Adapting dishwasher operation to external factors

A method of operating a dishwasher includes receiving a user-input signal indicative of a hidden operating mode, selecting the hidden operating mode of a dishwasher based on the user-input signal, accessing a plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles associated with the selected hidden operating mode, and operating the dishwasher in accordance with one of the plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a dishwashing machine and more particularly to a mechanism and method of adapting the operation of dishwasher to conditions related to the home of the user.

BACKGROUND

A dishwashing machine is a domestic appliance into which dishes and other cooking and eating wares (e.g., plates, bowls, glasses, flatware, pots, pans, bowls, and etcetera) are placed to be washed. Dishwashers are designed to perform certain tests under controlled conditions. The user's home does not always match the test conditions, which can result in degraded dishwasher performance.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a method of operating a dishwasher is disclosed. The method includes receiving a user-input signal indicative of a hidden operating mode, selecting the hidden operating mode of a dishwasher based on the user-input signal, accessing a plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles associated with the selected hidden operating mode, and operating the dishwasher in accordance with one of the plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles. In some embodiments, the user-input signal may be indicative of a sequence of user inputs received via a user interface panel.

In some embodiments, the method may also include indicating the selected hidden operating mode on an external panel of the dishwasher. In some embodiments, indicating the selected hidden operating mode include activating a number of light emitting diodes in a customized sequence indicative of the selected hidden operating mode. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles associated with the selected hidden operating mode may be optimized to specific environmental conditions.

In some embodiments, the method may include selecting the factory-default operating mode based on a second user-input signal, and accessing a plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles associated with the factory-default operating mode.

According to another aspect, the method includes initiating a mode selection sub-routine based on a first user-input signal, receiving a second user-input signal indicative of a hidden operating mode, selecting the hidden operating mode based on the second user-input signal, and operating the dishwasher in accordance with the selected hidden operating mode. In some embodiments, the method may include selecting a plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles associated with the selected hidden operating mode.

In some embodiments, initiating the mode selection sub-routine may include indicating the activation of the sub-routine on an external panel of the dishwasher. In some embodiments, the method may include deactivating the mode selection sub-routine when the second user-input signal is not received in a predefined period of time.

According to another aspect, a dishwasher is disclosed. The dishwasher includes a washing chamber, a number of dish racks positioned in the washing chamber, a pump operable to circulate fluid onto the number of dish racks, a user interface operable to receive user input and generate an electrical output signal indicative thereof, and an electronic controller electrically coupled to the pump and the user interface. The controller includes a processor and a memory device electrically coupled to the processor. The memory device has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to activate a hidden operating mode of the dishwasher based on the electrical output signal generated by the user interface, and operate the dishwasher in accordance with the hidden operating mode.

In some embodiments, the user interface may include a number of control switches electrically coupled to the electronic controller. The number of control switches may be operable to generate electrical output signals indicative of a sequence of user inputs. The plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, may further cause the processor to receive the electrical output signals and select the hidden operating mode corresponding to the sequence of user inputs. Additionally, in some embodiments, each control switch of the number of control switches may be coupled to a control button located on the user interface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, may further cause the processor to receive the electrical output signals generated by the control switches and select a factory-default operating mode corresponding to a second sequence of user inputs, and operate the dishwasher in accordance with the factory-default operating mode.

In some embodiments, the user interface may include a number of light emitting diodes electrically coupled to the processor. The plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, may further cause the processor to activate the light emitting diodes in a sequence indicative of the hidden operating mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure relates to a dishwashing machine including a number of hidden operating modes. Each of the hidden operating modes have a plurality of customized, pre-programmed dishwashing cycles. By use of the term “dishwashing cycle,” it is meant the operation of a dishwashing machine upon a set of soiled wares that produces a set of cleaned wares, starting with user activation, then proceeding continuously without the need for user intervention, and including at least one washing stage and at least one rinsing stage. A washing stage involves the application of wash chemistry, typically water and detergent, to remove soils from the wares. A rinsing stage that involves the application of rinse chemistry, typically water and rinse aid, to remove the wash chemistry and prepare the wares for drying. A dishwashing cycle may optionally include other stages, such as a drying stage in which heat is applied after wash or a rinsing stage. A dishwashing cycle may be interrupted by a user, such as by opening a door of the dishwasher, thereby causing the dishwashing cycle to pause until the door is closed. However, without such user intervention, the dishwashing cycle will proceed through its associated stages.

