U.S. patent application number 15/327169 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-15 for method for data communication with a domestic appliance by a mobile computer device, mobile computer device and domestic appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag. Invention is credited to Daniel Arler, Sandro Comuzzi, Kersten Kaiser, Christoph Luckhardt, Fabienne Reinhard-Herrscher, Christoph Walther.
Application Number | 20170170978 15/327169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51494101 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170170978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luckhardt; Christoph ; et
al. |
June 15, 2017 |
Method For Data Communication With A Domestic Appliance By A Mobile
Computer Device, Mobile Computer Device And Domestic Appliance
Abstract
A method for data communication with a domestic appliance by a
mobile computer device. The domestic appliance and the mobile
computer device are interconnected or interconnectable via a
wireless data connection. The wireless data connection is adapted
for transferring signals between the domestic appliance and the
mobile computer device. Further, the present invention relates to
application software for the mobile computer device. Moreover, the
present invention relates to a domestic appliance. Additionally,
the present invention relates to a mobile computer device including
a display or touch screen.
Inventors: |
Luckhardt; Christoph;
(Rothenburg ob der Tauber, DE) ; Reinhard-Herrscher;
Fabienne; (Rothenburg ob der Tauber, DE) ; Kaiser;
Kersten; (Rothenburg ob der Tauber, DE) ; Walther;
Christoph; (Rothenburg ob der Tauber, DE) ; Arler;
Daniel; (Stockholm, SE) ; Comuzzi; Sandro;
(Brussels, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag |
Stockholm |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
51494101 |
Appl. No.: |
15/327169 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
August 27, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/069643 |
371 Date: |
January 18, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 2219/2613 20130101;
G05B 19/042 20130101; H04L 12/2807 20130101; H04L 12/2803 20130101;
H04L 65/602 20130101; H04N 7/183 20130101; H04L 12/2816 20130101;
Y02D 30/70 20200801; H04L 2012/285 20130101; H04Q 9/00 20130101;
H04Q 2209/40 20130101; F24C 15/023 20130101; H04M 2250/22 20130101;
H04Q 2209/80 20130101; G08C 2201/93 20130101; H04N 5/23293
20130101; H04L 65/4084 20130101; H04Q 2209/43 20130101; F24C 7/087
20130101; G05B 2219/2643 20130101; H04L 12/282 20130101; H04Q
2209/84 20130101; H04W 76/10 20180201; G05B 2219/2628 20130101;
F24C 7/085 20130101; H04L 2012/2841 20130101; G06F 16/90335
20190101; G08C 17/02 20130101; H04L 12/2834 20130101; F24C 15/024
20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101; H04W 52/0235 20130101; H04L 12/6418
20130101; G06F 16/24 20190101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 12/28 20060101
H04L012/28; F24C 7/08 20060101 F24C007/08; H04Q 9/00 20060101
H04Q009/00; H04L 12/64 20060101 H04L012/64; G08C 17/02 20060101
G08C017/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 3, 2014 |
EP |
14183303.8 |
Claims
1. Method for data communication with a domestic appliance (10) by
a mobile computer device (12), wherein the domestic appliance (10)
and the mobile computer device (12) are interconnected or
interconnectable via a wireless data connection (22) that is
adapted for transferring signals between the domestic appliance
(10) and the mobile computer device (12).
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile computer
device (12) can be switched into a first connection state with the
domestic appliance (10), wherein in the first connection state,
wireless data connection is enabled by the domestic appliance (10)
and the mobile computer device (12), wherein in the first
connection state, remote control and/or monitoring is enabled by
the domestic appliance (10) and the mobile computer device (12), so
that in the first connection state parameters and/or functions of
the domestic appliance (10), especially oven functions, can be
monitored and/or controlled on the mobile computer device (12).
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile computer
device (12) can be switched into a second connection state with the
domestic appliance (10), wherein in the second connection state no
parameters and/or functions of the domestic appliance (10),
especially no oven functions, can be monitored and/or
controlled.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein in the second
connection state, remote control is disabled by the domestic
appliance (10) and/or the mobile computer device (12) and/or
wherein in the second connection state, the wireless data
connection (22), especially the WiFi connection, is disabled by the
domestic appliance (10) and/or the mobile computer device (12).
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile computer
device (12) is interconnected or interconnectable via a wireless
data connection with a first domestic appliance (10) and a second
domestic appliance (110), wherein the first domestic appliance (10)
and the second domestic appliance (110) are ovens.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first domestic
appliance (10) and the second domestic appliance (110) are of the
same appliance category or of different appliance categories,
wherein the appliance categories include ovens, cooktops and
washing machines.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile computer
device (12) is in a first appliance connection mode in the first
connection state only with the first domestic appliance (10),
wherein the mobile computer device (12) is in the first appliance
connection mode in the second connection state with the second
domestic appliance (110), wherein the mobile computer device (12)
is in a second appliance connection mode in the first connection
state only with the second domestic appliance (110), wherein the
mobile computer device (12) is in the second appliance connection
mode in the second connection state with the first domestic
appliance (10).
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile computer
device (12) is switchable between the first appliance connection
mode and the second appliance connection mode.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the mobile
computer device (12) switches between appliance connection modes,
it is getting configuration data from the domestic appliance (10,
110) which is switched into the first connection state, wherein the
configuration data is saved in the memory unit of the mobile
computer device (12).
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein a first mobile
computer device (12) and a second mobile computer device (212) are
interconnected or interconnectable via a wireless data connection
with the domestic appliance (10).
