System comprising a dishwasher, and method for operating a dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising: a dishwasher (1), having a dishwasher tub (2) for receiving a load, which can be closed by door (3), and a control device (100) for carrying out a dishwashing cycle from among a plurality of dishwashing cycles for washing a load, an optical sensor (110) for capturing an optical sensor signal of a particular load type, a detection unit (120) for detecting a possible washing mode for the particular load type by means of the dishwasher (1) depending on the sensor signal captured, the possible washing mode is defined as a first positive possible washing mode that indicates the one or more wash cycles that can be used for washing the particular load type, as a second positive possible washing mode that indicates the one or more of the wash cycles and / or which of a number of accessories can be used for washing the particular load type, or as a negative possible washing mode that indicates that the dishwasher (1) is not suitable for washing the particular load, and the dishwasher tub also comprises an output unit (130) for outputting a recommendation to the user, based on the detected possible washing mode.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system with a dishwasher, such as a household dishwasher, and a method for operating a dishwasher.

[0002] A household dishwasher sometimes comprises a washing container which can be closed by a door and has a number of washware receptacles for receiving washware and a control device for carrying out a wash program from a plurality of wash programs for washing washware.

[0003] When it comes to loading the wash tub's crockery drawers, the user can only find help from the dishwasher's printed manual, the printed dishwasher handbook, or online instructional videos. However, this is very time-consuming for the user and isn't regularly used.

[0004] Furthermore, the user traditionally receives no warning when they want to load a particular item, such as cutlery or crockery made of silver, aluminum, copper, tin, or wood, into the dishwasher, which is actually unsuitable for dishwasher cleaning. Cutlery or crockery made of these materials should preferably be cleaned manually.

[0005] Furthermore, the user is traditionally not provided with any instructions regarding the appropriate use of aids, such as a holder in the wash tub for holding a yogurt cup. A yogurt cup placed in one of the dishware receptacles without a holder can rotate during the wash program and fill with wash water. This reduces or even prevents the drying step of the dishes in the dishwasher. Consequently, the lack of such instructions can result in suboptimal loading of the wash tub by the user.

[0006] Suboptimal loading of the washing container may result in suboptimal cleaning results, suboptimal drying results and / or increased energy consumption.

[0007] Conventional solutions are known from US 2018 / 0214001 A1, DE 10 2011 087 227 A1, DE 10 048 081 A1, DE 10 2012 223 243 A1 and US 2012 / 0060875 A1.

[0008] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to further improve the operation of a dishwasher.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a system is proposed with a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, comprising a washing container which can be closed by a door and has a number of washware receptacles for receiving washware and a control device for carrying out a washing program from a plurality of washing programs for washing washware, with an optical sensor for detecting an optical sensor signal of a specific washware, with a determination unit for determining a washing option for the specific washware by the dishwasher depending on the detected sensor signal, wherein the washing option is designed as a first positive washing option which indicates which of the washing programs can be used for washing the specific washware, is designed as a second positive washing option which indicateswhich of the washing programs and / or which of a number of aids can be used for washing the specific items to be washed, or is designed as a negative washing option indicating that the dishwasher is unsuitable for washing the specific items to be washed, and with an output unit for issuing a recommendation to the user based on the determined washing option.

[0010] The second positive rinsing option preferably indicates which of the rinsing programs and additionally which of a number of aids can be used to rinse the specific items to be washed.

[0011] The output unit comprises, in particular, a visual and / or auditory output. For example, the output unit comprises a screen and / or a loudspeaker. The output unit can be configured to use an augmented reality display or a virtual reality display to output the recommendation to the user.

[0012] In the present system, depending on the items currently to be washed, detected by the optical sensor signal, a corresponding rinsing option, namely the first positive rinsing option, the second positive rinsing option or the negative rinsing option, is determined and, depending on the determined rinsing option, a corresponding recommendation is issued to the user.

[0013] If, for example, the item to be washed is one or more wine glasses, the optical sensor, the detection unit, and the dispensing unit can recommend a glasswashing program to the user. The user can select the recommended glasswashing program using a corresponding user input, and the control device then executes the selected glasswashing program for the wine glasses. This optimizes the operation of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the user can advantageously be sure that they have selected the correct washing program for their wine glasses. This increased security also increases user comfort.

