DISHWASHER APPLIANCE INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE INPUT MEANS

Abstract

A dishwasher appliance includes a tub; a door movably coupled to the tub between a latched position and an unlatched position; an input module provided on the door, the input module configured to receive one or more input patterns; and a controller operably coupled with the input module, the controller configured to perform an operation. The operation includes determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position; receiving, via the input module, a first input pattern of the one or more input patterns after determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position; retrieving a first set of cycle settings corresponding to the first input pattern in response to receiving the first input pattern; and initiating a washing cycle after retrieving the first set of cycle settings.

Claims

1. A dishwasher appliance comprising: a tub defining a receiving chamber; a door movably coupled to the tub to provide selective access to the receiving chamber, the door being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; an input module provided on the door, the input module configured to receive one or more input patterns; and a controller operably coupled with the input module, the controller configured to perform an operation, the operation comprising: determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position; receiving, via the input module, a first input pattern of the one or more input patterns after determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position; retrieving a first set of cycle settings corresponding to the first input pattern in response to receiving the first input pattern; and initiating a washing cycle after retrieving the first set of cycle settings.

2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor configured to sense a closed position of the door, wherein determining that the door is in the latched position comprises sensing, via the sensor, a position of the door.

3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the input module comprises a touch module configured to receive touch input patterns.

4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the operation further comprises: receiving, via the input module, a second input pattern of the one or more input patterns after retrieving the first set of cycle settings, wherein initiating the washing cycle is performed in response to receiving the second input pattern.

5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the second input pattern comprises a long touch input.

6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the input module comprises a microphone configured to receive voice input patterns.

7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the first input pattern corresponds to a predetermined wash cycle, the predetermined wash cycle comprising the first set of cycle settings.

8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the operation further comprises: activating the input module upon determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position; determining that the door has been in the latched position for greater than a predetermined threshold length of time after being moved to the latched position; and deactivating the input module upon determining that the door has been in the latched position for greater than the predetermined threshold length of time.

9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the input module is provided on a handle of the door.

10. A method of operating a dishwasher appliance, the dishwasher appliance comprising a door and an input module, the method comprising: determining that the door is moved from an unlatched position to a latched position; receiving, via the input module, a first input pattern of among a plurality of input patterns after determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position; retrieving a first set of cycle settings corresponding to the first input pattern in response to receiving the first input pattern; and initiating a washing cycle after retrieving the first set of cycle settings.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the dishwasher appliance further comprises: a sensor configured to sense a closed position of the door, wherein determining that the door is in the latched position comprises sensing, via the sensor, a position of the door.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the input module comprises a touch module configured to receive touch input patterns.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving, via the input module, a second input pattern among the plurality of input patterns after retrieving the first set of cycle settings, wherein initiating the washing cycle is performed in response to receiving the second input pattern.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second input pattern comprises a long touch input.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the input module comprises a microphone configured to receive voice input patterns.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first input pattern corresponds to a predetermined wash cycle, the predetermined wash cycle comprising the first set of cycle settings.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising: activating the input module upon determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position; determining that the door has been in the latched position for greater than a predetermined threshold length of time after being moved to the latched position; and deactivating the input module upon determining that the door has been in the latched position for greater than the predetermined threshold length of time.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the input module is provided on a handle of the door.

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 exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in a partially open position.

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

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a dishwasher appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] 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

[0014] 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 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.

[0015] As used herein, the terms first, second, and third may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. 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). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0016] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be 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 generally, 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, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., generally vertical includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0017] The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. In addition, references to an embodiment or one embodiment does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or an embodiment is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, 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 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.

[0018] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary dishwasher or dishwashing appliance (e.g., dishwashing appliance 100) that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Generally, dishwasher 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

[0019] Dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along the vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along the transverse direction T.

[0020] Tub 104 includes a front opening 114 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the dishwasher appliance 100 may also include a door 116 at the front opening 114. The door 116 may, for example, be hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position, wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher 100. A door closure mechanism or assembly 118 may be provided to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106. For instance, door closure mechanism 118 may be a latch or latch system. A latch arm, tab, or protrusion may be positioned on one of door 116 or tub 104 while a latch receptacle or cavity may be positioned on the other of door 116 or tub 104. Accordingly, door 116 may be selectively movable between an unlatched position (FIG. 1) and a latched position (FIG. 2).

