Flexible input interface for operating a dishwasher

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method (100) for operating a dishwasher, the method comprising: identifying (105) a control logic (1) in a stored plurality of different control logics (2), and linking (101) the identified control logic to a signal input (3) from a set of one or more signal inputs (4). The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program, a corresponding device (15) for operating a dishwasher, a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, a dishwasher and a use of the device for operating a dishwasher.

Description

[0001] Flexible input interface for operating a dishwasher

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for operating a dishwasher, for the flexible linking of an identified control logic with a signal input, a computer program which causes a computer to carry out this method, a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention, a device for operating a dishwasher using this method, a dishwasher and a use of the device for operating a dishwasher.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Dishwashers typically monitor various physical states to ensure the smooth running of the wash program. Devices capable of measuring physical variables are used to monitor these states. Therefore, a transfer panel connected to the central control system is installed in the dishwasher, to which these devices can be connected. This transfer panel contains both inputs for corresponding devices and outputs for various actuators that can cause changes to the physical state of the dishwasher. According to the state of the art, such an input is assigned to a specific device at the factory.As a result, in order to optimally equip a dishwasher with an ever-increasing number and variety of input devices, as many inputs as possible must be installed, even if not all of these inputs need to be equipped with devices later due to the use of the dishwasher.

[0006] Furthermore, due to the allocation of specific appliances to designated entrances, dishwasher users are limited in their ability to add additional appliances to the dishwasher to those for which their dishwasher still has free entrances. Thus, with current technology, dishwashers can only be adapted to specific needs after delivery to a limited extent.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide means for operating a dishwasher that allows a large number of input devices in the most space-saving manner possible. This object is achieved by a computer-implemented method for operating a dishwasher as defined in claim 1. Claim 21 relates to the execution of the inventive method using a computer program. Claim 22 describes an inventive device designed to carry out the inventive method. Claim 26 relates to a computer-readable storage medium according to the invention, which, when used in combination with a computer, is suitable for carrying out the inventive method. Claim 27 relates to a dishwasher according to the invention that is suitable for being operated using the inventive method.Claim 29 describes the use of a device according to the invention, which is designed to carry out the method according to the invention, for operating a dishwasher. Claims 2 to 20 relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention. Claims 23 to 25 relate to the device according to the invention, designed to carry out the method according to the invention, and further developments thereof. Claims 27 to 28 relate to embodiments of a dishwasher according to the invention, which is suitable for being operated using the method according to the invention. Claim 29 relates to a use of the device according to the invention for operating a dishwasher.

[0009] The invention achieves the described object because the method according to the invention comprises the following: identifying a control logic in a stored plurality of different control logics, and linking the identified control logic to a signal input of a set of one or more signal inputs. The inventors of the present invention have recognized that by storing a plurality of different control logics and the possibility of linking an identified control logic to a signal input, the installed hardware of a dishwasher can be decoupled from the dishwasher's software, thus overcoming the limitations that have existed for years due to the approaches pursued in the prior art.The solution according to the invention allows almost any number and variety of input devices to be connected to the signal inputs of the dishwasher, while at the same time the dishwasher can be designed to be compact.

[0010] The method according to the invention can, in particular, enable space savings when installing transfer strips in dishwashers. Furthermore, the method according to the invention can enable adaptations of a dishwasher after delivery. By identifying a control logic from a plurality of control logics and linking the identified control logic to a signal input from a set of one or more signal inputs, it is possible to reduce the number of installed signal inputs without having to forego functionality, since permanently installed and redundant signal inputs can be removed. Furthermore, by identifying the control logic to be linked based on a received signal, the signal input can be easily linked to a desired identified control logic. This allows the dishwasher to continue to be adapted even after delivery.

[0011] In a preferred aspect, the method according to the invention allows the storage of the plurality of control logics in a list or table. This form of storage is particularly advantageous for identifying a control logic, since indexed data structures, such as lists and tables, allow efficient search logic for identifying a control logic. In a particularly preferred aspect of the invention, each control logic from the plurality of control logics in such a list or table is assigned a type of appliance using a further stored data element, the transmitted signals of which can be evaluated using the corresponding control logic. This assignment makes it possible to avoid technical errors due to incorrect identification or linking. In this way, the number of errors in the operation of a dishwasher can be further minimized.

