DOMESTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A DOMESTIC SYSTEM

Abstract

A domestic system including at least one item of domestic furniture and/or domestic appliance, in particular a domestic refrigerator, having an improved determining routine, in particular for determining a storage characteristic variable, includes a detection unit to detect at least one consumer product disposed and/or to be disposed within the item of domestic furniture and/or domestic appliance and to provide a consumer product characteristic variable correlated to the consumer product. At least one predefined database can store predefined consumer product characteristic variables of consumer products of different types, and a computer unit can compare the consumer product characteristic variable with the predefined consumer product characteristic variables for determining a storage characteristic variable. The computer unit can compare the storage characteristic variable with a setpoint storage characteristic variable and generate at least one instruction message when the storage characteristic variable differs from the setpoint storage characteristic variable.

Description

The invention relates to a household system as claimed in claim 1 and a method for operating a household system as claimed in claim 15.

A household system is disclosed in DE 10 2014 006 059 A1, comprising a household appliance which is configured as a household refrigeration appliance, wherein a consumer product is detected in order to determine a storage characteristic variable and to output a storage recommendation.

The object of the invention consists, in particular, in providing a generic household system with improved properties regarding a determining routine. The object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 15, while advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention may be derived from the subclaims.

A household system is proposed, comprising at least one item of household furniture and/or household appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising a detection unit which is intended to detect at least one, in particular predefined, consumer product which is arranged and/or can be arranged within the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, and to provide a consumer product characteristic variable which is correlated to the consumer product, comprising at least one predefined database which is at least intended to store predefined consumer product characteristic variables of, in particular predefined, consumer products of different types, and comprising a computer unit which is intended to adjust, in particular to compare, the consumer product characteristic variable with the predefined consumer product characteristic variables, for the purpose of determining the storage characteristic variable. “Intended” is to be understood, in particular, as specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. An object being intended for a specific function is to be understood, in particular, as the object fulfilling and/or performing this specific function in at least one application state and/or operating state.

“Household system” is to be understood, in particular, in this connection as a system for use in a household environment and/or for use with household objects, which in particular comprises at least one, in particular at least partially electronic, item of household furniture, such as for example a food store and/or a spice rack, and/or at least one household appliance and advantageously a household refrigeration appliance, such as for example an upright refrigerator, a chest cooler, an upright freezer, a chest freezer, a combined fridge-freezer and/or a wine cooler. The consumer product may in this case be configured, in particular, as any consumer product which is arranged and/or can be arranged, in particular, in the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, in particular as a commodity and/or advantageously as a consumable product, in particular as food. Additionally, the consumer product may comprise just one consumer product element, such as for example an individual bottle and/or a plurality of consumer product elements, such as for example a plurality of eggs. In the latter case, the consumer product, for example, may be configured as a multipack and/or egg box. In particular, the household system in this case may also comprise the consumer product. Moreover, “detection unit” is to be understood, in particular, as a unit which is preferably operatively connected to the item of household furniture and/or the household appliance, and advantageously is arranged at least partially, preferably at least largely and particularly preferably entirely, inside the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and/or integrated in the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, said unit in particular being intended at least for detecting the at least one consumer product and advantageously for detecting, in particular separately and/or advantageously simultaneously, a plurality of consumer products. Additionally, the detection unit is advantageously intended at least for detecting an object color, object structure and/or object geometry of the consumer product, in particular correlated to the consumer product characteristic variable. Moreover, the detection unit is preferably intended for detecting a position and/or a location of the consumer product which is correlated, in particular, to the storage characteristic variable. In particular, to this end the detection unit comprises at least one preferably mechanical, capacitive, resistive, haptic, electrical, electromagnetic, acoustic and/or preferably optical detection element which advantageously may be configured as a passive and/or active sensor. Preferably, the detection element is configured as a laser scanner, as a CCD sensor and/or advantageously as a camera. Moreover, the detection unit is intended, in particular, at least to provide a detection signal which is correlated to the, in particular detected, consumer product and which, in particular, corresponds to the consumer product characteristic variable and/or is linked to the consumer product characteristic variable and/or the storage characteristic variable. The expression “at least largely” in this case is to be understood, in particular, as at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95%.