The term “hidden operating mode” is defined herein as a control routine for the dishwasher that is invoked by a user pressing a control button or buttons in a specified manner or order to cause the dishwasher to perform a function other than the labeled function of the control button or buttons. For example, the dishwasher may be configured to perform a normal dishwashing cycle when the “Normal Wash” control button is pressed once. To invoke a hidden operating mode, the user may be required to, for example, press and hold the control button “Normal Wash” for more than thirty seconds. In response, the dishwasher does not perform the function indicated by the label (i.e, the normal dishwashing cycle) but instead activates the hidden operating mode. Similarly, a hidden operating mode might be invoked by the user pressing a specific sequence of buttons, such as, for example, simultaneously pressing the “Normal Wash” and “Heavy Duty Wash” buttons and then immediately pressing the “Light Wash” button. In response, the dishwasher activates the hidden operating mode rather than performing the functions indicated by the labels.

Each hidden operating mode includes a plurality of customized, pre-programmed dishwashing cycles. Each of the dishwashing cycles have operational parameters that are optimized to address specific environmental conditions, such as, for example, hard water in the user's home or the presence of cold water in the water source line. Thus, in a “Hard Water” hidden operating mode, each of the dishwashing cycles may have lower operating temperatures and/or longer dishwashing cycle times. Some hidden operating modes may also have dishwashing cycles optimized for the use of detergent tablets, detergent gels, or various types of rinse aid.

A hidden operating mode is therefore distinct from, and in contrast to, a factory-default operating mode that controls the operation of the dishwashing machine from the time of purchase. The plurality of dishwashing cycles associated with the factory-default operating mode have operational parameters that are optimized to satisfy government standards for dishwashing machine performance under controlled conditions rather than being customized to address specific environmental conditions associated with the user.

Referring toFIG. 1, a dishwashing machine10(hereinafter dishwasher10) is shown. The dishwasher10has a tub12that defines a washing chamber14into which a user may place dishes and other cooking and eating wares (e.g., plates, bowls, glasses, flatware, pots, pans, bowls, etc.) to be washed. The dishwasher10includes a number of racks16located in the tub12. An upper dish rack16is shown inFIG. 1; although a lower dish rack is also included in the dishwasher10. A number of roller assemblies18are positioned between the dish racks16and the tub12. The roller assemblies18allow the dish racks16to extend from and retract into the tub12, thereby facilitating the loading and unloading of the dish racks16.

A door24is hinged to the lower front edge of the tub12. The door24permits user access to the tub12to load and unload the dishwasher10. The door24also seals the front of the dishwasher10during a dishwashing cycle. A handle26is included on the door24. The user may use the handle26to unlatch and open the door24such that the user may access the washing chamber14.

A control panel28is located at the top of the door24. The control panel28includes a number of controls30, such as buttons and knobs, and a number of light emitting diodes32that are used to control the operation of the dishwasher10. Each of the controls30is coupled to a control switch (not shown) operable to generate an electrical output signal when the user presses the corresponding control30. A label34is associated with each of the controls30and indicates to the user the function of the dishwasher10that will be activated when the control30is pressed. Each of the controls30may be embodied as a physical switch, a touch sensor, a knob, or other appropriate user input mechanism.

A machine compartment36is located below the tub12. The machine compartment36is sealed from the tub12. In other words, unlike the tub12, which is filled with fluid and exposed to spray during the dishwashing cycle, the machine compartment36does not fill with fluid and is not exposed to spray during the operation of the dishwasher10. The machine compartment36houses components such as the dishwasher's water pump(s) and valve(s), along with the associated wiring and plumbing. It should be noted that, althoughFIG. 1depicts a dishwasher10installed in a kitchen cabinet, portable dishwashers, which may be removably connected to a faucet, are also contemplated.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the dishwasher10is shown in a simplified block diagram. A sidewall of the tub12includes a water inlet40. The water inlet40directs water received from an external water source42(e.g., house water supply, kitchen faucet, etcetera) into the washing chamber14. A water inlet valve44positioned between the external water source42and the water inlet40may be selectively opened or closed to control the flow of water through the water inlet40. In some embodiments, the water inlet valve44may be an electromechanical valve, such as a solenoid-controlled valve, which opens and closes in response to a control signal.

