Wash ware with biunique identifier

Abstract

The invention describes wash ware, comprising an identifier mounted on the wash ware, wherein the identifier biuniquely identifies the wash ware. The invention also describes methods for updating data associated with wash ware and for validating wash ware. The invention also describes a system for data processing and corresponding computer programs and storage media, a dishwasher, use of the wash ware for washing, an attachment for a wash ware container, and a kit.

Description

[0001] Dishes with unique identification

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The disclosure relates to a wash item having a unique identifier, methods for updating wash item data or for validating wash items, a data processing system and corresponding computer programs and storage media, a dishwasher, a use of the wash items for washing, an attachment for a wash item container, and a kit.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] All types of dishware, such as glasses, plates, or other reusable tableware (cups, bowls), are subject to a specific cycle in the catering industry. The dishware is purchased and stored. It is then rinsed, dried, and placed on a shelf. It is then filled (perhaps preheated in the case of plates) and passed to the guest. The guest uses the dishware, touching it with their hands and sometimes with their mouths. A server then passes it back to the kitchen or behind the counter. The used dishware is then rinsed, dried, and either immediately returned to a guest or placed on the shelf. The cycle begins again.

[0007] In areas where washware is used, whether for food consumption or for scientific and research purposes, high demands are placed on the cleanliness (hygiene or disinfection) of the washware.

[0008] Dishware is also subject to wear and tear, which impairs its usability and leads to high costs when replacing the dishes.

[0009] EP 2510863 Bi discloses the use of sensors, such as RFID readers, in connection with washware. The sensors described therein only detect a type of washware. Reliable conclusions about the hygiene and remaining service life of an individual washware item are therefore not possible. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The inventors recognized that the cleanliness (hygiene or sterilization or disinfection) of the washware is not only determined by a single wash cycle per se, but is also influenced by storage or the number of wash cycles. For example, washware that has been stored for a longer period since the last wash cycle is often no longer considered hygienic or sterile.

[0011] The inventors also recognized that wear on the washware is determined, among other things, by washing processes (e.g., chemicals, wash solution, heat treatment, mechanical factors, collisions with other washware, stresses caused by thermal differences), as well as by the use prior to washing (e.g., abrasive wear from using cutlery, collisions with other washware). This wear impairs the service life of the washware and thus its usability. In addition to the replacement costs, this also leads to a loss of planned use of the washware (e.g., catering or laboratory experiments) and potentially to associated additional costs.

[0012] The inventors have recognized that the history of an individual item of washware is essential for the identification of impure (non-hygienic or non-sterile) washware on the one hand and for the identification of washware with a short remaining service life (usability) on the other hand, and that the means previously available in the field of washware washing are not capable of making the history of an individual item of washware available in different stations of the washware cycle described above.

[0013] Based on the prior art mentioned at the outset, the object of this disclosure is therefore to provide means that make the history of an individual item of washware available, in particular for the purposes of cleanliness and / or usability.

[0014] This object is achieved with items to be washed according to independent claim 1, with methods according to independent claims 5 and 13, with a system according to independent claim 19, with a dishwasher according to claim 20, with a use according to independent claim 22, with a computer program according to independent claim 23, with a computer-readable medium according to independent claim 24, with an attachment for a items to be washed container according to independent claim 25 and with a kit according to claim 28. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, in the description and in the figures. According to the solution according to the invention, a items to be washed container is provided or used to which an identifier is attached which uniquely identifies the items to be washed.

[0015] Because the identifier attached to the washware uniquely identifies the washware, it is possible to make the history of an individual washware available, in particular for the purposes of cleanliness and / or usability.