Moreover, “database” is to be understood, in particular, as a unit which comprises at least one storage unit and, in particular, is intended to store, in particular consistently and advantageously permanently, a plurality of predefined consumer product characteristic variables, such as for example at least 50 predefined consumer product characteristic variables, at least 100 predefined consumer product characteristic variables and/or at least 500 predefined consumer product characteristic variables, in particular of consumer products of different types. “Database” is also to be understood as the embodiment of the storage of the consumer product characteristic variables being implemented in the form of weights of a neural network. In this embodiment, advantageously the computer unit and at least parts of the database are implemented by a neural network.

“Predefined object” is to be understood in this connection, in particular, as an object which is applied, fixed and/or determined in a production process, a set-up process, an initializing process and/or an update process, in particular of the database and/or the household system. The predefined consumer product characteristic variables in this case are advantageously already applied, fixed and/or determined in the production process, set-up process and/or the initializing process, in particular of the database and/or the household system and, in particular, stored in the database. Moreover, the expression “consumer product characteristic variables of consumer products of different types” is to be understood, in particular, as consumer product characteristic variables of differently configured consumer products and/or different types of consumer products. A consumer product of a first type in this case, for example, could correspond to a tomato, while a consumer product of a second type could correspond, for example, to an egg.

Moreover, “computer unit” is to be understood, in particular, as an electrical and/or electronic unit which, in particular, has an information input, an information processing and an information output. Advantageously, the computer unit further comprises at least one processor, at least one storage device, at least one input means and/or output means, at least one operating program, at least one regulating routine, at least one control routine, and/or at least one calculation routine. In particular, the computer unit may be part of a server network and/or cloud network and, in particular, may be linked to the Internet. Advantageously, however, the computer unit is integrated in the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and/or a further item of household furniture and/or further household appliance of the household system, whereby advantageously a determination of the storage characteristic variable may be achieved irrespective of an Internet connection. Moreover, the computer unit may be intended, in particular, to determine manually, in particular initiated by a user, and/or advantageously to determine in an automatic and/or automated manner, the storage characteristic variable, for example at regular time intervals and/or as a function of a defined and/or definable trigger event, such as for example closing the item of household furniture and/or household appliance. Moreover, the computer unit may be intended, for example by using a network unit, to recall further consumer product characteristic variables, in particular from at least one Internet database and advantageously to store said consumer product characteristic variables in the database and/or integrate said consumer product characteristic variables in the database. “Consumer product characteristic variable” is to be understood, in particular, as a characteristic variable which is correlated, in particular, to the consumer product which, in particular, is arranged and/or can be arranged within the item of household furniture and/or the household appliance. Advantageously, the computer unit may provide information about a type of the consumer product and/or determine the type of consumer product, at least using the consumer product characteristic variable. Advantageously, the consumer product characteristic variable in this case corresponds to at least one, advantageously just one, detection signal of the detection unit characterizing the consumer product and/or type of consumer product. Moreover, “storage characteristic variable” is to be understood, in particular, as a preferably predefined characteristic variable which is correlated, in particular, to a storage, in particular a storage condition, a shelf life, a storage orientation, for example upright and/or horizontal, and/or advantageously a storage location of the consumer product which is, in particular, arranged and/or can be arranged within the item of household furniture and/or household appliance. Advantageously, the computer unit may provide information about a current storage condition, a current shelf life, a current storage orientation and/or a current storage location of the consumer product and/or determine the current storage condition, the current shelf life, the current storage orientation and/or the current storage location of the consumer product, at least using the storage characteristic variable.

Moreover, the household system may comprise a network unit and/or an, in particular, haptic, acoustic and/or preferably optical output unit. “Network unit” is to be understood in this connection, in particular, as a unit, in particular a network appliance, which is intended to provide an, in particular, wired and/or advantageously wireless network connection and/or network capability, in particular for producing a local network, such as for example a LAN network and/or a WLAN network and/or a non-local network, such as for example a WAN network. By means of this embodiment a household system may be provided with improved properties with regard to a determining routine, in particular for determining a storage characteristic variable. In particular, in this case an advantageously simple rapid and/or accurate determination of the storage characteristic variable may be achieved. Moreover, the determining routine may be advantageously simplified, in particular, since complex object recognition algorithms may be dispensed with, whereby advantageously mistaken identification may be avoided when detecting the consumer product. Moreover, an advantageously user-friendly household system may be provided, in particular since the cooperation of a user may be dispensed with.

