Method and control unit for locking a user interface of a household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance user interfaces face inefficiencies in child lock functionality, including increased cost due to dedicated control elements and user forgetfulness in activating the lock, leading to unprotected interfaces from child or animal inputs.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that analyzes sequences of user interactions on the interface, classifying them as normal or abnormal using machine learning, and automatically locks the interface if an abnormal sequence is detected, utilizing training data from multiple appliances to differentiate between typical and random usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated control element for child lock is added, then the child lock function becomes more reliable, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it normally controls appliance operations and simultaneously monitors actuation sequences to detect abnormal patterns indicating child interaction. This eliminates the need for a dedicated child lock control element while maintaining reliable child protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects abnormal actuation sequences and locks the user interface without requiring user intervention to activate the child lock function. The control unit self-monitors and self-activates protection based on detected patterns.
2Reliability
If the child lock function is made automatic through sequence detection, then user forgetfulness is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors actuation sequences and provides feedback by comparing detected patterns against stored normal sequences. When abnormal patterns are detected, the system responds by locking the interface, creating a closed-loop protection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Normal actuation sequences are pre-stored in the control unit during appliance operation. These reference sequences enable the system to quickly compare and identify abnormal patterns without requiring complex real-time analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If normal actuation sequences are stored during appliance operation, then the system adapts to user behavior, but the loss of time for data collection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously collects and stores actuation sequences during normal appliance operation. This ongoing data collection occurs in the background without interrupting or delaying appliance functionality, converting otherwise wasted operational time into useful training data accumulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit is provided for controlling a user interface of a household appliance which includes a set of control elements. The control unit is configured to detect a sequence of actuations of the set of control elements, and to classify the detected sequence of actuations as being a normal sequence or an abnormal sequence. The control unit is configured to cause the user interface to be locked, if the detected sequence of actuations is classified to be an abnormal sequence. A household appliance having a user interface and a method for controlling a user interface are also provided.