Method and a control unit for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of a household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (1300) for outputting a display image (400) comprising a first and a second partial display image (400a, 400b) on a multi-part display unit (110) of a household appliance (100) which has at least a first and a second partial display unit (115, 120), wherein the method (1300) comprises the step of controlling (1310) an output of a first partial display image (400a) on the first partial display unit (115) and an output of a second partial display image (400b) on the second partial display unit (120) in order to output the display image (400).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control unit for outputting at least one display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of a household appliance.

[0002] In principle, a very large display area would allow for more flexible, appealing, and simpler UI (User Interface) concepts and design elements. A larger display area allows for a more structured arrangement of content, while still providing sufficient free space for subtle, creative design, e.g., background images, animations, etc. However, significantly larger displays (than those currently in use) represent a very high cost factor—especially if they have to be developed and manufactured specifically for the customer due to the high quality requirements regarding the required service life and availability. Furthermore, the significantly higher power consumption of such a large display poses a problem both in standby mode and during operation in times of increasingly strict energy label classifications.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to provide an improved method and an improved control unit for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of a household appliance.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method and a control unit for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of a household appliance, with the steps and features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the following subclaims.

[0005] The approach presented here provides a method for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of a household appliance, which has at least a first and a second partial display unit, the method comprising the following step: Driving an output of a first partial display image on the first partial display unit and an output of a second partial display image on the second partial display unit to output the display image.

[0006] In this context, a display image can be understood as a symbol, a graphic, and / or a text that is to be displayed in at least two partial display images. Each of the partial display images can be displayed on a (separate) partial display unit, which can be controlled independently of each other, for example, spatially and / or signal-wise.

[0007] The approach presented here is based on the realization that by outputting the display image in two different partial display images on different partial display units, a significantly larger and more detailed representation of the display image can be achieved without, for example, having to use a very large and therefore cost-intensive display as the display unit. Instead, parts of the display image that are to be displayed in great detail can be output on a first partial display unit, which can be formed, for example, by a very high-resolution display, whereas another part of the display image can be output on a lower-resolution, but more cost-effective display as a partial display unit. This saves manufacturing costs for maintaining the display unit, while still allowing the display image to be output over a correspondingly large area.

[0008] A favorable embodiment of the approach proposed here is one in which, in the control step, the output of the first partial display image on a first partial display unit adjacent to the second partial display unit is controlled. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to output the display image through the two partial display images very close to one another, so that there is no large gap between the individual partial display images and thus the perception of this output display image by a user of the household appliance can be as continuous and coherent as possible. In this way, user irritation can be avoided as much as possible.

[0009] This allows a combination of a standard display as the 'main display' with static displays such as LEDs. The limited area of ​​the display only allows for a small amount of content to be shown simultaneously. However, if an attempt is made to display more and more details simultaneously, the clarity suffers without using the approach presented here and / or the size of the displayable content must be reduced accordingly. The ergonomics of such a UL concept then suffer considerably. The cramped display on the limited display area of ​​the device panel also appears unelegant and no longer contemporary. The application presented here can be used to advantage against the disadvantages mentioned above and largely eliminates these disadvantages.

[0010] An embodiment of the approach proposed here is advantageous in which, in the control step, the output of the first partial display image is controlled such that the second partial display image to be displayed on the second partial display unit has structures that are displayed flush with structures of the first partial display image to be displayed on the first partial display unit. For this purpose, for example, the structures of the first partial display image can, in the perception of the user of the household appliance, merge flush with the corresponding structures of the second partial display image or without a step, so that the user sometimes does not even perceive that the individual partial display images are displayed on different partial display units. This increases the user's acceptance of a household appliance provided with an approach designed in this way.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the control step can furthermore control the output of a third partial display image of the display image, which is output on the first or the second partial display unit or on a third partial display unit separate from the first and second partial display units. For example, such a third partial display unit can be arranged such that the second partial display unit is arranged between the first and the third partial display unit. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that even very large-area display images can be presented cost-effectively and in a way that is comfortable for a user to perceive using the approach presented here.

[0012] The approach presented here further provides a control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0013] The control unit can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0014] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or a control unit, the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0015] The above-mentioned advantages can also be realized by an embodiment of the approach proposed here as a household appliance with a variant of a control unit presented here and a display unit comprising at least the first and second partial display units for outputting a display image comprising the first and second partial display images.