Preferably, the consumer product characteristic variable comprises an image characteristic variable and preferably an illustration of the consumer product, whereby, in particular, an advantageously simple detection of the consumer product and/or an advantageously simple determination of the storage characteristic variable may be achieved.

If the storage characteristic variable is at least correlated to a storage location of the consumer product, in particular an advantageous verification and/or monitoring of a storage location of the consumer product, which is in particular correct and/or advantageous, may be achieved.

The detection unit could be arranged outside the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, for example in the form of a web camera and/or a portable detection unit and/or on an outer face of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and, in particular, may be intended to detect a surrounding area of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and/or for an interaction with a user. Advantageously, however, it is proposed that the detection unit is intended at least to detect an interior, in particular of a useable space of the item of household furniture and/or the household appliance in which, in particular, the consumer product is arranged in at least one operating state. In particular, the detection unit in this case is also intended to detect a door inner face of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance. Preferably the detection unit in this case is integrated in the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and preferably arranged at least largely inside the item of household furniture and/or household appliance. As a result, in particular an advantageously simple detection may be achieved of a consumer product arranged within the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, wherein advantageously the cooperation of a user may be dispensed with.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the detection unit has at least two, preferably at least three, and particularly preferably at least four detection elements, preferably arranged in different corner regions of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance. The detection elements in this case could be detection elements of a different type. Preferably the detection elements, however, are configured to be at least substantially of identical construction. Preferably, the detection elements in each case are configured as optical detection elements and particularly preferably in each case as a camera. Objects which are “at least substantially of identical construction” in this case are to be understood, in particular, as objects which have external shapes which are configured to be at least substantially identical to one another but, in particular, may differ from one another in at least one feature, advantageously an internal structure and/or a mode of operation. Preferably, the objects which are at least substantially of identical construction, however, are identical to one another apart from production tolerances and/or within the context of the possibilities of production technology and/or within the context of standardized tolerances. As a result, in particular, a detection of the consumer product may be improved, wherein advantageously at least partially concealed consumer products may also be detected.

The database may be linked, for example, to the Internet and, in particular, may be part of a server network and/or cloud network. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is proposed that the database is a local database. Advantageously, the database in this case is integrated in the item of household furniture and/or household appliance. Additionally, the database may be linked, for example, to an in particular locally limited home network and/or Intranet and/or form part of a home network and/or the Intranet. As a result, advantageously the storage characteristic variable may be determined irrespective of an Internet connection.

Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the database is a cloud database, whereby in particular an advantageously networked database may be provided.

Moreover, it is proposed that the in particular predefined database is a region-specific, in particular country-specific database. In particular, in this case the database is intended, in particular depending on a place of use of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and/or household system, to store at least partially different region-dependent predefined consumer product characteristic variables and/or predefined consumer product characteristic variables of region-specific consumer products. In particular, the computer unit may be intended to recall consumer product characteristic variables which differ from the in particular different region-dependent predefined consumer product characteristic variables, in particular from the Internet database and advantageously to store said consumer product characteristic variables in the database and/or integrate said consumer product characteristic variables in the database. As a result, a particularly advantageous adaptation of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance may be achieved. Additionally advantageously, consumer product characteristic variables which are not required and/or rarely required may be separated out, whereby advantageously resources may be saved.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that, when determining the storage characteristic variable and in particular when adjusting the consumer product characteristic variable with the predefined consumer product characteristic variables, the computer unit is intended to consider at least one status information of the consumer product. In particular, the computer unit is intended to use the status information when determining the storage characteristic variable, in particular when adjusting the consumer product characteristic variable to the predefined consumer product characteristic variables. Advantageously, the status information in this case is stored in the, in particular, predefined database. “Status information” is intended to be understood, in particular, as information correlated to a status of the consumer product, such as for example “packaged”, “whole”, “halved” “cut” “diced” and/or “in slices” and, in particular, information characterizing the consumer product, in particular at least approximately and advantageously unambiguously. As a result, in particular, the storage characteristic variable may be advantageously determined in a simple manner.

