METHODS FOR SUGGESTING OPERATION OF A DISHWASHER APPLIANCE

Abstract

A method of operating a dishwasher appliance configured for communication with an external computing device. The method includes accessing, with the external computing device, data corresponding to a cycle history of the dishwasher appliance. The method also includes monitoring, with the external computing device, for data corresponding to a new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance and generating data corresponding to suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance based at least in part on one or more of a time of day, the new cycle activation, and the cycle history of the dishwasher appliance.

Claims

1. A method of operating a dishwasher appliance, the dishwasher appliance configured for communication with an external computing device, the method comprising: accessing, with the external computing device, data corresponding to a cycle history of the dishwasher appliance; monitoring, with the external computing device, for data corresponding to a new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance; generating data corresponding to suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance based a time of day, the new cycle activation, and the cycle history of the dishwasher appliance; commanding, by the external computing device, the dishwasher appliance to use the suggested operation; and running the suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the external computing device comprises a cloud-based server.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance is selected in response to at least one of the time of day being after a set time or the cycle history indicating a pattern of use has been missed.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the set time is a programmable time of day.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the cycle history comprises a record of past cycles of the dishwasher appliance, the record of past cycles stored on memory of the external computing device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, at the external computing device from a separate computing device, data corresponding to confirmation of the suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance, the separate computing device comprising one or more of a tablet, smart phone, and computing device configured for signal communication.

7. (canceled)

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising, monitoring, by a controller, a filter of the dishwasher appliance for a sign of clogging, and suggesting, by the external computing device, cleaning of the filter in response to the sign of clogging.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the dishwasher appliance comprises a controller configured to access a cycle history of the dishwasher appliance, monitor for data corresponding to a new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance, and generate data corresponding to suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance in response to one or more of the time of day, the new cycle activation, and the cycle history.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to monitor a filter of the dishwasher appliance for a sign of clogging, and suggest cleaning of the filter in response to the sign of clogging.

11. A method of operating a dishwasher appliance, the dishwasher appliance configured for communication with an external computing device, the method comprising: accessing, with the external computing device, data corresponding to a cycle settings history of the dishwasher appliance; monitoring, with the external computing device, for data corresponding to a new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance; generating data corresponding to suggested settings of the dishwasher appliance based the cycle settings history and current settings of the dishwasher appliance; commanding, by the external computing device, the dishwasher appliance to use the suggested operation; and running the suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the external device comprises a cloud-based server.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the suggested settings of the dishwasher appliance is selected in response to the external computing device indicating current settings of the dishwasher appliance differ from settings chosen in the cycle settings history.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the suggested settings are indicative of a pattern of settings from the cycle settings history.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising, receiving, at the external computing device from a separate computing device, data corresponding to confirmation of the suggested settings of the dishwasher appliance, the separate computing device comprising one or more of a tablet, smart phone, and computing device configured for signal communication.

16. (canceled)

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the dishwasher appliance comprises a controller configured to access the cycle settings history of the dishwasher appliance, monitor for data corresponding to the new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance, and generate data corresponding to suggested settings of the dishwasher appliance in response to one or more of the cycle settings history and current settings of the dishwasher appliance.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising, monitoring, by a controller, a filter of the dishwasher appliance for a sign of clogging, and suggesting, by the external computing device, cleaning of the filter in response to the sign of clogging.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an example embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross sectional view of the example dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of an appliance control system of the dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 a method of operating a dishwasher appliance according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides an alternative method of operating a washing machine appliance according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] As used herein, the terms includes and including are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising. Similarly, the term or is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., A or B is intended to mean A or B or both). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as about, approximately, and substantially, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

[0018] As used herein, the term article may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term wash cycle is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term rinse cycle is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term drain cycle is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term cleaning cycle is intended to refer to one or more periods of time that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, and/or a drain cycle. The term wash fluid refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments.

