DETERMINING A STATE OF A DOMESTIC APPLIANCE

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure concern the determination of evaluation data, for example to determine a condition of a treatment chamber of a household appliance.

BACKGROUND

Devices and methods for controlling and/or regulating household appliances such as washing machines or tumble dryers are known from the state of the art. The aim in operating such household appliances is typically to achieve a high degree of user-friendliness and at the same time the best possible result (in the case of a washing machine, in particular, the most immaculate cleaning result possible).

If, for example, increased soiling is to be taken into account, a user must take this into account manually, for example, and select an appropriate program or detergent. Approaches are known in which parameters of the household appliance are automatically adjusted before executing a cleaning program in order to achieve the best possible result. For example, parameters of the household appliance are configured to parameters defined by the detergent used. Therefore, for example, the washing program of a washing machine is configured to the detergent used.

The disadvantage is that in many situations and scenarios the result to be achieved is still in need of improvement.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Devices and methods for acquiring sensor data, determining evaluation data, and outputting the evaluation data are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes acquiring the sensor data by a sensor, wherein the sensor data at least partially represents a progression of data over a predetermined time interval. The progression represented by the sensor data maps a curve progression over the predetermined time interval. Evaluation data is determined that is indicative of a treatment chamber of a household appliance, where the evaluation data is based at least in part on the sensor data. Determining the evaluation data further includes determining a characteristic pattern mapped by the curve progression. The evaluation data is output. A device includes features to perform the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system as contemplated herein;

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment according to a method based on the first aspect of the present disclosure, as carried out e.g. by a dosing unit 100 according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment according to a method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, e.g. a dosing device 100 according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4b shows a first set of sensor data determined by an acceleration sensor, e.g. comprised by a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents an acceleration curve as a curve progression;

FIG. 5a shows a device 100 (e.g. device 100 according to FIG. 1) schematically in a condition placed in a treatment chamber 310 (e.g. a drum) of a household appliance (e.g. household appliance 300 according to FIG. 1) before a wetting phase of a cleaning program to be carried out by the household appliance;

FIG. 5b shows a device 100 (e.g. device 100 according to FIG. 1) schematically in a condition placed in a treatment chamber 310 (e.g. a drum) of a household appliance (e.g. household appliance 300 according to FIG. 1) after or during a wetting phase of a cleaning program to be performed by the household appliance;

FIG. 5c shows a second set of sensor data determined by an acceleration sensor, e.g. included in a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents an acceleration curve as a curve progression;

FIG. 5d shows a third set of sensor data determined by an acceleration sensor, e.g. included in a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents an acceleration curve as curve progression;

FIG. 6b shows a fourth set of sensor data determined by an acceleration sensor, e.g. included in a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents an acceleration curve as a curve progression;

FIG. 7a shows a schematic curve progression of determined sensor data for a full load of the treatment chamber of a household appliance (e.g. household appliance 300 according to FIG. 1)

FIG. 7b shows a schematic curve progression of determined sensor data for an average load of the treatment chamber of a household appliance (e.g. household appliance 300 according to FIG. 1);

FIG. 7c shows a schematic curve progression of determined sensor data for a small load of the treatment chamber of a household appliance (e.g. household appliance 300 according to FIG. 1);

FIG. 8 shows a first set of sensor data determined by a magnetic field sensor, e.g. included in a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents a curve progression;

FIG. 9 shows a second set of sensor data determined by a magnetic field sensor, e.g. included in a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents a curve progression;

FIG. 10 shows a third set of sensor data determined by a magnetic field sensor, e.g. included in a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents a curve progression; and

FIG. 11 shows a fourth set of sensor data determined by a magnetic field sensor, e.g. included in a device 100 according to FIG. 1, which in this case represents a curve progression.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the subject matter as described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

Against the background of the state of the art as presented, the task of the present disclosure is to variably improve the result to be achieved with a household appliance with respect to the many possible situations and scenarios and to ensure the highest possible reliability of the devices used.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method is described, performed by at least one first device comprising:

- acquiring at least one set of sensor data, wherein the at least one set of sensor data is acquired by at least one sensor;
- determining one set of evaluation data indicative of a condition of a treatment chamber of a household appliance, wherein the evaluation data is determined at least in part based on the acquired sensor data; and
- outputting or causing the output of the specific evaluation data.

This method may, for example, be executed and/or controlled by a device, e.g. a dosing device or a device that may also be placed in the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, “household appliance” means household appliances for textile treatment, in particular textile washing machines, tumble dryers or ironing devices. Dishwashing appliances, such as dishwashers, are not household appliances within the meaning of the present disclosure.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a device is disclosed, in particular for use in a household appliance, the device being configured or comprising corresponding components to execute and/or control a method according to the first aspect. Devices of the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure are or comprise in particular one or more devices according to this second aspect of the present disclosure.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a device is disclosed for use in a household appliance, wherein the device is configured or comprises corresponding components to execute and/or control a method according to the first aspect. Devices of the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure are or comprise in particular one or more devices according to this second aspect of the present disclosure.

