Monitoring of loading and/or unloading of dishwasher machines

Abstract

Among other things, a method is disclosed which comprises the following: acquiring at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values; determining at least one set of evaluation data at least partially based on the acquired acceleration data, wherein determining the evaluation data comprises determining whether one or more characteristic actions have been performed by a user, and if so, performing the following: storing an action data representing the one or more actions that is included in the determined evaluation data or is at least a part of the determined evaluation data; and outputting or causing the output of the determined evaluation data. A device for executing and/or controlling this method, a system with one or more devices for executing and/or controlling this method and a computer program for executing and/or controlling this method by a processor are further disclosed.

Claims

1. A method, comprising the steps of: acquiring at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values, wherein the at least one set of acceleration data is acquired by at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment chamber of a dishwasher; determining at least one set of evaluation data based at least in part on the acquired at least one set of acceleration data, wherein determining the at least one set of evaluation data comprises: determining whether one or more characteristic actions have been performed by a user, and if so, performing the following: storing action data representing the one or more characteristic actions that are included in the determined at least one set of evaluation data or that are at least a part of the determined at least one set of evaluation data; outputting or causing the output of the determined at least one set of evaluation data; and determining control data at least partially based on the at least one set of evaluation data, wherein the control data causes a dosing device to perform a dosing of cleaning and/or care agent defined according to the control data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one set of acceleration data is acquired with respect to a predefined orientation and/or placing of the at least one acceleration sensor in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: placing the at least one acceleration sensor inside the treatment chamber of the dishwasher, so that the predefined positioning and/or orientation of the at least one acceleration sensor inside the treatment chamber of the dishwasher is present.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the at least one set of evaluation data is performed while the acquisition of the at least one set of acceleration data is continued.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more characteristic actions of the user are represented by one or more of the following actions i) to iv): i) loading or unloading an object into or from the treatment chamber of the dishwasher; ii) pulling out or sliding back a basket of the treatment chamber of the dishwasher; iii) opening or closing a door closing the treatment chamber of the dishwasher; (iv) rinsing cycle of a cleaning program to be carried out by the dishwasher.

6. The method according to claim 5, whereby the object which is placed in or removed from the treatment chamber of the dishwasher is at least a piece of cutlery or crockery.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: acquiring or obtaining one or more sets of sensor data, said one or more sets of sensor data being indicative of a temperature or brightness inside the treatment chamber of the dishwasher, wherein determining the at least one set of evaluation data is further based at least in part on said one or more sets of sensor data.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the at least one set of acceleration data and/or the one or more sets of sensor data are acquired over a predefined period of time.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one set of acceleration data represents a signal in the direction of each of two or three degrees of freedom.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the determination of the at least one set of evaluation data is performed separately for each of the two or three degrees of freedom.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein determining the at least one set of evaluation data is further at least partially based on a nominal capacity of the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determined at least one set of evaluation data is indicative of a rinsing cycle and/or a loading or unloading of an object placed inside the treatment chamber of the dishwashers and/or a size of an object placed in or removed from a basket placed inside the treatment chamber of the dishwasher, so that the at least one set of evaluation data is further indicative of a load condition of the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the at least one set of evaluation data further comprises: determining a time response of an oscillation at least partially based on the at least one set of acceleration data, the oscillation being represented by the progression of the measured acceleration values from the at least one set of acceleration data, the time response being indicative of a size of an object placed in or removed from the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

14. A device configured to execute and/or control the method according to claim 1.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the device is configured to place the at least one acceleration sensor in a predefined orientation in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the at least one acceleration sensor is configured to measure acceleration in each of at least 2 degrees of freedom.

17. The device according to claim 14, wherein the device is configured to determine the one or more characteristic actions performed by the user, wherein the one or more characteristic actions comprise one or more of the following actions i) to iv): i) loading or unloading an object into or from the treatment chamber of the dishwasher; ii) pulling out or sliding back a basket of the treatment chamber of the dishwasher; iii) opening or closing a door closing the treatment chamber of the dishwasher; and (iv) rinsing cycle of a cleaning program to be carried out by the dishwasher.

18. The device according to claim 14, wherein the device is further configured to acquire one or more sets of sensor data, said one or more sets of sensor data being indicative of a temperature or brightness inside the treatment chamber of the dishwasher, wherein determining the at least one set of evaluation data is further based at least in part on said one or more sets of sensor data.