[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 (FIG. 2) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106 for receipt of articles 94 for washing. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of opposing side walls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0020] In this regard, as used herein, the terms cabinet, housing, and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for appliance 100, e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of appliance 100. By contrast, cabinet 102 may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet 102. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0021] The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom 117 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIG. 1), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher appliance 100. According to example embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly 118 that is used to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

[0022] At least one rack assembly is slidably positioned within wash chamber 106 and is configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning. For the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, opposing tub sidewalls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, guide rails 96, 98 and 120 may be mounted to (or formed as part of) sidewalls 110 for supporting a first rack assembly 122 (also referred to as a lower rack assembly 122), a middle rack assembly 124 (also referred to as a second rack assembly 124), and a third rack assembly 126 (also referred to as an upper rack assembly 126). As illustrated, upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above middle rack assembly 124, which is positioned above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V. Additional details regarding the upper rack assembly 126 will be provided herein. For this example embodiment, upper rack assembly 126 is supported on opposing sidewalls 110 by rails 120 but rails 120 could be supported on and attached to middle rack assembly 124 as well.

[0023] Each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 is adapted for movement along transverse direction T between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This may be facilitated, for example, by rollers, or guide wheels 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, respectively. Although guide rails 96, 98, 120 and guide wheels 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 may accommodate a different number of rack assemblies and supporting guide rails. For example, dishwasher appliance 100 may accommodate only first rack assembly 122 and upper rack assembly 126, with accompanying guide rails.

[0024] Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 may be fabricated into lattice, or grid pattern, structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2). The plurality of wires or elongated members 130 may be either steel and stainless steel, and the wire may be coated with none, one, or more of nylon and polyvinyl chloride. Rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles 94 within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. For some embodiments, a silverware basket (not shown) is removably attached to a rack assembly, e.g., lower rack assembly 122, for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small or delicate to be accommodated by rack 122.

[0025] At least one spray assembly is located in wash chamber 106 and is configured to direct wash fluids onto at least on rack assembly for washing articles located therein. For the example embodiment of FIG. 2, dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, dishwasher appliance 100 includes a lower spray assembly 134 (also referred to as a lower spray arm assembly 134) disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122. Similarly, a mid-level spray assembly 140 is located in an upper region 137 of wash chamber 106 and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and third rack assembly 126. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located above upper or third rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be configured for urging and/or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126.

[0026] The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and/or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a primary supply conduit 154 may extend from pump 152, along rear side 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106. In some examples, a secondary supply conduit (not shown) may supply additional wash fluid to one or more various spray assemblies and manifolds.

[0027] As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 while a secondary supply conduit 92 supplies wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Diverter assembly 156 can allow selection between spray assemblies 134 and 140, 142 being supplied with wash fluid. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein.

[0028] Each spray assembly 134, 140, 142 or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. Movement of the spray arm assemblies 134 and 140 and the spray from fixed manifolds like spray assembly 142 provides coverage of dishes, silverware, and other dishwasher contents and articles 94 to be cleaned with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher appliance 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only and are not limitations of the present subject matter.

[0029] In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156, e.g., which is positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber (not shown) for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 and/or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber (not shown). In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

[0030] According to an example embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which (e.g., 154) are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly 156 may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 in the clockwise direction, a second conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 in the counterclockwise direction, a third conduit for spraying rack assembly 126 (shown in FIG. 2) as a silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supplying only mid-level and/or upper spray assemblies 140, 142. Other configurations of diverter assembly 156 and/or other components (e.g., valves) may be used to allow various choices in the operation of the spray assemblies 134, 140, and 142 during a cleaning cycle.

[0031] The dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 (FIG. 2) to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. Controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

[0032] The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116. In such an embodiment, input/output (I/O) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes a user interface panel/controls 164 (FIG. 1) through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may represent a general purpose I/O (GPIO) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 164 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 164 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0033] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher appliance 100. The example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations, including providing one or more rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 and one or more spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, to dishwasher appliance 100 may be used, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an appliance control system 50 for dishwasher appliance 100 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. It will be understood that appliance control system 50 is not limited to any particular type of appliance but rather may be used to control any type of appliance. As may be seen in FIG. 3, dishwasher appliance 100 may be in operative communication directly or indirectly with a separate device 402. Moreover, separate device 402, such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc., may be in operative communication with dishwasher appliance 100 through network WC.