[0012] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the method according to the invention also comprises receiving a signal, wherein the identification of the control logic is carried out on the basis of the received signal such that the identified control logic corresponds to the received signal. In a particularly preferred aspect of the method according to the invention, the received signal is in the form of data from a device. Based on this data, the type of transmitting device can be recognized, so that the identification of the control logic occurs such that the type of device corresponds to the type of device assigned to the control logic. The data can explicitly contain the type of device or allow inference to be made about it. For example, a device can send certain data, such as temperature data, pressure data, fill level data, etc., based on which the type of device can be recognized.This means that no further intervention is required other than connecting a device to a signal input. This aspect of the invention also allows for further prevention of technical errors due to incorrect identification of a control logic. The received signal can be in the form of measurement data and contain information about the physical state of the dishwasher.

[0013] In a further aspect of the method according to the invention, the signal on the basis of which the control logic is identified can be initiated by a user of the dishwasher. Particularly in cases in which several control logics in the plurality of control logics are assigned to the same type of appliance, the control logic that most closely meets the technical requirement can be identified as precisely as possible. In a particularly preferred aspect of the invention, an identified control logic and an internal address of a signal input linked to the identified control logic are stored. This storage means that the same identification and linking do not have to be carried out repeatedly. This saves computing capacity and speeds up the operation of the dishwasher. This is particularly true in the event of unforeseen interventions in the normal operation of a dishwasher (e.g., power failure, etc.).), but even for typical operations (e.g., switching off), the dishwasher does not need to be reconfigured by re-identifying the control logic and linking it to the signal input. Storing the internal address of the signal input and the identified control logic in association with each other also allows for faster and more efficient re-linking in a subsequent process or when reusing the same appliance. In particular, storing the internal address of the linked signal input in the table in which the multiple control logics are stored enables the advantages of an indexed storage method as described above.

[0014] In one aspect of the method according to the invention, the number of the plurality of stored control logics is greater than the number of signal inputs in the set of signal inputs. This means that no unnecessary or redundant signal inputs need to be installed in the transfer strip of the dishwasher, since, depending on the dishwasher's needs, appropriate links between control logics and the existing signal inputs are possible without linking or having linked signal inputs to control logics that are not necessary for the operation of the dishwasher. In particular, this maximizes the adaptability of the dishwasher while simultaneously saving space.

[0015] In a further aspect of the method according to the invention, each control logic from the plurality of control logics can be linked to at least one, but preferably several, signal inputs. This ensures that when two or more devices of the same type are used, the corresponding control logic does not have to be stored multiple times in the plurality of control logics. Accordingly, the memory does not have to be unnecessarily expanded, and searches among the plurality of control logics to identify a control logic become more efficient because fewer elements need to be searched through.

[0016] In a particularly preferred aspect of the method according to the invention, each signal input from the set of signal inputs can be linked to each control logic from the multitude of control logics. This allows the use of a standardized hardware connection at all signal inputs, thus helping to standardize the device connections of dishwashers and making the corresponding connections more flexible. In particular, however, different connection types can also be installed on the hardware side, which can be independently linked to the same control logic, thus further increasing the independence of the software and hardware of a dishwasher.

[0017] In one aspect of the method according to the invention, the signal arriving at a signal input is processed using identified control logic linked to the signal input. The incoming signal can be in the form of measurement data and contain information about a physical condition of the dishwasher. Processing such a signal using identified control logic can, in particular, represent an analysis of a technical problem within the dishwasher. Thus, problematic physical conditions of the dishwasher can be identified, and solutions can be suggested or implemented based on the processing of the signal.In a particularly preferred aspect of the method according to the invention, an output signal is calculated based on the processed input signal using the identified control logic, which output signal can be output at a signal output from a set of one or more signal outputs. The output of such a signal can lead to an actuator connected to the signal output performing actions that contribute to solving the problem within the dishwasher or to changing the physical state of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the output signal can ensure that an error message is displayed on a suitable display device, so that an external solution to a problem in the operation of the dishwasher or an external change to the physical state of the dishwasher can be suggested.

[0018] In one aspect of the invention, control logic is a sequence of instructions (logic) which is suitable for enabling the control of a dishwasher or for controlling a dishwasher when the control logic is executed. This includes, for example, executable computer programs such as applications, programs for evaluating data, drivers (e.g. for devices connected to the signal inputs), etc. In this case, control logic, depending on an input, leads to an output which is suitable for controlling the dishwasher or for enabling the control of the dishwasher. Control logic can preferably not be understood as individual code snippets, such as individual logic gates, comparisons of values, etc., which cannot enable or bring about control of the dishwasher without further action.

[0019] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become particularly clear from the following detailed description of further preferred embodiments.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention, designed to carry out the method according to the invention and some optional components.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows the multitude of control logics stored in a table.