The device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is, for example, a dosing device for dispensing a preparation comprising treatment agents, fragrances, detergents and/or cleaning agents. The device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is for example a sensor device for detecting sensor data concerning the treatment process (e.g. cleaning program) in the household appliance. The device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is, for example, a dosing device in combination with a sensor device comprising, for example, one acceleration sensor, in particular in a common casing.

Alternatively or additionally, the components of the device according to the second aspect may further comprise one or more sensors and/or one or more communication interfaces.

A communication interface is to be understood, for example, as a wireless communication interface and/or a wired communication interface.

A wireless communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wireless communication technology. An example of a wireless communication technology is a local radio network technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and/or Near Field Communication (NFC) and/or Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth version 2.1 and/or 4.0) and/or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). RFID and NFC, for example, are specified according to ISO standards 18000, 11784/11785 and IS O/IEC standards 14443-A and 15693. WLAN, for example, is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.11 family Another example of a wireless communication technology is a supra-local radio network technology such as a mobile radio technology, for example Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and/or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE). The GSM, UMTS and LTE specifications are maintained and developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

A wired communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wired communication technology. Examples of a wired communication technology are a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or a bus system, for example a Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus) and/or a Universal Serial Bus (USB). CAN bus, for example, is specified according to ISO standard ISO 11898. LAN, for example, is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family. It is understood that the output module and/or the sensor module may also include other features not listed.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, an alternative device is also described, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are adapted to execute and/or control with the at least one processor at least one method according to the first aspect. A processor is to be understood, for example, as a control unit, a microprocessor, a micro-control unit such as a micro-controller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

An exemplary device, for example, further comprises features for storing data such as a program memory and/or a working memory. For example, an exemplary device as contemplated herein further comprises features for receiving and/or sending data via a network such as a network interface. Exemplary devices as contemplated herein are, for example, interconnected and/or connectable via one or more networks.

An exemplary device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is or comprises, for example, a data processing system which is configured in terms of software and/or hardware to be able to carry out the respective steps of an exemplary method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. Examples of data processing equipment are a computer, a desktop computer, a server, a thin client and/or a portable computer (mobile device), such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable, a personal digital assistant or a smartphone.

Individual method steps of the method according to the first aspect (for example the acquisition of at least one set of sensor data, e.g. by employing the at least one sensor) may be performed with a sensor device which also has at least one sensor element comprising the at least one sensor. Likewise, individual method steps (for example determining the evaluation data) may be performed by a further device, which is connected to the device in particular via a communication network.

Further devices may be envisaged, for example a server and/or, for example, a part or a component of a server cloud, which provides data processing resources dynamically for different users in a communication system. In particular, a server cloud is understood to be a data processing infrastructure according to the definition of the “National Institute for Standards and Technology” (NIST) for the term “cloud computing”.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is also described which comprises program instructions which cause a processor to execute and/or control a method according to the first aspect when the computer program is executed on the processor. An exemplary program as contemplated herein may be stored in or on a computer-readable storage medium containing one or more programs.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program according to the first aspect is also described. A computer-readable storage medium may, for example, be a magnetic, electrical, electro-magnetic, optical and/or other type of storage medium. Such a computer-readable storage medium is preferably physical (i.e. “touchable”), for example, it is designed as a data storage media device. Such data storage media device is for example portable or permanently installed in a device. Examples of such data storage media device are volatile or non-volatile memories with random access (RAM) like NOR flash memory or with sequential access like NAND flash memory and/or memory with read-only access (ROM) or read-write access. Computer-readable is to be understood, for example, as meaning that the storage medium may be read and/or written by a computer or a data processing system, for example by a processor.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a system is also described comprising several devices, in particular devices according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, such as a dosing device and a server, which together execute and/or control the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

The system further comprises at least one household appliance, for example a washing machine and/or a tumble dryer. The system according to the third aspect may comprise further devices and/or features, for example a communication network and/or a server.

The system may optionally further comprise at least one server or server cloud that executes and/or controls in particular the determination of the evaluation data.

Thereby, at least one device may communicate with the household appliance, in particular wirelessly communicate with the household appliance. In addition, the at least one device may, for example, communicate with the at least one server or the server cloud.

Exemplary features and exemplary embodiments according to all aspects are described in more detail below:

A household appliance is understood to be, in particular, a washing machine, in particular also a (laundry) dryer and/or a washer-dryer (a combination of a washing machine and a dryer). A household appliance may have a treatment chamber, which is designed to receive objects such as textiles and to subject them to a treatment inside the treatment chamber, for example cleaning and/or drying.

The temperature range intended for the treatment chamber of a household appliance during a treatment is approximately 20° C. to 150° C., in particular from about 20° C. to about 75° C. or from about 30° C. to about 60° C. Accordingly, the at least one sensor is designed to operate within the above-mentioned temperature range.