[0035] Specifically, according to an example embodiment, network WC is configured for signal communication between dishwasher appliance 100, a user via separate device 402, and/or an external computing device, such as a remote server 400, e.g., a cloud-based server. According to example embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 may communicate with external computing device 402 either directly (e.g., through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) or indirectly (e.g., via a mesh network), as well as with the external computing device, remote server 400 to receive notifications, provide confirmations, input operational data, transmit sound signals and sound signatures, etc., on network WC.

[0036] In general, separate device 402 may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, separate device 402 may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a smart home assistant (e.g., Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa) or another mobile device. In addition, or alternatively, communication between dishwasher appliance 100 and the user may be achieved directly through the user interface 164 on appliance 100. In general, network WC can be any type of communication network. For example, network WC can include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. In general, communication with network may use any of a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP. SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

[0037] In some example embodiments, remote server 400 may be any suitable external computing device. Thus, remote server 400, e.g., a cloud-based server, may be configured to perform various operations. For example, remote server 400 may be configured to identify a time of day 406. Remote server 400 may also compare a cycle history 408 of the dishwasher appliance 100, as well as compare a cycle settings history 404 of the dishwasher appliance. Each of these operations may be considered by remote server 400, e.g., in response to the cycle settings history 404, the time of day 406, and the cycle history 408 dishwasher appliance 100 may suggest operation or suggest settings of the dishwasher appliance 100. Each of these operations may be triggered by a new cycle activation at the dishwasher appliance 100. The time of day 406 may also trigger the suggested operation with respect to historically running cycles at a certain time of day. For example, the user may typically activate a new cycle at noon, and in response to noticing the absence of a cycle activation at noon, remote server 400 may identify the time of day 406, compare the cycle settings history 404 and the cycle history 408, and then suggest operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. The suggested operation may be sent to the separate device 402.

[0038] Moreover, the operation of dishwasher appliance 100 may be determined in response to a cycle setting being different from what is normally selected in the cycle settings history 404, the time of day 406 being after a set time, and the cycle history 408 indicating a pattern of use of dishwasher appliance 100 has been missed by the user. For example, the cycle setting of the cycle settings history 404 may include any adjustable setting for the dishwashing cycle, e.g., the cycle setting may be to use heat to dry the articles in dishwasher appliance 100. The comparison of the cycle settings history 404 may avoid scenarios of running cycles with unwanted settings enabled cue to accidental touches. The set time may any programmable time of day programmed by the user, e.g., nine-thirty in the afternoon (9:30 pm). Further, the cycle history 408 may be a record of past cycles of the dishwasher appliance 100. The record of past cycles may be stored on the memory of the external computing device, e.g., on remote server 400. The cycle history 408 along with the time of day may advantageously aid in avoiding scenarios where the user may forget to initiate a new cycle of dishwasher appliance 100. Furthermore, the operation of dishwasher appliance 100 may be determined from the monitoring of a filter 200 of dishwasher appliance 100 for a sign of clogging, and suggesting, cleaning of filter 200 in response to the sign of clogging. The sign of clogging may include a pressure sensor (not shown) recording a measurement, that when compared to a history of pressure readings implies clogging within the filter.

[0039] In other alternative embodiments, controller 160 may be configured to access the cycle history 408 or the cycle settings history 404, monitor for data corresponding to the new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance, and generate data corresponding to suggested operation or suggested settings of the dishwasher appliance in response to one or more of the time of day 406, the new cycle activation, and the cycle history 408 or the cycle settings history 404. Moreover, operations may be distributed between controller 160 and external computing device 402. For example, controller 160 may monitor for the new cycle activation and access the cycle settings history 404 of the dishwasher appliance 100, and external computing device 402, e.g., remote server 400, may identify a time of day 406, access a cycle history 408, and suggest operation or suggest settings of the dishwasher appliance 100. Furthermore, the operation of dishwasher appliance 100 may be determined from the controller 160 monitoring filter 200 of dishwasher appliance 100 for a sign of clogging, and suggesting the cleaning of filter 200 in response to the sign of clogging.