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein in a first device
connection mode only the first mobile computer device (12) is in
the first connection state with the domestic appliance (10),
wherein in the first device connection mode the second mobile
computer device (212) is in the second connection state with the
domestic appliance (10).
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein in a second device
connection mode, the first mobile computer device (12) is in the
second connection state with the domestic appliance (10), wherein
in the second device connection mode only the second mobile
computer device (212) is in the first connection state with the
domestic appliance (10).
13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the domestic appliance
(10) is switchable between the first device connection mode and the
second device connection mode.
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile computer
device (12) comprises a display (18) presenting a display area
(180), wherein the display area is splitted into rectangular
display regions (181), especially into rectangular app tiles,
wherein each display region (181) comprises a container for
displaying data, wherein the mobile computer device (12) receives
configuration data from the domestic appliance (10), wherein the
size and the position of the display regions (181) as well as the
data to be displayed in the containers can be adapted based on the
configuration data, wherein the configuration data is determined by
the domestic appliance (10) and/or the behaviour of the user of the
domestic appliance (10).
15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
method comprises the steps of: detecting visually at least one
object (11) being treated by the domestic appliance (10),
generating a picture signal of the object (11) being treated by the
domestic appliance (10), transferring the picture signal from the
domestic appliance (10) to the mobile computer device (12) via the
wireless data connection (22), and displaying a picture of the
object (11) being treated by the domestic appliance (10) on a
display (18) or touch screen (18) of the mobile computer device
(12) on the basis of the picture signal, so that the object (11)
being treated by the domestic appliance (10) is represented or
representable in real-time on the display (18) or touch screen (18)
of the mobile computer device (12).
16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
domestic appliance (19) is a cooking appliance (10) including a
cooking oven (14) and/or a cooking hob (16), said object (11) being
treated by the domestic appliance (10) is a food stuff (11) being
treated in an oven cavity (15) of a cooking oven (14), and said
wireless data connection (22) is at least a unidirectional data
connection (22) for transferring signals form the cooking appliance
(10) to the mobile computer device (12) for allowing monitoring in
real time by a user of the visual appearance of said food stuff
(11) being treated by the cooking appliance (10) on the display
(18) or touch-screen (18) of said mobile computer device (12).
17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least
one current operating parameter of the domestic appliance (10) is
transferred between the domestic appliance (10) and the mobile
computer device (12) via the wireless data connection (22) and
indicated by the display (18) or touch screen (18) of the mobile
computer device (12) and/or wherein said at least one current
operating parameter of the domestic appliance (10) can be set by a
user via said display (18) or touch screen (18) of the mobile
computer device (12).
18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the at
least one current operating parameter of the domestic appliance
(10) is represented by a numerical value and/or by one or more
graphical symbols on the display (18) or touch screen (18) of the
mobile computer device (12).
19. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
domestic appliance (10) is a cooking appliance (10), wherein the
temperature of at least one food stuff (11) being treated by the
cooking appliance (10) is detected by said cooking appliance (10),
at least one corresponding temperature signal is transferred to the
mobile computer device (12) via the wireless data connection (22)
in real-time, and at least one corresponding temperature value is
indicated by the mobile computer device (12).
20. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
domestic appliance (10) is a cooking appliance (10), wherein an
elapsed and/or a remaining cooking time of at least one food stuff
(11) being treated by the cooking appliance (10) is transferred to
the mobile computer device (12) via the wireless data connection
(22) in real-time and indicated by the mobile computer device
(12).
21. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least
one current operating parameter of the domestic appliance (10), is
evaluated by the mobile computer device (12) and the obtained
result is indicated on the display (18) or touch screen (18) of the
mobile computer device (12), wherein said result includes a history
and/or a statistical analysis of said at least one operating
parameter of the domestic appliance (10) and/or further
corresponding information relating to said history and/or
statistical analysis.
22. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
mobile computer device (12) is connected or connectable to the
internet via a wireless data connection, wherein the mobile
computer device (12) is connected or connectable to at least one
social network and/or to at least one data base.
23. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
wireless data connection (22) between the domestic appliance (10)
and the mobile computer device (12) is a bidirectional connection
transferring signals between the domestic appliance (10) and the
mobile computer device (12), wherein the domestic appliance (10) is
controlled or controllable by the user via the mobile computer
device (12).
24. Application software for a mobile computer device (12)
connected or connectable to a domestic appliance (10), including a
cooking oven (14) and/or a cooking hob (16), characterized in that
the application software is provided for performing a method
according to claim 1.
25. The application software according to claim 23, characterized
in that the application software provides a recipe generator for a
cooking appliance (10), wherein a user may input or select one or
more search criteria for a cooking recipe and the recipe generator
provides at least one corresponding proposal for a cooking recipe,
and wherein a plurality of cooking recipes are stored in a memory
of the mobile computer device (12) and/or in a data base of the
internet.
26. The application software according to claim 24, characterized
in that said one or more search criteria for a cooking recipe are
selectable by the user from a group comprising at least one recipe
food ingredient type, at least one recipe food ingredient amount,
at least one cooking or baking temperature, at least one cooking or
baking duration and/or at least one generic cooking mode such as
radiation cooking, forced convection cooking, steam cooking,
microwave cooking or induction cooking, and the application
software comprises at least one algorithm for selecting said at
least one corresponding proposal for a cooking recipe from said
plurality of stored recipes on the basis of said selection by the
user of at least one of said search criteria for a cooking
recipe.
27. The application software according to claim 25, characterized
in that it comprises an algorithm for adapting at least one recipe
parameter of at least one of said plurality stored cooking recipes
to an operational feature of the cooking appliance (10).
