DE10307756A1 - Household appliance programming method in which relevant information is output to display during programming, program execution and after program has completed - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for adjusting the settings of a household appliance, whereby a user selects a program and operating parameters via an operating element (3). Certain information of relevance to the user is output to a display (2) during programming, program execution and after the program has completed. An independent claim is made for an operating device for setting program and display parameters for a household appliance.

Description

The invention is based on one program-controlled household appliance with a control panel and control elements arranged on it, via which the user of the device from a stock of programs which are stored in a memory, selects a single program and this at your own discretion by choosing certain parameters and change additional functions and thus according to his wishes can adjust. A program is understood to be a sequence of individual processes the the household appliance automatically controlled after the start, executed automatically one after the other. there is each individual process by its function such as washing, spinning, Rinse and the process parameters such as temperature, duration and speed are determined.

As switches for the program selection are predominant Rotary switch in use. Each rotary switch position is exactly one Program permanently assigned. The switch position is identified by a Marking, such as a notch or a luminous point. For the selection of additional functions, push buttons or toggle switches are provided on the control panel, by means of which the user has the possibility that through the selector switch selected Manipulate program. For example, the "Intensive" function key can be used to program the "Cooking linen" section is extended, heavily soiled laundry to be cleaned more intensively. about the spin cycle function button can be used for the "crease wash" function shortened and / or the maximum spin speed can be reduced. The selection of an additional function is based on the position of the switch recognizable or is indicated by a light element.

The risk of errors increases with an increasing variety of programs and controls, because the space around the switch around is limited and little room for adequate labeling the switch and switch positions are present. The switches or the functions underlying the switch positions are from the assigned indicator recognizable on the control panel. Terms are used as characteristics in plain text, abbreviations or symbols used. This should help the user without any help the operating instructions, alone about the markings on the control panel, an error-free selection of the Programs and the additional functions are made possible. requirement for that is that the information displayed on the control panel is clearly visible and are sufficient in terms of their number and significance. Dependent on from the design of the control surface, on the type and number of different switches, their spatial distribution on the control panel and its functional assignment exists at the currently usual Procedure the risk of incorrect settings.

There is a trend in modern household appliances that their range of functions will be expanded more and more. The user is becoming an ever wider range of applications offered the number of selectable Operating programs and their variation options through additional functions climb. For The disadvantage of the user is that the correct programming of the household appliance is becoming increasingly difficult. The manufacturers counter this by using Displays, about which displays instructions and information to the user in plain text become. The user of a household appliance should go through the ads supported in the display with the correct selection of the operating program as well while the program is running the progress of the program and the operating status. The ads should be big enough and easily recognizable, you Content for the Users so detailed and exactly that operating errors, in particular due to misinterpretations of Abbreviations and symbols are excluded.

In the DE 196 06 115 A1 For example, a display for an oven is included. Several displays are integrated in the control panel of the oven for information in plain text. To make the displays clearer, each display is assigned a special function, for example for the operating program display, for the display of the set parameters or the time. This fixed assignment of the function to a display line has the disadvantage that the effort for the control panel of the household appliance increases with its range of functions and the variety of designs.

From the DE 28 24 973 A1 A household appliance is known with a display in which a program or an additional function is assigned to the various display fields, the meaning of which is clearly evident from a designation in plain text in the display field. The display fields are covered with transparent touch sensors. The operator selects a program or another setting option by touching the transparent touch sensors above the correspondingly labeled display field. The selection options, such as the washing program and parameter settings, are divided into groups and displayed one after the other. The display has the function of a control panel and at the same time that of a multiple switch, there is no conventional rotary switch.

In a washing machine from Maytag, switches are provided in addition to the display fields of the display covered with transparent touch sensors, via which, in particular, switching functions in the display field are to be carried out. The switches are located in the immediate vicinity of the display. This mix of switches and display makes the selection options easier to understand. For device manufacturing, the additional switches mean a larger number of individual manufacturing parts and a considerable increase in number wall when installing the device.