The dishwasher10further includes a sump50which is formed (e.g., stamped) into a bottom wall52of the tub12. In particular, the sump50defines a reservoir that extends downwardly in a direction away from the washing chamber14. The bottom wall52of the tub12is shaped such that wash chemistry or rinse chemistry is directed into the sump50. The sump50is connected to an external drain54(e.g., house sewer line, kitchen sink, etcetera). A drain pump56is positioned between the sump50and the external drain54. A control signal may selectively energize the drain pump56to drain fluids from the sump50or de-energize (turn off) the drain pump56to retain fluids in the sump50. In other embodiments, an electromechanical valve, such as a solenoid-controlled valve, that opens and closes in response to a control signal may be used in place of drain pump56.

A wash pump60located in the machine compartment36is operable to circulate fluids in the sump50onto the dish racks16(not shown inFIG. 2). The wash pump60is fluidly coupled to a rotating spray arm62. The spray arm62is configured to spray water and/or wash chemistry onto the dish racks16(and hence any wares positioned thereon). It should also be appreciated that the dishwashing machine10may include other spray arms or spray nozzles positioned at various locations in the tub12.

The dishwasher10includes a detergent dispenser70that operates to introduce a detergent, typically in either powder, gel, or tablet form, into the washing chamber14. The introduced detergent mixes with water in the washing chamber14to form a wash chemistry which is applied to aid in the removal of soils from wares during a washing stage of a wash cycle. The detergent dispenser70may be located on the surface of the door24that faces the washing chamber14, such that a user may easily refill the detergent dispenser70with detergent when the door24is opened between dishwashing cycles. In some embodiments, the detergent dispenser70may include an electromechanical valve, such as a solenoid-controlled valve, which opens and/or closes in response to a control signal.

The dishwasher10also includes a rinse aid dispenser72that operates to introduce a rinse aid, typically in either liquid or gel form, into the washing chamber14. A “rinse aid” may include a surface acting agent (also known as a surfactant), one or more sanitizing chemicals (such as bleach, for example), or both, and may contain other chemistries. A rinse aid may be a single mixture or may be stored as two or more separate components until introduction into the washing chamber14. In some embodiments, the rinse aid dispenser72may include an electromechanical valve, such as a solenoid-controlled valve, which opens and/or closes in response to a control signal, thereby introducing a metered amount of rinse aid into the washing chamber14.

Upon introduction, the rinse aid mixes with fluid in the washing chamber14to form a rinse chemistry that assists in rinsing the wash chemistry from the wares during a rinsing stage. Applying the rinse chemistry to the wares also improves the drying performance of dishwasher10and assists in sanitizing the wares during the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle.

An electric heating element76is positioned adjacent to the sump50and is configured to heat fluid in the sump50. During a drying stage of the dishwashing cycle when fluid is not being circulated in the washing chamber14, the electric heating element76is configured to increase the temperature in the washing chamber14to dry the wares positioned therein. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the electric heating element76may be integrated into the sump50or may be embodied as one or more electric heating elements.

A turbidity sensor80is positioned in or adjacent to the washing chamber14to monitor the turbidity of fluid in the washing chamber14. As embodied inFIG. 2, the turbidity sensor80is an optical water indicator sensor that provides an indication of fluid clarity at any point during the dishwashing cycle and generates an electrical output signal indicative of the turbidity level of the fluid. The output signal is proportionate to the amount of soil, detergent, or rinse aid present in fluid in the washing chamber14. As the amount of soil, detergent, or rinse aid increases, the output signal increases by a proportionate amount.

A temperature sensor86may be optionally positioned in or adjacent to the washing chamber14to measure the temperature of fluid in the washing chamber14. The temperature sensor86is configured to take a temperature measurement of the fluid in the washing chamber14and generate an electrical output signal indicative of that measurement.

The dishwasher10also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) or “electronic controller”100. The electronic controller100may be positioned in the door24or the machine compartment36of the dishwasher10. The electronic controller100is, in essence, the master computer responsible for interpreting electrical signals sent by sensors associated with the dishwasher10and for activating or energizing electronically-controlled components associated with the dishwasher10. For example, the electronic controller100is configured to control operation of the various components of the dishwasher10, including the wash pump60, rinse aid dispenser72, and inlet valve44. The electronic controller100also monitors various signals from the control panel28, the turbidity sensor80, and any other sensor. The electronic controller100also determines when various operations of the dishwasher10should be performed. As will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the electronic controller100is operable to control the components of the dishwasher10such that when the user selects a hidden operating mode, the dishwasher10activates the selected operating mode and operates according to the selected operating mode.

