Method for operating a domestic appliance, domestic appliance, and computer program [product]

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a domestic appliance (1), in particular a coffee machine (11), having a display (2) and a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) accesses a process memory (4) and a media memory (5), comprising the steps of: a) detecting an input for carrying out a specific process (41, or 42, or 43), from a selection of a plurality of processes (41, 42, 43) stored in the process memory (4), using the domestic appliance (1), b) carrying out the specific process (41, or 42, or 43) using the domestic appliance (1) and outputting a display content on the display (2), wherein the following steps are comprised during steps a) and / or b): c) determining media contents (51, 52, 53) which do not represent the specific process (41, or 42, or 43) in the media memory (5), and is characterised in particular in that the following steps are comprised during step b) and / or c): d) comparing an expected running time of the specific process (41, or 42, or 43) stored in the process memory (4) with a listing of time markers (61, 62, 63) of the media contents (51, 52, 53), in particular determined in step c), said listing being stored in the media memory, e) selecting a specific media content (51, or 52, or 53) of the media contents (51, 52, 53) on the basis of the classification thereof in the listing according to step d), f) outputting the specific media content (51, or 52, or 53) selected according to step e) in the display content. The invention also relates to a domestic appliance (1), in particular a coffee machine (11), having a correspondingly programmed control device (3), and to a corresponding computer program [product] comprising corresponding commands.

Description

[0001] 202302261

[0002] 1 / 14

[0003] Method for operating a household appliance, as well as household appliance and computer program [product]

[0004] The present application relates to a method for operating a household appliance, a corresponding household appliance, in particular a corresponding coffee machine, and a related computer program [product].

[0005] It is known that vending machines in fast-food restaurants, retail stores, or kiosks can display a selection of different beverages on a screen, such as a selection of various carbonated branded drinks. It is also known, for example, from WO 2015 191 276 A1, that advertising material for the selected carbonated branded drink, or for complementary flavorings, can be displayed on the screen based on pre-programmed instructions.

[0006] However, such blatant advertising can be perceived as irritating with household appliances such as coffee machines. Furthermore, waiting times can occur with such appliances, for example, from selecting a coffee drink until it is ready, which are often perceived as disruptive or boring.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the aforementioned disadvantages, in particular to increase ease of use and especially to positively influence the perception of waiting times.

[0008] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1, by a coffee machine according to claim 9, and by a computer program product according to claim 10. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The inventive method for operating a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine, with a display and a control device, in which the control device accesses a process memory and a media memory, comprises the steps: 202302261

[0010] 2 / 14 a) capturing an input for executing a specific process, from a selection of several processes stored in the process memory, with the household appliance, b) executing the specific process with the household appliance and outputting a display content on the display, wherein the following steps are included during steps a) and / or b): c) identifying media content not representing the specific process in the media memory, characterized in that the following steps are included during steps b) and / or c): d) comparing an expected runtime of the specific process stored in the process memory with a list of time markers stored in the media memory, of the media content identified, in particular in step c), e) selecting a specific media content from the media content based on its classification in the list according to step d).f) Display the specific media content selected according to step e in the display content.

[0011] In this context, a specific process should be understood to mean, in particular (but not exclusively), a preparation process for a specific beverage, e.g., an espresso preparation process with which an espresso is prepared.

[0012] This not only increases user-friendliness, because media content relevant to the selected process can be displayed, making the content more engaging and / or interesting, but it can also positively influence the perception of waiting times if the media content is precisely tailored to the process, for example, by being perfectly aligned with its length or selected to match the specific process duration.

[0013] In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, the list is sorted according to ascending time markers, and in step e) one in the list is selected, e.g. based on its time marker, as the first to be completely completed within the expected timeframe.

[0014] 3 / 14

[0015] The media content is selected based on its reproducible runtime. This allows for the simple selection of the content that can most reliably be played back completely within the expected runtime of the process. In this way, the perceived waiting time can be positively influenced in a particularly simple and subtle manner.