[0022] Fig. 3 shows the assignment of stored types of devices to the stored plurality of control logics and such a device.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows the reception of a signal in the form of data from a device, the recognition of the device and the identification of a control logic based on this.

[0024] Fig. 5 shows the output of a representation of the plurality of control logics via a playback device and the reception of a signal triggered by a user at a device designed for this purpose.

[0025] Fig. 6 shows the storage of internal addresses of linked signal inputs in association with the identified control logic.

[0026] Fig. 7 shows the linking of a control logic with several signal inputs.

[0027] Fig. 8 shows the output of a calculated output signal at a signal output which is part of a set of one or more signal outputs and an actuator connected to the signal output.

[0028] Fig. 9 shows a dishwasher incorporating the device.

[0029] Fig. 10 shows a process diagram illustrating the method according to the invention.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 15 according to the invention, designed to carry out the method according to the invention and some optional components.

[0032] The device 15 has a computing unit 17 and a memory 16. The device 15 can also have a set of one or more signal inputs 4, or can be connected to one installed in a dishwasher (see 11 in Fig. 9). The computing unit 17 is designed to carry out the method, comprising identifying a control logic 1 in a plurality of different control logics 2 stored in the memory 16, and linking the identified control logic 1 to a signal input 3 from the set of one or more signal inputs 4. This results in the hardware connection of a device (see 7 in Fig. 3) to the dishwasher 11 (see Fig. 9) and the software processing of the signal supplied by the device 7 (see Fig. 3) being decoupled from one another.In particular, the rigid connection of a signal input 3 on a dishwasher, as known in the prior art, is thereby made more flexible, so that the connection of a signal input 3 to an identified control logic is no longer structurally rigid. Accordingly, the existing signal inputs 3 can be linked to the corresponding identified control logic 1 in accordance with the technical requirements of the dishwasher. Unlike previously known, it is therefore also possible to install a smaller number of signal inputs 3, since a separate signal input 3 does not have to be provided for each appliance 7 (see Fig. 3).

[0033] Figure 2 also shows the multitude of control logics 2, preferably stored in a list or table 5 in the memory 16. The advantage of such optional storage lies in the structured form of the list or table 5. This makes it easy, for example, to sort and search lists and tables. The computing power required for this is lower than with storage without a common reference frame.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment (Figure 3), the plurality of control logics 2 are stored in a table 5 in the memory 16 of the device 15. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this also enables the storage of further data elements in the same reference frame. Typically, devices 7 are connected to the signal inputs 3 of a dishwasher 11 (see Figure 9), which communicate via signals with the dishwasher 11 (see Figure 9) or its control unit. The evaluation of such signals in such a case depends on the type of signal. This, in turn, is determined by the type of device 6. The identification of a control logic 1 in this case is based on the type of device 6. Since indexed data structures such as lists or tables enable more efficient search algorithms than individually stored data elements, these are preferable.Storing different types of devices 6 in the same table 5 as the multitude of control logics 2 thus allows more efficient processing of the signal.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each control logic 1 in the plurality of control logics 2 in the table 5 is assigned a type of device 6 whose signals and / or data can be processed using the assigned control logic 1.

[0036] The identification of a control logic 1 for linking to a signal input 3 can be performed in various ways. In a preferred embodiment (Figures 4 and 5), the computing unit 17 of the device 15 receives a signal on the basis of which the identification is performed.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment (Figure 4), the computing unit 17 of the device 15 receives a signal from a device 7 connected to a signal input 3, wherein the signal can be an identification signal which corresponds to the type of device 6 and / or identifies it.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment (Figure 4), the signal is in the form of data to be transmitted from the device 7, which is specific to the type of device 6. For example, a connected device 7 could be a dosing lance with level detection that measures the fill level of the cleaner reservoir (see Figure 9). According to this embodiment, the fill level data transmitted by the dosing lance can represent the signal on the basis of which the control logic 1 to be identified is identified.

[0039] In another particularly preferred embodiment (Figure 5), the plurality of control logics 2 are displayed on a suitable display device 8, so that the user of a dishwasher 11 (see Figure 9), which includes the device 15, can recognize and select the control logic 1 to be identified from the plurality of control logics 2. The signal on the basis of which the control logic 1 to be identified is identified is generated by the user by triggering this signal via a specially designed input device 9. The user selects the control logic 1 to be identified such that it corresponds to the type of appliance 6 that they will connect to the signal input 3 to be linked.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, each signal input 3 in a set of one or more signal inputs 4 has an internal address 10. When linking an identified control logic 1 to a signal input 3, the internal address 10 of the signal input 3 and the identified control logic 1 are stored, so that when using a device 7 at a signal input 3 and recurring inputs of signals, no renewed identification 105 of a control logic and linking 107 of the identified control logic 1 to the signal input 3 is required.