[0016] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the approach proposed here is one in which the first or second partial display unit is a partial display unit arranged behind a panel in the front area of ​​the household appliance. For example, when the second partial display unit is not activated, such a panel can be translucent or transparent (e.g. black or at least dark), depending on its design, and thus enhance the overall aesthetic impression of the household appliance. Only in the event that a large-area display image is to be shown can the corresponding partial display images shine through behind this panel and thus provide the user of the household appliance with the information to be displayed with the display image.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the first and / or second partial display unit can be configured as a touch-sensitive display or combined with a touch-sensitive input element. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that, by using a corresponding partial display unit, control signals can also be input to the control unit or the household appliance without the need for additional control elements.

[0018] Although the approach described 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.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance with a control unit for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of the household appliance; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary appliance panel with three adjacently arranged displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary appliance panel with two adjacently arranged displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary appliance panel with two adjacently arranged displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance;Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with adjacent displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance; Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with adjacent displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance;Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with adjacent displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with adjacent displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with adjacent displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with two seven-segment displays and a display as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance.Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance; Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance; and Figure 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of a household appliance, which has at least a first and a second partial display unit.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a household appliance 100 with a control unit 105 for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit 110 of the household appliance 100, which has at least a first partial display unit 115 and a second partial display unit 120. The control unit 105 comprises a unit 125 for controlling the output of a first partial display image on the first partial display unit 115 and the output of a second partial display image on the second partial display unit 120 in order to output the display image. The household appliance 100 can, for example, be designed as an oven, microwave oven, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher or stove, wherein this household appliance 100, for example, has an appliance panel / panel 130, which here is provided with a plurality of display / display surfaces as the corresponding partial display units 115 and 120, wherein these individual partial display units 115 and 120120 different sizes and / or in identical or different display technologies.

[0021] Combining multiple displays / displays as partial display units is intended to enable a more spacious or distorted representation of the device information to be displayed. Accordingly, the resulting usable total area of ​​the combined displays does not require a single display of this entire area, so the costs for such an arrangement are lower than those expected for a single display of this size.

[0022] Depending on the operating situation or the device's condition, the number of used or active displays can be reduced. This can potentially significantly reduce the device's power consumption.

[0023] By extending display content, design elements, shapes, etc. beyond the boundaries of a single display to neighboring displays, indicators, etc., a large display area is created, which can be used to present the content in a more structured, clearer, more valuable, etc. Design elements such as shapes, symbols, images, bright (colored) highlights, etc., can also be expanded to enhance the displayed content. It is possible to combine indicators or displays of the same or different technologies. There are no limits to the available technologies or their combinations.

[0024] For example, displays with a low resolution (e.g. LED matrix displays, seven-segment displays, LCD, TFT, OLED, e-ink displays, projection displays, etc.) can be combined with one (or more) higher resolution displays (e.g. TFT, LCD, OLED, projection displays, LED matrix displays, etc.).

[0025] The impression of a very large display / indicator area is further enhanced when the combined displays are operated behind a device bezel with a so-called disappearing effect (also known as a black panel or dead front effect). This design concept ensures that the viewer can only see the active content of the displays and indicators; the rest of the display or indicator area remains 'invisible' to the viewer, so that the boundaries of the display elements are not recognizable. When the display elements or the device are switched off, the bezel area appears uniformly monochrome with no noticeable display breaks or similar. To achieve the best possible effect of the merging display elements, the distance between the active display areas should be as close to one another as possible. This applies to the X and Y directions and, if applicable, the Z directions of the bezel plane.

[0026] The figures described below show various exemplary arrangements of displays and indicators as partial display units on or behind a device panel, as well as possible combined example contents. The examples merely represent schematic representations of possible combinations of different display / indicator sizes, display / indicator technologies, display / indicator resolutions, display / indicator quantities, etc., and do not claim to be complete.