[0021] Dishwasher 100 may include a sensor 119. Sensor 119 may be positioned at door closure mechanism 118. Accordingly, sensor 119 may be configured to monitor a position of door 116 (e.g., whether door 116 is in the latched or unlatched position). Sensor 119 may be operably connected with a controller (e.g., controller 160, described below). Sensor 119 may send signals to the controller to indicate the position of the door at certain intervals. Additionally or alternatively, sensor 119 may be configured to emit a signal to the controller any time door 116 is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position, or vice versa. Sensor 119 may be any suitable type of sensor, such as an electronic sensor, a mechanical sensor, an electromechanical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. For instance, guide rails 120 may be mounted to side walls 110 for supporting a lower rack assembly 122, a middle rack assembly 124, or an upper rack assembly 126. In some such embodiments, 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.

[0023] Generally, each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 may be adapted for movement 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. In some embodiments, movement is facilitated, for instance, by rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, respectively. Although guide rails 120 and rollers 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.

[0024] In optional embodiments, some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are fabricated into lattice 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). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash liquid to reach and impinge on those articles (e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle). According to additional or alternative 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 to be accommodated by the rack assembly.

[0025] Generally, dishwasher 100 includes one or more spray assemblies for urging a flow of fluid (e.g., wash liquid) onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. In exemplary embodiments, dishwasher 100 includes 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.

[0026] In additional or alternative embodiments, a mid-level spray arm assembly 140 is located in an upper region of wash chamber 106 (e.g., 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 liquid up through middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126.

[0027] In further additional or alternative embodiments, an upper spray assembly 142 is located above upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be generally configured for urging or cascading a flow of wash liquid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126.

[0028] In yet further additional or alternative embodiments, upper rack assembly 126 may further define an integral spray manifold 144. As illustrated, integral spray manifold 144 may be directed upward, and thus generally configured for urging a flow of wash liquid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly 126.

[0029] In still further additional or alternative embodiments, a filter clean spray assembly 145 is disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 (e.g., below lower spray arm assembly 134) and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to a filter assembly 210 (e.g., FIG. 4). For instance, filter clean spray assembly 145 may be directed downward to urge a flow of wash liquid across a portion of filter assembly 210 (FIG. 4) or sump 138.

[0030] The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104. In certain embodiments, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a circulation pump 152 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104. Circulation pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104.

[0031] When assembled, circulation pump 152 may be in fluid communication with an external water supply line (not shown) and sump 138. A water inlet valve 153 may be positioned between the external water supply line and circulation pump 152 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to circulation pump 152). Additionally or alternatively, water inlet valve 153 may be positioned between the external water supply line and sump 138 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to sump 138). During use, water inlet valve 153 may be selectively controlled to open to allow the flow of water into dishwasher 100 and may be selectively controlled to close and thereby cease the flow of water into dishwasher 100. Further, fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing wash fluid from circulation pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. In exemplary embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, a primary supply conduit 154 extends from circulation pump 152, along rear 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash liquid throughout wash chamber 106.

[0032] In some embodiments, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash liquid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 or upper spray assembly 142). It should be appreciated, however, that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash liquid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For instance, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash liquid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash liquid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash liquid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwashing appliance 100.

[0033] Each spray arm assembly 134 and 140, upper spray assembly 142, integral spray manifold 144, filter clean assembly 145, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash liquid received from circulation 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 liquid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, 145 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, 145 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For instance, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc.

[0034] In optional embodiments, circulation pump 152 urges or pumps wash liquid (e.g., from filter assembly 210) to a diverter 156 (FIG. 2). In some such embodiments, diverter 156 is positioned within sump 138 of dishwashing appliance 100). Diverter 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash liquid to the spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, or other spray manifolds. For instance, 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 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash liquid to the desired spray device.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, diverter 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash liquid from circulation pump 152 to various fluid supply conduitsonly some of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. In certain embodiments, diverter 156 includes four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash liquid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134, a second conduit for supplying wash liquid to filter clean assembly 145, a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supply mid-level or upper spray assemblies 140, 142 (e.g., primary supply conduit 154).