[0014] The automatically generated recommendation for the user improves the operation of the dishwasher. The automatically generated recommendation helps the user load the dishwasher optimally, depending on the current load the user wants to load. Optimal loading of the dishwasher results in optimized cleaning and drying results, as well as optimized energy consumption.

[0015] The control device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. The control device is, in particular, integrated into the dishwasher. Alternatively, the control device can also be arranged outside the dishwasher. In a hardware implementation, the control device can be designed, for example, as a computer or a microprocessor. In a software implementation, the control device can be designed as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as part of a program code, or as an executable object.

[0016] The control device is configured to execute one of a plurality of wash programs for washing the dishes. A wash program comprises, for example, various sub-program steps, such as pre-wash, cleaning, final rinsing, and / or drying. Different wash 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 wash solution temperature of one or more sub-program steps.

[0017] For washing in a household dishwasher, 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, bowls, and the like.

[0018] According to the invention, in the case of determining the negative washing possibility, the determination unit is further configured to additionally determine a recommendation for an alternative cleaning of the specific washware, wherein the output unit is configured to output the recommendation for the alternative cleaning.

[0019] In the case of a negative wash option, the specific items cannot be washed or cannot be washed satisfactorily with the dishwasher in question. Consequently, the dispensing unit provides the user with a recommendation or notice for an alternative cleaning method.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the recommendation for alternative cleaning includes manual cleaning of the specific washware. For example, the use of a specific care product or a specific cleaning cloth, such as a silver cleaning cloth, may be recommended for the specific washware.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the number of aids comprises a number of additional functions, for example a glass washing program.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, if the second positive flushing option is determined, the determination unit is configured to select at least one specific additional function from the number of additional functions depending on the detected optical sensor signal. The output unit is configured to output a recommendation to the user regarding the use of the at least one selected additional function.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the number of aids comprises a number of accessories comprising at least one holder for holding a dish of a specific first dish type and / or at least one shelf for depositing a dish of a specific second dish type.

[0024] For example, a yogurt pot can be an example of a wash item belonging to the first wash item type. Due to its low weight, a yogurt pot tends to rotate during the wash program due to the spray jets hitting it and fill up with wash water. In this case, it may be recommended that the yogurt pot be mounted in a holder inside the wash container so that it cannot rotate during the wash program and fill up with wash water. An example of a wash item belonging to the second wash item type is a red wine glass. There are specific shelves for red wine glasses in the wash container, and the dispensing unit can recommend that the user use them.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, if the second positive flushing option is determined, the determination unit is configured to select at least one of the accessories depending on the detected optical sensor signal. The output unit is configured to output a recommendation to the user regarding the use of the at least one selected accessory.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the number of auxiliary means comprises a number of spraying devices. In particular, the number of spraying devices comprises one or more spray arms and / or special nozzles.

[0027] By means of a corresponding user input, the user can then select the recommended aid and the selected aid can be controlled by the control device during the course of the rinsing program.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, in the case of determining the second positive flushing possibility, the determination unit is configured to select at least one of the special nozzles depending on the detected optical sensor signal, wherein the output unit is configured to output a recommendation to the user for using the at least one selected special nozzle.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the optical sensor comprises a camera, wherein the optical sensor signal comprises an image and / or a video of the rinsing container.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the dishwasher integrates the optical sensor, the detection unit and the dispensing unit.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the system comprises a device external to the dishwasher which integrates at least the optical sensor.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the external device integrates the optical sensor and the detection unit.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the external device integrates the optical sensor and the output unit.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the external device integrates the optical sensor, the detection unit and the output unit.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the determination unit and the output unit are designed as part of an app that can be installed on the external device.

[0036] The external device is, in particular, a mobile device. The mobile device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a tablet computer. The app can also be referred to as an application, application software, or application program. The app can, in particular, be designed as a program, a computer program, a piece of software, a computer program product, a function, a routine, a part of program code, or an executable object.

[0037] In particular, the dishwasher 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 WLAN, and / or another wireless or wired data network.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the output unit is configured to use an augmented reality representation or a virtual reality representation to output the recommendation to the user.