19. A computer program comprising program instructions which cause a processor to execute and/or control the method according to claim 1 when the computer program is executed on the processor.

20. A device configured to: acquire at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values, wherein the at least one set of acceleration data is acquired by at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment chamber of a dishwasher; determine at least one set of evaluation data based at least in part on the acquired at least one set of acceleration data; and output or cause the output of the determined at least one set of evaluation data, wherein: the at least one acceleration sensor is placed in a predefined orientation in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher and is configured to measure acceleration in each of at least 2 degrees of freedom, and the at least one set of evaluation data is determined by: determining whether one or more characteristic actions have been performed by a user, and if so, performing the following: storing action data representing the one or more characteristic actions that are included in the determined at least one set of evaluation data or that are at least a part of the determined at least one set of evaluation data.

Description

(1) Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the following 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 description of the Figures was described above, and is refreshed below.

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

(3) FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device as contemplated herein for carrying out an embodiment of a method as contemplated herein;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method as contemplated herein;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a first exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment A);

(6) FIG. 5 shows a second exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment A);

(7) FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment A);

(8) FIG. 7 shows a fourth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment A);

(9) FIG. 8 shows a fifth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment B);

(10) FIG. 9 shows a sixth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment B);

(11) FIG. 10 shows a seventh exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment B); and

(12) FIG. 11 shows an eighth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data (see also embodiment C).

(13) FIG. 1 first shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of System 100 as contemplated herein, comprising devices 200, 300 and 400. System 100 is configured to execute exemplary methods as contemplated herein. Device 200 is an exemplary mobile device 200, which in this case may be placed in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher 300. Both the device 200 and the dishwasher 300 may each be a device as contemplated herein. Furthermore, System 100 comprises as a further device a mobile device 400 in the form of a smartphone. Mobile device 400 may also perform individual steps of exemplary methods as contemplated herein. However, device 400 may also be a computer, a desktop computer or a portable computer, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a wearable. In addition or alternatively to devices 300 and 400, the system may also include a server (not shown). It is also conceivable that System 100 also includes fewer or more than three devices.

(14) Each of the devices 200, 300, 400 may feature a communication interface in order to communicate with one or more of the other devices or to transfer and/or to exchange data from one device to another.

(15) FIG. 3 shows a flowchart 30 of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. Flowchart 30 may, for example, be executed by device 200 according to FIG. 1. Flowchart 30 may, for example, be executed by device 300 as shown in FIG. 1. Flowchart 30 may, for example, be executed both by device 200 according to FIG. 1 and by device 300 according to FIG. 1 together. Flowchart 30 may, for example, be executed by devices 200, 300 and 400 together as shown in FIG. 1.

(16) In a first step 301, at least one set of acceleration data is acquired. Acquisition takes place, for example, by employing an acceleration sensor (e.g. acceleration sensor(s) 215 according to FIG. 2), which is integrated in device 200 or 300 according to FIG. 1. The acceleration sensor is situated in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher 300 during detection. In the event that device 200 according to FIG. 1 includes the acceleration sensor, it is thus at least temporarily located inside the treatment chamber of the dishwasher 300 during the acquisition.

(17) In an optional second step, one or more sets of sensor data are acquired or received. The one or more sets of sensor data are, for example, acquired by a temperature and/or brightness sensor (e.g. sensor(s) 216 according to FIG. 2). In the event that the one or more sets of sensor data are received, they are first acquired by device 200 and/or 300 according to FIG. 1 and then transmitted to another device, e.g. device 400 according to FIG. 1, e.g. by employing a communication interface. In the latter case, the following step 303 is carried out by device 400 according to FIG. 1.

(18) In a third step 303 at least one set of evaluation data is determined. Within the context of this step 303, optionally determination of a time response of an oscillation 303-1 may be performed based on the at least one set of acceleration data acquired in step 301. Within the context of step 303, it is determined whether one or more characteristic actions were performed by a user (step 303-2). In step 303, action data representing one or more actions of step 303-2 is stored (step 303-3). All steps included in step 303 may be executed by one of the devices 200, 300, and 400 according to FIG. 1. Alternatively, at least one of all the steps 303, 303-1, 303-2, and 303-3 may be performed by a different device that does not perform the remaining steps 303, 303-1, 303-2, and 303-3.