With this operating device the legibility of the display device after prolonged use due to contamination the over arranged on the display transparent touch sensors impaired. The display device needs more getting cleaned. Much more disadvantageous. are the restrictions resulting from the variable design of the display surface and result in ease of use. The size and arrangement of the individual buttons on the keypad, among other things, out of the need to Danger of switching off several with one hand movement Touches keypads and thereby triggering several switching processes. This is a minimum size of characters predetermined and limited the number of options that can be displayed simultaneously. at complex programming processes the changing selection of the keypad with the desired one is effective Function and the subsequent Touch this field like a glitch in the course of programming. Every hand movement that a circuit triggers, at least partially obscures the display, the visual perception the display field is interrupted. On the other hand, the unrestricted visual Perception of the entire display surface is only possible if the operator the hand from the button took. Handling and visual perception are limited each other. Programming is a constantly interrupted process.

A cheaper solution in this regard is in the DE 198 34 230 A1 described. According to the method presented there, the operating program to be set and / or the parameters specifying this program are displayed in plain text on a display device. The display device is divided into several lines and a selection option for controlling the program is displayed in each line of the display device, which selection can be activated with a switch arranged in a horizontal extension of this line next to the display device. In a step-by-step setting process, the possible settings are offered in succession in the display device. The function of the switch results from the plain text shown in the adjacent display line.

Because in the known solution a plurality of mechanically operated Push button switches can not be dispensed with, the costs for such control panels quite high. The manufacturers react to the cost pressure in the Way that any device only equipped with the necessary switching elements with the disadvantageous Consequence that every type of device and with the same type of device each type series is equipped with a different control panel.

The solutions described above show Disadvantages in terms of handling and user guidance. Is restricted especially the representation of the functional dependencies the available functions, which in particular makes programming of devices with a big one Range of adjustable programs and parameters is difficult.

The invention is based on the object for program-controlled appliances to provide a concept with improved user-device communication. In particular, the ease of use of the household appliance should be increased through simplified handling during programming. It is further object of the invention to provide an operating concept, that can be used universally and for future generations of household appliances with an even more complex scope of services and further improved ease of use is applicable.

The object of the invention is achieved by solved the features mentioned in claim 1. Advantageous configurations the invention are contained in the subclaims.

The inventive solution lies based on the thought necessary to operate the household appliance be executed Switching processes and the information given to the operator about the device consistently to separate. All essential, especially all during Switching operations to be carried out during the programming operation can be carried out via an operating element. As The control element is preferably a multi-function switch, e.g. a joystick is provided. According to the invention, the switch has none explanatory Labels or other markings by means of which the switch position and the function assigned to it can be read. The possible Switching functions are indicated by symbols that are easy to interpret shown on the display or arise naturally the form of presentation. The usual Assignment of the controls and their setting options to one selectable Operating program or the program parameters to be set with it eliminated.

According to the invention that is Display the sole communication interface between the operator and the household appliance. All before while and after a program run generated by the household appliance and in any The information output is summarized on the display shown. It is essential to the invention that the user guidance during Programming, i.e. when selecting the operating programs, the program parameters and the additional functions about Display panel of the display takes place.

For better orientation of the operator, it is advantageous to assign the informational displays on the display according to their content or their meaning to a specific area on the display panel. The amount of information that is mainly given in plain text and very compactly using just one display element is easier to understand and to include in terms of content. When setting up the display surface It is not only important to display the greatest possible number of options to the operator at the same time, but also to present them in their context and in relation to their interdependency.

To program a household appliance after proviso effectively execute the invention can, are those that can be selected by the user Functions such as Operating programs or parameter settings in a menu shown on the display. Every single display field in the menu matrix is a function underlines that from the labeling of the display field is readable. The programs and parameters that can be selected are advantageous hierarchical according to their functional dependency in the display menu divided. A very simple form of this hierarchical dependency there is e.g. in that in accordance with the usual Convention equivalent choices, such as the amount of alternatively selectable Operating programs, arranged one below the other in a menu bar become and dependent or subordinate functions, e.g. the parameter settings to a program, appear to the right of it on the display. are several parameters independently manipulable from each other, they are again one below the other in a menu bar. The number of menu bars that can be displayed side by side and the shape and their dependency to each other in the tableau depend on the size of each used displays and its level of equipment.

For Each parameter is only the setting options that are actually permitted offered. For example, in the case of a washer dryer for the "washing temperature" parameter for the "colored laundry" program, lower temperature values become than offered for the "Cooking Linen" program continuously adjustable parameters, such as the washing temperature or the spin speed, are the adjustable options restricted to the practically meaningful range of values.