[0016] According to this disclosure, this history of a piece of washware identified by means of the identifier can be identified in a data storage device (e.g., a cloud and / or database), and the corresponding historical washware data can be updated in response to a wash cycle undergone by the washware in accordance with the washware cycle. As a result, points in time in the history related to the cleanliness (e.g., hygiene or freedom from germs) of the identified washware (e.g., times of all previous wash cycles, the first and / or last wash cycle, expiration date for the use of the washware for reasons of cleanliness) and / or a number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware (as a possible indicator of cleanliness but also the degree of use of the washware) can be kept up to date, so that washware that is no longer considered clean (e.g., hygienic or sterile) can be identified.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be indicated that a piece of washware has (soon) reached its service life due to use, for example due to the number of wash cycles it has run through so far, and should therefore be replaced. For example, a piece of washware that has already been frequently and / or intensively used (and correspondingly frequently or intensively cleaned) can be replaced at a stage when it is not being used, in order to increase the probability or even ensure that there will always be enough washware available during the item's service life that still has a sufficient remaining service life for at least the period of use. In this context, an expiry date can be specified and updated in the historical data, which indicates until when the washware is likely to be usable before unacceptable signs of wear on the washware occur.

[0018] By using the wash ware according to the invention with a unique identifier and by keeping historical wash ware data available, the wash ware can be validated. For a wash ware identified by the identifier, historical wash ware data can be accessed, and it can be checked whether the points in time associated with the cleanliness of the indicated wash ware and / or the number of wash cycles previously undergone by the indicated wash ware meet a predetermined criterion for cleanliness and / or service life. The criterion can include aspects such as "the last wash must not have been longer than a predetermined period of time ago," "the expiration date must not have expired or must not have expired by a predetermined period of time," or "the number of wash cycles must not exceed a predetermined value." Other aspects for the criteria are conceivable as alternatives or in addition.

[0019] Depending on the result of the check, an output can be provided indicating whether the identified washware may be used or not. This output can preferably include a warning that the washware may no longer be used and / or a control signal, wherein the control signal is suitable for blocking a machine intended to use the washware, such as a dishwasher or a system for filling the washware with food (e.g., a dispensing system). These aspects, individually and in combination, contribute to reducing the probability or even ensuring that no contaminated and / or overused washware enters or is retained in the cycle.

[0020] To read the identifier, a reader can preferably be used, which preferably reads the identifier in a contactless manner. However, non-contact reading is also conceivable. Such reader devices can use optical technologies, magnetic technologies, electromagnetic technologies or mechanical technologies. Particularly preferred examples of the identifier are the barcode, the QR code or RFID technology. The identifier can be attached to the items to be washed directly (e.g. printed on a surface of the items to be washed) or by means of a label. In principle, the reader can be attached in or to a dishwasher. However, it is also possible for the reader to be attached to an attachment according to the invention for a washware container. This attachment can be detachably attached to a washware container.

[0021] Compared to mounting the reader in or on the dishwasher's housing, mounting it on the top panel offers the advantage of reducing the distance between the identifier and the reader. The antenna can also be made larger while maintaining sufficient distance from any reflective parts of the housing, making the reading process more reliable and / or accurate. Mounting the reader in this way also allows for the use of an existing dishwasher without significant modifications. This type of mounting also offers the advantage of greater variability in the position of the reader compared to a reader integrated into the dishwasher.Mounting the reader inside the dishwasher, for example, in or on the dishwasher housing, i.e., integrated into the dishwasher, has the advantage over mounting the reader on the attachment for a wash basket. Mounting a reader on such an attachment generally requires additional electronics, such as an active antenna, in the dishwasher. This wirelessly supplies the reader to the wash basket and forwards the data transmitted from there. This results in more components. Costs may also favor integrating the reader inside the dishwasher.

[0022] According to preferred aspects, the identifier can be read contactlessly using a reading device, wherein the use of a machine-readable label for the identifier, in particular an RFID transponder, is particularly advantageous with regard to a reliable, fast and energy-saving reading of the identifier.

[0023] To the extent that this brief description of the disclosure describes features that are not listed in the patent claims, these features do not represent essential features in the sense that these features must necessarily be included in the patent claims to describe the disclosure, but these features are particularly prominent preferred implementations of the claimed invention, can be combined with any of the patent claims, and can also be combined with each other as desired.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0025] Figure 1 shows a dishware according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 2 shows an attachment according to the invention for a dishware container.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a system according to the invention with a dishwasher according to the invention, a data processing system according to the invention and a computer-readable medium according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 4 shows a method according to the invention for updating historical dishware data.