(19) In a fourth step 304, the evaluation data determined in step 303 is output or initiated. For example, the evaluation data is output to a device 200, 300 or 400 according to FIG. 1. If the evaluation data is output to dishwasher 300, then dishwasher 300 may, for example, clean objects based on the evaluation data, to name just one example. If the evaluation data is output to device 400 according to FIG. 1 (e.g. mobile device of a user), the user of device 400 may monitor loading or unloading of the dishwasher 300 with his mobile device 400.

(20) In an optional fifth step 305, control data is determined based on the evaluation data or on the evaluation data output. This specific control data may then be output. If the evaluation data was output to device 400 according to FIG. 1, or was determined by device 400 according to FIG. 1, this device 400 may also perform step 305. Afterwards, the specific control data may be output, for example, from device 400 to device 200 and/or 300 according to FIG. 1, so that device 200 and/or 300 according to FIG. 1 may trigger an action corresponding to the control data, e.g. carrying out dosing or starting a cleaning program, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

(21) The step of acquiring acceleration data 301 and/or step 302 of acquiring or receiving one or more sets of sensor data may be performed simultaneously with step 303. This means, for example, that after an initial execution of step 301 and optionally of step 302, step 303 of determining the evaluation data is performed, while step 301 and optionally step 302 are further executed with the acquisition of further acceleration data (step 301) and optionally further sensor data (step 302).

(22) FIG. 2 now shows a block diagram 20 of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure for performing an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. Block diagram 20 according to FIG. 2 may be used as an example for device 200 shown in FIG. 1, dishwasher 300 shown or the mobile device 400 (or part of it) shown.

(23) Processor 210 of device 20 is designed in particular as a microprocessor, micro-controller unit, micro-controller, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

(24) Processor 210 executes program instructions stored in program memory 212 and stores, for example, intermediate results or the like in the working or main memory 211. Program memory 212 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and/or an optical memory. Main memory 211 is, for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a Random Access Memory (RAM) such as a Static RAM memory (SRAM), a Dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a Ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM) and/or a Magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

(25) Program memory 212 is preferably a local data storage medium firmly connected to device 20. Data storage media permanently connected to device 20 is, for example, hard disks which are built into device 20. Alternatively, the data storage medium may, for example, also be a data storage medium that is detachably connectable to device 20.

(26) Program memory 212 contains, for example, the operating system of device 20, which is at least partially loaded into main memory 211 when the device 20 is started and is executed by processor 210. In particular, when device 20 is started, at least part of the core of the operating system is loaded into main memory 211 and executed by processor 210.

(27) In particular, the operating system allows the use of device 20 for data processing. For example, it manages resources such as main memory 211 and program memory 212, communication interface 213, optional input and output device 214, provides basic functions to other programs through programming interfaces and controls the execution of programs.

(28) Processor 210 further controls communication interface 213, which may, for example, be a network interface and may be designed as a network card, network module and/or modem. Communication interface 213 is configured in particular to establish a connection of device 20 (e.g. at least one of the devices 200, 300, and/or 400 according to FIG. 1) with other devices, in particular via a (wireless) communication system, for example a network, and to communicate with them. Communication interface 213 may, for example, receive data (via the communication system) and forward it to processor 210 and/or receive data from processor 210 and send it (via the communication system). Examples of a communication system are a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (e.g. according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the Bluetooth (LE) standard and/or the NFC standard), a wired network, a mobile network, a telephone network and/or the Internet. For example, communication is possible with the Internet and/or other devices using the communication interface 213. In the case of devices 200, 300, 400 according to FIG. 1, communication interface 213 may be used to communicate with the other devices 200, 300, 400 or the Internet.

(29) Via such communication interface 213, one or more sets of optional sensor data (cf. step 302 according to FIG. 3) and/or evaluation data (cf. step 303 or 304 according to FIG. 3) may be received or output to another device.

(30) Furthermore, processor 210 may control at least one optional input/output device 213. Input/output device 213 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display unit, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a loudspeaker, a reader, a drive and/or a camera. For example, input/output device 213 may receive input from a user and forward it to processor 210 and/or receive and output data for the user from processor 210.

(31) Finally, device 20 may comprise further components 215, 216.

(32) Acceleration sensor(s) 215 may, for example, acquire one or more sets of acceleration data (cf. step 301 in FIG. 3).

(33) Sensor(s) 216 are, for example, a temperature sensor to acquire temperature data and/or a brightness sensor to acquire brightness data. Both the temperature data and the brightness data may be represented by one or more sets of sensor data (cf. step 302 in FIG. 3).