[0016] The time marker can, for example, but is not limited to, the runtime of a video. It can also include viewing or processing time by users. This is because, for some types of media content, this viewing or processing time can far exceed the actual runtime of the video.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the list is sorted according to ascending time markers, and in step e), the media content that is the last in the list to be fully reproducible within the expected runtime is selected. This allows for a particularly simple selection of the content that best matches the expected runtime of the process. Thus, the perception of the waiting time can be positively influenced in a particularly simple way.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the time markers take into account the runtime of the respective media content. This is particularly advantageous if the viewing or processing time of operators is already included in the runtime of the media content. The time marker can then be aligned particularly easily and yet with the expected runtime of the specific process with corresponding accuracy.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive method, the time markers take into account the last previous retrieval time of the respective media content. This allows for simple and precise control over whether specific media content should be repeated more frequently in succession, or whether repetition should be prevented for as long as possible. For example, with media content containing a so-called daily motto or a weather forecast for the following day, a direct repetition or more frequent repetition on 202302261

[0020] The 4 / 14 corresponding day may well be desirable and can be advantageously achieved through further training. Conversely, with jokes or games, a repetition can be advantageously prevented for as long as possible. The advantageous further training mentioned here can make all of this particularly easy.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the last previous retrieval time is given priority over the runtime. This makes it particularly easy to prevent a specific media content, such as the daily motto or the weather forecast for the following day, from not being selected because other media content would be a better fit for the expected runtime of the process.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the selection according to step e) is carried out on a person-specific basis for specifically identified operators. This advantageously avoids the fundamental idea of ​​the aspects mentioned above being undermined by, for example, alternating operation. Without this embodiment, for instance, if two operators alternately access the same process and two corresponding media contents are displayed alternately, each operator would always see the same media content. This embodiment advantageously prevents such an occurrence or influences it even more precisely.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the process memory comprises at least three process memory groups, in particular an espresso beverage memory group, a milk-based beverage memory group, and a cleaning and / or maintenance process group. The media memory comprises at least three media memory groups, in particular a weather and headlines group, a games, puzzles, and short health exercise group, and a long health exercise, series, and film group, wherein each of the media memory groups is / are assigned to one of the process memory groups. The weather and headlines group can, in particular, include not only weather data and classic headlines, which may also have a location reference, but also headlines relating to specific promotional offers that match a determined user preference. This specific reference prevents the content from being perceived as irritating.The games, puzzles, 202302261.

[0024] The 5 / 14 and Short Health Exercises group can include familiar games and puzzles, as well as short stretching or activation exercises, or individual units from well-known health exercise programs, such as short yoga exercise instructions, for example, instructions for performing the yoga poses "Tree," "Cobra," or "Warrior," etc. The Long Health Exercises, Series, and Film group can include complete, well-known health exercise programs, or longer excerpts or compilations of several coordinated or complementary individual exercises, such as a yoga workout, an aerobics class, etc. This grouping can significantly reduce access and / or loading times, which in itself can further improve the perception of waiting times.However, this also allows for targeted influence on the creation of media content for a specific group. This is because a targeted approach to an average preference distribution can be easily taken into account.

[0025] A solution to the aforementioned problem is also provided by a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine, with a display and a control device, wherein the control device accesses a process memory and a media memory, characterized in that the control device is set up and programmed to carry out the steps of the method described herein. This allows the household appliance, in particular the coffee machine, on the one hand, and the method on the other, to be particularly advantageously coordinated, thus significantly increasing ease of use and positively influencing the perception of waiting times.

[0026] A solution to the aforementioned problem is also provided by a computer program [product] comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a control device, in particular that of a household appliance, most preferably that of a coffee machine, cause the control device to carry out the steps of the procedure described herein. This allows, for example, the control device of the coffee machine to be programmed accordingly by implementing the computer program [product] via an internet interface using an app. Thus, for example, even coffee machines already delivered with 202302261

[0027] 6 / 14 corresponding devices, which currently lack the necessary programming, can be easily retrofitted via an update or a corresponding app using an internet connection. This also provides a particularly sustainable solution to the aforementioned task.