[0029] Figure 5 shows a method according to the invention for validating washware. Components shown in multiple figures bear the same reference symbols.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The disclosure relates to a wash item having a unique identifier, methods for updating wash item data or for validating wash items, a data processing system and corresponding computer programs and storage media, a dishwasher, a use of the wash items for washing, an attachment for a wash item container, and a kit.

[0032] Figure i shows a wash item 1 according to the invention, to which an identifier 2 is attached which uniquely identifies the wash item 1.

[0033] The identifier can be designed to be read by a reader, preferably contactlessly, to identify the washware. The washware i can comprise a machine-readable label 2 attached to the washware i, which contains the identifier. The label 2 can comprise an RFID transponder, preferably a passive RFID transponder, which contains the identifier 2.

[0034] The transponder can be an RFID HF transponder (HF: 3-30 MHz, permitted frequencies 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, 27.125 MHz, 40.680 MHz) or an RFID UHF transponder (UHF: 0.3-3 GHz, permitted frequencies 433.920 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz).

[0035] The identification or label 2 can be attached to the surface, preferably on the underside of the base as in Fig. 1, of the washware 1. However, other locations for attaching the identification or label 2 to the washware 1 are possible.

[0036] Figure 2 shows an attachment 10 according to the invention for a wash ware container 12. The wash ware container is merely optional and does not have to be (but can be) part of the objects according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 2 also shows the washware 1 according to the invention with the identifier 2 attached thereto, as well as the interaction, indicated by the arrow, between the identifier 2 and a reader 11 attached to the attachment 10 for identifying the washware 1 using the identifier 2. The identifier 2 can be present in a label attached to the washware 1. The label can be attached to the underside of the washware 1. The reader 11 can preferably be a passive RFID antenna, which is preferably attached to the attachment 10 (for example, injected).

[0038] The attachment 10 may include one or more spacers for positioning the attachment 10 relative to, and preferably on, the washware container 12. The attachment 10 may have a calibration board for the reading device 11. The calibration board may be integrated into the attachment, for example, molded into it. The attachment 10 may be a plastic frame.

[0039] The attachment 10 according to the invention and the washware 1 according to the invention can form parts of a kit 20 according to the invention. Such a kit 20 can, for example, be provided for use with an existing dishwasher.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a system 1000 according to the invention with a dishwasher 100 according to the invention, a data processing system 101, 104 according to the invention and a computer-readable medium 102 according to the invention. The data processing system can comprise one or more computers 101 that are in communication with a data storage 106 (for example, cloud, database or other storage).

[0041] Figure 3 also shows a treatment zone 103 of the dishwasher 100. By way of example, the reading device 104 is arranged in the treatment zone 103 (e.g., on a ceiling or wall), although preferably behind a plastic cover 105. The side walls (e.g., stainless steel) of the treatment zone 103 can serve as a reflector to more reliably read the identifier of all the wash ware 1 located in the treatment zone 103. In this case, the attachment 10 for the wash ware container, including its reading device 11, is unnecessary. In embodiment I, the identifier 2 attached to the wash ware 1 is read directly by a reading device 104 integrated in the dishwasher, preferably in a contactless manner, in order to temporarily identify the wash ware.

[0042] Alternatively, in embodiment II, device 104 is not used for directly reading the identifier and can be configured accordingly smaller. Device 104 is used together with a reader 11, which is attached to attachment 10 for washware container 12. Reader 11 directly reads the identifier 2 on the washware 1, preferably contactlessly, in order to identify the washware 1 and receives power from device 104. The data read by reader 11 is transmitted to device 104, preferably wirelessly, and forwarded via device 104, for example to computer 101 or a central server. In embodiment I, reader 104, which receives power from the network, also forwards the read data, for example to computer 101 or a central server.The computer 101 or a central server for communication with the data storage 106, which is consulted in both embodiments, to identify, update, and / or query historical washware data for the identified washware in order to validate the washware. Preferably, the reader 11 is a passive RFID antenna, and the reader 104 is an active RFID antenna in both embodiments.