According to the invention, a selection is made Operating program and the setting of the program parameters as well of the additional functions from the stock shown in the menu only a control element, the joystick. By toggle the joystick if a switch is made within the menu e.g. gradually left or right, up or down to the immediate neighboring menu fields. A function is selected by means of a pressure switch via the Joystick. All to be done Switching operations monitored the operator about the menu display.

In an embodiment of the invention the current switching situation can be seen in the display the functional field activated by the switching operations visually from the rest Fields stand out clearly, for example by a different coloring of the Background or the characters and / or through 3D effects. A function is selected in a program-effective manner by the operator the display field marked as active and thus the field assigned function confirmed by pressure switch. The selection made is recognizable e.g. with a light frame around the display panel or another striking feature. The selected functions are advantageous listed one after the other in a status line on the display. The Operator controls over the status line the correctness of its programming.

A household appliance working and designed in accordance with the invention is extremely user-friendly. On the display, the operator is offered all information clearly arranged in a display. Depending on the embodiment of the display, the information is controlled simultaneously or automatically or triggered by the operator, successively shown in the display device. The operator does not have to be on the control panel 1 search for and assign the information he needs, but has summarized it compactly on the easily manageable surface of the display. The switching operations required to select a program and to set the associated parameters and additional functions are performed exclusively using the joystick 3 executed. The switching operations themselves, the settings made with them or the selected functions are similar to computer operation with a mouse from the display 2 readable and are only on the display 2 controlled. The operator focuses his attention exclusively on the indications on the display, on which all relevant information is shown. For visually impaired users, operator support can optionally be provided via acoustic signals.

Control panels that are designed in implementation of the inventive method can be used universally. Different household appliances, but also different series of one type of device, can be equipped with the same control panel. The device-specific adjustment is carried out, for example, on displays of different sizes or only using special software. This results in an extraordinary rationalization effect for the manufacturer with a wide range of different devices. For the user, this has the advantage that, for example, with all devices in a kitchen, provided the same manufacturer, the outer appearance of the control panels is the same or almost the same, as is the handling for their operation. The conceptual change in the operation of different devices and the learning process for operating the different devices are minimized. Reservations regarding technically complex and / or complicated devices can be found on the be broken down in this way.

The control panel with only three components becomes much easier and clearer, it offers space for additional design measures, in particular even those that are not functionally related. Any explanatory Inscriptions, beads, cutouts or optical signal transmitters such as e.g. LEDs for Identification of the switch position, as is usual with traditional devices not present on the control panel. By implementing the invention can do without the control panel as a separate individual component become. The controls can e.g. directly into the front surface of the washer dryer, which reaches the upper limit be used. By integrating the operating switch in the Joystick, in such a way that the multi-function switch one inner and an annular, outer pressure switch, can the number of individual components on a display and a switching element be reduced.

The integration of the controls in a remote terminal, its construction and manufacturing costs are particularly cheap.

The operating concept is special designed for future appliances with an even more complex scope of services and further improved ease of use. Conceivable future Extensions to the range of programs and the options for manipulating them are by reprogramming the software and / or by using it more powerful Easy to implement displays.

Especially for very complicated and expensive household appliances to be programmed possibilities are provided in an embodiment of the invention, such as the user can simplify programming himself. The user can compile and save its own operating program in order to it later, Call as often as you want without having to repeat the default settings and to be able to start. For this purpose, an extension of the invention provides that according to the Start of a program manipulated by the user, a keypad "Save" is opened. By confirming with OK This keypad stores the program in the internal memory and the next one Call up the program menu shown in the display. The name of the program is internal to the controller created, e.g. in such a way that for a first manipulated by the user Program for Cottons the name "Cooking linen 2" is given as Combination of the program name given by the manufacturer and the sequence number of the manipulation of this program.

With more comfortable solutions assign the names as desired by the user. In the design of the The invention provides that after triggering the memory function in the The display of a button panel is open is modeled on that of a cell phone, on which the buttons a number and several letters are assigned. The single ones The user can switch keypads by toggling right / left and select up / down on the joystick and the one you want Activate letters by pressing one or more times. The programs created and saved by the user are stored in a later Commissioning automatically with the name given by the user in the menu bar of the Operating programs offered for selection. Assuming that the user only frequently Used programs are saved, the user-created programs advantageously always before the programs offered by the manufacturer listed in the menu.