28. The application software according to claim 27, characterized
in that said recipe parameter is at least one of said recipe food
ingredient amount, cooking or baking temperature, cooking or baking
duration, and/or generic cooking mode and/or wherein said
operational feature of the cooking appliance (10) is a volume of an
oven cavity (15) of the cooking appliance (10), a calorific output
of at least one heating element (17) of the cooking appliance (10)
and/or a calorific output of a cooking mode of the cooking
appliance (10) such as a mode of the cooking appliance (10) for
radiation cooking, for forced convection cooking, for steam
cooking, for microwave cooking or for induction cooking.
29. The application software according to claim 24, characterized
in that the application software comprises an algorithm for
adapting at least one operational parameter of the cooking
appliance (10) according to said at least one recipe parameter of
the cooking recipe that has been selected by the user from said
proposal by said recipe generator for a cooking recipe wherein said
at least one operational parameter of the cooking appliance (10) is
a cooking or baking temperature, a cooking or baking duration
and/or a mode of the cooking appliance (10) for radiation cooking,
for forced convection cooking, for steam cooking, for microwave
cooking or for induction cooking.
30. The application software according to claim 24, characterized
in that the application software provides a multi-timer function
for two or more dishes and/or courses in or on the cooking
appliance (10), wherein said dishes and/or courses can be treated
together at the same temperature by the cooking appliance (10), in
the same oven cavity (15) at the same temperature, but can require
different cooking durations, and wherein the elapsed and/or
remaining cooking durations of individual dishes and/or courses are
indicated by the display (18) or touch screen (18) of the mobile
computer device (12).
31. The application software according to claims 24, characterized
in that the application software provides a cooking time reduction
function and/or a cooking temperature reduction function, wherein a
user may reduce the cooking time and/or the cooking temperature of
the cooking appliance (10) by the mobile computer device (12) via
the wireless data bidirectional connection between the domestic
appliance (10) and the mobile computer device (12).
32. Domestic appliance (10) including a cooking oven (14) with an
oven cavity (15) and/or a cooking hob (16), connected or
connectable to a mobile computer device (12) via a wireless data
connection (22), characterized in that the domestic appliance (10)
is provided for a method according to claim 1.
33. Domestic appliance (10) according to claim 32, wherein the
domestic appliance (10) comprises at least one camera (13),
arranged to detect visually and to provide a picture signal of said
food stuff (11) being treated by said cooking appliance in said
oven cavity (15) or on said cooking hob (16).
34. Mobile computer device (12) connected or connectable to a
domestic appliance (10) including a cooking oven (14) and/or a
cooking hob (16), via a wireless data connection (22), wherein the
mobile computer device (12) comprises at least one display (18)
and/or touchscreen (18), characterized in that the mobile computer
device (12) is configured to execute the method according to claim
1.
35. Non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored there on
computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a
computer to perform the method according to any one of the claim 1.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for data
communication with a domestic appliance by a computer device.
Further, the present invention relates to application software for
a computer device connected or connectable to a domestic appliance,
in particular a cooking appliance including a cooking oven and/or a
cooking hob. Moreover, the present invention relates to a domestic
appliance, in particular a cooking appliance including a cooking
oven with an oven cavity and/or a cooking hob, connected or
connectable to a computer device. Additionally, the present
invention relates to a computer device connected or connectable to
a domestic appliance, in particular a cooking appliance including a
cooking oven and/or a cooking hob.
[0002] Modern domestic appliances can be connectable to a
communication network and/or to a computer device. Said
communication network may be the internet or an internal network.
These connections of the domestic appliances allow additional
options for operating the domestic appliance. For example, the
domestic appliances may be controlled by the computer device and/or
via the communication network. Additional information provided by
the communication network may be used for operating the domestic
appliance. In many cases, information from the communication
network is up to date.
[0003] For the data communication, it can be advantageous or even
necessary, that the usability is flexible and/or effectively, so
that it can be operated and/or controlled from different locations,
for example.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved method for data communication with a domestic appliance by
a computer device. Especially, it is an object of the present
invention to improve the features and/or the usability and/or the
effectivity of the data communication.
[0005] The object is achieved by the method according to claim
1.
[0006] The present invention relates to a method for data
communication with a domestic appliance by a mobile computer
device, wherein the domestic appliance and the mobile computer
device are interconnected or interconnectable via a wireless data
connection that is adapted for transferring signals between the
domestic appliance and the mobile computer device.
[0007] The wireless data connection that is adapted for
transferring signals between the domestic appliance and a mobile
computer device allows a very flexible and effective use of the
data communication with the domestic appliance by a mobile computer
device. In particular when the domestic appliance is a cooking
appliance, for example a cooking oven with an oven cavity and/or a
cooking hob, it is very helpful if it is possible to control the
domestic appliance by a wireless data connection which can be
operated near the domestic appliance by the mobile computer device.
For example, the mobile computer device may be a mobile phone, a
smart phone, a tablet personal computer, a netbook or a
notebook.
[0008] In some preferred embodiments, the mobile computer device
can be switched into a first connection state with the domestic
appliance. In the first connection state, wireless data connection
is enabled by the domestic appliance and the mobile computer
device.
[0009] In the first connection state, remote control and/or
monitoring can preferably be enabled by the domestic appliance and
the mobile computer device, so that in the first connection state
parameters and/or functions of the domestic appliance, especially
oven functions, can be monitored and/or controlled on the mobile
computer device.
