Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exchanging information between a household appliance (1) and a mobile device (2), the method comprising the steps of: providing optical information at a graphical user interface (3) of the household appliance (1) (S10); preferably, aligning the mobile device (2) with respect to the household appliance (1) based on one or more markers (4) displayed at a graphical user interface (5) of the mobile device (2) or based on a time-invariant portion of provided optical information (S11); receiving optical information at the mobile device (2) by capturing said optical information provided at the household appliance (1) by a camera (6) of the mobile device (2) (S12); processing said received optical information at the mobile device (1) in order to derive an information message included in said received optical information (S13); providing said information message or information associated with said information message at a user interface of the mobile device (2) (S14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating one or at least two power control loops of an induction hob (1), the induction hob (1) comprising one or at least two power stages (10) including one or at least two induction elements (21) and one or at least two measurement units (12), the method comprising the steps of: —deriving one or at least two measurement values being indicative for the power transferred from the one or at 10 least two power stages (10) to one or at least two reference loads by means of said one or at least two measurement units (12); —storing one or at least two correction values in one or at least two storage entities in order to modify measurement values provided by the one or at least two measurement units (12) based on the one or at least two correction values when operating the induction hob (1).

Abstract: An induction cooking hob comprising a control unit and at least one cooking zone, wherein the cooking zone includes at least three induction coils, and wherein at least one first group of one or more induction coils, and at least one second group of two or more induction coils of said at least one cooking zone are alternatingly activatable or activated by the control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an induction hob (1), the induction hob (1) comprising a plurality of induction coils (3) and two or more power units (4), each power unit (4) being coupled with one or more induction coils (3), wherein a cooking zone is formed by associating one or more induction coils (3) to a coil group (6.1-6.4), the method comprising the steps of: —defining one or more coil groups (6.1-6.4), each coil group (6.1-6.4) being associated with one or more induction coils (3); —calculating a relative power value or relative electrical parameter value of each coil group (6.1-6.4) based on a maximum power value or maximum electrical parameter value, the maximum power value being the power value of the coil group with the highest power request, respectively, the maximum electrical parameter value being an electrical parameter value of the coil group (6.1-6.4) with the highest power request; —calculating, for each coil group (6.1-6.

Abstract: An induction module powers one or more induction coils. It includes an induction generator; a controller; and a communication interface for coupling with a user interface. The controller is adapted to operate the induction module according to first and a second configuration modes, wherein in the first configuration mode the induction module is configured to directly communicate with the user interface, and in the second configuration mode, the induction module is adapted to be operated either according to a master module or a slave module configuration. In the master module configuration, the induction module is configured to receive user interface information from the user interface and provide operation information to a slave induction module. In the slave module configuration, the induction module is configured to receive operation information from a master induction module and operate the induction generator according to that operation information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an induction module for powering one or more induction coils (3) of an induction hob (1), the induction module (10) at least comprising: —an induction generator (11) for providing electrical power to an induction coil (3); —a controller (12) for controlling the induction generator (11); —a communication interface (13) for coupling the induction module (10) with a user interface (5); wherein the controller (12) is adapted to operate the induction module (10) at least according to a first and a second configuration mode, wherein in the first configuration mode, the induction module (10) is configured to directly communicate with the user interface (5), and wherein in said second configuration mode, the induction module (10) is adapted to be operated either according to master module or slave module configuration, wherein in master module configuration, the induction module (10) is configured to receive user interface information from the user interface (5) and provide operation informat

Abstract: A control panel for an automatic machine adapted to prepare hot beverages according to a plurality of formulations comprises: a main input element for receiving inputs from a user; a display element for displaying the inputs to the user through a plurality of input identifiers; a control unit in data communication with the main input element and the display element. The main input element comprises a sense element adapted to detect a motion thereon of a touch of the user the main input element and the display element are in data communication through said control unit so that said motion determines a scrolling through the plurality of input identifiers on the display element, thereby selecting at least one formulation of said plurality of formulations or at least one operation parameter of a plurality of operation parameters of the automatic machine.