One knows from market analyzes that many users only part of the variety offered by the manufacturer used by programs and control options. There are often fixed habits, in the sense that in In the case of a washing machine the user always the same or similar Linen items with always washes the same programs. Is the number of unused programs and manipulation options large, they are then perceived as ballast. Too many displays in the menu affect the clarity and complicate programming. The invention addresses this fact in that the user is able to delete using a function, an individual user menu produce. about the delete function the user can remove individual function lines from the display menu. The total stock of programs offered by the manufacturer Parameters and additional functions only a subset to choose from Opened menu. At the next Program start, the user menu opens shown on the display in compressed form. Compressing the display menu takes place internally via the intelligent evaluation system. The deleted functions remain in the Memory is retained and can be reactivated as required, i.e. you can back in its original form are displayed and can be called up again. Created by the user Programs can also about the Delete function deleted from memory the program name is free and can then be used for another Program can be reassigned. The delete function can be undone and the entire range of programs offered by the manufacturer again to be activated.

It is also envisaged that internally Parameters are recorded which characterize the program run and especially economically are determined. This data, e.g. electricity or water consumption, are stored in the memory, where they are available over a longer period of time and are available. about an interface, the data can be transferred to external devices, where the user evaluates them according to their own effectiveness criteria and the Can adapt operating programs accordingly.

To determine the time to seek out a To shorten the program in the display menu, the programs are displayed in order of their frequency of use. For this purpose, the frequency of use is registered and continuously evaluated for each individual program via the device-internal intelligent evaluation system.

It is also possible to use standard controls such as the function switches in the system through visual representation to take over, in the way that for an operator the function of the controls and the nature of their activity manifest result from its design. Similar additional Setting options are present in almost all program-controlled household appliances, in particular for functions such as "anti-crease" that occur during the entire program run can be activated. The advantage of this variant is that the user known function switches in analog Form shown in the display panel finds the conversion of the user on the operation of the household appliance in accordance with the invention relieved, the ease of use increased overall.

Based on known techniques parameters with quantitative values, such as the washing temperature or the spin speed, set by turning the switch in more common Turn right to higher and by turning to the left to lower values. The adjustable Values are graded according to the manufacturer's specifications. So far this from the device is performed, the value of the parameter can be analogous to the angle of rotation of the switch can be set continuously. Is possible also to do without the rotary switch function and the setting of values via flip-flops make.

More details, features and Advantages of the invention result from the following description of an embodiment. The associated Pictures show:

1 : Front view of a washer dryer

2 to 7 : Displays in the programming phase

8th to 10 : Displays during the program run

11 : Switch functions of the joystick

1 shows as an example the front view of a washer dryer. The device is configured so that a range of programs can be implemented via its control and operating elements, as is part of the state of the art in today's washer-dryers.

The control panel 1 is located in the upper area of the vertical front surface of the device. The control panel is next to the induction bowl 1 a color graphic display 2 with a visible area of 118 × 89 mm on and to the right a joystick 3 , as pressure, rotary and toggle switch right / left and up / down, as well as an on / off switch on the outside right 4 to start up the washer dryer. The distance between the color graphic display 2 and the joystick 3 is dimensioned so that the display 2 not by the hand of the joystick 3 Operator is covered.

Via the joystick 3 all switching functions necessary for programming the washer dryer can be carried out. In 11 are the possible switch movements of the joystick 3 depicted. All relevant information and displays when programming the device, during the program run and after the end of the program are shown to the user in an easy-to-interpret manner on the color graphic display 2 displayed.

Color graphic display 2 and joystick 3 are in a removable terminal 5 integrated, which can be used either as a remote control outside the washer dryer or as part of the control panel 1 in the device itself. With only two controls, the terminal is 5 particularly easy to carry out.

The switch is on when the device is switched off 4 to start up the device, the display surface is dark. After switching on the device, the light symbol and the display go out 2 displays the input menu. 2 shows the basic display structure 6 after starting the washer dryer. At the top of the display 2 are output fields for the display of the current time 11 , the expected term 10 the selected washing program and the expected end of program time 9 placed. Because of the better perception the duration 10 shown as a bar that extends to the right as the program progresses.