[0043] The components shown in Figure 3 can be used for the processes described below.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a method 400 according to the invention for updating historical washware data.

[0045] The method first comprises reading 401, by a reading device, the identifier of a wash item according to the invention in order to identify the wash item.

[0046] Furthermore, the method then comprises identifying 402, by one or more computers, historical washware data in a data memory, which are assigned to the washware identified by means of the read-out identifier, wherein the identified historical washware data indicate one or more points in time associated with the cleanliness (e.g. hygiene or sterility or freedom from germs) of the identified washware (e.g. times of all previous wash cycles, of the first and / or last wash cycle, expiry date for the use of the washware for reasons of cleanliness) and / or a number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware.

[0047] The method then comprises, in response to a wash cycle undergone by the washware (e.g., during or after the wash cycle), the computer performs an update 403 of the identified historical washware data (e.g., the expiration date or the number of wash cycles performed) in the data memory (e.g., 106) in accordance with the wash cycle undergone by the washware. For example, the time at which the wash cycle is performed can be stored in the historical washware data as the last time a wash cycle was performed for the washware. Alternatively or additionally, the number of wash cycles performed so far in the historical washware data can be incremented by 1. Figure 5 shows a method 500 according to the invention for validating washware.

[0048] The method first comprises reading 501, by a reading device, the identifier of the wash ware according to the invention in order to identify the wash ware.

[0049] The method then comprises accessing 502, by one or more computers, historical washware data (e.g. in data storage such as 106) which is associated with the washware identified by means of the read-out identifier, wherein the historical washware data indicates one or more points in time related to the cleanliness (e.g. hygiene or sterility or freedom from germs) of the identified washware (e.g. times of all previous wash cycles, of the first and / or last wash cycle, expiry date for the use of the washware for reasons of cleanliness) and / or a number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware.

[0050] The method then includes a check 503 by the computer to determine whether the one or more points in time related to the cleanliness of the identified washware and / or the number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware meet a predetermined criterion (e.g., the last wash must not have occurred longer than a predetermined period of time ago, or the expiration date must not have expired or not by a predetermined period of time, or the number of wash cycles must not exceed a predetermined value) for the cleanliness and / or service life of the washware. Depending on the result of the check, the computer outputs an output in the method indicating whether the identified washware may be used.

[0051] This output may preferably be a warning that the items to be washed may no longer be used and / or may comprise a control signal, wherein the control signal is suitable for blocking a machine for using the items to be washed, such as a dishwasher or a system for filling the items to be washed with food (e.g., a dispensing system).

[0052] In other words, in the historical data linked to the washware, the washware can be given a time and date stamp after washing. An expiration period could then be started that determines when the washware should no longer be reused, based on the length of time since the last wash and / or the number of wash cycles performed. This could be determined if the washware identifier must be read before the next use (loading, filling, rinsing, etc.), and the washware may only be used if it is "sufficiently clean" or has "sufficient remaining lifespan" (stored in the history). It could be specified that a washware may not exceed a maximum number of wash cycles (and thus also of usage cycles), as it is assumed that the signs of use and / or wear are too great.

[0053] Furthermore, after washing, a timestamp can be stored in the historical data associated with the washware. This time stamp remains valid for a specific period of time. When filling a system (e.g., pouring at the dispenser), a reader (e.g., RFID reader / transponder) can be used to check whether the washware is still within the specified time frame. If it is not, the filling system blocks the washware from being filled.

[0054] According to a preferred aspect, the historical washware data can include deposit data indicating whether a deposit is available for the identified washware or whether the deposit has been paid out. The customer pays the deposit for the container when purchasing the drink or food. A returnable container recognizes the washware using an identifier (e.g., RFID), returns the customer's deposit, and validates the washware using an RFID reader. The deposit data is updated accordingly. The washware is collected and washed, and the hygiene stamp is applied to the washware using an identifier and reader. Before the washware is dispensed, the washware is reactivated, making it deposit-sensitive again. The deposit data is updated accordingly. The cycle can now begin again.