[0027] Fig. 1 thus shows an exemplary device panel 130 with a centrally arranged display (e.g., high-resolution 'main display') as the first partial display unit 115 and another display area surrounding the main display, approximately the same size as the device panel, as the second partial display unit 120, which could, for example, have a reduced resolution (e.g., LED matrix display). The partial display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements of the other display.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary appliance panel 130 with three adjacent displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance. The displays as partial display units 115, 120 and as a third partial display unit 200, which can each be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The partial display units 115 and 120, or the partial display units 115 and 200, are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements from the other display.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary appliance panel 130 with two adjacent displays as sub-display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays as sub-display units can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The sub-display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements of the other display.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The partial display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements of the other display. Here, an example of a line representation is shown as a display image 400, which is displayed on the central first partial display unit 115, extending to the left and right beyond the boundaries of the first partial display unit 115 on the second partial display unit 120. The continuation of the line representation as a display image 400 from the first partial display unit 115 as the first partial display image 400a on the second partial display unit 120 is shown in terms of position, size, color, etc.adapted as a second partial display image 400b.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays as partial display units 115, 120 can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The partial display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements of the other display. Here, a circular representation is shown as an example as display image 400, which begins on the central display or the first partial display unit 115 as the first partial display image 400a and continues to the right across the boundary of the first partial display unit 115 on the second partial display unit 120 as the second partial display image 400b.

[0032] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary appliance panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays as partial display units 115, 120 can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The partial display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements from the other display. Here, two areas are shown as display images 400, which begin on the central display or the first partial display unit 115 and continue to the left or right beyond the boundaries of the first partial display unit 115 on the second partial display unit 120. Size, position, shape, color, etc.The arrangement of the elements is arbitrary; however, for a harmonious overall image, the continuation of the elements on the adjacent display element should correspond as closely as possible to the original representation (position, size, color, brightness, etc.). The individual structural elements of the display images 400 or the respective partial display images 400a or 400b can also be displayed in such a way that they can be displayed as flush or seamlessly as possible next to one another in order to convey the impression of a large-scale representation or display area.

[0033] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary appliance panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance. The displays or partial display units 115, 120 can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The partial display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements of the other display or partial display unit. Here, by way of example, several curved lines are shown on the appliance panel 130, wherein their representation is distributed over three surface portions on different displays or partial display units 115, 120. For a harmonious overall image orof the display image 400 to be output, the continuation of the elements as display image 400 on the respective adjacent display element 115, 120 should, however, correspond as closely as possible to the original representation (position, size, color, brightness, etc.). The displayed content can be a composite, static representation or a composite, dynamic representation. In a composite, dynamic representation, for example, the displays / advertisements or sub-display units can each be synchronized so that the overall visual impression of the displayed content or movement is temporally consistent and fluid. In addition to the aforementioned line representations, further text elements are displayed on the first sub-display unit 115. Accordingly, the first sub-display unit 115 could be a display with a higher resolution and the second sub-display unit 120 a display with a lower resolution.The line elements displayed on all display surfaces as partial display images 400a, 400b could together represent, for example, a background image (static or dynamic) for the device panel 130 shown.

[0034] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays 115, 120 can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The partial display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements of the other display. Here, an example of an illustration / photo / camera image or similar is shown as display image 400, with the representation being distributed across three surface portions on different displays as partial display units 115, 120. Different parts can also be displayed on the second partial display unit 120 as a second partial display image 400b in order to realize the visually correct impression for the display image 400.For a harmonious overall image, however, the continuation of the elements on the adjacent display element 115 or 120 should correspond as closely as possible to the original representation (position, size, color, brightness, etc.). Any display differences that may occur, e.g., due to different display technologies or resolutions, are visualized here by way of example using different 'grains'. The displayed content can be a composite, static display or a composite, dynamic display of a display image 400 made up of different partial display images 400a or 400b. In a composite, dynamic display, it is important that the partial display units 115, 120 are each synchronized so that the overall visual impression of the displayed content or movement is temporally consistent and fluid.

[0035] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays 115, 120 can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. The partial display units 115, 120 are each suitable for picking up and continuing content / elements of the other display 20, 115. Here, texts and numbers are shown as examples, with the representation distributed over three surface areas on different displays 115, 120. For a harmonious overall image, the continuation of the elements on the adjacent display element 120, 115 should, however, correspond as closely as possible to the original representation (position, size, color, brightness, etc.). Any differences in representation that may occur, e.g.Due to different display technologies and resolutions, examples are visualized using different fonts.