[0039] For example, if the dispensing unit is implemented on the user's smartphone or tablet, a virtual reality display is particularly suitable for optimally guiding the user when loading the dishwasher. If the dispensing unit is integrated into AR glasses, an augmented reality display is particularly beneficial for assisting the user when loading the dishwasher.

[0040] According to a second aspect, a system for a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, is proposed, comprising a washing container which can be closed by a door and has a number of washware receptacles for receiving washware and comprising a control device for carrying out a wash program from a plurality of wash programs for washing washware.The system comprises an optical sensor for detecting an optical sensor signal of a specific item of washware, a determination unit for determining a washing option for the specific item of washware by the dishwasher as a function of the detected sensor signal, wherein the washing option is designed as a first positive washing option that indicates which of the washing programs can be used to wash the specific item of washware, is designed as a second positive washing option that indicates which of the washing programs and / or which of a number of aids can be used to wash the specific item of washware, or is designed as a negative washing option that indicates that the dishwasher is unsuitable for washing the specific item of washware, and has an output unit for outputting a recommendation to the user based on the determined washing option.

[0041] According to a third aspect, a method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, is proposed, comprising a washing container that can be closed by a door and has a number of washware receptacles for receiving washware, and comprising a control device for executing a wash program from a plurality of wash programs for washing washware. The method comprises the following steps: Detecting an optical sensor signal of a specific item of wash ware by means of an optical sensor, determining a washing option for the specific item of wash ware by the dishwasher as a function of the detected sensor signal, wherein the washing option is designed as a first positive washing option that indicates which of the washing programs can be used to wash the specific item of wash ware, is designed as a second positive washing option that indicates which of the washing programs and / or which of a number of aids can be used to wash the specific item of wash ware, or is designed as a negative washing option that indicates that the dishwasher is unsuitable for washing the specific item of wash ware, and issuing a recommendation to the user based on the determined washing option.

[0042] The second positive rinsing option preferably indicates which of the rinsing programs and additionally which of a number of aids can be used to rinse the specific items to be washed.

[0043] The embodiments and features described for the proposed system apply accordingly to the proposed method.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 system with a household dishwasher; Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a system with a household dishwasher and an external device; and Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a household dishwasher.

[0048] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a household dishwasher 1. 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 dishes.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] An optical sensor 110 designed as a camera is arranged on the door 3 in such a way that it is configured to detect an optical sensor signal of a specific item of wash ware that can be placed in the washing container 2.

[0053] The optical sensor 110 can also be arranged at another location on the dishwasher 1, for example, on an outer shell of the dishwasher 1. In this case, the optical sensor 110 is arranged in particular such that it can capture an image of a dishware that the user standing in front of the dishwasher is holding in their hands.

[0054] The household dishwasher 1 also has a control device 100, a detection unit 120 and a dispensing unit 130, which are arranged on the door 3.

[0055] The control device 100 is configured to execute one washing program from a plurality of washing programs for washing items in the washing container 2.

[0056] The determination unit 120 is configured to determine a washing option for the specific washware by the dishwasher 1 based on the detected sensor signal. The washing option is configured as a first positive washing option, a second positive washing option, or a negative washing option.

[0057] The first positive rinsing option indicates which of the rinsing programs can be used to rinse the specific items to be washed.

[0058] The second positive rinsing option indicates which of the rinsing programs and / or which of a number of aids can be used to rinse the specific items. In particular, the second positive rinsing option indicates which of the rinsing programs and, in addition, which of the number of aids can be used to rinse the specific items.

[0059] The negative washing option, on the other hand, indicates that the dishwasher 1 is unsuitable for washing the specific items to be washed. Consequently, the specific items cannot be washed or cannot be washed satisfactorily with the dishwasher 1 in question.

[0060] The output unit 130 is configured to output a recommendation to the user based on the determined rinsing option. For example, if the determination unit 120 determines the first positive rinsing option, the output unit 130 outputs a recommendation to the user for the rinsing program to be used. The user can then select the recommended rinsing program via a user input, and the control device 100 then executes this selected rinsing program.