(34) The exemplary embodiments listed below should also be understood as disclosed:

(35) The listed exemplary embodiments are capable of identifying loading and unloading processes in automatic dishwashers and differentiating them from washing processes.

(36) It is advantageous to determine how often a user loads a dishwasher (e.g. dishwasher 300 according to FIG. 1) with dishes and cutlery before turning it on.

(37) It is advantageous to determine into which baskets of a dishwasher the user loads dishes and cutlery.

(38) It is also advantageous to determine what type of dishes the user is loading the dishwasher with.

(39) It is also advantageous to determine when the user loads which type of crockery or cutlery into the dishwasher.

(40) It is advantageous to determine when and how the user unloads the dishwasher.

(41) It is advantageous to create a handling instruction for a dosing unit (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) based on the type of load.

(42) It is advantageous to create and communicate a loading protocol.

(43) These advantages may, for example, be achieved by using an acceleration sensor in the interior (treatment chamber) of a household or commercial dishwasher (generally referred to as a dishwasher for the purposes of this description). An acceleration sensor, e.g. mounted on an electronic board of a self-contained dosing unit, is able to fully detect and interpret the vibrations, shocks and mechanical events that take place independently and with a time delay from a dishwashing process. In combination with other sensors, such as a temperature sensor or a brightness sensor, the processes may be clearly described. The acquired data may be used for machine learning applications, e.g. for pattern analysis, which is then converted into algorithms for controlling a dosing unit.

Exemplary Embodiment A

(44) In a dishwasher, for example, a self-sufficient, automatic measuring and dosing device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) is placed according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, comprising at least one acceleration sensor, e.g. in the lower basket between dishes. The dishwasher, for example, is fully loaded and has completed a rinse cycle. A user empties the dishwasher in a subsequent work step. Surprisingly, the dishwasher unloading process carried out by the user may now be evaluated, as shown by the series of measurements carried out according to FIGS. 4 to 7.

(45) FIG. 4 shows a first exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by acceleration data 415. Within the context of determining the evaluation data, various actions (of the user) may be determined in acceleration data 415, in this case unlocking or opening a door, opening the door completely (fully opened), pulling out a lower basket, removing dishes from the lower basket, sliding back the lower basket and closing the door.

(46) FIG. 5 shows a second exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the acceleration data 515. In the context of determining the evaluation data, various actions (of the user) may be determined in the acceleration data 515, in this case unlocking or opening a door, opening the door completely, pulling out a top basket, removing dishes from the top basket, sliding back the top basket and closing the door.

(47) FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data 615. Within the context of determining the evaluation data, various actions (of the user) may be determined in the acceleration data 615, in this case unlocking or opening a door, opening the door completely, pulling out a cutlery drawer, removing cutlery, whereby a clear distinction can be made between removing cutlery individually and removing cutlery in bundles, sliding back the cutlery drawer, and closing the door.

(48) FIG. 7 shows a fourth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data 715. Within the context of determining the evaluation data, various actions (of the user) may be determined in acceleration data 715, in this case a removal of dishes from the lower basket. The fading away of a freely attenuated oscillation, which was excited by the removal of dishes, is represented schematically by the amplitude envelope curves.

(49) As can be seen from FIGS. 4 to 7, the following actions of a user may, for example, be determined based on at least one set of acceleration data acquired in accordance with a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure: All mechanical processes during opening and closing and loading and unloading must be clearly distinguished from the background noise of the acceleration sensor in rest position. All mechanical processes during opening and closing and loading and unloading must be clearly distinguished from a current rinsing process. Opening the door must be clearly identified. It is a combination of unlocking, opening and keeping the door open. Pulling out the individual baskets must be clearly identified. The intensity of the signal (oscillation) may be used to determine which basket (lower basket, upper basket (also referred to as middle basket), optional cutlery drawer (also referred to as upper basket)) is being moved. Removal of individual items of crockery and cutlery is visible and may be displayed at all basket levels. Sliding back the baskets and closing the door may be clearly identified.

(50) Essential is the insight that the processes surrounding unloading may be identified, but for the dosing unit it is particularly important to note that no rinsing activity starts, but the dishwasher is loaded.