[0036] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel 130 with two seven-segment displays and a display as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. Here, for example, texts are shown in the central display or the first partial display unit 115 and numbers in the seven-segment displays arranged outside as the second partial display unit 120, with the representation of the texts or numbers being related in terms of content. For a harmonious overall image of the display image 400, the continuation of the elements on the respective adjacent display element should be as similar as possible to the original representation (position, size, color, brightness, etc.).

[0037] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. In this exemplary schematic representation, the partial display units 115, 120 are each identical components. Thus, the partial display units 115, 120 can achieve the impression of a particularly large display area for the viewer by arranging the content to be displayed accordingly and by using a so-called disappearing effect. Here, an example of a menu structure extending across both display areas is shown, which is supplemented by a symbol display on the third partial display unit 200.However, to create a harmonious overall image, the continuation of the elements on the adjacent display element should correspond as closely as possible to the original representation (position, size, color, brightness, etc.).

[0038] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary device panel 130 with adjacently arranged displays as partial display units 115, 120 for use in an embodiment of a household appliance. The displays can be identical or different in terms of size, technology, resolution, quantity, etc. In this exemplary schematic representation, the partial display units 115, 120 are each identical components. Thus, the partial display units 115, 120 can achieve the impression of a particularly large display area for the viewer by arranging the content to be displayed accordingly and by using a so-called disappearing effect. Here, an example of a touch linear slider extending across both display surfaces for the user to select a temperature value is shown, which is supplemented by a symbol display on the third partial display unit 200.The possibility of a large-area touch input 1200 beyond the display areas further enhances the impression of a particularly large display area (especially in combination with the disappearing effect). For a harmonious overall appearance, the visual continuation of the elements on the adjacent display element should correspond as closely as possible to the original representation (position, size, color, brightness, etc.).

[0039] The arrangement / combination of multiple displays with a single display spanning several of these displays enables a clear and therefore ergonomic presentation of the content to be displayed. Furthermore, seamless displays can be used to implement not only convincing functional UI concepts but also generous and appealing design elements (static or dynamic background displays, animations, ambient lighting, etc.). Furthermore, depending on the design, composite displays spanning multiple display elements can be implemented more cost-effectively than is possible with very large, single-piece displays. The use of multiple display elements offers the option of switching off parts of the display elements when not in use, thus enabling lower device power consumption.

[0040] Fig. 13shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1300 for outputting a display image comprising a first and a second partial display image on a multi-part display unit of a household appliance, which has at least a first and a second partial display unit. The method 1300 comprises step 1310 of controlling an output of a first partial display image on the first partial display unit and an output of a second partial display image on the second partial display unit in order to output the display image.

Claims

1. Method (1300) for outputting a display image (400) comprising a first and a second partial display image (400a, 400b) on a multi-part display unit (110) of a household appliance (100) which has at least a first and a second partial display unit (115, 120), the method (1300) comprising the following step: - controlling (1310) an output of a first partial display image (400a) on the first partial display unit (115) and an output of a second partial display image (400b) on the second partial display unit (120) in order to output the display image (400).

2. The method (1300) according to claim 1, wherein in the step (1310) of controlling, the output of the first partial display image (400a) on a first partial display unit (115) adjacent to the second partial display unit (120) is controlled.

3. Method (1300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (1310) of controlling the output of the first partial display image (400a) is controlled such that the second partial display image (400b) to be displayed on the second partial display unit (120) has structures that are displayed flush with structures of the first partial display image (400a) to be displayed on the first partial display unit (115).

4. The method (1300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (1310) of controlling, the output of a third partial display image of the display image (400) is further controlled, which is output on the first or the second partial display unit (115, 120) or on a third partial display unit (200) separate from the first and second partial display units (115, 120).

5. Control unit (105) which is designed to carry out and / or control the step (1310) of the method (1300) according to one of the preceding claims of a corresponding unit (125).

6. A household appliance (100) comprising a control unit (105) according to claim 5 and a display unit (110) comprising at least the first and second partial display units (115, 120) for outputting a display image (400) comprising the first and second partial display images (400a, 400b).

7. The household appliance (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first or the second partial display unit (115, 120) is a partial display unit (115, 120) arranged behind a panel (130) in the front region of the household appliance (100).

8. Household appliance (100) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first and / or the second partial display unit (115, 120) is designed as a touch-sensitive display or is combined with a touch-sensitive input element.

9. Computer program product with program code for carrying out step (1310) of the method (1300) according to one of claims 1 to 5, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (105) according to claim 5.

Images