The sensor data may, for example, be at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and/or acceleration, in particular of the device and/or of the casing and/or of the treatment chamber), magnetic flux density, conductivity (for example of a substance inside the treatment chamber such as water and/or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor) and/or temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment chamber and/or the temperature of a substance in the treatment chamber such as water. Correspondingly, several sensors may be intended, which are configured for the acquisition of several sets of sensor data, e.g. an acceleration sensor (accelerometer), a magnetic field sensor, a conductivity sensor and/or a temperature sensor (e.g. a thermocouple), just to name a few non-limiting examples. Furthermore, a sensor in the sense of the present subject-matter may be understood to be, for example, a mechanical sensor (e.g. a pressure sensor) and/or an optical sensor (e.g. a CCD sensor).

The evaluation data is, for example, indicative of whether or not a device which may be placed in the treatment chamber of the household appliance and which comprises at least one sensor—hereinafter also referred to as a device—is located in the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

As already briefly explained above, the device may be a device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. For example, the device is a dosing unit. The device and/or the dosing device comprises in particular the at least one sensor.

The dosing device and/or device is designed to be placed in the treatment chamber of the household appliance and has, in particular, an appropriate size that allows the dosing device and/or device to be at least partially removed from the treatment chamber. In particular, the dosing device and/or the device may be placed loosely and/or without connecting components in the treatment chamber. For example, in the case of a washing machine or dryer, the dosing device or the device is to be placed inside and/or removed from the treatment chamber together with the objects to be cleaned. In particular, a casing of the dosing device or device encloses some or all of the components of the dosing device or device partially or completely. In particular, the casing is designed to be watertight so that some or all of the components do not come into contact with water when the dosing device or the device is placed in a treatment chamber, for example the treatment chamber of a washing machine, and in particular during a treatment.

The device according to the second aspect is in particular a mobile and/or portable device and/or a device different from the household appliance. By a mobile and/or portable device is meant, for example, a device whose external dimensions are smaller than about 30 cm×about 30 cm×about 30 cm, preferably smaller than about 15 cm×about 15 cm×about 15 cm. A device other than a household appliance is, for example, a device that has no functional and/or structural connection with the household appliance and/or is not a part that is permanently connected to the household appliance. For example, a mobile and/or portable device as well as a device that is different from a household appliance shall be understood as a device that is placed (e.g. inserted) by a user in the washing and/or cleaning area—in particular in the treatment chamber—of the household appliance (e.g. the washing drum of a washing machine) for the duration of a treatment process (e.g. cleaning program). An example of such a mobile and/or portable device, which is different from a household appliance, is a dosing device, which is placed in the washing drum of a washing machine before the start of the washing process.

The device and/or the dosing device may have at least one output module which is designed to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment chamber of the household device and/or to trigger an output. The output of a preparation, for example, comprising washing and/or cleaning agents, is to be understood, for example, as meaning that the preparation is output to the environment of the output module and/or a storage container for the preparation. The output is carried out, for example, by the output module. Alternatively or additionally, output may be affected by the output module, e.g. the output module causes the preparation to be output through the storage container. For example, the output module causes the preparation to be output through an output opening of the output module and/or the storage container to the environment of the output module and/or the storage container.

For example, determining the evaluation data may be performed and/or controlled by the device according to the second aspect, whereas the acquisition of the at least one set of sensor data is also performed and/or controlled by this device. Alternatively, determining the evaluation data may be performed and/or controlled by a server or a server cloud. In the latter case, the acquisition of the at least one set of sensor data is performed and/or controlled by a device different from the server or server cloud.

For example, the at least one server is a remote server. This at least one remote server has, for example, a connection to a communication network (e.g. the Internet). Via this communication network, for example, the dosing unit or device may communicate with the server. The communication between the device and the at least one server is in particular bidirectional communication. To enable communication with the server, the communication interface of the device is configured to establish a connection with this communication network (e.g. the Internet).

The storage container data represents a property of a preparation contained in the storage container, such as washing and/or cleaning agents. Such storage container data, which is characteristic of a property of a preparation contained in a storage container, is to be understood, for example, as data which represents and/or contains one or more indications of a chemical and/or physical property of the preparation, of the type of preparation and/or for identification of the preparation. By a chemical and/or physical property is meant, for example, a chemical and/or physical composition of the preparation and/or the physical condition of the preparation (e.g. solid, liquid or gaseous). For example, the storage container data represents values of one or more physical and/or chemical quantities (e.g. one or more values of physical and/or chemical quantities describing one or more properties of the preparation). An indication of a type of preparation comprising a detergent and/or cleaning agent indicates for example whether it is a heavy-duty detergent, a mild detergent, a coloreds detergent, disinfectant and/or another type of detergent and/or cleaning agent and/or which ingredients and/or builder composition the detergent and/or cleaning agent has. An example of an indication for the identification of the preparation is, for example, an identifier for the identification of the preparation such as a product name and/or a product number.