[0040] FIG. 4 provides a method 500 of operating dishwasher appliance 100 configured for signal communication with external computing device 400. For example, at 510 of method 500, external computing device 400, e.g., remote server 400, may be configured to access data corresponding to the cycle history 408 of dishwasher appliance 100. Thus, at 520 of method 500, external computing device 400 may be configured to monitor for data corresponding to a new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance. Further, at 530 of method 500, external computing device 400 may generate data corresponding to suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance in response to one or more of a time of day 406, the new cycle activation, and the cycle history 408 of the dishwasher appliance. As stated above, each of these operations may be considered by external computing device 400, e.g., in response to the cycle settings history 404, the time of day 406, and the cycle history 408, At 540 of method 500, external computing device 400 may be configured to receive data corresponding to confirmation of suggested operation of the dishwasher appliance, e.g., confirming the suggested operation of dishwasher appliance 100. Moreover, at 550 of method 500, external computing device 400 may command the dishwasher appliance 100 to use the suggested operation. For example, the user may forget to start a new cycle, but the cycle history 408 indicates a pattern of use around the set time, thus the remote server 400 may send a suggestion of operation of dishwasher appliance 100 to separate device 402. The user of separate device 402 may confirm the suggested operation at which the remote server 400 would receive the confirmation and then command the dishwasher appliance 100 to run the suggested operation. Further, method 500 may include, at 560, monitoring filter 200 of dishwasher appliance 100 for a sign of clogging, and, at 570, suggesting the cleaning of filter 200 in response to the sign of clogging. In the scenario where filter 200 shows no signs of clogging, method 500 may continue with step 550 if the suggested operation of the dishwashing appliance is confirmed.

[0041] FIG. 5 provides an alternative method 600 of operating dishwasher appliance 100 configured for signal communication with external computing device 400. In alternative embodiment method 600, at 610, external computing device 400, e.g., remote server 400, may be configured to access data corresponding to the cycle settings history 404 of dishwasher appliance 100. Thus, at 620 of method 600, external computing device 400 may be configured to monitor for data corresponding to a new cycle activation of the dishwasher appliance. Further, at 630 of method 500, external computing device 400 may generate data corresponding to suggested settings of the dishwasher appliance 100 in response to one or more of the cycle settings history 404 and the current settings of the dishwasher appliance. At 540 of method 500, external computing device 400 may be configured to receive data corresponding to confirmation of suggested settings of the dishwasher appliance 100, e.g., confirming the suggested settings of dishwasher appliance 100. Moreover, at 550 of method 500, external computing device 400 may command the dishwasher appliance 100 to use the suggested settings. For example, the user may accidentally change settings when activating a new cycle, but the cycle settings history 404 indicates a pattern of settings. Thus the remote server 400 may send a suggestion of settings of dishwasher appliance 100 to separate device 402. The user of separate device 402 may confirm the suggested settings at which the remote server 400 would receive the confirmation and then command the dishwasher appliance 100 to run the suggested settings. Further, method 600 may include, at 660, monitoring, by the controller 160, filter 200 of dishwasher appliance 100 for a sign of clogging, and, at 670, suggesting, by the controller 160, the cleaning of filter 200 in response to the sign of clogging. In the scenario where filter 200 shows no signs of clogging, method 600 may continue with step 650 if the suggested settings of the dishwashing appliance 100 were confirmed.

[0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein may be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method 500 and method 600 are explained using appliance 100 as an example, it should be appreciated that methods 500 and method 600 may be applied to the operation of any suitable appliance.

[0043] As may be seen from the above, methods 500, 600 depict dishwasher appliance 100 operation suggestions generated based upon the selected settings (404), the time of doing laundry (406), and the user's historical laundry pattern (408). The suggestions may be generated from external computing device 400, or remote server 400, and may be activated remotely, e.g., from separate device 402, by the user. As such, dishwasher appliance 100 may advantageously aid the user with avoiding typical problems such as forgetting to run the dishwasher, accidental setting changes, and clogged filters.

[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.