To do so, the electronic controller100includes a number of electronic components commonly associated with electronic units utilized in the control of electromechanical systems. For example, the electronic controller100may include, amongst other components customarily included in such devices, a processor such as a microprocessor102and a memory device104such as a programmable read-only memory device (“PROM”) including erasable PROM's (EPROM's or EEPROM's). The memory device104is provided to store, amongst other things, instructions in the form of, for example, a software routine (or routines) which, when executed by the microprocessor102, allows the electronic controller100to control operation of the dishwasher10.

The electronic controller100also includes an analog interface circuit106. The analog interface circuit106converts the output signals from various sensors (e.g., the turbidity sensor80) into signals which are suitable for presentation to an input of the microprocessor102. In particular, the analog interface circuit106, by use of an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (not shown) or the like, converts the analog signals generated by the sensors into digital signals for use by the microprocessor102. It should be appreciated that the A/D converter may be embodied as a discrete device or number of devices, or may be integrated into the microprocessor102. It should also be appreciated that if any one or more of the sensors associated with the dishwasher10generate a digital output signal, the analog interface circuit106may be bypassed.

Similarly, the analog interface circuit106converts signals from the microprocessor102into output signals which are suitable for presentation to the electrically-controlled components associated with the dishwasher10(e.g., the rinse aid dispenser72). In particular, the analog interface circuit106, by use of a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter (not shown) or the like, converts the digital signals generated by the microprocessor102into analog signals for use by the electronically-controlled components associated with the dishwasher10. It should be appreciated that, similar to the A/D converter described above, the D/A converter may be embodied as a discrete device or number of devices, or may be integrated into the microprocessor102. It should also be appreciated that if any one or more of the electronically-controlled components associated with the dishwasher10operate on a digital input signal, the analog interface circuit106may be bypassed.

Thus, the electronic controller100may control the operation of the dishwasher10in accordance with the selected dishwashing cycle. In particular, the electronic controller100executes a routine including, amongst other things, a control scheme in which the electronic controller100monitors the outputs of the sensors associated with the dishwasher10to control the inputs to the electronically-controlled components associated therewith. To do so, the electronic controller100communicates with the sensors associated with the dishwasher10to determine, amongst numerous other things, the temperature of fluid in the washing chamber14and the turbidity of fluid in the washing chamber14. Armed with this data, the electronic controller100performs numerous calculations, either continuously or intermittently, including looking up values in preprogrammed tables, in order to execute algorithms to perform such functions as controlling the drain pump56to retain fluid in the sump50, determining when operate the detergent dispenser70or the rinse aid dispenser72to release chemistry into the tub12, controlling the wash pump60to apply fluid to the wares positioned in the dishwasher10, and so on.

As will be appreciated by those of the skill in the art, the dishwasher10may include elements other than those shown and described above, such as, by way of example, an additional electric heating element to assist in drying the wares or a filter to remove particulates from the re-circulated wash chemistry or rinse chemistry. The dishwasher10may also include a variety of other sensors that monitor conditions within the washing chamber14, the sump50, and/or other components of the dishwasher10. It should also be appreciated that the location of many components (i.e., in the washing chamber14, in the machine compartment36, in or on the door24) may also be altered.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a simplified block diagram illustrates a control routine200for operating the dishwasher10. When the user first accesses the control panel28, the dishwasher10is in an idle state (step202). The controller100then executes an initialization step204in which the controller100determines the current operating mode. Accessing the memory device104, the controller100identifies the last operating mode that was active when the dishwasher10entered the idle state. The controller100then sets the current operating mode equal to the last operating mode. At the completion of the initialization step204, the controller100is ready to operate the dishwasher10.

The routine200advances to step206when the controller100receives a user-input signal from the control panel28. As discussed above, when the user presses any of the controls30located on the control panel28, a control switch coupled to the control switch generates an electrical output signal indicative of the user-input. In step206, the controller100determines whether user-input is a mode change. To do this, the controller100compares the user-input (or sequence of user-inputs) to a look-up table stored in the memory device104. If the user-input corresponds to a mode change entry in the look-up table, the controller100determines that the user-input is a mode change and the user has indicated a desire to change the operating mode of the dishwasher10.

For example, one mode change entry in the look-up table might require the user to press the control button labeled “Normal Wash” for more than thirty seconds. If the user simply presses and releases the “Normal Wash” button, the controller100accesses the look-up table and determines the user-input does not match a mode change entry. If, however, the user presses and holds the “Normal Wash” button for more than thirty seconds, the controller100determines the user-input is a mode change. When the controller100determines the user-input is a mode change, the routine200advances to step208. When the controller100determines the user has not entered a mode change, the routine200advances to step210.