[0055] These aspects of the invention, individually and in combination, provide means that make the history of an individual item of washware available, particularly for the purposes of cleanliness and / or usability. Individually and in combination, aspects of the invention provide contributions that reduce the likelihood or even ensure that no contaminated and / or overused washware enters or is retained in the cycle.

[0056] Several embodiments have been described. This disclosure may (alternatively) be described by the following numbered aspects.

[0057] Aspects

[0058] 1. A wash item (1) comprising an identifier (2) attached to the wash item (i); characterized in that the identifier (2) uniquely identifies the wash item (1). 2. The wash item (i) according to aspect 1, characterized in that the identifier (2) is designed to be read by a reading device (11, 104), preferably in a contactless manner, in order to identify the wash item (1).

[0059] 3. The item of washing (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the item of washing (1) comprises a machine-readable label (2) attached to the item of washing (1) which contains the identifier.

[0060] 4. The washware (1) according to aspect 3, characterized in that the label (2) comprises an RFID transponder, preferably a passive RFID transponder, which contains the identifier (2).

[0061] 5. The washware (1) according to aspect 4, characterized in that the transponder is an RFID HF transponder or an RFID UHF transponder.

[0062] 6. The wash ware (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the identifier or label (2) is attached to the surface, preferably on the underside of the base, of the wash ware (1).

[0063] 7. A method (400) for updating data associated with a dishware (1), comprising:

[0064] Reading (401), by a reading device (11, 104), the identifier (2) of the wash ware (1) according to any of the preceding aspects in order to identify the wash ware (1);

[0065] Identifying (402), by one or more computers (101), historical washware data in a data memory (106) which are associated with the washware (1) identified by means of the read-out identifier (2), wherein the identified historical washware data indicate one or more points in time associated with the cleanliness (e.g. hygiene or sterility or freedom from germs) of the identified washware (1) and / or a number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware (1); and in response to a wash cycle undergone by the washware (1), updating (403), by the computers (101), the identified historical washware data in the data memory (106) in accordance with the wash cycle undergone by the washware (1).

[0066] 8. The method according to aspect 7, wherein the one or more points in time comprise a point in time of the stored last washing process undergone by the identified washware (1).

[0067] 9. The method according to aspect 7 or 8, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises adding and / or updating the time of the last wash cycle undergone by the identified washware (1) in the historical washware data.

[0068] 10. The method according to aspect 7, 8 or 9, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises incrementing the number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware (1) in the historical washware data.

[0069] 11. The experience according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the one or more points in time associated with the cleanliness of the wash ware (1) comprise a plurality of points in time for respective associated wash processes previously carried out by the identified wash ware (1).

[0070] 12. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the one or more times associated with the cleanliness of the washware (1) comprise one or more expiration dates for a permissible use of the identified washware (i).

[0071] 13. The method according to aspect 12, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises updating the one or more expiration dates for the permitted use of the identified washware (1) in the historical washware data.

[0072] 14. This is carried out according to aspect 12 or 13, wherein the one or more expiry dates indicate until which point in time the items to be washed (1) meet specified requirements for cleanliness, such as hygiene or disinfection or sterilisation.

[0073] 15. The method according to aspect 14, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises updating the point in time up to which the washware (1) meets predetermined cleanliness requirements.

[0074] 16. The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 15, wherein the one or more expiry dates indicate until which point in time the washware (1) is likely to be usable, preferably before unacceptable wear and tear on the washware (1) occurs.

[0075] 17. The method according to aspect 16, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises updating the point in time until which the washware (1) is likely to be usable, preferably before unacceptable wear and tear on the washware (1) occurs.

[0076] 18. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the historical wash ware data comprises deposit data indicating whether a deposit is available or has been paid out for the identified wash ware (1).

[0077] 19. A method (500) for validating washware (1), comprising:

[0078] Reading (501), by a reading device (11, 104), the identifier (2) of the wash ware (1) according to any of the preceding aspects in order to identify the wash ware (1);

[0079] Accessing (502), by one or more computers (101), historical washware data associated with the washware (1) identified by means of the read-out identifier (2), wherein the historical washware data indicate one or more points in time related to the purity (e.g. hygiene or sterility or freedom from germs) of the identified washware (1) and / or a number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware (1);

[0080] Checking (503) by the computer (101) whether the one or more points in time associated with the cleanliness of the identified washware (1) and / or the number of wash cycles previously completed by the identified washware (1) meet a predetermined criterion for the cleanliness and / or service life of the washware (1); and depending on the result of the check, outputting, by the computer (101), an output indicating whether the identified washware (1) may be used.