[0010] Preferably, the mobile computer device can be switched into
a second connection state with the domestic appliance. In the
second connection state no parameters and/or functions of the
domestic appliance, especially no oven functions, can be monitored
and/or controlled.
[0011] In the second connection state, remote control can
preferably be disabled by the domestic appliance and/or the mobile
computer device.
[0012] According to some embodiments, in the second connection
state, the wireless data connection, especially the WiFi
connection, is disabled by the domestic appliance and/or the mobile
computer device.
[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the mobile computer device is
interconnected or interconnectable via a wireless data connection
with a first domestic appliance and a second domestic
appliance.
[0014] Preferably, the first domestic appliance and the second
domestic appliance are of the same appliance category or of
different appliance categories. The appliance categories can
preferably include ovens, cooktops and washing machines.
[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the first domestic appliance
and the second domestic appliance are ovens.
[0016] Preferably, the mobile computer device is in a first
appliance connection mode in the first connection state only with
the first domestic appliance. In some embodiments, the mobile
computer device is in the first appliance connection mode in the
second connection state with the second domestic appliance.
[0017] As a further option, the mobile computer device is in a
second appliance connection mode in the first connection state only
with the second domestic appliance. In some preferred embodiments,
the mobile computer device is in the second appliance connection
mode in the second connection state with the first domestic
appliance.
[0018] Preferably, the mobile computer device is switchable between
the first appliance connection mode and the second appliance
connection mode.
[0019] Optionally, when the mobile computer device switches between
appliance connection modes, it is getting configuration data from
the domestic appliance, which is switched into the first connection
state, wherein the configuration data is saved in the memory unit
of the mobile computer device.
[0020] In a further embodiment, a first mobile computer device and
a second mobile computer device are interconnected or
interconnectable via a wireless data connection with the domestic
appliance.
[0021] Preferably, in a first device connection mode only the first
mobile computer device is in the first connection state with the
domestic appliance. Optionally, in the first device connection mode
the second mobile computer device is in the second connection state
with the domestic appliance.
[0022] In a second device connection mode, the first mobile
computer device is, in some embodiments, in the second connection
state with the domestic appliance. As a preferred option, in the
second device connection mode only the second mobile computer
device is in the first connection state with the domestic
appliance.
[0023] In some embodiments, the domestic appliance is switchable
between first device connection mode and the second device
connection mode.
[0024] Further embodiments comprise a mobile computer device with a
display presenting a display area, wherein the display area is
splitted into rectangular display regions, especially into
rectangular app tiles.
[0025] Preferably, each display region comprises a container for
displaying data. The mobile computer device can, in some
embodiments, receive configuration data from the domestic
appliance.
[0026] The size and the position of the display regions as well as
the is data to be displayed in the containers can especially be
adapted based on the configuration data.
[0027] Some further embodiments allow the configuration data to be
determined by the domestic appliance and/or the behaviour of the
user of the domestic appliance.
[0028] Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: [0029]
detecting visually at least one object being treated by the
domestic appliance, [0030] generating a picture signal of the
object being treated by the domestic appliance, [0031] transferring
the picture signal from the domestic appliance to the mobile
computer device via the wireless connection, and [0032] displaying
a picture of the object being treated by the domestic appliance on
a display or touch screen of the mobile computer device on the
basis of the picture signal.
[0033] Therefore, the object being treated by the domestic
appliance can especially represented or representable in real-time
on the display or touch screen of the mobile computer device.
[0034] The wireless data connection between the domestic appliance
and the mobile computer device can provide a representation of the
object in real-time. The real-time representation of the object
being treated by the domestic appliance on the display of the
mobile computer device provides information about the actual state
of said object from a distance.
[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the domestic appliance
is a cooking appliance including a cooking oven and/or a cooking
hob, said object being treated by the domestic appliance is a food
stuff being treated by the cooking appliance, in particular a food
stuff being treated in an oven cavity of a cooking oven, and said
wireless data connection is at least a unidirectional data
connection for transferring signals form the cooking appliance to
the mobile computer device for allowing monitoring in real time by
a user of the visual appearance of said food stuff being treated by
the cooking appliance on the display or touch-screen of said mobile
computer device.
[0036] Preferably, at least one current operating parameter of the
domestic appliance is transferred between the domestic appliance
and the mobile computer device via the wireless data connection, in
particular wherein said at least one current operating parameter of
the domestic appliance is indicated by the display or touch screen
of the mobile computer device and/or wherein said at least one
current operating parameter of the domestic appliance can be set by
a user via said display or touch screen of the mobile computer
device. The indication of current operating parameters increases
the user's level of information.
[0037] In particular, the at least one current operating parameter
of the domestic appliance is represented by a numerical value
and/or by one or more graphical symbols on the display or touch
screen of the mobile computer device. For example, the graphical
symbols may represent numerical values by different sizes of an
area or by the characteristic colours.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the domestic appliance is a
cooking appliance, wherein the temperature of at least one food
stuff being treated by the cooking appliance is detected by said
cooking appliance, at least one corresponding temperature signal is
transferred to the mobile computer device via the wireless data
connection in real-time, and at least one corresponding temperature
value is indicated by the mobile computer device. The view of the
food stuff and the knowledge of the temperature provide broad
information of the cooking process.
[0039] Further, the domestic appliance is a cooking appliance,
wherein an elapsed cooking time and/or a remaining cooking time of
at least one food stuff being treated by the cooking appliance is
transferred to the mobile computer device via the wireless data
connection in real-time and indicated by the mobile computer
device.