[0028] The principle of the invention will now be explained in more detail using a drawing as an example. The drawing shows:

[0029] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a coffee machine with a display in front view when dispensing the specific media content “51”,

[0030] Fig. 2: a schematic representation of the coffee machine according to Figure 1 at the

[0031] Output of the specific media content “52”,

[0032] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of the coffee machine according to Figure 1 at the

[0033] Output of the specific media content “53”, and

[0034] Fig. 4: a representation according to Figure 1

[0035] Figure 1 shows a household appliance 1 designed as a coffee machine 11, with a display 2 and a control device 3, wherein the control device 3 accesses a process memory 4 and a media memory 5. The control device 3 is programmed to be operated by a method comprising the steps: a) acquiring an input to execute a specific process 41 from a selection of several processes 41, 42, 43 stored in the process memory 4 with the household appliance 1; b) executing the specific process 41 with the household appliance 1 and outputting a display content on the display 2, wherein the following steps are included during steps a and / or b: c) retrieving media content 51, 52, 53 in the media memory 5 that does not represent the specific process 41, characterized in that the following steps are included during steps b and / or c: 202302261

[0036] 7 / 14 d) compare an expected runtime of the specific process 41 stored in process memory 4 with a list of time markers 61, 62, 63 of the media content 51, 52, 53, determined in particular in step c), stored in media memory, e) select a specific media content 51 of the media content 51, 52, 53 based on its classification in the list according to step d), f) output the specific media content 51 selected according to step e in the display content.

[0037] In the figures, reference symbols 41, 42, and 43 represent several processes stored in process memory 4, which can be both selected and executed. Therefore, on the depicted coffee machine 11, both the respective input options for execution and the collection containers for the specific process result (espresso cup 41, cappuccino cup 42, cleaning container 43) are labeled with the respective reference symbols 41, 42, and 43. This is not intended as a contradiction, but rather to clarify the corresponding assignment without assigning a separate reference symbol to the collection containers.

[0038] The list is sorted according to ascending time markers 61, 62, 63, and in step e), the media content 51, 52, 53 that is the first in the list to be fully reproducible within the expected runtime is selected. However, the time markers 61, 62, 63 take into account the runtime of the respective media content 51, 52, 53 and a previous access time of the respective media content 51, 52, 53, with the previous access time taking precedence over the runtime. Furthermore, the selection according to step e) is person-specific for identified operators. This ensures that the shortest media content 51, 52, 53 that is fully reproducible within the expected runtime is selected, while avoiding direct repetitions, except in cases such as...a special daily theme such as "Merry Christmas" or a daily weather report.

[0039] For this purpose, the process memory 4 can, as can be seen in Figure 4, have three process memory groups 4a, 4b, 4c, namely an espresso beverage memory group 4a, 202302261

[0040] 8 / 14 a milk-based beverage storage group 4b and a cleaning and / or care process group 4c, and the media storage 5 comprises three media storage groups 5a, 5b, 5c, namely a weather and headlines group 5a, a games, puzzles and short health exercises group 5b and a long health exercises, series and film group 5c. Each of the media storage groups 5a, 5b, 5c is assigned to one of the process storage groups 4a, 4b, 4c (not specifically shown in Figure 2).

[0041] In Figures 1 and 4, a hatched arrow stylizes the selection of specific process 41 by an operator and the recording of a corresponding input to execute specific process 41. It also shows that a suitable container for the specific process result (espresso cup 41) has been provided. Accordingly, the specific media content 51 is also displayed. In contrast, Figure 2 stylizes the selection of process 42, the recording of a corresponding input to execute specific process 42, the provision of a cappuccino cup 42, and the corresponding display of the specific media content 52.In Figure 3, the hatched arrow indicates that process 43 is selected and a corresponding input for executing the specific process 43 is recorded, a cleaning container 43 has been provided and accordingly the specific media content 53 is also output in the display content.

[0042] In the present example, the control device 3 is set up and programmed to perform the steps of the procedure described here. This is achieved in this example by a computer program [product] that includes commands which, when the program is executed by the control device 3 of the coffee machine 11, cause the control device 3 to perform the steps of the procedure described here. The control device 3 of the coffee machine 11 was programmed accordingly in this example by implementing a computer program [product] directly in the control device 3 via an internet interface (not shown) using an app (not shown). These details are not illustrated in the figures. However, this not only enables the ease of use to 202302261

[0043] 9 / 14 increase and especially positively influence the perception of waiting times, but also achieve this in a particularly sustainable way.

