Method and control unit for controlling a textile cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for controlling a textile cleaning machine (100) designed for cleaning at least one textile item (110) using a cleaning program (130). The method (200) comprises a step of reading (210) a sensor signal representing an image (140) of the at least one textile item (110) to be cleaned, which is placed in a cleaning chamber (105) of the textile cleaning machine (100). The method (200) further comprises a step of identifying (220) the type (165) of the textile item (110) using the image (140) and a step of changing (230) at least one parameter (P) of a cleaning program (130) using the identified type (165).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control unit for controlling a textile cleaning device according to the main claims.

[0002] Washing clothes is one of the least favorite household chores. People want to spend as little time on it as possible. However, specific stains (spotted soiling of a garment), such as grass, blood, or red wine, often force users to deal with the issue more thoroughly. Incorrect washing can lead to irreversible damage to clothing. Selecting the right wash program also significantly contributes to the washing result. Many washing machines now have more than 20 programs, each with various options. Users are often overwhelmed by the number of programs and therefore frequently use only one (e.g., "Easy Care"), which doesn't always produce optimal results.In order for the user to select the optimal washing program, they should have adequate expertise in the subject of laundry, know the programs and settings of the washing machine, or use an assistant, which entails additional effort.

[0003] Furthermore, the washing machine cannot verify the user's input or knowledge. If the user makes an incorrect entry or assumption, the washing machine lacks the sensors to detect and correct this.

[0004] The approach presented here aims to create a process and a control unit for controlling a textile cleaning machine.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method and a control unit for controlling a textile cleaning device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0006] A method for controlling a textile cleaning machine is presented here, which is designed to clean at least one textile item using a cleaning program, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Reading a sensor signal representing an image of at least one textile item to be cleaned, which is placed in a cleaning chamber of the textile cleaning machine; identifying the type of textile item using the image; and changing at least one parameter of a cleaning program using the identified type.

[0007] In this context, a sensor signal can be understood as a signal from a sensor that records an image from the cleaning chamber of the textile cleaning machine, recorded, for example, in the visible optical and / or infrared range. The optical or infrared image represents the position, arrangement, structure, pattern, or similar characteristics of a textile item to be cleaned, as it currently lies in the cleaning chamber. Identifying the type of textile item can be understood, in this context, as an analysis of the textile item represented in the image in order to assign specific patterns, symbols, colors, or similar characteristics to predetermined, different types of textiles using an identification algorithm, which, for example, is based on an artificial intelligence algorithm.A cleaning program can be understood as a sequence of commands used to control the cleaning device, for example, to specify different temperature profiles, different water addition profiles, different times for adding detergent, or different rotational speeds of components within the textile cleaning device at different times. Changing at least one parameter of the cleaning program can, for example, mean altering a parameter or a sequence of the control commands to be executed within the cleaning program, such as aborting, interrupting the currently running cleaning program, or replacing the currently used cleaning program with a new one.

[0008] The approach proposed here is based on the understanding that automatically identifying the type of textile placed in the cleaning chamber of the dry cleaning machine reveals any potential incompatibility of that textile with the treatment of the currently selected cleaning program. In this case, the cleaning program can be changed or at least reconfigured to prevent damage to the textile.

[0009] The approach proposed here offers the advantage of ensuring very user-friendly and reliable operation of the textile cleaning machine by automatically recognizing or identifying the type of textile and subsequently modifying at least one parameter of the cleaning program accordingly. At the same time, this prevents damage to the textiles being cleaned, which could be caused, for example, by selecting an unsuitable cleaning program. Furthermore, user errors in loading the textile cleaning machine can be detected and corrected by adjusting the cleaning program accordingly.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the approach proposed here, the parameters of the cleaning program can be changed during the modification step if, during the identification step, a type of textile is detected for which the currently used cleaning program with its current parameter settings in the textile cleaning machine is classified as unsuitable. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here offers the aforementioned advantages particularly when there is a risk to the quality of the textile being cleaned. Otherwise, no intervention in the cleaning program is necessary, so the cleaning program selected by the user remains valid.

[0011] A further advantage of the proposed approach is an embodiment in which, during the modification step, the cleaning program used to operate the textile cleaning machine is changed, particularly in which a cleaning program is used for subsequent operation of the textile cleaning machine that is classified as suitable for the identified type of textile. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of ensuring the protection of textiles against damage, for example, if a currently selected cleaning program would result in treatment with an excessively high temperature or spin speed.