[0040] Additionally, the at least one operating parameter of the
domestic appliance, preferably at least one current parameter of
the domestic appliance, is evaluated by the mobile computer device
and the obtained result is indicated on the display or touch screen
of the mobile computer device, wherein said result includes a
history and/or a statistical analysis of said at least one
operating parameter of the domestic appliance and/or further
corresponding information relating to said history and/or
statistical analysis.
[0041] Optionally, the mobile computer device is connected or
connectable to the internet via a wireless data connection, in
particular via a wireless data local area network ("WLAN") and/or a
mobile communications network, wherein the mobile computer device
is connected or connectable to at least one social network and/or
to at least one data base. The connection of the domestic appliance
to the internet allows additional options for operating said
domestic appliance.
[0042] According to a further embodiment, the wireless data
connection between the domestic appliance and the mobile computer
device is a bidirectional connection transferring signals between
the domestic appliance and the mobile computer device, wherein the
domestic appliance is controlled or controllable by the user via
the mobile computer device. The wireless bidirectional connection
between the domestic appliance and the mobile computer device
allows a remote control of said domestic appliance.
[0043] The present invention relates further to application
software for a mobile computer device connected or connectable to a
domestic appliance, in particular a cooking appliance including a
cooking oven and/or a cooking hob, wherein the application software
is provided for performing the method mentioned above. The use of
application software allows a plurality of additional features by
low complexity.
[0044] According to one example, the application software provides
a recipe generator for a cooking appliance, wherein a user may
input or select one or more search criteria for a cooking recipe
and the recipe generator provides at least one corresponding
proposal for a cooking recipe, and wherein a plurality of cooking
recipes are stored in a memory of the mobile computer device and/or
in a data base of the internet.
[0045] Optionally, said one or more search criteria for a cooking
recipe are selectable by the user from a group comprising at least
one recipe food ingredient type, at least one recipe food
ingredient amount, at least one cooking or baking temperature, at
least one cooking or baking duration and/or at least one generic
cooking mode such as radiation cooking, forced convection cooking,
steam cooking, microwave cooking or induction cooking, and the
application software comprises at least one algorithm for selecting
said at least one corresponding proposal for a cooking recipe from
said plurality of stored recipes on the basis of said selection by
the user of at least one of said search criteria for a cooking
recipe.
[0046] Moreover, the application software may comprise an algorithm
for adapting at least one recipe parameter of at least one of said
plurality stored cooking recipes to an operational feature of the
cooking appliance.
[0047] In this case, said recipe parameter may be at least one of
said recipe food ingredient amount, cooking or baking temperature,
cooking or baking duration, and/or generic cooking mode and/or
wherein said operational feature of the cooking appliance is a
volume of an oven cavity of the cooking appliance, a calorific
output of at least one heating element of the cooking appliance
and/or a calorific output of a cooking mode of the cooking
appliance such as a mode of the cooking appliance for radiation
cooking, for forced convection cooking, for steam cooking, for
microwave cooking or for induction cooking.
[0048] Further, the application software may comprise an algorithm
for adapting at least one operational parameter of the cooking
appliance according to said at least one recipe parameter of the
cooking recipe that has been selected by the user from said
proposal by said recipe generator for a cooking recipe, in
particular wherein said at least one operational parameter of the
cooking appliance is a cooking or baking temperature, a cooking or
baking duration and/or a mode of the cooking appliance for
radiation cooking, for forced convection cooking, for steam
cooking, for microwave cooking or for induction cooking.
[0049] According to another example, the application software
provides a multi-timer function for two or more dishes and/or
courses in or on the cooking appliance, wherein said dishes and/or
courses can be treated together at the same temperature by the
cooking appliance, in particular together in the same oven cavity
at the same temperature, but can require different cooking
durations, and wherein the elapsed and/or remaining cooking
durations of individual dishes and/or courses are indicated by the
display or touch screen of the mobile computer device.
[0050] According to a further example, the application software
provides a cooking time reduction function and/or a cooking
temperature reduction function, wherein a user may reduce the
cooking time and/or the cooking temperature of the cooking
appliance by the mobile computer device via the wireless
bidirectional data connection between the domestic appliance and
the mobile computer device. In this case, the user can reduce the
cooking time and/or the cooking temperature, but not increase said
cooking time and/or the cooking temperature, respectively. This
contributes to the safety of the cooking process.
[0051] Further, the present invention relates to a domestic
appliance, in particular a cooking appliance including a cooking
oven with an oven cavity and/or a cooking hob, connected or
connectable to a mobile computer device via a wireless connection,
wherein the domestic appliance is provided for the aforesaid
method.
[0052] The domestic appliance comprises preferably at least one
camera, in particular a camera arranged to detect visually and to
provide a picture signal of said food stuff being treated by said
cooking appliance in said oven cavity or on said coking hob.
[0053] Moreover, the present invention relates to a mobile computer
device connected or connectable to a domestic appliance, in
particular a cooking appliance including a cooking oven and/or a
cooking hob, via a wireless data connection, wherein the mobile
computer device comprises at least one display and/or touch screen,
wherein the mobile computer device is provided for the method
mentioned above and/or the mobile computer device supports
aforesaid application software.
[0054] At last, the present invention relates to a computer program
stored in a computer usable medium, comprising computer readable
program means for causing a computer to perform the method
mentioned above, wherein the computer program includes aforesaid
application software.
[0055] Novel and inventive features of the present invention are
set forth in the appended claims.