In the event of faulty operating conditions, the bar display is above 10 an error message such as "Clean filter" or "Close door" appears. The warning character of the message is highlighted by the constant flashing of the lettering or the background and is therefore easy to recognize. The status line is at the bottom of the screen 13 to display the selected program with its options and additional functions according to the selection made by the user. Similar to the representation of a file path on a computer screen, the order in the status bar indicates 13 the hierarchy of information again. Via the information in the status bar 13 the user is supported in programming, which is particularly helpful when programming with many settings.

The middle part of the screen 6 is used to display menus and input masks. In the left menu bar 7 the usable, alternatively selectable programs are displayed in several, maximum six lines one below the other. The designations shown in plain text have a size that ensures that the information is reliably recognized. The top line is shifted to the left and contains the name of the menu bar 7 , No function is assigned to this menu line. It is from the other lines, not recognizable from the illustration, also highlighted in color. The function lines below are marked with the names of the selectable programs. A menu of the adjustable parameters is switched via the bottom function line.

On the middle part of the screen on the right is a button bar 12 placed with three function keys. These buttons are based on the usual control panels with push buttons 12 Can be operated in any operating state. This includes additional functions such as anti-crease and gentle operation through pressure switching 19 of the joystick 3 can be activated or by pressing again 19 of the joystick 3 can be deactivated again. The button for starting and stopping a program is also in the button bar 12 arranged.

The user is guided by the visual identification of the field that can be activated and by the display in the status bar 13 , The switching options 17 . 18 . 20 . 21 of the joystick 3 result for the operator from the current switching situation, which can be clearly read from the display of the menu interface. The menu lines that can be activated and the keypad ready for input stand out visually from the neighboring fields. In the exemplary embodiment, the background of the menu field is highlighted much lighter. From the position of the optically highlighted, activatable field and the other fields surrounding this field, the operator can view the switching options of the joystick without further explanations and information 3 conclude. The in the 3 The situation shown as an example allows three switching options. By up / down toggle switch 17 . 18 can within the menu bar 7 another line and thus another program is activated and tilted to the right 20 on the button bar 12 can be switched.

Switching in the menu area is similar to mouse operation on the computer, as there the operator controls the progress with the joystick 3 not at the counter itself, but only via the displays on the surface of the display 2 , This enables uninterrupted and safe operation. In contrast to mouse operation, the operator can use the joystick 3 only move step by step in the menu and only horizontally to the left and right and vertically up and down.

Only that of the marked menu line 22 underlying function can be by pressure switching 19 confirmed and thus become effective in the program. The confirmed functions, the programs and additional settings are shown in the status bar 13 displayed.

The operator controls this Show the correctness of its programming.

In one embodiment of the invention, the possible switching functions of the joystick are provided 3 in a suitable manner directly on the display 2 displayed, eg in a symbolic representation as in 11 , The in the example of 3 permissible switching functions would then be indicated optically by the fact that only the up, down and right arrows light up in the symbol display.

For devices with a large number of operating programs and / or operating program parameters, it is provided that the various selection options displayed in a menu bar can be browsed through. This happens with a vertical menu bar 7 by holding the switch 3 in the upper or lower tilt position. The joystick is in the joystick to make it easier for the operator 3 a lock built in, which can be clearly felt by the operator when changing from the step-by-step to scrolling through. The operator can determine the speed of the automatic scrolling through the force he exerts on the switch. Once the desired setting has been reached, the toggle switch only needs to be released. The setting made can be corrected by a single toggle switch in the same or in the opposite direction.

Via the "Start" switch in the keypad 12 the set operating program can be started. The settings to be made during a programming process are subsequently described on the basis of the figures in the 2 to 7 shown sequence of display surfaces explained. In the example, a washing program is created, with which easy-care laundry is washed and, after the washing process, spun at low speed and dried ready for the closet.

In 2 is the display surface 6 shown as after switching on the washer dryer using the switch 4 is opened automatically. The "Anti-crease" function is activated by the manufacturer by default, the corresponding function key 12 is highlighted when you open the menu. The standard settings do not have to be confirmed by a switching operation; they appear automatically in the status bar 13 , This reduces the operating effort when using standard programs.