[0081] 20. The method according to aspect 19, wherein the dispensing takes place before or during a washing process for the identified washware (1).

[0082] 21. The method according to aspect 19 or 20, wherein the output comprises a warning that the infected washware (1) may no longer be used.

[0083] 22. The method according to any of the preceding aspects 19-21, wherein the output comprises a control signal that causes a system for using the washware (1) to be blocked for use of the identified washware (1). 23- The method according to aspect 22, wherein the system comprises a dishwasher (too) for washing the washware (i), and the blocked use comprises washing the identified washware (i).

[0084] 24. The method according to aspect 22 or 23, wherein the installation comprises a machine for filling the wash ware (1) with foodstuffs and the blocked use comprises filling the identified wash ware (1).

[0085] 25. A system for data processing, the system comprising a reading device (11, 104) for reading the identifier (2) of the items to be washed (1) and one or more computers (101) for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding aspects.

[0086] 26. A dishwasher (100) comprising the system of aspect 25.

[0087] 27. The dishwasher (100) according to aspect 26, wherein the reader (104), which preferably comprises an active RFID antenna mounted behind a plastic cover (105), is attached to a housing, a door, a hood or a tank of the dishwasher (100).

[0088] 28. Use of the items to be washed (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 6 for a washing process in a dishwasher (100).

[0089] 29. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause the system to carry out the method according to any one of aspects 7-24.

[0090] 30. A computer-readable medium (102) comprising instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause the system to perform the method of any of aspects 7-24.

[0091] 31. An attachment (10) for a wash ware container (12), comprising: a reading device (11) for reading the identifier (2) of a wash ware (1) arranged in the wash ware container (12) according to any one of aspects 1 to 6.

[0092] 32. The attachment (10) according to aspect 31, wherein the reader (11) is an RFID antenna, preferably a passive RFID antenna.

[0093] 33. The attachment (10) according to aspect 32, wherein the RFID antenna of the reader (11) is an RFID HF antenna or an RFID UHF antenna.

[0094] 34. The attachment (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the attachment (10) is adapted to be mounted on the washware container (12).

[0095] 35. The attachment (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising one or more spacers for positioning the attachment (10) relative to and preferably on the washware container (12).

[0096] 36. The attachment (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a calibration board for the reading device (11).

[0097] 37. The attachment (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the reader (11) is attached to the attachment (10) and preferably is injection-molded. 38. The dishwasher (100) according to aspect 26 or 27, further comprising a washware container (12) to which the attachment (10) according to any one of aspects 31 to 37 is attached.

[0098] 39. A kit (20) comprising: a washware (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects 1-6; and an attachment (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects.

[0099] 40. The kit (20) according to aspect 39, further comprising an active RFID antenna for data and power transmission to the passive RFID antenna, preferably wherein the active antenna is an RFID HF antenna or RFID UHF antenna.

[0100] The description and figures describe preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims. The optional features disclosed in the above description, claims, and drawings can be used both individually and in any combination to implement the subject matter claimed here according to the appended claims in their various forms.

[0101] The various aspects and embodiments described above may be combined to create yet further embodiments. These and other changes may be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the description and claims, but rather to encompass all possible embodiments, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A wash item (1) comprising an identifier (2) attached to the wash item (i); characterized in that the identifier (2) uniquely identifies the wash item (1).

2. The wash ware (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the identifier (2) is designed to be read out by a reading device (11, 104), preferably without contact, in order to identify the wash ware (1).

3. The item of washing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the item of washing (1) comprises a machine-readable label (2) attached to the item of washing (1) which contains the identifier.

4. The washware (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the label (2) comprises an RFID transponder, preferably a passive RFID transponder, which contains the identifier (2).

