An article-distribution system for a dishwasher is provided having a camera assembly directed at a rack assembly of the dishwasher, a display screen spaced apart from the rack assembly, and a controller in operative communication with the camera assembly and the display screen. The controller may be configured to direct a dishwasher coverage operation. The dishwasher coverage operation may include receiving an image of the rack assembly from the camera assembly, identifying an uncleanable article, presenting the image at the display screen, and overlaying an identifier onto the presentation of the image based on the identified uncleanable article. The step of identifying the uncleanable article may be based on the received image. The uncleanable article may be in in an uncleanable position within the rack assembly.

A discrete zone energy transmission system is provided. The system includes an object treatment area, an array of energy transmission elements configured to direct energy toward predetermined zones in the treatment area, a sensor configured to detect a presence and a location of an object in the treatment area, and a controller in communication with the array of energy transmission elements and the sensor. The controller is configured to receive presence and location data from the sensor, assign the data to the predetermined zones, and control an operation of the array of energy transmission elements to selectively radiate energy from the array of energy transmission elements only toward a select number of zones in the object treatment area based on the presence and location data, thereby selectively radiating the energy from the array of energy transmission elements only toward the object in the treatment area.

A discrete zone energy transmission system is provided. The system includes an object treatment area, an array of energy transmission elements configured to direct energy toward predetermined zones in the treatment area, a sensor configured to detect a presence and a location of an object in the treatment area, and a controller in communication with the array of energy transmission elements and the sensor. The controller is configured to receive presence and location data from the sensor, assign the data to the predetermined zones, and control an operation of the array of energy transmission elements to selectively radiate energy from the array of energy transmission elements only toward a select number of zones in the object treatment area based on the presence and location data, thereby selectively radiating the energy from the array of energy transmission elements only toward the object in the treatment area.

A method and dishwasher utilize one or more tubular spray elements that are both rotatable about longitudinal axes thereof and discretely directable by one or more tubular spray element drives between a plurality of rotational positions about the longitudinal axes thereof. Thus, through the provision of discretely directable tubular spray elements, fluid such as wash fluid and/or pressurized air may be focused in a wash tub, in many cases providing more efficient resource usage in the dishwasher.

A method and dishwasher utilize one or more tubular spray elements that are both rotatable about longitudinal axes thereof and discretely directable by one or more tubular spray element drives between a plurality of rotational positions about the longitudinal axes thereof. Thus, through the provision of discretely directable tubular spray elements, fluid such as wash fluid and/or pressurized air may be focused in a wash tub, in many cases providing more efficient resource usage in the dishwasher.

A method and apparatus for operating a dishwasher as a humidifier. The method includes, in response to an input indicating a humidifying cycle of operation, implementing the humidifying cycle of operation. The humidifying cycle of operation can include generating moisture-laden air within a treating chamber of the dishwasher and emitting the generated moisture-laden air to an exterior surrounding the dishwasher. The dishwasher implementing the humidifying cycle of operation or the dish treating cycle of operation, where the humidifying cycle and the dish treating cycle are not simultaneously implemented.

A method and apparatus for operating a dishwasher as a humidifier. The method includes, in response to an input indicating a humidifying cycle of operation, implementing the humidifying cycle of operation. The humidifying cycle of operation can include generating moisture-laden air within a treating chamber of the dishwasher and emitting the generated moisture-laden air to an exterior surrounding the dishwasher. The dishwasher implementing the humidifying cycle of operation or the dish treating cycle of operation, where the humidifying cycle and the dish treating cycle are not simultaneously implemented.

A conveyor for transporting dishes, in particular drinking containers, through at least one treatment zone of a dishwasher and/or for feeding dishes to the dishwasher. The conveyor includes a circulating conveyor system, a plurality of retaining elements connected to the circulating conveyor system and configured in order to releasably receive and/or releasably retain drinking containers, in particular in a positively locking manner and preferably at least in a sectionally or partially positively locking manner, and a support system for at least partially and/or sectionally supporting the drinking containers, received by the retaining elements.

A conveyor for transporting dishes, in particular drinking containers, through at least one treatment zone of a dishwasher and/or for feeding dishes to the dishwasher. The conveyor includes a circulating conveyor system, a plurality of retaining elements connected to the circulating conveyor system and configured in order to releasably receive and/or releasably retain drinking containers, in particular in a positively locking manner and preferably at least in a sectionally or partially positively locking manner, and a support system for at least partially and/or sectionally supporting the drinking containers, received by the retaining elements.

A cleaning method and cleaning apparatus for a dishwasher, and a dishwasher. The cleaning method for a dishwasher includes acquiring a first image of tableware in a dishwasher, identifying the type of dirt on the tableware according to the first image, determining a corresponding washing mode according to the type of dirt, controlling the dishwasher to successively clean the tableware according to the washing mode, each time after the cleaning is completed, acquiring a second image of the tableware in the dishwasher, and comparing the first image with the second image, to determine the effectiveness of the washing mode. In this way, the problem in the prior art of it being impossible to accurately identify the type of dirt can be solved, and an appropriate washing mode is matched for the current type of dirt, to realize thorough cleaning, and less time is consumed, the efficiency is high, and less water energy and electric energy are used.