[0056] The present invention will be described in further detail
with reference to the drawings, in which
[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a domestic appliance
and a mobile computer device according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention,
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
domestic appliance according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention,
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an example for a main
page of application software ("APP") for the mobile computer device
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of an example for a page
of a recipe generator of the application software ("APP") for the
mobile computer device according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an example for a page
of a multi-timer function of the application software ("APP") for
the mobile computer device according to the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an example for two
domestic appliances and a mobile computer device according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention and
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of an example for a
domestic appliance and two mobile computer devices according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a domestic appliance
10 and a mobile computer device 12 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the domestic
appliance is a cooking appliance 10 including a cooking oven 14 and
a cooking hob 16, wherein the cooking hob 16 is arranged above the
cooking oven 14. Alternatively, the cooking appliance 10 may only
include either the cooking oven 14 or the cooking hob 16. In this
example, the domestic appliance 10 or the cooking appliance 10,
respectively, includes a stationary control unit 24. In general,
the domestic appliance 10 may be an arbitrary appliance, which is
monitored and/or controlled by the user via the mobile computer
device 12.
[0065] Further, the cooking device 10 can comprise one or more
cameras not shown in FIG. 1. For example, the camera is arranged in
or in front of an oven cavity of the cooking oven 14, so that food
stuff inside the oven cavity may be monitored by the user. Further,
the camera may be arranged above the cooking hob 16, so that food
stuff on said cooking hob 16 may be monitored by the user. In the
latter case, the camera may be attached at an exhaust hood arranged
above the cooking hob 16.
[0066] Moreover, the cooking device 10 may comprise at least one
temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the food stuff
and/or in the oven cavity and/or in a cooking pot.
[0067] The mobile computer device 12 includes a display 18 or a
touch screen 18. Further, the mobile computer device 12 includes a
keyboard 20. The display 18 forms an output unit of the mobile
computer device 12. The keyboard 20 forms an input unit of the
mobile computer device 12. The touch screen 18 forms an
input/output unit of the mobile computer device 12. If the display
18 is formed as the touch screen 18, then the mobile computer
device 12 does not need necessarily the keyboard 20.
[0068] The mobile computer device 12 may be a customary device. For
example, the mobile computer device 12 may be a mobile phone, a
smart phone, a tablet personal computer, a netbook or a
notebook.
[0069] There is a wireless data connection 22 between the cooking
appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12. According to one
embodiment said wireless data connection 22 is unidirectional,
wherein signals may be transferred only from the domestic appliance
10 to the mobile computer device 12. In this case, the user is able
to monitor a working process of the cooking appliance 10 by the
mobile computer device 12. According to another embodiment the
wireless data connection 22 is bidirectional, wherein signals may
be transferred from the domestic appliance 10 to the mobile
computer device 12 as well as from the mobile computer device 12 to
the domestic appliance 10. In the latter case, the user is able to
control the working process of the cooking appliance 10 by the
mobile computer device 12. If the wireless data connection 22
between the cooking appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12
is unidirectional, then the user may control the domestic appliance
10 by the stationary control unit 24 of the domestic appliance 10.
If the wireless data connection 22 between the cooking appliance 10
and the mobile computer device 12 is bidirectional, then the user
may control the domestic appliance 10 by the mobile computer device
12 and/or the stationary control unit 24.
[0070] The cooking appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12
may be interconnected or interconnectable via the internet. For
example, the cooking appliance 10 is connected or connectable to
the internet via a local area network (LAN) or a wireless local
area network (WLAN) to the internet. The mobile computer device 12
may be connected or connectable to the internet via a wireless
local area network (WLAN) or a mobile communications network.
[0071] Alternatively, the wireless data connection 22 between the
cooking appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12 may be
realized via a radio contact. Further, the cooking appliance 10 and
the mobile computer device 12 may be interconnected or
interconnectable via infrared signals. In general, an arbitrary
wireless data connection 22 between the cooking appliance 10 and
the mobile computer device 12 is possible. Preferably, the
selection of the type of the wireless data connection 22 between
the cooking appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12 depends
on the favoured operating distance.
[0072] The display 18 and/or the touch screen 18 of the mobile
computer device 12 are provided for indicating current pictures
recorded by the camera of the cooking device 10. The wireless data
connection 22 from the cooking appliance 10 to the mobile computer
device 12 is provided for transferring picture signals in real
time.
[0073] In a similar way, the display 18 and/or the touch screen 18
of the mobile computer device 12 are provided for indicating
current temperature values detected by the temperature sensor of
the cooking device 10. The wireless data connection 22 from the
cooking appliance 10 to the mobile computer device 12 is provided
for transferring temperature signals in real time.
[0074] Optionally, there is an external connection 26 between the
mobile computer device 12 and the internet 28. Preferably, the
mobile computer device 12 is connected to the internet 28 via the
wireless local area network (WLAN) or the mobile communications
network. The external connection 26 allows communications between
the mobile computer device 12 and the internet 28. For example, the
mobile computer device 12 may use applications provided by the
internet 28. Further, the user is able to download software for the
mobile computer device 12 from the internet 28. Moreover, the user
can access to data bases in the internet 28 by the mobile computer
device 12.
[0075] All in all there are four possible different constellations
in view of the wireless data connection 22 and the external
connection 26. According to a first constellation the wireless data
connection 22 is unidirectional from the cooking appliance 10 to
the mobile computer device 12, wherein the external connection 26
lacks. According to a second constellation the wireless data
connection 22 is bidirectional between the cooking appliance 10 and
the mobile computer device 12, wherein the external connection 26
lacks. According to a third constellation the wireless data
connection 22 is unidirectional from the cooking appliance 10 to
the mobile computer device 12, wherein the external connection 26
exists between the mobile computer device 12 and the internet 28.