Abstract: A method for checking functions of fans includes starting a normal operation mode, evaluating a fan monitoring signal depending on the fans' speeds, and starting a dynamic fan checking routine. If the monitoring signal is smaller than a lock threshold value, normal operation proceeds. If the monitoring signal is bigger than the lock threshold value, a multiple-fan checking routine is started. During each fan test the corresponding fan is activated for a predetermined time period, while the other fans are deactivated during the time period, and the monitoring signal is compared with the lock threshold value and a disconnecting threshold value. If the monitoring signal is bigger than the lock threshold value, the corresponding fan is locked and an error is detected. If the monitoring signal is smaller than the disconnecting threshold value, the corresponding fan is disconnected and an error is detected.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking hob including induction coils, wherein a heating process includes time cycles subdivided into time slots. The method includes: setting a requested power for each induction coil to be activated by a user, defining a group of induction coils that have the same requested power, determining a number of time slots given by the number of different requested powers, activating all groups of induction coils to be activated during a first time slot at a same current power for a calculated duration, and activating a part of groups of induction coils to be activated during a further time slot at the same current powers in each time slot for a calculated duration if more than one group of induction coils are defined, so that an average current power of each induction coil within the time cycle corresponds with the requested power for the induction coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a power control loop of an induction hob (1), the induction hob (1) comprising a power stage (10) including at least one induction element (21), a measurement unit (12) and a control unit (11), the method comprising the steps of:—coupling the at least one induction element (21) with a reference load;—powering the power stage (10) at predefined working conditions by means of said control unit (11);—deriving a measurement value being indicative for the power transferred from the power stage (10) to the reference load by means of said measurement unit (12);—providing the measurement value to the control unit (11);—calculating a correction value based on the measurement value and a reference value;—storing the correction value in a storage entity in order to modify measurement values provided by the measurement unit (12) based on the correction value when operating the induction hob (1).

Abstract: A method for performing a treatment by a domestic appliance having a programmable control unit and a graphic display. The method includes executing a program for performing the treatment, encoding information about the appliance, the program and/or a current status of the appliance, generating a two-dimensional code representing the encoded information, and displaying the code on the graphic display, so that the code is detectable by a camera or scanner of a mobile computer device. Further, a method for processing information about a treatment performed by a domestic appliance, wherein the information is encoded by a two-dimensional code on a graphic display of the appliance. The method includes detecting the two-dimensional code by a camera or scanner, decoding the code, and indicating the decoded information on a display, and/or transmitting the decoded information to a computer device via the internet, and/or processing the decoded information by an application software.

Abstract: An induction cooking hob and a method for heating food as well as a computer program product are disclosed. Based on information of a micro-electromechanical system (1500) in combination with a temperature sensor associated to a heating zone, vibrations can be detected and a heating zone associated with the boiling substance can be properly discriminated from one supporting a pot having a non-boiling substance in it. Subsequent simmering of the substance can be automatically effected. An indication will be provided to a user (1680), and an automated function can be started (1610) including boiling and subsequent simmering, respectively indication of a boiling substance on any of the heating zones on an induction hob (1000).