(51) Furthermore, the signal behavior in the lower basket differs from that of other baskets arranged in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher. Since the measuring and dosing device including the acceleration sensor is also located in the lower basket in the present case, so that its positioning and/or orientation is clearly defined inside the dishwasher treatment chamber, the sensitivity to mechanical processes is increased once again. On closer inspection of the unloading processes, these are to be described as freely attenuated oscillations, especially in the vicinity of the measuring and dosing device.

(52) The unloading process may be broken down into individual steps, i.e. individual pieces of crockery and cutlery, if the signal (or measured value, represented by the at least one set of acceleration data) measured by the acceleration sensor has a good sensitivity (resolution presently about 100 Hz). Each individual process may be described in its complete dimension with the mathematics of a free attenuated oscillation. In FIG. 7, for example, the amplitude envelope is shown as the outer limit. The successive amplitudes can be clearly seen in the fading curve. This allows a mathematical description of the processes according to known rules of vibration theory in all parameters (e.g. decay coefficient, amplitude ratio, decay time, attenuation, attenuation constant, just to name a few non-limiting examples).

(53) Without being bound to a theory, by evaluating these parameters over a large number of data sets, e.g. with the help of an (artificial) neural network, it is even possible to determine the nature of the tableware, e.g. steel, porcelain, plastic or glass.

(54) In contrast to the dishwashing process, which in most cases may be described as a continuous process carried out by the user, the loading takes place discontinuously in short time segments before a new rinse cycle of the dishwasher. The loading period may be as long as desired, but is usually a period of 1 to 3 days (e.g. due to developing odorous substances from used cutlery and dishes stored inside the dishwasher's treatment chamber). Often only individual pieces of crockery, such as pots, are placed in the dishwasher.

Exemplary Embodiment B

(55) Exemplary embodiment B shows exemplary loading processes and their metrological acquisition using an acceleration sensor.

(56) In a dishwasher, for example, a self-sufficient, automatic measuring and dosing device is placed according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, comprising at least one acceleration sensor, e.g. in the lower basket between dishes. The dishwasher is, for example, empty.

(57) A user places various tableware items in the dishwasher in a subsequent work step. Surprisingly, based on at least one set of acceleration data determined by an acceleration sensor included in the dosing device, all individual steps of the loading of the treatment chamber of the dishwasher performed by the user may be identified. FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples of the acceleration data determined.

(58) FIG. 8 shows a fifth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by acceleration data 815. Within the context of determining the evaluation data, various actions (of the user) may be determined in acceleration data 815, in this case opening the door (door open) and pulling out a lower basket, loading seven individual and large plates in the basket, loading seven individual deep-drawn plates in the basket, loading eight individual and small plates, loading a small pot, loading a large pot, loading a small pan, loading a small strainer, and subsequently sliding back the lower basket and closing the door.

(59) FIG. 9 shows a sixth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the displayed acceleration data 915, whereas the acceleration data 915 of FIG. 9 represents that of FIG. 8, whereby acceleration data 915 was acquired with a higher resolution in contrast to acceleration data 815.

(60) FIG. 8 shows the complete loading process of a sub-basket arranged inside the treatment chamber of the dishwasher on the y-axis of the acceleration sensor. The x-axis and z-axis (see FIG. 9) show a comparable picture.

(61) Surprisingly, it is not only possible to observe the individual steps, but also to break down the individual steps, such as the loading of large plates, into sub-steps, i.e. to count, for example, how many objects are or were loaded into the dishwasher. If the nominal capacity of the dishwashers (e.g. 13 standard place settings) is known, it may be determined at any time how full the dishwasher is loaded. This is valuable data which may be used, for example, to control a self-sufficient or built-in dosing device, provided that the amount of waste correlates with the load quantity.

(62) Just as during unloading, loading a dishwasher top basket located inside the treatment chamber may be observed. Surprisingly, the above also applies to the upper basket. The intensity of the signals on the respective axes of the acceleration sensor may be used to determine which basket (level) is being moved. It is also possible to determine which dishes are placed in the upper basket and also how many dishes are placed in it. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the signal evaluation on the y-axis of the sensor can be seen. The x-axis and z-axis show a comparable picture. Nevertheless, it may be advantageous to evaluate the signal (represented by at least one set of acceleration data) on all axes, especially if the actual number of dishes is to be determined, because the resolution of the signals on the axes may be of varying accuracy.

Exemplary Embodiment C

(63) In a dishwasher, for example, a self-sufficient automatic measuring and metering device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, comprising at least one acceleration sensor, is placed, for example, in the lower basket between dishes. The dishwasher is, for example, empty.