[0012] In another embodiment of the approach presented here, the cleaning program is interrupted or aborted during the modification step. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to intervene in a timely manner, potentially at an early stage of the cleaning program, thus minimizing damage to the textiles in question.

[0013] A particularly efficient and flexible embodiment of the approach proposed here involves modifying a process parameter of the cleaning program during the modification step. This process parameter can represent a temperature at a specific point in the cleaning program, a quantity of water used at a specific point in the cleaning program, a drum rotation speed of the cleaning device at a specific point in the cleaning program, a time period or a specific point in time during the execution of a part of the cleaning program, and / or a quantity and / or a specific point in time when a cleaning agent is added during the cleaning program. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of adapting the cleaning program according to the detected type of textile, thus adequately addressing the processing criteria of as many textiles as possible within the cleaning chamber.

[0014] To ensure that even textiles that may be concealed during loading of the textile cleaning machine can be identified with sufficient accuracy, a further embodiment of the approach proposed here allows the textiles to be rotated and / or moved before and / or after the loading step, particularly before the cleaning process is started in the machine. For example, textiles can also be rotated by introducing compressed air into the cleaning chamber. This embodiment offers the advantage of obtaining the broadest possible overview of the textiles arranged in the cleaning chamber and thus enabling an early assessment of potential damage to these textiles caused by the currently selected cleaning program.

[0015] One embodiment of the approach proposed here is particularly good at recognizing the type of textile material, in which, during the identification step, the type of textile material is identified by a recognized pattern, a recognized structure, a recognized textile type, a recognized size, a recognized color, recognizable symbols applied to the textile material and / or by the presence of components attached to the textile material.

[0016] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the approach proposed here, the modification step can be responsive to user input or a user query and / or to a predefined and / or user-favorite parameter, and / or a user-predefined and / or favored cleaning program can be activated during the modification step. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here offers increased user convenience, as the user can select a specific parameter as a preferred parameter if the cleaning program's parameters are deemed unsuitable for a particular textile.It is also conceivable that the user could be given an active intervention option, for example, to pause the current cleaning program, remove any identified textile items whose type does not match the current cleaning program from the cleaning chamber, and then restart the cleaning program. In this way, an optimal cleaning program can be carried out for the other textiles in the cleaning chamber.

[0017] One particularly fast and technically efficient embodiment of the approach proposed here involves reading the optical image from a camera mounted on the cleaning device, especially one located in the door area of ​​the device, and / or a spectroscopic sensor. This approach leverages the fact that some existing sensors for monitoring the cleaning area are already present, allowing the presented approach to provide added value for the images supplied by these sensors. Furthermore, existing object identification methods using such sensor systems can be easily modified to offer additional benefits.

[0018] In order to be able to detect textiles during the execution of the cleaning program, for example, which were covered when the cleaning program was started and therefore were not recognized as unsuitable for the currently selected cleaning program, the steps of the method can be repeated cyclically during an execution of the cleaning program according to a particularly favorable embodiment of the approach proposed here.

[0019] The approach presented here further provides a control unit designed to execute, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented herein in appropriate devices. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a device, also allows the underlying problem to be solved quickly and efficiently. The approach presented here also provides a textile cleaning device with a variant of the control unit presented herein.

[0020] The control unit can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as a discrete component or comprised of a discrete component.

[0021] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk storage, or optical storage is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or control unit, it can be used to perform,

[0022] Implementation and / or control of the steps of the procedure according to one of the embodiments described here may be used.

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

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a textile cleaning machine in which an embodiment of the approach presented here can be used; Figure 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method presented here; and Figure 3 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for controlling a textile cleaning machine.

[0025] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a textile cleaning device 100, in which an embodiment of the approach presented here can be used. The cleaning device 100 comprises a cleaning chamber 105 in which, for example, one or more textiles 110, which can also be referred to as textile goods, can be stored and cleaned. For this purpose, the cleaning chamber 105 can, for example, be arranged inside a cleaning drum 115, which can be set in rotation, for example, by a drive motor 120. The drive motor 120 is, for example, controlled by an operating control device 125, in which individual commands of a cleaning program 130 are executed.