In the menu field 7 becomes the main menu at the beginning 7 is displayed with a selection of particularly frequently used, preset operating programs, among which the program for easy-care laundry is offered in the present example. In the example, the operator has to flip left to select a program 21 of the joystick 3 in the menu bar 7 switch and then select within the menu bar 7 by up / down toggle switch 17 . 18 of the joystick 3 a program, recognizable by the light background of the menu line 22 ( 3 ). After selection and confirmation by pressure switching 19 of the joystick 3 appears in the status line 13 the operating program "easy care".

It will automatically appear in the menu field 7 the "Easy care" submenu opens with a row of options. 4 depicts the state after the user has activated and confirmed the "Cupboard dry" option and via the bottom menu line "Back" 22 wants to make further parameter settings. The jump function from one menu to another is always underlaid on the last menu line around the display panel 6 to unify. The selected settings appear in the status bar 13 , the progress bar 10 shows the expected program duration (90 min) and the expected program end time 9 (3:15 p.m.), which is based on the program duration and the current time of day 11 calculated. A return to the main menu is possible via the activated menu line "Back" 22 ( 3 ) and from there via the "Parameters" function field to a menu for setting additional functions ( 5 ). In the example, the program start time is to be set. 6 shows the newly opened two-column menu field 7 with a menu bar "Additional functions 1" 22 and an adjacent selection field 14 whose selection options depend on previously set additional functions. For the "Delay start" option, the time of day can be set in 5-minute increments using the joystick 3 when you select it as a rotary switch 16 acts. According to the example shown in 6 is 5:50 p.m. as the program start time 22 confirmed, recognizable by the highlighted number display and the corrected program end time 9 on the top line.

In 7 the control of the volume for the acoustic signals is shown as an example. The joystick works to regulate the volume 3 again as a rotary switch 16 , The setting is made in the specified gradation to higher values by turning to the right and to lower values by turning the joystick to the left 3 ,

In the bottom line, the status line 13 , the selected functions, switch settings and parameter settings are displayed. Via this status line 13 the correctness of the programming can be checked and corrected if necessary. To correct it, just activate the corresponding menu field and enter the correction. All other settings made remain as long as they are compatible with the correction setting.

Via the start line in the button bar 12 the operating program must be started. To do this, the keypad with the start function, as described by toggle switch 17 . 18 . 20 the joystick 3 , first activated and then by pressure switching 19 beeing confirmed.

After the program has started, an operating display ( 8th ) visible. From this point on, the start button line is highlighted with the stop function; it is active during the start delay and throughout the program.

In the phase of the start delay, the remaining time until the program starts is displayed as a variable, which is counted down every minute. In addition to the program end time, a "Change" function line is displayed, via which the operator can return to the menu field during the entire start delay time 7 can jump to make changes.

9 and 10 show two examples of display fields during the program run. The "Start time delay" option is in the status bar 13 deleted. In the example, the program runs for 30 minutes on the progress bar 8th which extends to the right as the program progresses. Experience has shown that this graphical analog representation of the program progress is accepted by the user rather than a number representation, because the progress of the program can be seen at a glance.

In the menu field, variables that characterize the operating status are displayed as dynamic bar graphs 15 shown. In this or a similar way, all state variables recorded by the device can be mapped that have an influence on the program sequence and its economy. Standard values can optionally be output for the state variables recorded internally, which enable the user to carry out a comparative evaluation.

The individual setting of an operating program made by the user can be saved. In the exemplary embodiment, the storage function can be activated by the operator via a "Options" menu. In the example considered, the user program is stored in the control under the name "Easy-Care-2" in the memory and is in the main menu the next time the washer dryer is started up 7 displayed under this name. In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the memory function is automatically offered after each programming and / or after each end of a program run. The memory function means that operating programs, for example, which are often used with the same assignment of parameters, can be called up as often as required for future use without programming.