Abstract: Contacts of a relay may glue together during operation. This state may be measured and a controller may issue a pulse width-modulated signal at a certain duty cycle and frequency in order to vibrate the relay contacts to make them open again. Once this is the case, the process is stopped. This process may be repeated a certain number of times, and if successfully degluing is not possible, a notification may be generated. Also after a certain number of degluing cycles, a signal may be generated to indicate replacement of the relay.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking process on an induction cooking hob (10). The method includes setting a temperature value or parameter value corresponding with the temperature by a user. A control unit of the induction cooking hob (10) sets a maximum power (Pmax) for a corresponding cooking zone, calculates an average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) of a temperature-time-diagram (20, 22, 24) of the cooking process, compares the average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) with a corresponding threshold value (THR1, THR2, THR3), and indicates that the temperature or parameter has obtained the set temperature value or parameter value, respectively, if the average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) is equal with or smaller than the corresponding threshold value (THR1, THR2, THR3). The method and control unit are provided for controlling a boiling process and a frying process on an induction cooking hob.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10) including at least one cooking area (12), wherein the cooking area (12) comprises at least three induction coils (14). The induction coils (14) of at least one cooking area (12) are arranged side-by-side and in series. Each induction coil (14) of at least one cooking area (12) has an elongated shape. The longitudinal axes of the induction coils (14) within one cooking area (12) are arranged in parallel. Each induction coil (14) of 10 the cooking area (12) is associated with a dedicated induction generator (16). The induction generators (16) are connected or connectable to at least one current line (18). The induction generators (16) are connected to and controlled or controllable by at least one control unit (20). Requested powers (rP) for each used induction generator (16) are adjusted or adjustable independent from each other by a user interface (22). Instant powers (iP) of the induction generators (16) within a cycle pattern (T1, T2, . . .

Abstract: An induction cooking hob with a pot detection device. The hob includes a cooking surface having cooking areas and/or cooking zones. The hob includes a user interface having a switch element and a display. The hob includes a control unit for controlling the cooking area(s) and/or the cooking zone(s). The pot detection device checks, if a cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s). The control unit switches off the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s), if the pot detection device has identified that the cooking vessel has been removed from the cooking area(s) and/or the cooking zone(s). The control unit stores a cooking mode of the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s), which have been switched off. The display indicates that the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s) have been switched off. The switch element restarts the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s) in the same cooking mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking process on an induction cooking hob (10). The method includes setting a temperature value or parameter value corresponding with the temperature by a user. A control unit of the induction cooking hob (10) sets a maximum power (Pmax) for a corresponding cooking zone, calculates an average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) of a temperature-time-diagram (20, 22, 24) of the cooking process, compares the average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) with a corresponding threshold value (THR1, THR2, THR3), and indicates that the temperature or parameter has obtained the set temperature value or parameter value, respectively, if the average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) is equal with or smaller than the corresponding threshold value (THR1, THR2, THR3). The method and control unit are provided for controlling a boiling process and a frying process on an induction cooking hob.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an induction cooking hob (10) with a pot detection system and a user interface (14; 16). The method comprises the steps of activating the induction cooking hob (10) by touching a main switch (20) by a user; starting automatically the pot detection system by a control unit of the induction cooking hob (10); and detecting at least one pot (18) and/or pan (18) on a cooking surface (12) of the cooking hob (10) or detecting, if no pot (18) or pan (18) is placed on said cooking surface (12), by the pot detection system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interaction device (1), comprising a) a first input unit (20) with a first sensitive surface, especially a touch display, and a first sensor unit, b) a second input unit (2-12) with a second sensitive surface and a second sensor unit, c) wherein the second input unit (2-12) is used for protection of the first input unit (20), especially against overheating and/or mechanical damaging. Furthermore, the invention relates to a glass ceramic hob (22), especially induction cooking hob, with an interaction device (1) according to the invention a) wherein preferably the interaction device (1) is arranged in a side and/or edge area of the glass ceramic hob and/or arranged at the lower surface of the glass ceramic hob (22) and/or b) wherein preferably the glass ceramic hob comprises a fan for ventilation.

Abstract: An induction cooking hob with a pot detection device. The hob includes a cooking surface having cooking areas and/or cooking zones. The hob includes a user interface having a switch element and a display. The hob includes a control unit for controlling the cooking area(s) and/or the cooking zone(s). The pot detection device checks, if a cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s). The control unit switches off the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s), if the pot detection device has identified that the cooking vessel has been removed from the cooking area(s) and/or the cooking zone(s). The control unit stores a cooking mode of the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s), which have been switched off. The display indicates that the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s) have been switched off. The switch element restarts the cooking area(s) and/or cooking zone(s) in the same cooking mode.