[0026] In order to implement the approach described here, the cleaning chamber 105 is monitored by a sensor 135, which may be a camera or a spectrometer, so that an optical image 140 of one or more of the textile items 110 can be captured and transmitted to a reading interface 145 of a control unit 150. The optical image 140 is then analyzed in an identification unit 155 using an evaluation algorithm 160, so that a type 165 of one or more of the textile items 110 can be determined. For example, an evaluation of one or more symbols 170 or structures 177 on one of the textile items 110 can be detected, and the corresponding type 165 can be determined from this information by the evaluation algorithm 160.Such a type can, for example, be understood as information regarding the nature, material, processing, or the like of the textile item 110, which is also decisive for the type of treatment of this textile item 110 in the textile cleaning machine 100. Responding to the type 165 of the textile item 110 recognized in the identification unit 155, the modification of at least one parameter P in the cleaning program 130 can then be controlled in a modification unit 180, so that either the cleaning program 130 is interrupted, aborted, or modified in such a way that a sequence of other control commands for the drive motor 120 or others in the . Figure 1Components of the textile cleaning machine 100 not shown, such as a heating element, a water inlet valve, or a cleaning system valve, are now controlled by the operating control device 125. The modified parameter P can, for example, be read from a memory 185, in which an assignment of different parameters P to different identified types 165 of the textile material 110 is stored.

[0027] A textile cleaning machine 100 can thus prevent or compensate for user error, such as loading the cleaning chamber 100 with textiles 110 that are not compatible with the corresponding cleaning program 130, thereby preventing damage to the (delicate) textiles 110. In particular, the parameter P can be changed so that, for example, a gentler cleaning program 130 is executed in the operating control device 125. Damage to laundry items in the context of washing is understood to mean, for example, that a laundry item changes size / shape (e.g., by shrinking), that the material of the laundry item is damaged (e.g., by aggressive detergent on silk), or that the color of laundry items changes (e.g., by color transfer or fading).In this context, "color" refers to any color in the visible spectrum, e.g., white, black, blue, etc. For laundry identification purposes, multicolored items are also considered colors. "Size" can be understood as an estimate of the size of the laundry items based on their volume.

[0028] Figure 2Figure 200 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for controlling a textile cleaning machine designed to clean at least one textile item using a cleaning program. The method 200 comprises a step 210 of reading a sensor signal representing an optical image of the at least one textile item to be cleaned, which is placed in a cleaning chamber of the textile cleaning machine. Furthermore, the method 200 comprises a step 220 of identifying the type of textile item using the image and a step 230 of changing at least one parameter of a cleaning program using the identified type.

[0029] The approach presented here can thus enable extended automation of processes in the context of "laundry washing." For example, it aims to solve the problem of how a washing machine, or more generally a textile cleaning machine, should react when an incorrect load is detected with regard to incompatible laundry items (e.g., fabric type, color, structure, etc.) within a load. In this context, a load can be understood as several laundry items that are to be cleaned together in one wash cycle.

[0030] Such an incorrect load cannot be detected with the currently available sensors. Furthermore, there is no procedure to adjust the washing parameters, if possible, to the (yet to be detected) incorrect load, or, if adjustment is not possible, to end the wash cycle.

[0031] To solve this problem, the approach presented here is based on the washing machine or dry cleaning machine 100 being equipped with a sensor, such as the camera 135, which can detect incorrect loading during the washing or cleaning process. Depending on when the incorrect loading is detected and what type of incorrect loading it is, the washing or cleaning process can be adjusted or aborted. A camera, such as an electronic camera consisting of an image sensor (chip; on CCD or CMOS), can be used as such a sensor 135. However, it is also conceivable to use a spectroscopic sensor as sensor 135, which can identify the type of textile in the spectrum from approximately 1000 nm to 1900 nm, thus enabling the differentiation of various textile types.

[0032] The approach presented here thus describes an exemplary method for improving the washing result (protection of the laundry items, higher cleanliness, etc.) which can be achieved, for example, by adapting the washing cycle to the detected laundry items during the cycle.

[0033] The washing machine or textile cleaning appliance 100 described in this description has a laundry or textile recognition system that recognizes and classifies the laundry or textiles 110 during the washing or cleaning process.