[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment (Figure 6), the internal address 10 of the signal input 3 linked to the identified control logic 1 is stored in the table 5 with the plurality of control logics 2 and the associated types of appliances 6. This enables a continuous linking of a signal input 3 to an identified control logic 1 across multiple uses of the device 15 or the dishwasher 11 (see Figure 9) comprising the device 15. In order to meet as many technical requirements as possible, the adaptability and thus the linkability of the signal inputs 3 in a set of one or more signal inputs 4 should be increased or maximized. This also applies to those users who use multiple appliances 7 of the same type 6 when operating a single device 15 or dishwasher 11 (see Figure 9) comprising the device 15.In a particularly preferred embodiment (Figure 7), the internal addresses 10 of the signal inputs 3 are stored in table 5 and in association with the identified control logics 1 such that multiple internal addresses 10 of signal inputs 3 can be assigned to an identified control logic 1. This also allows for more efficient use of the storage capacity of the memory 16 installed in the device 15.

[0042] Devices 7 connected to the dishwasher 11 (see Fig. 9) are often measuring devices that emit measurement signals describing a physical state of the dishwasher 11 (see Fig. 9) or of the device 7. Based on the signal in the form of data, the dishwasher 11 (see Fig. 9) should preferably be enabled to react to changes in its physical state, if necessary. It is also possible that the user of the dishwasher 11 (see Fig. 9) may have to intervene under certain circumstances, for example, to remove dishes or refill salt. In order to be able to carry out actions independently or to pass on instructions to the user, actuators 14 connected to the transfer bar are advantageous. Signals processed by the computing unit 17 of the device 15 can, in a preferred embodiment (Fig. 8), be output at a signal output 12 from a set of one or more signal outputs 13.An actuator 14 connected to this signal output 12 can, in turn, respond to this signal. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the input signal is processed by the computing unit 17 in such a way that an actuator 14 connected to the signal output 12, in the form of a display device, is prompted to display an error message to the user.

[0043] Figure 9 shows a dishwasher 11, which comprises a set of one or more signal inputs 4, a set of one or more signal outputs 13, a playback 8 and input device 9, an actuator 14, and the device 15 according to the invention. A device 7 is connected to a signal input 3, and the corresponding identified control logic 1 is linked to the signal input 3. The link can, as described above, be based on a signal triggered by a user at a suitable input device 9 or on a signal sent by the device 7 connected to the signal input 3. The corresponding identified control logic 1 is assigned to the type of device 6, so that no technical errors arise due to an incorrect link.Furthermore, the internal address 10 of the signal input 3 is stored in association with the identified control logic 1, so that upon repeated execution of a process or upon repeated receipt of data from the device 7, no re-identification and re-linking of the control logic 1 is necessary. The output signal calculated on the basis of the incoming signal using the identified control logic 1 is output via the signal output 12 to an actuator 14, which can then bring about a change in the physical state of the dishwasher 11. Furthermore, the actuator can be a suitable device for reproducing signals, such as a display device 8 on which an error message is displayed or a warning light indicating a specific technical problem or a specific physical state of the dishwasher 11 that needs to be changed.

[0044] Figure 10 shows a process diagram illustrating the inventive method 100 for operating a dishwasher with essential and optional operations.

[0045] In optional operation 101, the method may begin by outputting a representation of the plurality of control logic via a rendering device.

[0046] In optional operation 102, a signal is received. In optional operation 103, the transmitting device is identified based on the received signal in the form of data. In optional operation 104, the signal is triggered by a user at a suitable device.

[0047] In operation 105, a control logic is identified in a plurality of stored control logics.

[0048] In optional operation 106, the control logic is identified based on the received signal to correspond thereto.

[0049] In operation 107, the identified control logic is linked to a signal input from a set of one or more signal inputs.

[0050] In the optional operation 108, the identified control logic and an internal address of the linked signal input are stored.

[0051] In the optional operation 109, the identified control logic and the internal address of the linked signal input are stored in association with each other.

[0052] In optional operation 110, the signal received at the signal input is processed. In optional operation 111, an output signal for operating, in particular controlling, the dishwasher is calculated based on the processed signal received at the signal input.

[0053] In optional operation 112, the calculated output signal is output at one signal output from a set of one or more signal outputs.