According to a fourth constellation the wireless data connection 22
is bidirectional between the cooking appliance 10 and the mobile
computer device 12, wherein the external connection 26 exists
between the mobile computer device 12 and the internet 28. In the
first and second constellations the wireless data connection 22
between the cooking appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12
may be realized via the internet, although the external connection
26 between the mobile computer device 12 and the internet 28
lacks.
[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
domestic appliance 10 according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the domestic appliance is the cooking
appliance 10. Said cooking appliance 10 includes the cooking oven
14 with an oven cavity 15 and the cooking hob 16, wherein the
cooking hob 16 is arranged above the cooking oven 14.
[0077] Food stuff 11 being treated by the cooking appliance 10 is
arranged inside the oven cavity 15. A heating element 17 is
arranged at a rear wall of the oven cavity 15. The cooking
appliance 10 comprises a camera 13. Said camera 13 is provided for
detecting visually the food stuff 11 being treated by the cooking
appliance 10. The camera 13 provides a picture signal of said food
stuff 11. The camera 13 may be arranged in or in front of the oven
cavity 15 of the cooking oven 14, so that the food stuff 11 inside
the oven cavity 15 may be monitored by the user. Alternatively, the
camera 13 may be arranged above the cooking hob 16, so that food
stuff 11 on said cooking hob 16 may be monitored by the user. In
the latter case, the camera 13 may be attached at an exhaust hood
arranged above the cooking hob 16.
[0078] The present invention provides application software ("APP")
for the mobile computer device 12. Said application software
comprises one or more functions and/or features supporting the
operations of the mobile computer device 12. Several functions and
features of the application software are described below.
[0079] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of an example for a main
page 30 of application software ("APP") for the mobile computer
device according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Said main page 30 may be indicated by the display 18 or
touch screen 18. In this example, the area of the main page 30 is
subdivided into five subareas. The area of the main page 30
represents a menu, while the five subareas represent a menu item in
each case. In this embodiment, the menu items correspond with the
functions "my recipe book", "recipe hub", "social feed", "oven
control" and "explore your oven".
[0080] The function "my recipe book" allows the generation and
administration of an individual recipe book by the user. Said
individual recipe book may be generated on the basis of a recipe
book provided by the manufacturer of the cooking appliance 10,
mobile computer device 12 and/or application software. Recipes
generated by the user may be inserted into the function "my recipe
book".
[0081] The function "recipe hub" allows the selection of recipes
from a data base. The user may input a number of criteria for the
desired recipe. The function "social feed" allows the access to a
social network, cooking sites and/or cooking blogs. The function
"explore your oven" allows an access to manuals in order to obtain
satisfactory results.
[0082] The function "oven control" allows an adjusting of cooking
parameters for the cooking appliance 10 by the mobile computer
device 12. The function "oven control" requires the bidirectional
wireless connection 22 between the cooking appliance 10 and the
mobile computer device 12.
[0083] According to one embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a viewing function. Said viewing function allows
the representation of a picture signal from the camera 13 of the
cooking appliance 10 on the display 18 or touch screen 18 of the
mobile computer device 12. The viewing function allows a current
viewing of the food stuff 11 in the oven cavity 15 of the cooking
oven 14 and/or on the cooking hob 16 on the display 18 or touch
screen 18 of the mobile computer device 12. A real-time
transmission of pictures from the camera 13 of the cooking
appliance 10 to the display of the mobile computer device 12 is
possible. Thus, the user is able to monitor the food stuff 11 in
the oven cavity 15 of the cooking oven 14 and/or on the cooking hob
16 of the cooking appliance 10 from a distance by the mobile
computer device 12. The user is always able to inform about the
current state of the food stuff 11 in or on the cooking appliance
10.
[0084] If the wireless connection 22 between the cooking appliance
10 and the mobile computer device 12 is unidirectional, wherein the
picture signals are transferred from the domestic appliance 10 to
the mobile computer device 12, then the user is able to monitor the
cooking process of the cooking appliance 10 by watching the picture
or pictures of the food stuff 11 on the display 18 or touch screen
18 of the mobile computer device 12. In this case, the user can
control the cooking process by the stationary control unit 24 of
the cooking appliance 10. The unidirectional wireless connection 22
between the cooking appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12
has the advantage that the cooking process of the cooking appliance
10 cannot be disturbed by external signals.
[0085] If the wireless connection 22 between the cooking appliance
10 and the mobile computer device 12 is bidirectional, wherein the
picture signals are transferred from the domestic appliance 10 to
the mobile computer device 12 and control signals are transferred
from the mobile computer device 12 to the domestic appliance 10,
then the user is able to control the working process of the cooking
appliance 10 by handling the mobile computer device 12. The
bidirectional wireless connection 22 between the cooking appliance
10 and the mobile computer device 12 has the advantage that the
user can control the cooking process of the cooking appliance 10
from a relative big distance.
[0086] According to another embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a recipe generator. The recipe generator
generates a proposal for one or more recipes. After the user has
input or selected one or more search criteria for the favoured
cooking recipe, then the recipe generator provides one or more
corresponding proposals for at least one cooking recipe from a data
base. Said data base may be stored in a memory of the mobile
computer device 12 or provided by the internet.
[0087] For example, the recipe generator provided by the
application software ("APP") comprises the following steps. In a
first step the user inputs directly an ingredient of the favoured
recipe. For example, the user selects a kind of meat, e.g. "beef",
"pork", "duck" or "chicken", from a menu "meat" or kind of
vegetable from a menu "vegetables". Further examples selectable by
the user are "casserole", "soup", "dessert", "bread", "cake" and/or
"cookies".