The device and/or the dosing device may, for example, comprise a storage container. This is configured, for example, to contain a preparation (e.g. a certain amount of a detergent and/or cleaning agent). For example, the storage container has one or more storage compartments to hold the preparation. If the storage container has several storage compartments, each of the storage compartments may, for example, contain a different preparation such as a different detergent and/or cleaning product and/or a different mixture of detergents and/or cleaning agents. For example, the storage container may have a specific spatial shape (e.g. cube-shaped, spherical and/or plate-like). For example, the storage container may be at least partially dimensionally stable. Alternatively or additionally, the storage container may, for example, be at least partially flexible, for example as a flexible packaging material (e.g. as a tube and/or a bag). It is understood that the storage container may also be designed as an at least partially flexible container surrounded by an at least partially dimensionally stable receptacle, for example as a bag in a substantially dimensionally stable frame.

The preparation, in particular a washing and/or cleaning agent, is contained in the storage container, for example in solid, liquid and/or gaseous form. For example, the preparation is a pure substance and/or a mixture of substances. A solid preparation, such as a detergent and/or cleaning agent, may be contained in the storage container, for example in powder, tablet and/or tab form. A liquid preparation may, for example, be contained in the storage container as a gel, concentrated and/or diluted solution. It is understood that the preparation may also be contained in the storage container as foam, rigid foam, emulsion, suspension and/or aerosol. Non-exclusive examples of preparations or detergents and/or cleaning agents and/or their ingredients are one or more components from a group of components comprising surfactants, alkalis, builders, graying inhibitors, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleaching agents, soil release polymers, fillers, plasticizers, fragrances, dyes, care substances, acids, starch, isomalt, sugar, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyetherimide, silicone derivatives and/or polymethylimines. Other non-exhaustive examples of exemplary ingredients are bleach activators, complexing agents, builders, electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH-adjusting agents, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, hydrotropes, silicone oils, bentonites, anti-redeposition agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-crease agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, anti-static agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, phobic or impregnating agents, swelling or slipping agents and/or UV absorbers.

The condition of the treatment chamber may also be represented by certain evaluation data, which is indicative of the fact that no statement may be made about the (e.g. prevailing) condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance, since it cannot be determined, for example, whether the acquired sensor data is actually relevant or not for the condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance. This may be the case, for example, if the acquired sensor data was acquired at a point in time or within a period of time at which the sensor data used to acquire the at least one set of sensor data was not inside the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

The output or the initiation of the output of the evaluation data may trigger control and/or regulation, e.g. dispensing of at least one preparation into the treatment chamber of the household appliance or trigger such output. This may be done in such a way that the household appliance takes the evaluation data into account. Such a cleaning program of the household appliance may, for example, be selected, or an already selected cleaning program of the household appliance may be adapted, which takes into account the load condition of the treatment chamber, if the evaluation data contains or represents corresponding data. For example, a cleaning program that carries out particularly intensive cleaning may be selected if, for example, the treatment chamber is particularly fully loaded.

Alternatively or in addition, a recommendation for a cleaning program to be carried out may, for example, be issued, e.g. via a display device of the household appliance, or issued to an electronic device having or comprising a display device (e.g. a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable, to name but a few non-limiting examples). On the basis of the output, a user may, for example, manually select an appropriate cleaning program or change an already selected cleaning program (e.g. change the temperature, duration, or other special parameters (e.g. spinning speed of a washing machine-type household appliance, just to name a few non-limiting examples)). This, in particular, makes it possible to use the device with household appliances that cannot be controlled and/or regulated automatically. In this case, the evaluation data is output to the electronic device containing or comprising the display device.

For example, outputting or causing the output of evaluation data may also result in control of the household appliance, such as switching the household appliance on and/or off. With respect to the switching on and/or off of the household appliance, it may be influenced, for example, whether (at all) the household appliance is switched on and/or off and/or at what time (time, date, or e.g. immediately) the household appliance is switched on and/or off. For example, the evaluation data, which is determined at least partially based on the sensor data acquired, may provide such feedback to the household appliance that it knows that, for example, the treatment chamber of the household appliance is fully (or almost fully) loaded. Furthermore, the output or causing the output of the evaluation data may additionally inform the household appliance about the type of load (e.g., laundry, color of the laundry, or a combination thereof, to name only a few non-limiting examples), so that the selection, composition, and/or dosing of a cleaning program to be performed by the household appliance and/or a cleaning agent to be used for the household appliance may be influenced. Thus, for example, the amount to be dosed (e.g. the amount of detergent in a washing machine), the dosing time, the product to be dosed or individual ingredients (e.g. soil release polymers, bleaches, enzymes, hygiene rinse agents in a washing machine, to name but a few non-limiting examples) or combinations thereof may be influenced. The compatibility of combinations of ingredients may also be taken into account to avoid incompatibility (e.g. bleaching agents and enzymes).

Influencing the operating mode of the household appliance may, for example, include selecting a specific (e.g. preprogrammed) program, running additional programs, influencing the program time (e.g. lengthening or shortening), changing individual parameters of the cleaning program (in the case of a washing machine, for example, the temperature, spin speed, or similar).

Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that not only control and/or regulation of the household appliance is automated, but also that the user is given a recommendation by the output or the initiation of the output of the evaluation data. For example, it is possible that in addition to an automated adjustment of the household appliance, manual pretreatment (e.g. of clothes) may be necessary. Such a recommendation may be displayed or communicated to the user by employing a display device—as described above.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the acquired sensor data represents at least partially a progression of the data acquired by the at least one sensor over a predetermined time.

Accordingly, the at least one set of sensor data comprises more than one set of data (e.g. measured values) acquired by the at least one sensor. For example, the at least one sensor may acquire data (e.g. measured values) several times at a predetermined time interval. Alternatively, the at least one sensor may continuously acquire data, e.g. for the duration of a predetermined time interval, e.g. over an interval of e.g. from about 1 to about 10 seconds, from about 2 to about 8 seconds, from about 3 to about 7 seconds, from about 4 to about 6 seconds, or preferably about 5 seconds. It is understood that the interval may deviate from these values if it is reasonable, e.g. the entire duration of a cleaning program carried out by the household appliance or similar.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor is an acceleration sensor and/or a magnetic field sensor.

Furthermore, in the event that the acquired at least one set of sensor data is determined by an acceleration sensor and a magnetic field sensor, the sensor data may include, for example, two independent measurement series. Alternatively, dedicated sensor data from each of the sensors (acceleration sensor and magnetic field sensor) may be determined as first and second sensor data.

An acceleration sensor is a sensor that measures its acceleration. This is done, for example, by determining the inertial force acting on a mass of the acceleration sensor. Thus it may, for example, be determined whether there is an increase or decrease in speed.

Accordingly, the sensor data may in particular include further data acquired by other sensors included in the device (e.g. temperature sensor, optical sensor, conductivity sensor, or a combination of these, to name but a few non-limiting examples).

For example, the sensor data may be determined or acquired by at least one magnetic field sensor. Such a magnetic field sensor is also called a magnetometer. In particular, a magnetic field sensor is a sensor device for measuring magnetic flux densities. Magnetic flux densities are measured in the unit Tesla (T). Such a magnetic field sensor may, for example, be a magnetic field sensor based on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System).

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the data determined by the acceleration sensor and/or magnetic field sensor is at least partially indicative of motion.

A movement of the device is exemplified, for example, by a movement of the device comprising the acceleration sensor and/or the magnetic field sensor, by a movement path, or a combination thereof, comprising one or more degrees of freedom. For example, the one or more degrees of freedom and/or the motion path may represent a distance covered by the device. For example, the further the distance traveled, the more likely it is that the household appliance has a smaller load. This is possible, for example, because the device may move more with a smaller load, e.g. in a treatment chamber of a washing machine, or the movement of the device is less restricted by laundry in the treatment chamber of the washing machine.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the sensor data determined by the acceleration sensor is acquired by a measurement of an acceleration to which the acceleration sensor is subjected and/or the sensor data determined by the magnetic field sensor is acquired by a measurement of a magnetic flux density measurable at the magnetic field sensor.

For example, an acceleration sensor may represent a motion sensor. A motion sensor of this type may, for example, detect a change in position. For example, a movement may be detected by an acceleration sensor in such a way that, for example, movements are calculated as an integration of detected data (e.g. measured values) from an acceleration sensor. For example, the position of the device may be determined in this way, e.g. in the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

The sensor data acquired by the acceleration sensor represents, for example, an acceleration and/or movement of the device, e.g. inside the treatment chamber of the household appliance. Furthermore, the data acquired by the acceleration sensor represents a certain position of the device, e.g. inside the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

The at least one magnetic field sensor is especially designed to detect changes (even the smallest) relative to the earth's magnetic field as data (e.g. measured value).

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the progression represented by the at least one set of sensor data represents a curve as a curve progression, whereby the curve progression is represented over a predetermined time interval.

Such a curve progression is represented in particular by sensor data, which comprises more than one measured value as data. The progression of the curve is generated by mapping at least two measured values over a time axis in a two-dimensional coordinate system, with the amplitude of the measured value being plotted over the y-axis. In this way, points may be determined in the coordinate system. The points mapped in the coordinate system may be connected with each other and/or to each other. The result is a curve progression. The determination of the evaluation data may also be based at least partially on such a curve progression. Further details and features are explained in the following of this general description.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the determination of the evaluation data comprises a determination of one or more characteristic patterns represented by the curve progression.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more characteristic patterns represented by the curve progression represents one or more of the following characteristic patterns i) to iii):

i) harmonious oscillation pattern;

ii) (e.g. uniform or characteristic) pattern of one or more pauses; and

(iii) disharmonious oscillation pattern.

The curve progression, for example, represents a progression of a harmonious and/or a disharmonious sinusoidal oscillation. The curve progression represents, for example, a progression of a harmonious and a disharmonious sinusoidal oscillation, for example, by representing a harmonious sinusoidal oscillation over a first period of time and a disharmonious oscillation over a second period of time (e.g. immediately following the first period of time).