In step208, the controller100determines the new operating mode based on the user-input received in step206. Again accessing the look-up table stored in the memory device104, the controller100selects the operating mode corresponding to the user-input. The new operating mode may be one of a plurality of hidden operating modes or the factory-default operating mode. For example, the mode entry in the look-up table corresponding to pressing and holding the “Normal Wash” button for more than thirty seconds might be a hard water operating mode. In that case, when the user presses that the “Normal Wash” button for more than thirty seconds, the controller100selects the hard water operating mode. Alternatively, the mode entry in the look-up table corresponding to pressing the “Normal Wash” button four times in quick succession might be the factory-default operating mode. When the user quickly presses the “Normal Wash” button four times in succession, the controller100selects the factory-default operating mode. After selecting the operating mode corresponding to the user-input, the routine advances to step212.

In step212, the controller100activates the number of light emitting diodes32in a sequence indicative of the selected operating mode. Each sequence of light emitting diodes32is indicative of a different and unique operating mode. In that way, the user can confirm the controller100selected the operating mode desired by the user. For example, if the selected operating mode is the hard water operating mode, the controller100may activate only one of the light emitting diodes32. Similarly, the controller100might flash all of the light emitting diodes32rapidly when the selected operating mode is the factory-default operating mode. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the dishwasher10may provide an indication of the selected operating mode by emitting sounds or activating back-lighting of the individual buttons. When the controller100has completed step212, the routine200advances to step214.

In step214, the controller100sets the selected operating mode as the current operating mode, thereby activating the selected operating mode in the dishwasher10. In other words, the controller100replaces the operating mode determined in step204with the operating mode selected in step210. The controller100then saves the new current operating mode in the memory device104. When the controller100has completed step214, the routine200advances to step216.

In step216, the controller100determines whether another user-input signal has been received from the control panel28. When the controller100receives another user-input signal, the routine200returns to step206to identify the user-input signal. When a user-input signal is not received within a predefined period, the routine200returns to step202and places the dishwasher10in the idle state until the user accesses the control panel28. In other embodiments, step216may be eliminated such that the routine200advances directly to step202when the controller100has completed step214.

Returning to step206, when the controller100determines the user-input is not a mode selection, the routine200advances to step210. In step210, the controller100operates the dishwasher10in accordance with the current operating mode. The controller100first selects a look-up table associated with the current operating mode from a plurality of look-up tables stored in the memory device104. Each of the plurality of look-up tables contains a plurality of dishwashing cycles corresponding to user-inputs received from the control panel28. Each of the dishwashing cycles has a number of operational parameters, which govern the operation of dishwasher10when the dishwashing cycle is active. Using the particular look-up table associated with the current operating mode, the electronic controller100selects the dishwashing cycle corresponding to the user-input received in step202. The controller100then operates the dishwasher10in accordance with the selected dishwashing cycle.

As described above, a dishwashing cycle includes at least a washing stage (i.e., the main washing stage), in which a detergent chemistry containing water and a detergent is applied to the dish racks16, and a rinsing stage, in which a rinse chemistry containing water and a rinse aid is applied to the dish racks16. During the dishwashing cycle, the inlet valve44is selectively operated to supply fluid to the tub12at the beginning of a particular stage and the drain pump56is selectively operated to drain fluid at the end of a particular stage. The electric heating element76is also selectively operated to increase the temperature in the washing chamber14to heat the fluid in the sump50when fluid is present in the sump50or dry the wares positioned on the dish racks16.

Throughout the performance of the selected dishwashing cycle, the controller100communicates with the turbidity sensor80, the temperature sensor86, and any other sensor, and the measurements taken by those sensors are recorded in the memory device104. As described above, the electronic controller100uses those measurements to control the operation of dishwasher10. When the dishwasher10has completed the dishwashing cycle, the routine200returns to step202and places the dishwasher10in the idle state until the user accesses the control panel28.

Referring now toFIG. 4, another embodiment of a control routine (hereinafter routine300) for operating the dishwasher10is shown. Some of the steps of the routine300are substantially similar to those discussed above in reference to the embodiments ofFIG. 3. Such steps are designated inFIG. 4with the same reference numbers as those used inFIG. 3. When the user first accesses the control panel28, the dishwasher10is in the idle state (step202). The controller100then executes the initialization step204in which the controller100sets the current operating mode. At the completion of the initialization step204, the controller100is ready to operate the dishwasher10, and the routine300advances to step306when the controller100receives a user-input signal from the control panel28.