[0034] Such laundry detection can be implemented, for example, using camera 135 and / or a spectroscopy sensor. Sensor 135 is mounted in such a way that it can analyze the laundry or textiles 110 during the washing process. It can therefore be installed in the porthole or the bellows, for example, next to the current drum light. The area to be detected by sensor 135 should encompass the interior of the washing drum 115.

[0035] During or even before washing, the sensor 135 regularly checks, for example, whether the detected laundry items or textiles 110 are suitable for the selected washing program 130. The sensor 135, or a corresponding control unit 150, can detect characteristics of the textiles 110, such as color (e.g., white, black, blue, multicolored, etc.), laundry type (e.g., towels, pants, shirts, underwear, etc.), fabric type (e.g., cotton, silk, polyester, etc.), texture (e.g., terry cloth, corduroy, knitwear, etc.), size (e.g., volume, weight, etc.), visually identifiable pattern (e.g., checked, striped, polka dot, etc.), logos or symbols (e.g., brand logos, workwear, etc.), or accessories or components attached to the textile (e.g., button placket on shirts, sequin patches, elastic waistband on pants, etc.).In the context of laundry detection, a structure can refer to the processing of the textile type in terms of surface properties. For example, during camera-based detection, the structure can be interpreted as an optical feature, such as terry cloth, corduroy, knitwear, or double-weave fabric. A textile type, in the context of laundry detection, can refer to textile fibers according to DIN 60000; these fibers are subdivided, for example, into natural fibers (plant, animal, and mineral fibers) and man-made fibers (made from natural or synthetic polymers). The textile type can be determined primarily by a spectroscopic sensor. Examples include cotton, silk, and polyester. Laundry detection typically occurs after the washing machine is started, but before the actual wash program begins, to determine the appropriate parameters.

[0036] In addition, there are parameters P, which are determined by the washing machine or textile cleaning appliance 100 and the selected program 130, such as a quantity of water, a temperature, a spin speed and / or an addition of detergent, at a specific time or time interval.

[0037] By continuously evaluating the sensor 135 in the control unit 150 during the washing process, laundry items or textiles 110 can enter the sensor 135's field of view that were previously covered by other laundry items. If a laundry item or textile 110 is detected that does not match the parameters P of the washing program 130, the following reactions are defined in the procedure, for example: 1. Adjusting the wash program is not possible; the item of laundry or textile 110 should be removed immediately to prevent damage. 2. The wash program can continue as before until a certain point (e.g., spin cycle). At this point, manual intervention is required. 3. The wash program will continue with adjusted parameters.

[0038] The adjustment of the parameters depends, for example, on which phase the wash cycle is in. A wash cycle, in this context, can be understood as a complete operating cycle of a washing machine necessary to clean a load of laundry. A load of laundry can comprise several items that are to be cleaned together in one wash cycle. A laundry item or textile can be a single piece (e.g., a garment) that is to be cleaned in the washing machine or dry cleaning machine. A washing machine or dry cleaning machine that has laundry detection, for example, goes through the following phases: a) Optional laundry detection b) Optional pre-wash c) Main wash d) Rinse e) Optional spin

[0039] Phase a) is optional (the user can select cotton at 60°C), but laundry detection is performed (or can be performed) in parallel with the wash cycle to detect incorrect loads. A preliminary scan can be performed to identify a load of laundry, in which not every single item is examined, but only a subset; the findings are then applied to the entire load, for example. The result of a washing machine cycle can then be displayed as a measure of the cleaning or washing process: the cleaner the laundry, the better the washing result; a poor washing result is, for example, damaged laundry.

[0040] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of method 300 of the approach presented here. The sequence of the washing program 130 and the possible reactions of the described method can be found in the flowchart in the appendix. Some points from the diagram are described in more detail below.

[0041] Procedure 300 is initially started at time 305. In decision step 307, it is checked whether there is a laundry detection phase. If so (path J), the sensor signal is read in step 309 and the type of textile is identified. The sensor signals can also be read several times during a so-called reversing program. If, in a further step 311, an incorrect load is detected (path J), a subsequent step 312 checks whether the user has stored a strategy for incorrect loading in their profile. If not (path N), a further step 314 checks whether continuing the wash cycle would damage the textiles.If this is also not the case, in a subsequent process step 316 at least one washing parameter is selected that cannot cause damage, and the user may be informed to update the profile if necessary. The process then continues to step 318.