[0061] If the determination unit 120 determines the second positive washing option, the output unit 130 outputs, for example, a recommendation for a washing program and additionally an aid for washing the specific washware. Via a corresponding user input, the user can then select the recommended washing program and / or the recommended aid, which is subsequently executed by the control device 100.

[0062] If, for example, the suggested aid is one or more special nozzles of the washing container 2, the user can select them via their user input, and the control device 100 then controls these special nozzles accordingly during the execution of the selected washing program. Generally speaking, if the second positive washing option is determined, the determination unit 120 can be configured to select at least one of the special nozzles depending on the detected optical sensor signal, wherein the output unit 130 then outputs a recommendation to the user regarding the use of this at least one selected special nozzle.

[0063] However, if the determination unit 120 determines that the specific wash item cannot be washed, it can additionally determine a recommendation for alternative cleaning of the specific wash item. The output unit 130 is then configured to output a recommendation for alternative cleaning of this specific wash item to the user. The alternative cleaning can be manual cleaning, for example, using a specific cleaning cloth. Furthermore, the number of aids can also include a number of additional functions, e.g., a special glasswashing program.

[0064] In the event that the second positive flushing option is determined, the determination unit 120 is preferably configured to select at least one specific additional function from the number of additional functions based on the detected optical sensor signal. The output unit 130 can then output a recommendation to the user regarding the use of the at least one selected additional function. The user can select or deselect the recommended additional function with a corresponding user input.

[0065] Furthermore, the number of aids can also include various accessories. Examples of accessories include a holder for holding a specific first type of washware and a shelf for depositing a specific second type of washware. An example of a first type of washware is a yogurt cup. Here, it can be recommended to attach the yogurt cup in a holder within the washware container 2 so that it does not rotate during the wash program and fill with wash liquor. An example of a second type of washware is a red wine glass. For this purpose, specific shelves for red wine glasses exist, the use of which can be recommended to the user by the dispensing unit 130.

[0066] Furthermore, if the second positive rinsing option is determined, the determination unit 110 can preferably be configured to select at least one of the accessories based on the detected optical sensor signal. The output unit 130 can then issue a recommendation to the user regarding the use of the at least one selected accessory. Furthermore, the number of aids can also include a number of spray devices in the rinsing container 2, for example, a spray arm or a special nozzle.

[0067] The output unit 130 comprises, in particular, a visual and / or auditory output. For example, the output unit 130 comprises a screen and / or a loudspeaker. The output unit 130 can also be configured to use an augmented reality display or a virtual reality display to output the recommendation to the user.

[0068] In Fig. 2 A schematic view of another embodiment of a system with a dishwasher 1 and an external device 200 is shown. The dishwasher 1 and the external device 200 can be coupled via at least one network 300, for example the Internet. The embodiment of the Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in that the optical sensor 110, the detection unit 120, and the output unit 130 are integrated into the external device 200. The external device 200 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The optical sensor 110 is, for example, the camera of the smartphone or tablet. The detection unit 120 and the output unit 130 are, for example, at least partially integrated into an app that is installed on and operated on the external device 200.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a method for operating a dishwasher 1 with a washing container 2 that can be closed by a door 3, with a number of washware receptacles 12, 13, 14 for receiving washware, and with a control device 100 for executing a wash program from a plurality of wash programs for washing washware. An example of a household dishwasher 1 is shown in Fig. 1 The procedure of Fig. 3 includes steps S1 to S3: In step S1, an optical sensor signal of a specific item of washware is detected by an optical sensor 110. For example, the user standing in front of the dishwasher 1 is holding the items of washware in his hands. In step S2, the dishwasher 1 determines a wash option for a specific item of washware based on the detected sensor signal. The wash option is configured as a first positive wash option, a second positive wash option, or a negative wash option.

[0070] The first positive rinsing option indicates which of the rinsing programs can be used to wash the specific items of ware. The second positive rinsing option indicates which of the rinsing programs and / or which of a number of aids can be used to wash the specific items of ware. The negative rinsing option indicates that the present dishwasher 1 is unsuitable for washing the specific items of ware.