In step306, the controller100determines whether the user-input is a request to select a new operating mode. The memory device104has stored therein a specific user-input sequence that, when entered by the user, indicates a request to select a new operating mode. For example, the specific user-input might be pressing the “Start” control button for more than thirty seconds. If the user presses and holds the “Start” button for more than thirty seconds, the controller100determines the user has entered the mode selection request. When the user-input is the mode selection request, the controller100activates a mode selection sub-routine310, which includes steps312-326. When the user-input is not the mode selection request, the routine300proceeds to step210.

Upon activation of the sub-routine310, the routine300advances to step312. In step312, the controller100activates the number of light emitting diodes32in a sequence that indicates the mode selection sub-routine310is active. In that way, the user can confirm the controller100entered the mode selection sub-routine310as desired.

The controller100also determines in step312whether an additional user-input signal has been received from the control panel28. When the controller100receives the additional user-input signal, the sub-routine310advances to step314. When the additional user-input signal is not received within a predefined period, the sub-routine310ends, and the routine300returns to step202, thereby placing the dishwasher10in the idle state until the user accesses the control panel28.

In step314, the controller100determines whether the additional user-input(s) indicates that a hidden operating mode has been selected. The controller100compares the additional user-input or sequence of user-inputs to a look-up table stored in the memory device104. When the user-input is equal to an entry in the look-up table corresponding to a hidden operating mode, the controller100selects the hidden operating mode, and the sub-routine advances to step316. When the user-input does not correspond to a hidden operating mode, the sub-routine advances to step318.

In step316, the controller100activates the number of light emitting diodes32in a sequence indicative of the selected hidden operating mode. Each sequence of light emitting diodes32is indicative of a different and unique hidden operating mode. In that way, the user can confirm the controller100selected the hidden operating mode desired by the user. When the controller100has completed step316, the routine200advances to step320.

In step320, the controller100sets the selected hidden operating mode as the current operating mode and thereby activates the selected hidden operating mode in the dishwasher10. In other words, the controller100replaces the operating mode determined in step204with the hidden operating mode selected in step314. The controller100then saves the new current operating mode in the memory device104. When the controller100has completed step320, the sub-routine310ends. The routine300then returns to step202, thereby placing the dishwasher10in the idle state until the user accesses the control panel28.

Returning to step314, when the user-input does not correspond to a hidden operating mode, the sub-routine advances to step318. In step318, the controller100determines whether the additional user-input(s) indicates that the factory-default operating mode has been selected. The memory device104has stored therein a specific user-input sequence that, when entered by the user, indicates the factory-default operating mode has been selected. When the additional user-input(s) matches the specific user-input sequence corresponding to the factory-default operating mode, the controller100selects the factory-default operating mode, and the sub-routine advances to step322. When the controller100determines the factory-default operating mode has not been selected, the sub-routine advances to step324.

In step322, the controller100activates the number of light emitting diodes32in a sequence indicative of the factory-default operating mode. In that way, the user can confirm the controller100selected the factory-default operating mode. When the controller100has completed step322, the routine200advances to step326.

In step326, the controller100sets the factory-default operating mode as the current operating mode and thereby activates the factory-default operating mode in the dishwasher10. The controller100then saves the new current operating mode in the memory device104. When the controller100has completed step326, the sub-routine310ends, and the routine300returns to step202, thereby placing the dishwasher10in the idle state until the user accesses the control panel28.

Returning to step318, when the controller100determines the factory-default operating mode has not been selected, the sub-routine advances to step324. In step324, the controller100determines whether a predefined period of time has elapsed since the controller100activated the sub-routine310. If the predefined period has not expired, the sub-routine310returns to step312to determine if an additional user-input has been received. If the user does not successfully select an operating mode before the predefined period expires, the sub-routine310ends, and the routine300returns to step202, thereby placing the dishwasher10in the idle state until the user accesses the control panel28.

Returning to step306, when the controller100determines the user-input is not a mode selection, and the routine300advances to step210. In step210, the controller100operates the dishwasher10in accordance with the current operating mode. The controller100first selects a look-up table associated with the current operating mode from a plurality of look-up tables stored in the memory device104. Using the particular look-up table associated with the current operating mode, the electronic controller100selects the dishwashing cycle corresponding to the user-input received in step202. The controller100then operates the dishwasher10in accordance with the selected dishwashing cycle.