[0042] If step 311 detects that there is no incorrect load (path N), one or more washing parameters P are set in step 320 according to the laundry detection or according to the desired cleaning program, and step 318 is also continued.

[0043] If step 312 detects that the user has configured a strategy for incorrect loading in their profile (path J), a subsequent step 322 checks whether manual intervention by the user is desired. If so (path J), manual intervention by the user is enabled in step 325, and a subsequent step 327 checks whether the wash cycle can continue. If so (path J), the process proceeds to step 318.

[0044] However, if this is not the case (path N), the cleaning program is aborted in step 328.

[0045] If step 322 detects that manual intervention by the user is not desired (path N), one or more washing parameters P are selected in step 330 according to the profile settings, and information is displayed to the user if necessary. Step 318 then follows.

[0046] If step 318 determines that a pre-wash phase is not desired according to the cleaning program (path N), the process can proceed to step 335, which checks whether an incorrect load is detected during the main wash cycle. Conversely, if step 318 determines that a pre-wash phase is desired according to the cleaning program (path J), steps 311, 312, 314, 316, 322, 325, 327, 328, and / or 330 can be executed analogously, followed by step 335.

[0047] If step 335 determines that no incorrect load is detected during the main wash phase (path N), the process can proceed to step 340, which checks whether an incorrect load is detected during the rinse cycle. Conversely, if step 335 determines that an incorrect load is detected during the main wash phase (path J), steps 312, 314, 316, 322, 325, 327, 328, and / or 330 can be performed analogously, followed by step 340.

[0048] If step 340 determines that no incorrect load is detected during the rinse cycle, the process can proceed to step 345, which checks whether a spin cycle is scheduled according to the cleaning program. However, if step 340 determines that an incorrect load is detected during the rinse cycle (path J), step 330 and step 350 can be executed, in which the rinse cycle is performed, as no further damage is likely to occur. Step 345 can then be executed again.

[0049] If step 345 detects that no spin cycle is scheduled according to the cleaning program (path N), the cleaning program is terminated in a final step 355. However, if step 345 determines that a spin cycle is scheduled according to the cleaning program (path J), a subsequent step 360 checks whether an incorrect load is detected during the spin cycle. If no incorrect load is detected (path N), the cleaning program is also terminated in step 355. However, if the evaluation in step 360 is positive (path J), a further step 365 is executed to check whether the user has configured a strategy for incorrect loading in their profile.If this is the case (path J), step 370 checks whether the spin cycle should be aborted. If not (path N), step 375 continues the spin cycle and, if necessary, reduces the spin speed, after which the program jumps to step 355. If step 370 determines that the spin cycle should be aborted (path J), step 380 aborts the spin cycle and jumps to step 355, thus ending the cleaning program. If step 365 detects that the user has not specified a strategy for incorrect loading (path N), a subsequent step 385 checks whether continuing the washing process could damage the textiles. If this is the case (path J), step 380 is executed to abort the spin cycle, and the cleaning program ends according to step 355.If, however, step 385 determines that continuing the wash cycle will not damage the textiles (path N), the spin cycle is continued in step 390, possibly at a reduced speed, and optionally, information is displayed to the user to update the corresponding user profile. Following this, the system jumps from step 390 to step 355 to end the cleaning program.

[0050] In the case relating to Figure 3Various subtasks can be performed using the procedures described in more detail. For example, laundry detection can be carried out in a reversing mode. For this purpose, the washing machine drum is operated in a reversing mode. The movement causes the laundry to change position within the drum, ensuring that different items are in front of the sensor at different times. To ensure that as many items as possible reach the sensor, a special program is used, consisting of varying rotation speeds, directions, and intervals. Additionally, it may be possible to manipulate the laundry using other factors, such as compressed air. Adding water to the drum also results in a change in the movement of the laundry.

[0051] Parameters can also be adjusted. If the system detects incorrect laundry items and adjusts the parameters, not only the parameters of the current phase are changed, but also those of the entire wash cycle. For example, if an item of laundry is detected during the pre-wash that is incompatible with the selected spin speed, the spin speed can be adjusted at that point. If the same item of laundry is detected again later, for example during the rinse cycle, it will already be compatible with the wash parameters at that time.

