a user themselves.

9. Household appliance (1) with an electronic display unit (5) comprising a touch-sensitive control panel with functions which are operating functions and / or preparing functions, and with a control unit (7), wherein the household appliance (1) is designed to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims.

Images