[0071] In step S3, a recommendation is given to the user based on the identified flushing option.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference symbols used:

[0073] 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 Optical sensor 120 Detection unit 130 Dispensing unit 200 External device 300 Network AExtraction direction EInsertion direction S1Process step S2Process step S3Process step

Claims

1. System with a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, having a dishwasher cavity (2), which can be closed off by a door (3), for accommodating items to be washed, and a control device (100) for carrying out one of a number of washing programs for washing items to be washed, with an optical sensor (110) for acquiring an optical sensor signal of a certain item to be washed, with a determining unit (120) for determining a possibility for washing the certain item to be washed by the dishwasher (1) as a function of the acquired sensor signal, wherein the possibility for washing is embodied as a first positive possibility for washing that specifies which one(s) of the washing programs may be used to wash the certain item to be washed, is embodied as a second positive possibility for washing that specifies which one(s) of the washing programs and / or which of a number of aids may be used to wash the certain item to be washed, or is embodied as a negative possibility for washing that specifies that the dishwasher (1) is unsuitable for washing the certain item to be washed, and with an output unit (130) for outputting a recommendation to the user based on the possibility for washing determined, characterised in that, in the event of the negative possibility for washing being determined, the determining unit (120) is further configured additionally to determine a recommendation for an alternative cleaning of the item to be washed, wherein the output unit (130) is configured to output the recommendation for the alternative cleaning.

2. System according to claim 1, characterised in that the recommendation for an alternative cleaning comprises a manual cleaning of the certain item to be washed.

3. System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the number of aids comprises a number of additional functions, for example a glass washing program.

4. System according to claim 3, characterised in that, in the event of the second positive possibility for washing being determined, the determining unit (120) is configured to select at least one certain additional function out of the number of additional functions as a function of the optical sensor signal acquired, wherein the output unit (130) is configured to output to the user a recommendation to use the at least one selected additional function.

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the number of aids comprises a number of accessories comprising at least a holder for holding an item to be washed out of a certain first type of items to be washed and / or at least a placement area for placing an item to be washed out of a certain second type of items to be washed.

6. System according to claim 5, characterised in that, in the event of the second positive possibility for washing being determined, the determining unit (120) is configured to select at least one of the accessories as a function of the optical sensor signal acquired, wherein the output unit (130) is configured to output to the user a recommendation to use the at least one selected accessory.

7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the number of aids comprises a number of spray facilities.

8. System according to claim 7, characterised in that, in the event of the second positive possibility for washing being determined, the determining unit (120) is configured to select at least one of the special nozzles as a function of the optical sensor signal acquired, wherein the output unit (130) is configured to output to the user a recommendation to use the at least one selected special nozzle.

9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the optical sensor (110) comprises a camera, wherein the optical sensor signal comprises an image and / or a video of the certain item to be washed.

10. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the dishwasher (1) integrates the optical sensor (110), the determining unit (120) and the output unit (130).

11. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the system has a device (200) that is external to the dishwasher (1) and integrates at least the optical sensor (110).

12. System according to claim 11, characterised in that the determining unit (120) and the output unit (130) are embodied as part of an app that may be installed on the external device (200).

13. Method for operating a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with a dishwasher cavity (2), which can be closed off by a door (3), for accommodating items to be washed, and with a control device (100) for carrying out one of a number of washing programs for washing items to be washed, comprising acquiring (S1) by means of an optical sensor (110) an optical sensor signal of a certain item to be washed, determining (S2) a possibility for washing the certain item to be washed by the dishwasher (1) as a function of the acquired sensor signal, wherein the possibility for washing is embodied as a first positive possibility for washing that specifies which one(s) of the washing programs may be used to wash the certain item to be washed, is embodied as a second positive possibility for washing that specifies which one(s) of the washing programs and / or which of a number of aids may be used to wash the certain item to be washed, or is embodied as a negative possibility for washing that specifies that the dishwasher (1) is unsuitable for washing the certain item to be washed, and outputting (S3) a recommendation to the user based on the possibility for washing determined and characterised by additionally outputting, in the event of the negative possibility for washing being determined, a recommendation for an alternative cleaning of the certain item to be washed.

14. Computer program product which initiates the execution of the method according to claim 13 on a program-controlled device.

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