[0036] Drainage of soiled wash liquid within sump 138 may occur, for instance, through a drain assembly 166 (e.g., during or as part of a drain cycle). In particular, wash liquid may exit sump 138 through a drain outlet and may flow through a drain conduit. In some embodiments, a drain pump 168 downstream of sump 138 facilitates drainage of the soiled wash liquid by urging or pumping the wash liquid to a drain line external to dishwasher 100. Drain pump 168 may be downstream of a filter (e.g., positioned at or near sump 138). Additionally or alternatively, an unfiltered flow path may be defined through sump 138 to drain conduit such that an unfiltered fluid flow may pass through sump 138 to drain conduit without first passing through filtration media.

[0037] In certain embodiments, dishwasher 100 includes a controller 160 configured to regulate operation of dishwasher 100 (e.g., initiate one or more wash operations). 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 wash operation that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, or drain cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, 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 or digital logic circuitrysuch as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the liketo perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein.

[0038] Controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In optional embodiments, controller 160 is located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Input/output (I/O) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 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 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of dishwasher 100. In some embodiments, user interface 164 includes a general purpose I/O (GPIO) device or functional block. In additional or alternative embodiments, user interface 164 includes 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. In further additional or alternative embodiments, user interface 164 includes a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. When assembled, user interface 164 may be in operative communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. For at least one example, user interface 164 includes an indicator 165. Indicator 165 may be a clean indicator to indicate that the load within tub 104 is in a clean state (e.g., after a completion of a washing cycle or operation). Indicator 165 may be a single light (e.g., light emitting diode or LED), a pattern of lights, a word, or the like.

[0039] User interface 164 may include an audio module 167. Audio module 167 may be positioned within door 116. Additionally or alternatively, audio module 167 may be positioned within cabinet 102. Audio module 167 may be operably connected with controller 160. Audio module 167 may be configured to produce, emit, or otherwise play a plurality of tones. Accordingly, audio module 167 may include one or more speakers. The plurality of tones may include, for instance, alerts, notifications, timer buzzers, or other sounds designed to provide users with notifications pertaining to appliance 100.

[0040] Controller 160 may include a timer. For instance, one or more of the circuitry provided within controller 160 may be configured to perform a time keeping operation. For at least one example, as will be explained further below, controller 160 (via the timer) may keep track of a length of time for which door 116 is in the unlatched or latched position. Additionally or alternatively, the timer may be provided as a separate instrument within dishwasher 100. Further still, the timer may be incorporated as part of a remote terminal (e.g., a consumer device, described below).

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, appliance 100 may include an input module 200. Input module 200 may be positioned apart from user interface 164. For at least one example, input module 200 is provided at or within a handle 170 of door 116. As shown particularly in FIG. 1, handle 170 may be provided on an outer front panel of door 116. However, additional or alternative handles may be incorporated into specific embodiments, such as recessed handles, top handles, dual handles, or the like. Accordingly, handle 170 is provided by way of example only and the disclosure is not limited to handle 170 shown.

[0042] Input module 200 may be positioned on an outer surface of handle 170. For instance, input module 200 may be positioned on a front surface of handle 170. Two or more input modules 200 may be provided on handle 170, according to some embodiments. For example, a first input module 200 may be positioned at a first lateral side of handle 170 and a second input module 200 may be positioned at a second lateral side of handle 170. Additionally or alternatively, a decorative logo on or in handle 170 may be or include input module 200.

[0043] As described, input module 200 may be a touch input. For instance, input module 200 may define one or more discrete capacitive touch zones for input (e.g., on input module 200). Additionally or alternatively, the touch zone(s) may be provided as input selectors. During operation of appliance 100, a user's touch or engagement with the discrete touch zones of input module 200 may select or initiate one or more functions of the appliance 100, such as the mode of operation, water temperature selected, and other relevant information. At input module 200, variations in capacitance caused by a user's engagement may be detected. In response, user interface 164 may cause one or more functions to be selected or initiated (e.g., via controller 160-FIG. 1). Optionally, one or more of the touch zones may be labeled (e.g., via a printed text or design) to indicate one or more functions to which the touch zone corresponds.