[0052] It is also conceivable to use a special profile or user-defined preferred steps. In this case, the user can save their preferred response for selected incorrect loading scenarios. For example, if the user selects a cotton program, but some "easy-care" items are detected at the beginning of the main wash, the user can specify that they always want the wash parameters adjusted in this scenario. The cotton program would then be interrupted at the relevant point, and the easy-care program would resume from that point without requiring any further user interaction. This user decision is saved in their profile and automatically recalled whenever this or a similar scenario occurs.

[0053] If an incorrect load occurs for which there is no predefined response in the user's profile, the user's reaction is recorded. If manual intervention is required, the user can be asked directly whether this scenario should always be handled in the same way. If no direct user intervention is necessary because the wash cycle does not result in any damage, the user is still informed about the detected incorrect load after the wash cycle, and the desired behavior can be saved in the profile.

[0054] It may also be possible to interrupt the wash cycle or cleaning program. Interrupting a wash cycle or cleaning program is advisable, for example, if continuing the program is likely to damage the garments. Adjusting parameters to prevent damage is not possible in this case. An example of this would be if a silk garment is detected while using a heavy-duty detergent. In this case, the wash cycle should not only be interrupted, but the detergent should also be rinsed out of the silk garment as soon as possible. Depending on the stage of the wash cycle, interrupting a program can therefore trigger different steps (e.g., rinsing out the detergent solution or pumping out the water).

[0055] Manual intervention by the user may also be necessary. At all stages, the user is given the option to remove the relevant laundry item from the machine or to adjust the program. Therefore, the technology of the washing machine or dry cleaner is designed so that a program can be interrupted at any time to open the door. Depending on the stage, water may need to be pumped out first. After the item is removed, the door is locked again, and the washing or cleaning program resumes from the relevant point. If necessary, water and / or detergent can be added again.

[0056] The adjustment of parameters such as temperature, rotation speed, water quantity or spin speed is also variable and can be adjusted at any time within the program without having to start a new program.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in particular, the identification of the type of textile and / or the modification of the cleaning program parameter can be implemented not only on a local processing unit such as the control unit 150, which is characterized as a processing unit located locally in a network with the washing machine or cleaning device 100, thus enabling direct communication between the washing machine and the processing unit. Rather, the identification of the type of textile and / or the modification of the parameter of the

[0058] The cleaning program is implemented in a cloud solution where the control unit 150 is at least partially not located locally in a network with the washing machine; direct communication between the washing machine and the computing unit is then not possible.

[0059] Regarding the Figures 1 to 3 The following terms are explained: Accessories: Features for laundry identification, e.g., button placket on shirts, sequin patches, elastic waistband on trousers.

[0060] Damage to laundry items: Damage to laundry items in the context of washing refers to situations where a laundry item changes size / shape (e.g., shrinkage), the material of the laundry item is damaged (e.g., aggressive detergent on silk), or the color of laundry items changes (e.g., color transfer or fading).

[0061] Cloud solution: A computing unit that is not located locally in a network with the washing machine; direct communication between the washing machine and the computing unit is not possible.

[0062] Color: Colors in the visible spectrum, e.g., white, black, blue, etc., are also considered colors for laundry identification purposes.

[0063] Stains: Localized soiling of a garment

[0064] Coarse identification: To identify a batch of laundry, not every single item is examined, but only a subset; the findings are then applied to the entire batch of laundry. Size: Estimating the size of laundry items based on volume. Camera: Electronic camera consisting of an image sensor (chip; on CCD or CMOS). Logo: Recognizable logos on laundry items, e.g., brand logos, company logos on work clothes. Local processing unit: Processing unit located locally on a network with the washing machine; direct communication between the washing machine and the processing unit is possible. Pattern: Visually recognizable patterns on the laundry items, e.g., checkered, striped, polka-dotted...

[0065] Parameters: Parameters that describe the settings for a specific washing program, which are implemented by the washing machine, e.g. water quantity, temperature, spin speed, spin cycle speed, detergent (if automatically dosable).

[0066] Reversing cycle: A program phase in which the washing machine drum moves in a defined rhythm. During this movement, the laundry inside the drum shifts, causing other items to move forward and be detected by a sensor. Between cycles of movement, the drum remains stationary, allowing the sensors to analyze the stationary laundry.