Moreover, the computer unit is intended to compare the storage characteristic variable with a setpoint storage characteristic variable and to generate at least one advantageously predefined instruction message when the storage characteristic variable differs from the setpoint storage characteristic variable, advantageously by recalling the instruction message from a further database. Preferably, the further database is at least partially identical to the database. Particularly preferably, the output unit is intended to output the instruction message. Advantageously, to this end the output unit comprises at least one output element which is configured as a display. Alternatively or additionally, the output unit may have an output element which is configured as a communication element which, for example, may be intended to transmit the instruction message to an advantageously mobile electronic appliance, such as for example a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a smartwatch and/or a similar electronic appliance. A “setpoint storage characteristic variable” is to be understood, in particular, as a characteristic variable which is advantageously predefined and particularly preferably stored in the, in particular, predefined database and which is correlated, in particular, to a setpoint storage, in particular a setpoint storage condition, a setpoint shelf life, a setpoint storage orientation, for example upright and/or horizontal, and/or advantageously a setpoint storage location of the consumer product which is arranged and/or can be arranged, in particular, inside the item of household furniture and/or household appliance.

Advantageously, the computer unit may provide information at least using the setpoint storage characteristic variable about a setpoint storage condition, a setpoint shelf life, a setpoint storage orientation and/or determine a setpoint storage location of the consumer product and/or setpoint storage condition, the setpoint shelf life, the setpoint storage orientation and/or the setpoint storage location of the consumer product. As a result, in particular, an advantageous instruction function may be implemented. Additionally, in particular, an advantageously intelligent and/or user-friendly household system may be provided.

If the instruction message in at least one operating state is a storage recommendation of the consumer product outside the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, in particular a user may be informed about incorrect storage of the consumer product inside the item of household furniture and/or household appliance.

If the instruction message in at least one further operating state is a storage recommendation of the consumer product in a defined partial region of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance which is different from the current partial region, such as for example an upper region of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, a lower region of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, a vegetable compartment of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance, a refrigerating chamber of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and/or a freezer compartment of the household appliance, in particular a user may be informed about a disadvantageous storage of the consumer product inside the item of household furniture and/or household appliance.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the household system has an output unit, in particular the aforementioned output unit, which is intended to output the instruction message, wherein the instruction message is an image of an object which is correlated to the consumer product, advantageously in an illustration of an interior of the item of household furniture and/or household appliance and/or in front of an exemplary background. As a result, in particular, an advantageously intuitive instruction message may be generated.

Moreover, a method for operating a household system is proposed, wherein the household system comprises at least one predefined database which is intended at least to store predefined consumer product characteristic variables of, in particular, predefined consumer products of different types, wherein, in particular, by means of a detection unit at least one, in particular, predefined consumer product which is arranged and/or can be arranged within at least one item of household furniture and/or household appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, is detected, in particular by means of the detection unit, a consumer product characteristic variable correlated to the consumer product is provided and, for determining a storage characteristic variable, in particular by means of a computer unit, the consumer product characteristic variable is adjusted, in particular compared, with the predefined consumer product variables. As a result, in particular, a determining routine, in particular for determining a storage characteristic variable, may be improved. In particular, in this case an advantageously simple, rapid and/or accurate determination of the storage characteristic variable may be achieved. Moreover, the determining routine may be advantageously simplified, in particular since complex object recognition algorithms may be dispensed with, whereby advantageously mistaken identification may be avoided when detecting the consumer product. Moreover, an advantageously user-friendly household system may be provided, in particular, since cooperation of a user may be dispensed with.

The household system and the method for operating the household system in this case are not intended to be limited to the above-described application and embodiment. In particular, the household system and the method for operating the household system for fulfilling a mode of operation described herein could have a number of individual elements, components and units which differ from the number cited herein.

Further advantages are disclosed from the following description of the drawings. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them together to form further useful combinations.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows by way of example a household system for determining a storage characteristic variable of at least one consumer product arranged within a household appliance configured as a household refrigeration appliance,

FIG. 2 shows by way of example the database contents of a predefined database of the household system and

FIG. 3 shows an internal view of the household appliance.