[0044] In additional or alternative embodiments, input module 200 may include a microphone 202. Microphone 202 may include one or more microphone receivers attached thereto. Microphone 202 may be used for monitoring the sound waves, noises, or other vibrations generated by a user near appliance 100. For example, microphone 202 may be one or more microphones, acoustic detection devices, vibration sensors, or any other suitable acoustic transducers that are positioned at one or more locations in or around appliance 100 (e.g., such as within handle 170, user interface 164, etc.). For example, according to exemplary embodiments, microphone 202 may detect any sounds within audible range of appliance 100. Additionally or alternatively, microphone 202 may be positioned elsewhere within appliance 100. In this regard, any suitable microphone 202 that is acoustically or electrically coupled with appliance 100 (e.g., controller 160) may be used to monitor sounds. Microphone 202 may be communicatively coupled to (i.e., in operative communication with) controller 160.

[0045] In still additional or alternative embodiments, input module 200 may include one or more visual detectors (e.g., such as a camera). For instance, input module 200 may be configured to detect and decipher visual input signals, such as gestures, motions, sign language, or the like. Input module 200 may include each of a touch sensor, a visual detector, a microphone, and the like. In some embodiments, a plurality of input modules 200 are provided, with each input module 200 being directed to a different input mode.

[0046] Referring back to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 190 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 190 is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications with appliance 100. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, cycle settings, performance characteristics, user preferences, user notifications, or any other suitable information for improved performance of appliance 100. Additionally or alternatively, external communication system 190 may facilitate communication between appliance 100 and one or more additional appliances.

[0047] External communication system 190 permits controller 160 of appliance 100 to communicate with external devices either directly or through a network 192. For example, a consumer may use a consumer device 194 to communicate directly with appliance 100. For example, consumer devices 194 may be in direct or indirect communication with appliance 100, e.g., directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network 192. In general, consumer device 194 may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, consumer device 194 may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.

[0048] In addition, a remote server 196 may be in communication with appliance 100 and/or consumer device 194 through network 192. In this regard, for example, remote server 196 may be a cloud-based server 196, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the remote server 196 and the client devices may be carried via a network interface using any type of wireless connection, using 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).

[0049] In general, network 192 can be any type of communication network. For example, network 192 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. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer device 194 may communicate with a remote server 196 over network 192, such as the internet, to provide user inputs, transfer operating parameters or performance characteristics, receive user notifications or instructions, etc. In addition, consumer device 194 and remote server 196 may communicate with appliance 100 to communicate similar information.

[0050] External communication system 190 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 190 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0051] Now that the construction of a dishwasher appliance 100 and the configuration of controller 160 according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, an exemplary method 300 of operating a dishwasher appliance will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 300 of operating dishwasher appliance 100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 300 may be applicable to the operation of a variety of other appliances, for instance, appliances including doors (e.g., washing machine appliances, refrigerator appliances, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller 160 or a separate, dedicated controller.

[0052] At step 302, method 300 may include determining that the door is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position. As mentioned above, the door (e.g., door 116) of the appliance (e.g., appliance 100) may be movable between the latched (or closed) position and the unlatched (or open, ajar) position. According to some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., sensor 119) may be incorporated. The sensor may be configured to determine a position of the door. The sensor may also be configured to measure an elapsed time of the door in the latched position or the unlatched position.

[0053] At step 304, method 300 may include receiving, via the input module, a first input pattern of one or more input patterns. For instance, method 300 may activate the input module (e.g., input module 200) after determining that the door is moved to the latched position. Accordingly, the input module may be activated to receive one of the plurality of inputs. As mentioned, the plurality of inputs may include one or more of touch inputs such as touch patterns, voice inputs such as voice commands, gestures such as swiping, signaling, or the like, or any combination of inputs.

[0054] As mentioned, the sensor may keep track of a length of time for which the door remains in the latched position after being moved from the unlatched position to the latched position. Method 300 may thus include determining that the door has been in the latched position for greater than a predetermined threshold length of time after being moved into the latched position. The predetermined threshold length of time may vary according to embodiments. According to some instances, the predetermined threshold length of time may be between about 4 seconds and about 10 seconds.