If, for example, the determined sensor data represents an essentially uniform harmonious oscillation behavior (e.g. the curve progression represented by the sensor data equals or resembles such an oscillation behavior), this corresponds, for example, to rotating the treatment chamber of the household appliance. If, for example, the magnetic field sensor detects such a curve progression, independent of the spatial axis (e.g. x-, y- and/or z-axis), it may be clearly recognized that the treatment chamber of the household appliance is moving (e.g. a rotation of a washing machine drum). Accordingly, it may be determined that, for example, a cleaning program has been started by the household appliance and the device is definitely located inside the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

If, for example, the determined sensor data represents one or more pauses through which, for example, a uniform harmonious oscillation behavior (e.g. the curve progression equals or resembles such an oscillation behavior) is interrupted, the determined sensor data may be characteristic of a specific cleaning program carried out by the household appliance, so that the cleaning program carried out may be identified. These pauses may, for example, occur at certain intervals, also known as pause behavior, whereby these certain intervals of the pauses are characteristic of one of many possible cleaning programs that may be carried out by the household appliance. Thus, at least partially based on such a pause behavior, an identification (e.g. by employing an analysis and a database query in a so-called look-up table) of the cleaning program performed by the household appliance may be concluded.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, frequency data is determined, wherein the frequency data is indicative of a frequency of a rotational movement of the treatment chamber of the household appliance, and wherein the frequency data is determined at least partially based on the detected sensor data.

The frequency data represents, for example, a value in the unit revolutions per minute (in short: rpm). In this way, a spinning speed or other characteristic number of revolutions of the treatment chamber of a household appliance designed as a washing machine, dryer or washer-dryer may be determined. For example, a status of a cleaning program carried out by the household appliance may be determined at least partially based on the frequency data.

For example, in order to determine whether or not a spinning process is taking place as part of a cleaning program carried out by a household appliance designed as a washing machine, or to determine the speed of the treatment chamber (e.g. in a washing machine, washer-dryer and dryer), data determined by the magnetic field sensor may be evaluated. In this case, for example, the rotational speed of the treatment chamber is at least approximately determined or determined (e.g. calculated) based at least in part on the duration of an oscillation amplitude (e.g. from a first zero crossing to a second zero crossing), or a frequency of such oscillation amplitudes, to name only a few non-limiting examples

An embodiment according to all aspects of the present disclosure stipulates that the data determined by the acceleration sensor is at least partially indicative of a load condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

The data determined by the acceleration sensor is at least partially indicative of a load condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance. The data determined by the acceleration sensor represents, for example, whether the treatment chamber of the household appliance is loaded or not. In addition, the data determined by the acceleration sensor may represent how full (e.g. as a percentage of the maximum possible capacity) the treatment chamber of the household appliance is loaded (or filled).

In case the data determined by the acceleration sensor characterizes a relatively frequent movement of the device (e.g. little movement within a time interval, e.g. of about 5 seconds; e.g. more than one movement per second), it is possible to find out that the treatment chamber of the household appliance has a correspondingly small load. If the data determined by the acceleration sensor characterizes a relatively infrequent movement of the device (e.g. only one movement per second), it may be determined that the treatment chamber of the household appliance is fully loaded. In training cases, for example, a slightly loaded and a fully loaded treatment chamber may be present, and the acceleration sensor may be used to acquire corresponding patterns (as data) characterizing the respective condition. These may be stored in a database as reference values, for example. Furthermore, depending on the conditions of the treatment chamber, recommendations for dispensing and/or triggering the output of preparation into the treatment chamber may be defined by the household appliance in the database, for example, to ensure a particularly reliable cleaning result. In addition or alternatively, depending for example on the condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance, recommendations for the cleaning program to be carried out by the household appliance may be included in the database. The data stored in the database or included in the database may be used, for example, to control both the device and the household appliance.

The curve progression represented by the data may, for example, also be evaluated in such a way that in the case of a household appliance (e.g. a household appliance designed as a washing machine) a filling quantity or a filling level (e.g. as a percentage of the maximum possible filling quantity set at about 100%) of the treatment chamber is determined.

If, for example, there is no harmonious sinusoidal oscillation as a curve progression represented by the sensor data, this behavior is characteristic for a treatment chamber load of less than about 50% of the maximum possible treatment chamber load. With larger load quantities up to about 100% of the maximum possible load quantity of the treatment chamber, the behavior (or movement) of the device changes. This is represented, for example, by the curve progression of the determined sensor data. Inside the treatment chamber, the movement of the device changes, whereby this is represented by the curve progression, which represents the oscillation behavior as a harmonious oscillation (e.g. a sinusoidal curve progression).

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, control and/or regulation of a further device, in particular the household appliance and/or a device usable in the household appliance, is executed and/or controlled at least partially based on the evaluation data output.