FIG. 1 shows by way of example a household system 10 in a schematic view. The household system 10 is intended for use in a household environment. The household system 10 comprises a household appliance 12. The household appliance 12 is configured as a household refrigeration appliance, in the present case in particular as an upright refrigerator. The household system 10 is intended to determine a storage characteristic variable of at least one consumer product 16, 17, 18 which is arranged and/or can be arranged within the household appliance 12 (see in particular FIG. 3). The storage characteristic variable corresponds in the present case to a storage location characteristic variable and is correlated to a storage location of the consumer product 16, 17, 18. The consumer product 16, 17, 18 may in this case be configured as any consumer product and, in particular, may comprise an individual consumer product element or a plurality of consumer product elements. The consumer product element may be configured, for example, as an energy storage element, as adhesive and/or advantageously as a food, such as for example as vegetables, as fruit or as bread and/or as eggs or the like. Preferably, a view of the consumer product 16, 17, 18 in this case is irrespective of a specific producer and/or retailer. In the present case, FIG. 3 shows purely by way of example three different consumer products 16, 17, 18 arranged in the household appliance 12, wherein a first consumer product 16 is configured by way of example as an orange, a second consumer product 17 is configured by way of example as meat and a third consumer product 18 is configured by way of example as iceberg lettuce. The consumer products 16, 17, 18 are also arranged by way of example on shelves 46 of the household appliance 12. Alternatively or additionally, a household system could also comprise any item of household furniture and/or household appliance which is different from a household refrigeration appliance, such as for example a cooking appliance, in particular a microwave, a dishwasher, a food storage cupboard, for example without a refrigerating function and/or with a storage function corresponding to a household refrigeration appliance, a spice rack and/or a larder. It is also conceivable to configure a consumer product as any consumer product which differs from the consumer products shown by way of example in FIG. 3. It is also conceivable that a consumer product is arranged in a door shelf of a household appliance and/or household furniture which is configured, in particular, as a household refrigeration appliance. Moreover, in principle a storage characteristic variable could also correspond to any other storage characteristic variable, such as for example a storage condition characteristic variable and, in particular, could be correlated to a storage condition.

The household system 10 comprises a computer unit 26. The computer unit 26 in the present case is integrated in the household appliance 12, in particular a housing of the household appliance 12. The computer unit 26 is intended to control an operation and/or to process data. To this end, the computer unit 26 has a processor, a storage device and an operating program stored in the storage device which is intended to be executed by the processor. Alternatively, however, a computer unit could also be configured separately from a household appliance and/or be part of a server network and/or cloud network, in particular linked to the Internet.

Moreover, the household system 10 comprises an output unit 44. The output unit 44 in the present case is integrated in the household appliance 12, in particular the housing of the household appliance 12. The output unit 44 is connected so as to communicate with the computer unit 26.

The output unit 44 comprises at least one output element 48, 50. In the present case, the output unit 44 by way of example comprises two output elements 48, 50. A first output element 48 of the output elements 48, 50 is configured as an optical output element, in the present case in particular as a display. The first output element 48 is arranged on a front face of the household appliance 12. A second output element 50 of the output elements 48, 50 is configured as a communication element. The second output element 48 is connected and/or is able to be connected so as to communicate with an electronic appliance 52, in the present case in particular by way of example a smartphone. Alternatively, however, an output unit could also be configured separately from a household appliance and/or comprise at least one output element which is configured to be mobile, such as for example a portable display. Additionally, an output unit could have at least three and/or at least four output elements. Moreover, in principle it is conceivable that at least one output element is intended for voice output.

Moreover, the household system 10 comprises a network unit 54. The network unit 54 in the present case is integrated in the household appliance 12, in particular the housing of the household appliance 12. The network unit 54 is connected so as to communicate with the computer unit 26. The network unit 54 is intended to provide a network connection and/or a network capability. Alternatively, however, a network unit could also be configured separately from a household appliance and/or integrated in a computer unit.