[0054] The various exemplary aspects and embodiments described above may be combined. These and other changes may be made to the embodiments in light of the above description to provide still further embodiments of the subject matter claimed by the following claims. 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.

[0055] REFERENCE SYMBOL

[0056] (Identified) Control Logic 1

[0057] Variety of control logics 2

[0058] Signal input 3

[0059] Set of one or more signal inputs 4

[0060] List or Table 5

[0061] Device type 6 assigned to a control logic

[0062] Device 7

[0063] Playback device 8

[0064] Input device 9

[0065] Internal address of a signal input 10

[0066] Dishwasher 11

[0067] Signal output 12

[0068] Set of one or more signal outputs 13

[0069] Actor 14

[0070] Device 15

[0071] Memory 16

[0072] Computing unit 17

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A computer-implemented method (100) for operating a dishwasher, the method comprising: Identifying (105) a control logic (1) in a stored plurality of different control logics (2), and Linking (101) the identified control logic to a signal input (3) from a set of one or more signal inputs (4).

2. A method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the stored plurality of control logics (2) is stored in the form of a list or table (5).

3. A method (100) according to claim 2, wherein each control logic (1) of the stored plurality of control logics (2) is assigned a type of device (7) by means of a data element (6) stored in the list or table (5).

4. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Receiving (102) a signal, wherein the identification (105) of the control logic (1) is carried out (106) on the basis of the received signal such that the identified control logic corresponds to the received signal.

5. A method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Receiving (102) a signal in the form of data from a device (7) at the signal input (3); and Recognizing (103) a type of transmitting device (7), preferably based on the received data, wherein the identification (105) of the control logic (1), preferably based on the received data, is carried out in such a way that the identified control logic (1) corresponds to the recognized device (7).

6. A method (100) according to claim 4, further comprising: Outputting (107) a representation of the plurality of control logics (2) via a playback device (8).

7. A method (100) according to claim 6, wherein the signal is triggered (104) by a user on a device (9) designed for this purpose, preferably after the representation of the plurality of control logics has been output via the playback device.

8. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: storing (108) the identified control logic (1) and an internal address (10) of the linked signal input (3).

9. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Storing (108) the identified control logic (1) in association (109) with the internal address (10) of the linked signal input (3).

10. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of the stored plurality of control logics is as large as, or greater than, the number of linkable signal inputs in the set of signal inputs (4).

11. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each control logic (1) in the plurality of control logics (2) is connectable to a plurality of signal inputs (3) in the set of signal inputs (4).

12. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each signal input (3) in the set of signal inputs (4) is connectable to each control logic (1) of the plurality of control logics (2).

13. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal arriving at the signal input (3) is sent by a device (7).

14. A method (100) according to claim 13, wherein the signal received at the signal input (3) transmits information about a physical state of the dishwasher (11) which is measured by the device (7).

15. A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Processing (110) the signal arriving at the signal input (3) using the identified control logic (1).

16. A method (100) according to claim 15, further comprising: Calculating (111) an output signal based on the signal received at the signal input (3) processed by the identified control logic.

17. A method (100) according to claim 16, further comprising: Outputting (112) the calculated output signal at a signal output (12) which is part of a set of one or more signal outputs (13).

18. A method (100) according to claim 17, wherein the output signal is configured, in the case of an actuator connected to the signal output, to cause the actuator to perform an action.

19. A method (100) according to claim 18, wherein the action comprises causing a change in a physical state of the dishwasher (11).

20. A method (100) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the action comprises issuing an error message.

21. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the one or more signal inputs from the set of signal inputs are present as a hardware interface and / or as terminals.

22. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein each control logic of at least one Part of the stored multitude of control logics is an executable computer program.

23. A computer program designed so that, when executed by a computer, the computer is caused to carry out the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

24. A device (15) for operating a dishwasher, comprising: a memory (16) configured to store a plurality of signal logics; and a computing unit (17) configured to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 22.

25. A device according to claim 24, wherein the memory (16) is designed to store a list or table (5) with the plurality of signal logics (2) and corresponding associated devices (7).

26. A device according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising: a set of one or more signal inputs (4) adapted to receive signals.

27. A device according to claim 24 to 26, further comprising: a set of one or more signal outputs (13) configured to output signals.

28. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to claims 1-22.

29. A dishwasher, characterized by: a device according to claims 24 to 27.

30. A dishwasher characterized by: a computer and a computer-readable storage medium according to claim 28.

31. The use of a device according to claims 24 to 27 for operating, preferably controlling, a dishwasher.

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