5. A method (400) for updating data associated with a dishwashing item (1), comprising: Reading (401), by a reading device (11, 104), the identifier (2) of the wash ware (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in order to identify the wash ware (1); Identifying (402), by one or more computers (101), historical washware data in a data memory (106) which are associated with the washware (1) identified by means of the read-out identifier (2), wherein the identified historical washware data indicate one or more points in time associated with the cleanliness of the identified washware (1) and / or a number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware (1); and in response to a wash cycle undergone by the washware (1), updating (403), by the computers (101), the identified historical washware data in the data memory (106) in accordance with the wash cycle undergone by the washware (1).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the one or more points in time comprise a point in time of the stored last washing process undergone by the identified washware (1).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises adding and / or updating the time of the last wash cycle undergone by the identified washware (1) in the historical washware data.

8. The method according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises incrementing the number of wash cycles previously completed by the identified washware (1) in the historical washware data.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, wherein the one or more points in time associated with the cleanliness of the washware (1) comprise one or more expiration dates for permissible use of the identified washware (1). io. The method of claim 9, wherein updating the historical washware data comprises updating the one or more expiration dates for the permitted use of the identified washware (1) in the historical washware data.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the one or more expiry dates indicate until which time the items to be washed (1) meet predetermined cleanliness requirements.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the one or more expiry dates indicate until which point in time the items to be washed (1) are likely to be usable, preferably before unacceptable wear and tear on the items to be washed (1) occurs.

13. A method (500) for validating a wash item (1), comprising: Reading (501), by a reading device (11, 104), the identifier (2) of the wash ware (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 in order to identify the wash ware (1); Accessing (502), by one or more computers (101), historical washware data associated with the washware (1) identified by means of the read-out identifier (2), wherein the historical washware data indicate one or more points in time related to the cleanliness of the identified washware (1) and / or a number of wash cycles previously undergone by the identified washware (1); Checking (503) by the computer (101) whether the one or more points in time associated with the cleanliness of the identified washware (1) and / or the number of wash cycles previously completed by the identified washware (1) meet a predetermined criterion for the cleanliness and / or service life of the washware (1); and depending on the result of the check, outputting, by the computer (101), an output indicating whether the identified washware (1) may be used.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing takes place before or during a washing process for the identified wash ware (1).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the output comprises a warning that the infected washware (1) may no longer be used.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 13-15, wherein the output comprises a control signal that causes a system for using the wash ware (1) to be blocked from using the identified wash ware (1).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the system comprises a dishwasher (100) for washing the items (1) to be washed and the blocked use comprises washing the identified items (1).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the installation comprises a machine for filling the wash ware (1) with foodstuffs and the blocked use comprises filling the identified wash ware (1).

19. A system for data processing, the system comprising a reading device (11, 104) for reading the identifier (2) of the items to be washed (1) and one or more computers (101) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 20. A dishwasher (ioo) comprising the system of claim 19.

21. The dishwasher (100) according to claim 20, wherein the reader (104), which preferably comprises an active RFID antenna mounted behind a plastic cover (105), is attached to a housing, a door, a hood or a tank of the dishwasher (100).

22. Use of the items to be washed (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 for a washing process in a dishwasher (100).

23. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause the system to carry out the method according to any one of claims 5-18.

24. A computer-readable medium (102) comprising instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause that system to perform the method of any one of claims 5-18.

25. An attachment (10) for a wash ware container (12), comprising: a reading device (11) for reading the identifier (2) of a wash ware (1) arranged in the wash ware container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

26. The attachment (10) according to claim 25, wherein the reader (11) is an RFID antenna, preferably a passive RFID antenna.

27. The attachment (10) according to one of claims 25 or 26, wherein the attachment (10) is designed to be attached to the wash ware container (12), preferably to an edge of the wash ware container.

28. A kit (20) comprising: a dishwashing item (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4; and an attachment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 25 to 27.

29. The kit (20) of claim 28, further comprising an active RFID antenna for data and power transmission to the passive RFID antenna, preferably wherein the active antenna is an RFID HF antenna or RFID UHF antenna.

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