[0055] Upon determining that the door has been in the latched position for longer than the predetermined threshold length of time, method 300 may include deactivating the input module. For instance, method 300 may determine that an extended period of time has passed such that a washing operation is not desired (e.g., by the user). In order to avoid errant or unintentional inputs to the input module, the input module may be deactivated. In some instances, method 300 ignores any inputs to the input module after the predetermined threshold length of time has elapsed.

[0056] In the event that the door has been in the latched position for less than the predetermined threshold length of time, method 300 may receive the first input pattern. As mentioned, according to some examples, the first input pattern is a first touch input pattern. The touch input pattern may include a series of touch patterns, such as motions, swipes, length presses (e.g., maintaining contact with the input module for an extended period of time), or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the first input pattern may include a voice pattern, such as a voice command. Further still, the first input pattern may include one or more gestures, such as a wave, a hand motion or gesture, or the like. The first input pattern may be a unique input pattern.

[0057] The first input pattern may correspond to a particular washing cycle. In detail, the washing cycle or operation may be customized by a user pertaining to a set of cycle settings. For one example, the washing cycle is a full washing cycle requiring a full detergent supply, a maximum length of time, etc. Accordingly, the first input pattern may signal to the appliance (e.g., via the controller) that the full washing cycle is desired. As would be understood, multiple input patterns may be created and stored (e.g., within the appliance). Each input pattern may be a unique pattern. For instance, additional input patterns may correspond to different cycle settings pertaining to distinct washing operations (e.g., light wash, rinse only, low temperature, etc.).

[0058] The first input pattern may be preprogrammed. For instance, the first input pattern may be designed or set by a user. As such, the first input pattern may be customized by the user. The first input pattern may be programmed into the appliance. In some instances, a mobile application or app may be utilized to design, program, and store the first input pattern (and any subsequent input patterns). Each unique input pattern may be named, numbered, or otherwise identified within the memory of the appliance (or a memory of a connected device).

[0059] At step 306, method 300 may include retrieving the first set of cycle settings corresponding to the first input pattern in response to receiving the first input pattern. As mentioned, the first input pattern may trigger a signal to incorporate a preset or predefined set of cycle settings or operational parameters for a requested washing operation. Thus, when the first input pattern is received (or recognized), the first set of cycle settings corresponding to the predetermined wash cycle (e.g., the full wash operation) may be retrieved, e.g., from a memory, and incorporated. According to some embodiments, the appliance may then enter a stand-by mode.

[0060] Method 300 may include receiving, via the input module, a second input pattern of the one or more input patterns after retrieving the first set of cycle settings. For instance, the second input pattern may be associated with initiating or starting the washing cycle. As mentioned, the second input pattern may be different from the first input pattern. According to some embodiments, the second input pattern includes a long touch input. For instance, as described above, the input module may be configured to receive a plurality of different input methods. The long touch input may correspond to a user maintaining physical contact with the input module for a predetermined length of time. In some instances, the predetermined length of time is between about 2 seconds and about 5 seconds. However, it should be understood that the predetermined length of time may vary according to specific embodiments, and the disclosure is not limited to the examples provided herein.

[0061] At step 308, method 300 may include initiating a washing cycle after retrieving the first set of cycle settings. In detail, with the selected settings implemented, the washing cycle may begin. The washing cycle may begin after receiving the second input pattern. However, in some instances, the first input pattern may include an automatic start feature. Accordingly, after receiving the first input pattern, the first cycle settings may be incorporated and the washing cycle may be initiated.

[0062] According to the disclosure, one or more shortcuts may be incorporated into an appliance to quickly and easily select desired washing cycles including customized settings. The shortcuts may be programmed into the appliance. The shortcuts may include one or more input patterns, such as touch patterns, voice patterns, gestures, or the like. The input patterns may be received by an input module. The input module may be provided apart from a traditional user interface. The input module may include a touch input positioned on a handle of the appliance. Accordingly, then the door is in a closed and latched position, a user may provide an input pattern to the input module to select and initiate a particular desired cycle.

[0063] 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.