Moreover, the household system 10 comprises a detection unit 14 (see in particular FIG. 3). The detection unit 14 is operatively connected to the household appliance 12. The detection unit 14 in the present case is integrated in the household appliance 12. The detection unit 14 in this case is arranged at least largely inside the household appliance 12. The detection unit 14 is also operatively connected to the computer unit 26. The detection unit 14 is connected so as to communicate with the computer unit 26. The detection unit 14 is configured in the present case as an image detection unit. The detection unit 14 is intended to detect an interior 28, in particular a useable space, of the household appliance 12. The detection unit 14 is intended to detect the consumer product 16, 17, 18, in the present case in particular the consumer products 16, 17, 18. The detection unit 14 is intended at least to provide a consumer product characteristic variable which is correlated to the corresponding consumer product 16, 17, 18, for a consumer product 16, 17, 18, in particular detected thereby, in the present case in particular for each detected consumer product 16, 17, 18 of the consumer products 16, 17, 18. The consumer product characteristic variable in the present case is an image characteristic variable, in particular an illustration of the respective consumer product 16, 17, 18. Additionally, the detection unit 14 is intended to detect a position and/or location of the consumer products 16, 17, 18 which is correlated to the storage characteristic variable.

To this end, the detection unit 14 comprises at least one detection element 30, 32. In the present case, the detection unit 14 comprises a plurality of detection elements 30, 32 which, in particular, are intended to cooperate for detecting the consumer products 16, 17, 18. The detection unit 14 comprises in the present case two detection elements 30, 32. The detection elements 30, 32 in this case are configured to be at least substantially of identical construction. The detection elements 30, 32 are configured as optical detection elements. Alternatively, however, a detection unit could also be configured separately from a household appliance. Moreover, a detection unit could comprise just one detection element and/or at least three, at least four and/or at least five detection elements. Moreover, a detection unit could comprise detection elements of a different type. Moreover, at least one detection element could be arranged outside and/or on an outer face of a household appliance and, in particular, could be intended to detect a surrounding area of the household appliance and/or for interaction with a user. Moreover, in principle it is conceivable that a detection unit could be intended to provide a consumer product characteristic variable which differs from an image characteristic variable.

A first detection element 30 of the detection elements 30, 32 is configured as an optical sensor. The first detection element 30 is configured as an active sensor. The first detection element 30 is configured in the present case as a camera.

The first detection element 30 is integrated in the household appliance 12, in particular the housing of the household appliance 12. The first detection element 30 is intended at least to detect an object geometry of at least one of the consumer products 16, 17, 18 and advantageously at least largely the consumer products 16, 17, 18. Additionally, the first detection element 30 is intended to detect a position and/or location of at least one of the consumer products 16, 17, 18 and advantageously at least largely the consumer products 16, 17, 18. Alternatively, however, a first detection element could also be configured as a laser scanner and/or CCD sensor. Moreover, a first detection element could be additionally intended to detect a minimum shelf life date of a consumer product.

A second detection element 32 of the detection elements 30, 32 is configured as an optical sensor. The second detection element 32 is configured as an active sensor. The second detection element 32 in the present case is configured as a camera. The second detection element 32 is integrated in the household appliance 12, in particular the housing of the household appliance 12. The second detection element 32 in this case is arranged on a side of the household appliance 12 opposing the first detection element 30. The second detection element 32 cooperates with the first detection element 30 for, in particular, comprehensive detection of the interior 28. The second detection element 32 is intended at least to detect an object geometry of at least one of the consumer products 16, 17, 18 and advantageously at least largely the consumer products 16, 17, 18. Additionally, the second detection element 32 is intended to detect a position and/or location of at least one of the consumer products 16, 17, 18 and advantageously at least largely the consumer products 16, 17, 18. Alternatively, however, a second detection element could also be configured as a laser scanner and/or CCD sensor. Also a second detection element could be additionally intended to detect a minimum shelf life date of a consumer product.

The detection unit 14 is intended to provide all detection signals of the detection elements 30, 32 which are correlated to the storage characteristic variable to the computer unit. In this case, the detection unit 14 is intended at least to combine and/or group together all detection signals of the detection elements 30, 32 which are correlated to the consumer product characteristic variable and to provide said detection signals as consumer product characteristic variables to the computer unit 26.

Moreover, the household system 10 comprises a predefined database 20. The database 20 comprises a storage unit. The database 20 is configured as a local database. The database 20 in the present case is integrated in the household appliance 12, in particular the housing of the household appliance 12. The database 20 is connected so as to communicate with the computer unit 26. The database 20 is configured as an image database. Additionally, the database 20 is configured as a region-specific database. The database 20 is also configured to be expandable and may, in particular, if required be expanded, updated and/or adapted by means of the network unit 54. FIG. 2 shows by way of example the database contents of the database 20.