In particular, based on the evaluation data provided, dispensing and/or causing the output of a preparation may be performed and/or prevented.

The control and/or regulation of the device that may be placed in the treatment chamber of the household appliance for dispensing the preparation on the part of the at least one output module is based at least partially on the sensor data. If the acquired sensor data represents, for example, a movement of the treatment chamber, e.g. in a washing machine, the dispensing and/or triggering of the output of the preparation may, for example, be prevented until there is no (longer) movement of the treatment chamber. Further possible scenarios are, for example, that a movement of the device has been detected based on the acquired sensor data, but not, for example, a further rotation of the device relative to the movement of the treatment chamber, e.g. in a washing machine. This may indicate, for example, that the device is wrapped in a load (e.g. laundry) in the treatment chamber of the washing machine. Similarly, the dispensing and/or triggering of the output of the preparation may also be inhibited until the device is no longer wrapped up, for example, since this allows, in particular, improved dispensing and/or triggering of the output of the preparation.

For example, the output module comprises a control unit and at least one actuator, wherein the control unit is configured to control the actuator. For example, the control unit is configured to control the actuator in such a way that a movement of the actuator is affected. For example, the movement of the actuator causes a preparation to be dispensed. For example, the control unit is configured to control the actuator in such a way that the preparation is dispensed in accordance with the output parameters specified by the output control data and/or the output of the preparation contained in the storage container (e.g. by the storage container) is effected in accordance with the output parameters specified by the output control data. The control unit is controlled and/or regulated, for example, based on the output evaluation data.

An actuator is to be understood as a movable component of the output module. For example, the actuator is configured in such a way that, when it moves and the storage container is connected to the output module, it causes the preparation to be dispensed. Examples of an actuator are a pump (e.g. a peristaltic pump), a valve and/or a motor (e.g. a linear motor). If the actuator is a pump, the control unit controls the pump for outputting the preparation, for example, in such a way that the pump transports the preparation from the storage container to an output opening (e.g. an output opening of the storage container and/or the output module). If the actuator is a valve, the valve is configured, for example, to close an output opening (e.g. an output opening of the storage container and/or the output module). To output the preparation, the control unit controls the valve, for example, so that the valve opens so that the preparation may flow out of the output opening.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the evaluation data is at least partially indicative of a placement of a device comprising the at least one sensor and usable in the treatment chamber of the household appliance inside this treatment chamber of the household appliance.

Whether the device is placed inside the treatment chamber of the household appliance or not may be determined by employing the curve progression represented by the sensor data, as already explained above.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be determined by location data, for example, whether the device is located inside the treatment chamber of the household appliance or not. The location data may, for example, be acquired as data from a GPS sensor or the like. Since the data acquired by a GPS sensor that represents the specific location may be inaccurate, it is possible to alternatively or additionally determine the signal attenuation of a communication signal (e.g. WLAN signal). If the device is placed inside the treatment chamber of the household appliance, received communication signals are attenuated. Such data may, for example, be acquired by a communication module that is included in the device, to give just one non-limiting example.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the evaluation data is at least partially indicative of a status of the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

The status of the treatment chamber of the household appliance is exemplified, for example, by a cleaning program carried out by the household appliance. For example, such a cleaning program carries out different cleaning steps, whereby the individual cleaning steps differ from each other, for example, by physical and/or chemical parameters. To give just a few non-limiting examples, a physical parameter may be indicative of whether or not movement of the treatment chamber takes place. For example, a chemical parameter may be indicative of whether or not a preparation is dosed to treat objects placed in the treatment chamber of the household appliance. For example, the preparation may be dosed in one cleaning step in order to clean the objects placed in the treatment chamber as efficiently as possible. On the other hand, only water may be present in the treatment chamber in a further cleaning step, for example to rinse textiles with clear water that were previously cleaned with the preparation.

In an arrangement according to all aspects of the present disclosure, the data determined by the acceleration sensor is at least partially indicative of a status of a cleaning program carried out by the household appliance.

The status of the cleaning program performed by the household appliance represents, for example, an identification of the status of the cleaning program that corresponds, for example, to the current and performed step of the cleaning program by the device. This may, at least in part, be based on the data determined by the acceleration sensor or on several sets of data determined by the acceleration sensor, which reflect or include one or more parameters exemplifying the condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance. A parameter exemplifying the condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance also represents, for example, temperature, liquid level (e.g. water), and number of revolutions of the treatment chamber of a household appliance designed as a washing machine, to name only a few non-limiting examples.

At least partially based on the determined status of the cleaning program executed by the household appliance, it is possible, for example, to control and/or regulate the device or to determine a possible control and/or regulation of the device that is intended to be executed. For example, control and/or regulation of the device may be carried out or possible control and/or regulation of the device intended for execution may be determined, at which point in time (date, time, step of the cleaning program, or similar) dispensing or triggering outputting preparation (e.g. cleaning agent), a consideration of the nature and/or type (e g manufacturer and device identification number) of the household appliance, and/or whether or not dispensing or triggering outputting preparation (e.g. cleaning agent) should take place when a step of the cleaning program (e.g. turning of the treatment chamber in a household appliance designed as a washing machine) should take place or not.