[0044] The components shown in the exemplary embodiment, such as the display 2 and the control device 3, as well as their relative sizes, are not to be considered to scale. Rather, individual elements, such as the process memory 4 and the media memory 5, may be depicted as exaggeratedly thick or large for better clarity and / or understanding. These can, however, be advantageously implemented within the control device 3. The explanation of the inventive method and the coffee machine 11 with reference to the described exemplary embodiments is not to be considered a limitation of the invention to these. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature and every combination of features, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly specified in the claims or the exemplary embodiments.

[0045] 202302261

[0046] 10 / 14

[0047] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0048] 1 household appliance

[0049] 11 coffee machines

[0050] 2 Display

[0051] 3 Control device

[0052] 4 Process memory

[0053] 41 first process

[0054] 42 second trial

[0055] 43 third process

[0056] 4a Espresso drink storage group

[0057] 4b Milk-based mixed beverage storage group

[0058] 4c Cleaning and / or Maintenance Process Group

[0059] 5 Media storage

[0060] 51 first media content

[0061] 52 second media content

[0062] 53 third media content

[0063] 5a Weather and Headlines Group

[0064] 5b Games, puzzles and short health exercise group

[0065] 5c Long-term health exercise, series and film group

[0066] 61 first time marker

[0067] 62 second time marker

[0068] 63 third time marker

Claims

202302261 11 / 14 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Method for operating a household appliance (1), in particular a coffee machine (11), with a display (2) and a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) accesses a process memory (4) and a media memory (5), comprising the steps: a) acquiring an input for executing a specific process (41, 42, or 43) from a selection of several processes (41, 42, 43) stored in the process memory (4) with the household appliance (1), b) executing the specific process (41, 42, or 43) with the household appliance (1) and outputting a display content on the display (2), wherein the following steps are included during steps a) and / or b): c) determining not the specific process (41, 42, or 43).43) representing media content (51, 52, 53) in the media memory (5), characterized in that the following steps are included during step b) and / or c): d) comparing an expected runtime of the specific process (41, 42, or 43) stored in the process memory (4) with a list of time markers (61, 62, 63) of the media content (51, 52, 53), determined in particular in step c), stored in the media memory; e) selecting a specific media content (51, 52, or 53) from the media content (51, 52, 53) based on its classification in the list according to step d); f) outputting the specific media content (51, 52, or 53) selected according to step e) in the display content.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the list is sorted according to ascending time markers (61 , 62, 63) and in step e) one of the media contents (51 , 52, 53) is selected in the list as the first to be fully reproducible within the expected running time. 202302261 12 / 14 3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the list is sorted according to ascending time markers and in step e) the media content (51 , 52, 53) that is the last in the list to be fully reproducible within the expected running time is selected.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the time markers (61 , 62, 63) take into account the runtime of the respective media content (51 , 52, or 53).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the time markers (61 , 62, 63) take into account a last previous retrieval time of the respective media content (51 , 52, or 53).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the last previous retrieval time is given priority over the runtime.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the selection according to step e) is carried out in a person-specific manner for specifically identified operators.

8. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the process memory (4) comprises at least three process memory groups (4a, 4b, 4c), in particular an espresso beverage memory group (4a), a milk-based mixed beverage memory group (4b) and a cleaning and / or maintenance process group (4c), and the media memory (5) comprises at least three media memory groups (5a, 5b, 5c), in particular a weather and headlines group (5a), a games, puzzles and short health exercises group (5b) and a long health exercises, series and film group (5c), and that each of the media memory groups (5a, 5b, or 5c) is / are assigned to one of the process memory groups (4a, 4b, or 4c).

9. Household appliance (1), in particular a coffee machine (11), with a display (2) and a control device (3), wherein the control device (3) is directed to a 202302261 13 / 14 accesses process memory (4) and a media memory (5), characterized in that the control device (3) is set up and programmed to perform the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Computer program [product], comprising instructions that are executed during the execution of the Program by means of a control device (3), in particular that of a household appliance (1), especially preferably that of a coffee machine (11), causing the control device (3) to carry out the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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