1

control panel

2

display

3

joystick

4

main switch On off

5

terminal with display and joystick

6

display surface

7

menu bar

8th

Progress bar

9

process end time

10

Process time bar

11

time of day current

12

function keys

13

status bar

14

selection box

15

dynamic bar Graphs

16

Rotate left and right

17

flop On

18

flop From

19

OK To confirm

20

flop right

21

flop Left

22

active menu line

Claims (29)

Method and operating device for setting a programmable household appliance, in particular for creating operating programs, for example for washing machines, washer-dryers, dryers, electric cookers and dishwashers, characterized in that the switching operations to be carried out by the user when selecting programs and parameters are essentially via an operating element ( 3 ) and the information intended for the user during the programming process and during the program run and after the program ends via a display element ( 2 ) are issued. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the stored from a stored stock via the control element ( 3 ) user-selectable functions such as operating programs or parameter settings in a menu ( 7 ) on the display element ( 2 ) are shown, with each display field in the menu ( 7 ) a function is underlaid. Method according to Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the functions which can be selected by the user are hierarchically structured according to their functional dependency, and that this hierarchy is selected from the form in the display menu ( 7 ) is recognizable. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the display of the selectable functions and parameters in the menu ( 7 ) takes place simultaneously or in succession. A method according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the switching of the control element ( 3 ) via the display element ( 2 ) is recognizable and controllable, e.g. in such a way that the switching position of the control element ( 3 ) is characterized in that only the activated display field is visually different from all other fields. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the permissible further selection or setting options are self-explanatory from the display menu ( 7 ) result. A method according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the user via the control element ( 3 ) from the display menu ( 7 ) selected function is recognizable by the fact that the menu field underlaid with the selected function ( 22 ) is visually different from the other fields. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that with each selection of a functional field ( 22 ) from the menu ( 7 ) the respective further selection options, which usually depend on the initial setting, are automatically displayed. Method according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the function of the menu field ( 22 ) permissible switching options of the control element ( 3 ) to select additional functions or parameters from the display menu ( 7 ) result. Method according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the menu field ( 22 ) permissible switching options of the control element ( 3 ) for the selection of further functions or parameters e.g. by a suitable symbolic representation in the menu ( 7 ) are displayed. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the display element ( 2 ) can optionally be switched to acoustic signals. A method according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the step-by-step functions and parameters selected in a status line ( 13 ) are displayed and that the hierarchy of the settings can be read from this display. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that on the display panel ( 2 ) optional conventional controls ( 12 ) eg push buttons and display elements such as luminous marks can be displayed and which can be operated using the control element ( 3 ) triggerable functions are displayed analogously. A method according to claim 1, characterized indicates that the program status and progress are displayed while the program is running. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that while the program flow for the respective program characteristic parameters, such as at a Washer dryer of electricity and water consumption, added and stored in the memory, where they are available over a longer period of time and are available. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the status displays on the control element ( 3 ) can be selected. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that optionally added to the device internal Parameter-stored standard or comparison values can be displayed are. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the during of the program sequence recorded and stored in the memory transferable to external devices are. A method according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that an erase function is provided, via which the in the menu ( 7 ) displayed range of functions can be reduced. Method according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the device-internal intelligent evaluation system registers the frequency of use of individual programs and in the display menu ( 7 ) the programs are displayed in order of their frequency of use. A method according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that user-entered custom programs named in memory are stored and can be called up repeatedly under their name. Operating device for setting a programmable household appliance, characterized in that the operating element ( 3 ) is a multiple switch that performs switching functions and analog or incremental functions by tilting, pushing, pulling and / or rotating movements. Operating device for setting a programmable household appliance, characterized in that the display element ( 2 ) is a display, preferably a color graphic display. Operating device according to claim 22, characterized in that the means of the multiple switch ( 3 ) selected functions are output verbally. Control device according to claim 22, characterized in that when switching on the control element ( 3 ) an acoustic signal is emitted. Control device according to claim 22 and 23, characterized in that the control elements ( 2 ), ( 3 ) at least partially mechanically separated and remote from the household appliance via a remote terminal ( 5 ) can exercise. Control device according to claim 26, characterized in that the control elements ( 2 ), ( 3 ) in a touch-proof housing ( 5 ) and that this control unit ( 5 ) can be set up or hung up in any way. Control device according to claim 26, characterized in that the data exchange between the household appliance and the control device ( 5 ) via a jumper wire or wirelessly. Control device according to claim 26, characterized in that the control device ( 5 ) as a remote terminal in the control panel ( 1 ) of the household appliance is integrated.