For this purpose, for example, a query may be made to a database that is stored in a memory (locally in the device, or centrally, e.g. in a server) in which, for example, historical data is stored. On the basis of this historical data, for example, the control and/or regulation of the device may be performed or possible control and/or regulation of the device intended for execution may be determined. The use of historical data may, in particular, be combined with the use of an artificial neural network. Further details on the use of an artificial neural network are given in the general description below.

For example, according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprises acquiring and/or obtaining sensor data characteristic of the condition of a treatment chamber of the household appliance and determining and/or effecting the determination of evaluation data at least partially dependent on the sensor data. The sensor data represents, for example, measured values of one or more physical and/or chemical variables which are characteristic of the condition of the treatment chamber and/or the device, for example of the washing and/or cleaning process, such as a temperature of the washing and/or cleaning liquor, a duration of the washing and/or cleaning process and/or a concentration of washing and/or cleaning agents in the washing and/or cleaning liquor.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the present disclosure, the determination of the evaluation data is performed by employing an artificial neural network.

For example, the sensor data may be communicated (e.g. transmitted) to a server that comprises an artificial neural network or is connected to it. Determining the evaluation data, which is indicative of whether or not the device that may be placed in the treatment chamber of the household appliance is located in the treatment chamber of the household appliance, may then be determined using the artificial neural network. The result may then be communicated to the device and/or the household appliance.

The artificial neural network includes, for example, an evaluation algorithm, so that, for example, training cases may be learned from as examples and these may be generalized after the learning phase as a basis for determining a result. This means that the examples are not simply applied, but patterns and regularities in the learning data are recognized. Different approaches may be followed for this purpose. For example, supervised learning, partially supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforced learning and/or active learning may be used. Supervised learning may, for example, be carried out using an artificial neural network (e.g. a recurrent neural network) or a support vector machine. Unsupervised learning may also be performed by employing an artificial neural network (e.g. an auto encoder). The learning data are, for example, sensor data received several times or the output variables (or results) of the artificial neural network determined after one cycle.

It is also possible that the repeated receipt and/or determination of sensor data or output variables are used for machine learning. For example, a user profile or one or more sets of the data contained in the user profile may be determined at least partially based on machine learning.

These measures may increase the reliability of the determination of the evaluation data, on the basis of which, for example, control and/or regulation of the device and/or the household appliance and subsequently, in particular, the treatment by the household appliance, in particular for the removal of soiling, may take place.

Each of the training cases may be given, for example, by an input vector, sensor data and an output vector of the artificial neural network.

Each training case of the training cases may, for example, be generated by converting the evaluation data associated with the training case and dispensing or triggering of the output of a preparation in the treatment chamber of the household appliance into a predetermined condition (e.g. defined soiling in the treatment chamber of the household appliance), and then generating sensor data representative of sensor data characteristic of the condition of the treatment chamber, and at the same time performing an analysis of the condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance, e.g. manually. The determined sensor data is transmitted as an input vector, the (actual) condition from the treatment chamber of the household appliance as an output vector of the training case.

The evaluation data may, for example, comprise one or more output parameters for the device. Examples of an output parameter are an output quantity, an output time, output temperature and/or output duration. For example, an output parameter specifies an output quantity, an output time, output temperature and/or output duration for the output. The fact that evaluation data is configured to at least partially control the output through the output module shall be understood as meaning that evaluation data causes the output module to dispense the preparation according to the output parameters specified by the evaluation data. For example, the output module of the device is configured to dispense the preparation contained in the storage container according to the output parameters specified by the evaluation data and/or to cause the output of the preparation contained in the storage container (e.g. by the storage container) according to the output parameters specified by the evaluation data when the storage container is connected to the output module.

Determining the evaluation data at least partially dependent on the storage container data shall mean, for example, that the evaluation data is selected and/or calculated at least partially dependent on the storage container data.

It is also disclosed that an acceleration sensor and/or a magnetic field sensor is used in a dosing device, in particular a device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure for a household appliance, wherein the acceleration sensor is configured to acquire sensor data characteristic of the condition of the treatment chamber of the household appliance and/or the device, and wherein the sensor data at least partially represents data determined by the at least one acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor or the device comprising the acceleration sensor may be designed according to individual or several features described above.

In particular, the previous or following description of method steps according to preferred embodiments of a method should also reveal corresponding features for carrying out the method steps by preferred embodiments of a device. Likewise, by the disclosure of employing a device for performing a method step, the corresponding method step shall also be disclosed.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the continuing detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, especially in connection with the Figures. The Figures, however, are only intended to clarify, but not to determine the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The Figures are not to scale and are merely intended to illustrate the general concept of the present disclosure. In particular, features included in the Figures are not intended to be considered as a necessary element of the present disclosure. The Figures, even though described above, are also described below to clarify the subsequent discussion.