The database 20 is intended to store predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22 of consumer products of different types. In the present case, the database 20 is intended to store a plurality of different predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22, in particular consistently and permanently.

The predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22 in this case are configured as symbols, pictograms and/or illustrations of predefined consumer products. The predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22 are already applied in the present case in a set-up process and/or initializing process of the database 20 and, in particular, stored in the database 20. Additionally, depending on a location of the use of the household appliance 12, such as for example Europe or China, in the present case the database 20 is intended to store at least partially differently predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22 of region-specific consumer products.

Moreover, the database 20 is intended, for each of the predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22, to store status information 34 which is correlated to the predefined consumer product characteristic variable 22. The status information 34 may in the present case correspond to the states “packaged”, “whole”, “halved”, “cut”, “diced” and/or “in slices”. The different states are symbolized in FIG. 2 by way of example by numbers.

Moreover, the database 20 is intended for each of the predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22 to store an in particular predefined setpoint storage characteristic variable 36 which is correlated to the predefined consumer product characteristic variable 22. The setpoint storage characteristic variable 36 corresponds in the present case to a setpoint storage location of a corresponding consumer product. Alternatively, however, a predefined database could also be linked to the Internet and, in particular, be part of a server network and/or a cloud network. Additionally, it is conceivable to dispense with a region-specific embodiment of a database. Moreover, it is conceivable to store status information in a further database, for example a further local database and/or an Internet database. It is also conceivable to dispense with additional status information entirely. Moreover, it is conceivable to store a setpoint storage characteristic variable in a further database, for example a further local database and/or an Internet database. Additionally, in principle, a setpoint storage characteristic variable could also correspond to any other storage characteristic variable, such as for example a setpoint storage condition characteristic variable and, in particular, could be correlated to a storage condition.

The computer unit 26 is intended to determine in an automatic and/or automated manner the storage characteristic variable, in particular as a function of a defined trigger event such as for example closing the household appliance 12. Alternatively or additionally, however, a computer unit could also be intended to determine manually a storage characteristic variable, in particular initiated by a user. For determining a storage characteristic variable of one of the consumer products 16, 17, 18 the computer unit 26 is intended to adjust the consumer product characteristic variable of the corresponding consumer product 16, 17, 18 to the predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22. In particular, in order to minimize incorrect information, in this case the computer unit 26 is intended to consider status information 34 of the corresponding consumer product 16, 17, 18 which is, in particular, stored in the database 20. With a successful adjustment of the consumer product characteristic variable of the corresponding consumer product 16, 17, 18 to the predefined consumer product characteristic variables 22, the computer unit 26 is intended to consider the position and/or location of the corresponding consumer product 16, 17, 18, in particular for the ultimate determination of the storage characteristic variable.

Subsequently, the computer unit 26 is intended to compare the storage characteristic variable with a setpoint storage characteristic variable 36, which is, in particular, stored in the database 20, of the corresponding consumer product 16, 17, 18 and to generate in the present case an, in particular, predefined instruction message 40, 42 when the storage characteristic variable differs from the setpoint storage characteristic variable 36, such as indicated in particular in FIG. 3 by way of example. In the present case, the computer unit 26 is intended to recall at least two different instruction messages 40, 42 from a further, in particular local, database (not shown). Additionally, the computer unit 26 is intended to output instruction messages 40, 42 via the output unit 44. In the present case, the first output element 48 is intended to output the instruction messages 40, 42. Additionally, the second output element 50 is intended to transmit the instruction messages 40, 42 to the electronic device 52, whereby advantageously an instruction function may be implemented.

A first instruction message 40 of the instruction messages 40, 42 in the present case is assigned to the first consumer product 16 which is configured, in particular, as an orange. The first instruction message 40 corresponds in this case to a storage recommendation of the first consumer product 16 outside the household appliance 12. The first instruction message 40 in this case is an image of an object which is correlated to the first consumer product 16 in front of an exemplary background (see FIG. 3).