[0067] Spectroscopy sensor: A spectroscopy sensor can be used to identify the type of textile. This should operate in the spectrum of approximately 1000 nm to 1900 nm so that different types of textiles can be distinguished from one another. Structure: In the context of laundry identification, this refers to the processing of the textile type with regard to surface texture. When using a camera for identification, the structure is interpreted as an optical feature, e.g., terry cloth, corduroy, knitwear, double weave, etc. Textile type: In the context of laundry identification, this refers to the textile fibers according to DIN 60000. Textile fibers are initially divided into natural fibers (plant, animal, and mineral fibers) and man-made fibers (made from natural or synthetic polymers). The textile type is essentially determined by a spectroscopic sensor. Examples include cotton, silk, polyester, etc. Laundry type: A characteristic used to identify a laundry item or garment, e.g., towel, trousers, shirt, underwear, etc.

[0068] Laundry recognition: Automated analysis of a load of laundry with regard to various characteristics, such as color, fabric type, structure, size, pattern, logo, accessories, and laundry type. Laundry recognition takes place after the washing machine is started, but before the actual wash program begins, so that the appropriate parameters can be determined first.

[0069] Washing result: A measurement used to represent the outcome of a washing machine cleaning cycle; the cleaner the laundry, the better the washing result; a poor washing result includes, for example, damaged laundry items; see also Damage to laundry items.

[0070] Laundry item: a single piece (e.g., a garment) that is to be cleaned in the washing machine.

[0071] Laundry batch: Several items of laundry that are to be cleaned together in one wash cycle.

[0072] Washing cycle: A washing cycle describes the complete cycle of a washing machine that is necessary to clean a load of laundry.

Claims

1. A method (200) for controlling a textile cleaning appliance (100) designed to clean at least one piece of textile (110) using a cleaning program (130), the method (200) comprising the following steps: - reading (210) a sensor signal representing an image (140) of the at least one piece of textile (110) to be cleaned, which is placed in a cleaning chamber (105) of the textile cleaning appliance (100); - identifying (220) the type (165) of the textile (110) using the image (140); and - changing (230) at least one parameter (P) of a cleaning program (130) using the identified type (165).

2. Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein in the step (230) of changing the parameters (P) of the cleaning program (130) are changed if in the step (220) of identifying a type (165) of the textile item (110) is recognized for which the currently used cleaning program (130) with a current parameterization in the textile cleaning device (100) is classified as unsuitable.

3. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (230) of changing, a change is made to the cleaning program (130) with which the textile cleaning device (100) is operated, in particular wherein for a subsequent operation of the textile cleaning device (100) a cleaning program (130) is used which is classified as suitable for the recognized type (165) of the textile item (110).

4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (230) of changing the cleaning program (130) is interrupted or aborted.

5. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (230) of changing a process parameter (P) of the cleaning program (130) is changed, in particular wherein the process parameter (P) represents a temperature at a time of the cleaning program (130), a quantity of water used at a time of the cleaning program (130), a rotational speed of a drum (115) of the cleaning device (100) at a time of the cleaning program (130), a time period or a time of execution of a part of the cleaning program (130) and / or an amount and / or an addition time of a cleaning agent during the course of the cleaning program (130).

6. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the textile material (110) is rotated and / or moved before and / or after the step (210) of reading in, in particular before the cleaning process (130) is started in the textile cleaning device (100).

7. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (220) of identifying the type (165) of the textile item (110) is identified by a recognized pattern (177), a recognized structure, a recognized textile type, a recognized size, a recognized color, recognizable symbols (S) applied to the textile item (110) and / or by the presence of components attached to the textile item (110).

8. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step (230) of changing is changed in response to a user input or user query and / or in response to a predefined and / or user-favored parameter (P) and / or wherein in the step (230) of changing a cleaning program (130) predefined and / or favored by the user is activated.

9. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (210) of reading in, the image (140) is read in by a camera (135) installed on the textile cleaning device (100), in particular a camera (135) installed in a door area of ​​the textile cleaning device (100) and / or a spectroscope sensor.

10. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steps (210, 220, 230) of the method (200) are repeated cyclically during an execution of the cleaning program (130).

11. Control unit (150) which is designed to carry out and / or control the steps (210, 220, 230) of the method (200) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units (145, 155, 180).

12. Textile cleaning appliance (100) with a control unit (150) according to claim 11.

13. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (200) according to one of claims 1 to 10, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (150) according to claim 11.

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