(64) FIG. 10 shows a seventh exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by the depicted acceleration data 1015. Within the context of determining the evaluation data, various actions (of the user) may be determined in acceleration data 1015, in the present case opening the door (door open) and pulling out the upper basket, loading two tea cups three times in succession, loading three small glass bowls, loading three saucers, loading six glasses, loading six coffee mugs, loading one lasagna bowl, loading one glass bowl, loading three plastic bowls, as well as finally sliding back the upper basket and closing the door.

(65) FIG. 11 shows an eighth exemplary progression of measured acceleration values represented by acceleration data 1115. Within the context of determining the evaluation data, various actions (of the user) may be determined in acceleration data 1115, in this case opening the door (door open) and pulling out the lower basket, loading a small lid and then loading a small pot, loading a medium-size lid and then loading a medium-size pot, loading a large pot, and finally sliding back the lower basket and closing the door.

(66) In a subsequent step, the user places various pots with matching lids in the lower basket of the dishwasher. Surprisingly, the acceleration data acquired by an acceleration sensor makes it possible to observe the individual steps of the loading process and to recognize the pots according to their size. FIG. 11 shows loading the lower basket with three different pots, which differ significantly in size.

(67) Small pot: diameter 16 cm; weight 0.47 kg;

(68) Medium pot: diameter 20 cm; weight 1.0 kg;

(69) Large pot: diameter 24 cm; weight 1.8 kg.

(70) FIG. 11 schematically shows determined acceleration data from an acceleration sensor. Individual sections of the determined acceleration data may be characteristic for loading the dishwasher. In FIG. 9, for example, it can be clearly seen how objects are placed in the basket of the dishwasher treatment chamber. For example, a surprising effect may be added to pots and lids: the time response of the oscillation may be used to determine the size of the pot or the object. The longer the oscillation lasts and the more strongly it oscillates, the larger the object is with which the dishwasher's treatment chamber was loaded. Furthermore, for the specific object(s) of (a) pot(s), the duration and intensity of the oscillation correlate with the mass of the corresponding pot(s).

(71) The data on the size of the loaded object may now be translated into handling instructions for the associated dosing device. For example, from the presence of many large objects, a dosing mode or cleaning cycle may be activated which is advantageous for the cleaning of these objects, e.g. an increase in detergent and/or rinse aid dosing, to name just one non-limiting example.

(72) All in all, the creation of a loading protocol with e.g. the type and number of items in the individual segments of the dishwasher may be used to match the quantity of detergent and/or rinse aid to be dosed (e.g. detergent and rinse aid) to the number of items to be cleaned with the aim of achieving an optimum result in terms of performance and chemical use. The method as contemplated herein may be used with all known dishwashers—i.e. both with dishwashers used in (private) households and with commercial dishwashers, e.g. continuously operating dishwashers, which may be controlled and/or regulated e.g. based on the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure—so that it is possible to achieve an optimum use of cleaning and/or care agent irrespective of the size of the dishwasher.

(73) The method according to all aspects of the present disclosure may, for example, be carried out continuously, so that, for example, one or more sets of acceleration data (e.g. as corresponding data) are continuously acquired by employing the acceleration sensor and subsequently (successively) evaluated. In principle, one or more of the following aspects apply to all aspects of the present disclosure: all data may be stored locally and decentralized; all data may be subjected to additional data analysis; all data may be edited with a machine learning tool; conclusions about user behavior may be drawn from the data; user profiles may be created from the data; and from the results of the data analysis and/or machine learning, algorithms (instructions for action) for the operation of a self-sufficient dosing unit and a dishwasher may be derived.

(74) The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described in this specification and the optional features and properties mentioned in each case should also be understood as disclosed in all combinations. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the description of a feature included in an example of an embodiment shall not be understood in the present case to mean that the feature is indispensable or essential for the function of the example. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification in the individual flowcharts is not mandatory; alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in various ways, for example, implementation in software (through program instructions), hardware or a combination of both to implement the method steps is conceivable.

(75) Terms used in the Claims such as “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “containing” and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The expression “at least partially” covers both the “partially” case and the “completely” case. The wording “and/or” should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, i.e. “A and/or B” means “(A) or (B) or (A and B)”. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plural. A single device may perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the Claims. Reference marks indicated in the Claims should not be regarded as limitations of the features and steps used.