Method for controlling a metering device arranged movably on the inside of a dishwasher

A method for controlling a dispenser apparatus reversibly positioned in the interior of a dishwasher, said method comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a light transmitting unit as part of said dispenser or as part of said dishwasher, said transmitting unit capable of emitting light pulses;
• b. providing a light receiving unit as part of said dispenser or as part of said dishwasher, said receiving unit capable of receiving light pulses;
• c. emitting a first light pulse I1 from said transmitting unit into the interior of said dishwasher, said pulse having a predefined pulse duration of lt1;
• d. receiving said first light pulse I1 by said receiving unit, said reception initiating a time lapse measurement beginning at time tI1;
• e. emitting a second light pulse I2 from said transmitting unit into the interior of said dishwasher, said pulse having a predefined pulse duration of lt2;
• f. receiving said second light pulse I2 by said receiving unit, said reception terminating said time lapse measurement at time tI2;
• g. calculating the time difference tI2−tI1;
• and
• h. encoding an information item or the portion of an information item based on said time difference.