A second instruction message 42 of the instruction messages 40, 42 in the present case is assigned to the third consumer product 18 which is configured, in particular, as iceberg lettuce. The second instruction message 42 corresponds to a storage recommendation of the third consumer product 18 in a defined partial region of the household appliance 12, in the present case in particular a vegetable compartment. The second instruction message 42 in this case is an image of an object which is correlated to the third consumer product 18 in an illustration of the interior 28 of the household appliance 12.

The second consumer product 17, which is configured in particular as meat, in the present case by way of example is not assigned an instruction message since a storage characteristic variable of the second consumer product 17 coincides with a setpoint storage characteristic variable 36 of the second consumer product 17. Alternatively, it is conceivable to generate just one instruction message and/or a plurality of different instruction messages. Moreover, an instruction message could also be configured alternatively or additionally as a text message. Additionally, a computer unit could also be intended to transmit a minimum shelf life date of a consumer product by means of an output unit and/or to transmit to an electronic appliance by means of a second output element.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

• 10 Household system
• 12 Household appliance
• 14 Detection unit
• 16 Consumer product
• 17 Consumer product
• 18 Consumer product
• 20 Database
• 22 Consumer product characteristic variable
• 26 Computer unit
• 28 Interior
• 30 Detection element
• 32 Detection element
• 34 Status information
• 36 Setpoint storage characteristic variable
• 40 Instruction message
• 42 Instruction message
• 44 Output unit
• 46 Shelf
• 48 Output element
• 50 Output element
• 52 Electronic appliance
• 54 Network unit

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A household system, comprising:

at least one of an item of household furniture or a household appliance or a household refrigeration appliance;

a detection unit for detecting at least one consumer product disposed within or to be disposed within said item of household furniture or household appliance or household refrigeration appliance, said detection unit configured to provide a consumer product characteristic variable correlated to the at least one consumer product;

at least one predefined database for storing predefined consumer product characteristic variables of consumer products of different types; and

a computer unit for comparing the at least one consumer product characteristic variable with the predefined consumer product characteristic variables to determine a storage characteristic variable, said computer unit considering at least one status information of the at least one consumer product when determining the storage characteristic variable.

17. The household system according to claim 16, wherein the at least one consumer product characteristic variable includes an image characteristic variable of the at least one consumer product.

18. The household system according to claim 16, wherein the storage characteristic variable is at least correlated to a storage location of the at least one consumer product.

19. The household system according to claim 16, wherein said detection unit is configured to at least detect an interior of said item of household furniture or household appliance or household refrigeration appliance.

20. The household system according to claim 16, wherein said detection unit includes at least two detection elements.

21. The household system according to claim 16, wherein said at least one predefined database is a local database.

22. The household system according to claim 16, wherein said at least one predefined database is a cloud database.

23. The household system according to claim 16, wherein said at least one predefined database is a region-specific database.

24. The household system according to claim 16, wherein said computer unit is configured to compare the storage characteristic variable with a setpoint storage characteristic variable and to generate at least one instruction message when the storage characteristic variable differs from the setpoint storage characteristic variable.

25. The household system according to claim 24, wherein said at least one instruction message, in at least one operating state, is a storage recommendation of the at least one consumer product when located outside of said item of household furniture or household appliance or household refrigeration appliance.

26. The household system according to claim 25, wherein said at least one instruction message, in at least one further operating state, is a storage recommendation of the at least one consumer product when located in a defined partial region of said item of household furniture or household appliance or household refrigeration appliance.

27. The household system according to claim 24, which further comprises an output unit for outputting said at least one instruction message, said at least one instruction message being an image of an object correlated to the at least one consumer product.

28. An item of household furniture or a household appliance for a household system according to claim 16.

29. A method for operating a household system, the method comprising the following steps:

storing at least predefined consumer product characteristic variables of consumer products of different types in at least one predefined database of a household system;

detecting at least one consumer product disposed within or to be disposed within at least one item of household furniture or household appliance or household refrigeration appliance;

providing a consumer product characteristic variable correlated to the at least one consumer product;

adjusting the consumer product characteristic variable to the predefined consumer product characteristic variables for determining a storage characteristic variable; and

considering at least one status information of the at least one consumer product when determining the storage characteristic variable.