Search

DE-102024210875-A1 - Provision of operating information about a household appliance

DE102024210875A1DE 102024210875 A1DE102024210875 A1DE 102024210875A1DE-102024210875-A1

Abstract

A method (200) for providing operational information about a household appliance (105) comprises steps of capturing search queries from a large number of users (110) regarding operational information about household appliances (105); combining the search queries with basic metadata about the household appliances (105); matching terms that match the search query; creating records based on each search query, combined basic metadata and matched terms; and creating articles (160) in human-readable form based on each record.

Inventors

  • Robert Hibelt
  • Mariana Atherton
  • Julian Bubeck
  • Markus Ortmann
  • Fabian Pammer
  • Filip Stojanac

Assignees

  • BSH Hausgeräte GmbH

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20241113

Claims (11)

  1. Method (200) for providing operational information about a household appliance (105), wherein the method (200) comprises the following steps: - Collecting search queries from a large number of users (110) regarding operational information about household appliances (105); - Combining the search queries with basic metadata about the household appliances (105); - Assigning terms that match the search query; - Creating records based on a search query, combined basic metadata, and assigned terms; and - Creating articles (160) in a human-readable format based on a record.
  2. Procedure (200) according to Claim 1 , wherein the articles (160) are created using an LLM (155) based on general information about which the LLM (155) is trained.
  3. Procedure (200) according to Claim 1 or 2 , where the terms are assigned using an LLM (155).
  4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the articles (160) are produced in a uniform, predetermined style.
  5. Procedure (200) according to Claim 3 and 4 , where a prompt is provided to direct the LLM (155) to create an article (160) in the predetermined style.
  6. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a manufactured article (160) is checked for compliance with predetermined formal criteria; and only an article (160) that sufficiently meets the criteria is provided.
  7. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein keywords characterizing the content are assigned to the article (160) on the basis of the data set.
  8. Procedure (200) according to Claim 7 , where the keywords are chosen to allow an internet search engine to associate a suitable search query with the article (160).
  9. Procedure (200) according to one of the Claims 7 or 8 , where the keywords are assigned using an LLM (155).
  10. Device (135) for providing operational information about a household appliance (105), the device (135) comprising the following elements: - an interface (145) for capturing search queries from a large number of users (110) regarding operational information about household appliances (105); and - a processing unit (140) configured to: ◯ combine search queries with basic metadata about the household appliances (105); ◯ match terms that match the search query; ◯ create data records based on a search query, combined basic metadata, and matched terms; and ◯ create articles (160) in human-readable form based on a data record.
  11. Device (110) according to Claim 10 , wherein the processing device (140) implements or comprises an LLM (155).

Description

The present invention relates to the provision of operating information about a device, in particular a household appliance. A household appliance is designed for use in a home. Modern household appliances can be complex and comprise a multitude of components that work together in a predetermined sequence. Should a malfunction occur, the appliance may no longer function properly. A user of the appliance cannot usually easily distinguish whether a malfunction requires an action they can perform, the replacement of a component, or the replacement of the entire appliance. The appliance can automatically detect and differentiate between certain error states. An indication of a detected error can be displayed as an error code on the device. However, this generally does not yet allow for a definitive determination of the cause. An error code may be accompanied by information that makes it easier for a user to find and resolve the cause and restore the appliance to working order. Such information may be provided by the appliance manufacturer. In cases where this information is insufficient, the user can seek advice from other sources, particularly from online forums or information repositories. However, these sources do not always provide helpful tips or comprehensible explanations. Occasionally, incorrect or incomprehensible information is provided, or dialogue with someone via a forum may require many rounds of exchanges, making it difficult to obtain a solution. Finally, it is generally advisable to refrain from certain interventions in a household appliance, as in some cases there is a risk of personal injury or further damage to the appliance. One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide a technique for providing improved operating information about a household appliance. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for providing operational information about a household appliance comprises the steps of capturing search queries from a large number of users regarding operational information about household appliances; combining the search queries with basic metadata about the household appliances; assigning terms that match the search query; creating data records based on each search query, combined basic metadata, and assigned terms; and creating articles in human-readable form based on each data record. The method is preferably computer-implemented. The operating information may include a description of a predetermined fault pattern. Preferably, the operating information includes a suggestion or instructions that can be used to correct a possible underlying cause of the fault pattern. It may also include usage instructions that explain how the non-defective appliance can be used to solve a predetermined problem. For example, the search query might be "how do I get grass stains out of a shirt," and the operating information might include a preferred wash program and/or detergent. The operating information can explain which mechanism of the appliance might be malfunctioning and/or which component may not be working correctly. In some cases, it may also indicate that a fault appears to exist that cannot be rectified by the user, meaning the appliance requires professional service or disposal. Search queries can be submitted by users to an internet search engine. These queries can be provided by the search engine operator or by a third-party product or service, such as Semrush or Ahrefs. A typical search query includes a description of a problem or error related to a household appliance. For example, a search query might be "washing machine won't drain." Optionally, an interested party can also use the described mechanism to specifically feed in new or revised information. For example, a manufacturer of household appliances could place targeted search queries for problems or basic metadata into the search engine. New information related to search queries, such as an updated user manual, can be made available to the search engine to establish a correlation between a search query and the new information. The basic metadata can include, in particular, a brand, an error code, a category of the household appliance, and/or an error level. The brand is assigned to a manufacturer. If the brand is not explicitly stated, it can be derived, for example, from a device name. Categories can be predefined and, for example, group together appliances for laundry care, dishwashing, or cooking. Further categories can be predefined, such as cleaning appliances, personal care and bathroom appliances, pet care and grooming appliances, handicrafts appliances, lighting appliances, as well as air conditioning and heating appliances, general electrical appliances, fitness and wellness appliances, or security appliances. A category can be derived from a generic