[0088] In a second step the user may select further search criteria
by menu items. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an example
for a page 32 of the recipe generator of the application software
("APP") for the mobile computer device 12 according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Said page 32
comprises an upper menu 34 and a lower menu 36.
[0089] In the this example, the upper menu 34 comprises the menu
items "ethnicity", "allergies", "season", "course", "technique" and
"costs". The menu items of the lower menu 36 depend on the
selection in the upper menu 34. If the user has selected the menu
item "ethnicity" in the upper menu 34 for example, then the user
can further select between the menu items "American", "Chinese",
"French", "Indian", "Asian", "English" and they like in the lower
menu 36. The selection of the menu item "allergies" may provide a
table of typical food allergies. The selection of the menu item
"season" may relate to culinary seasons. The selection of the menu
item "course" allows the selection of the number of courses of the
menu. The selection of the menu item "technique" provides a
selection of the technical method of the cooking process, e.g. top
heat, bottom heat, top and bottom heat, circulating air, full
steam, half steam plus heat, quarter steam plus heat, grill and/or
low temperature cooking.
[0090] In a next step, the recipes found by the application
software are indicated on the display 18 or touch screen 18 of the
mobile computer device 12, so that the user may select one of the
found recipes. The parameters of the corresponding cooking process
are adjusted automatically. At last, the user may activate a start
function of the cooking process by operating the keyboard 20 or
touch screen 18.
[0091] Additionally, the application software ("APP") allows food
pairing, wherein the main ingredients and/or main aromas of a dish
are determined and groups of main ingredients and/or main aromas
harmonizing with each other are defined. Said food pairing
comprises the following steps.
[0092] After selecting a first dish and the function "food pairing"
by the user, predefined further dishes are proposed by the
application software ("APP"), wherein said further dishes harmonize
with the first dish in view of the ingredients and/or aromas.
Optionally, the user may restrict the further dishes by selecting
"next course", "prior course", "side dish" or "main dish".
[0093] Furthermore, the function "food pairing" may be supported by
a database including dishes and/or courses, wherein the main
ingredients and/or main aromas of said dishes and/or courses
harmonize with each other.
[0094] According to a further embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a function "shopping list". The function
"shopping list" may be activated by the user and generates a list
of ingredients required for the selected dish or dishes. The
generated shopping list may be edited by the user. For example, the
shopping list may by printed in hardcopy form and/or used for an
online order.
[0095] According to another embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a recipe converter. Said recipe converter allows
an automatic conversion and indication of the cooking time and/or
the temperature from one heating method to another, for example
from a conventional heating method, e.g. top and bottom heat or
circulating air, to a steam heating method.
[0096] Further, the application software ("APP") may comprise a
recipe recognition function. Said recipe recognition function
allows the identification of signs, i.e. numbers and/or letters, in
recipe data bases of different origins. For example, the recipe
recognition function is able to recognize signs in a text file,
e.g. PDF file, made of scanned-in hand-written documents. The
recipe recognition function is provided for recognizing the
ingredients, their amounts, the cooking time, the cooking
temperature and/or the way of heating. Further, the recipe
recognition function may provide proposals for alternative ways of
heating. Optionally, the cooking parameters are converted for the
alternative way of heating.
[0097] In particular, the application software ("APP") may comprise
a communication basis for one or more social networks. For example,
the communication basis is provided for exchanging experiences and
information about the recipes. There are several social networks
providing a forum for themes related to cooking. Some social
networks provide recipes, which may be directly or indirectly
integrated into the application software ("APP") or a corresponding
data base.
[0098] According to another embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a parameter display function for indicating
information about the oven parameters. In particular, the parameter
display function indicates the current way of heating, the current
temperature, the elapsed time and the remaining time. Further, the
parameter display function may provide indications for necessary
activities of the cooking process. Preferably, a warning before the
end of the cooking duration may be indicated, for example ten
minutes before the end of the cooking time. Furthermore, a warning
may be indicated in order to turn-over the food stuff 11, for
example roast or poultry, by the user. Also, a warning for filling
up a water tank for a steam cooker may be indicated.
[0099] According to a further embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a multi-timer function. Said multi-timer function
is applicable to a cooking process, wherein different dishes and/or
courses are prepared simultaneously at the same temperature, in
particular in the same oven cavity 15 of the cooking oven 14. The
different dishes and/or courses are cooked at the same temperature,
but with diverse cooking durations. The cooking process is
performed at relative low temperatures. The multi-timer function of
the application software provides a separate timer for each dish or
course. For example, the user may adjust the timer directly for the
single dishes and/or courses. Then, the elapsed times and/or
remaining times are indicated. Optionally, a warning signal is
indicated before the end of the cooking duration. If the different
dishes and/or courses shall be finished at the same time, then they
have to be inserted into the oven cavity 15 at different times. In
this case, a warning signal may be indicated at the points in time,
when the single dishes and/or courses should be inserted into the
oven cavity 15.
[0100] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of an example for a page
40 of the multi-timer function of the application software ("APP")
for the mobile computer device 12 according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The page of the multi-timer
function may be represented by the display 18 or touch screen 18 of
the mobile computer device 12. In this example, the page 40 of the
multi-timer function indicates remaining cooking times for three
different dishes and/or courses prepared in the same oven cavity 15
at the same temperature. The area of the page 40 is subdivided into
three subareas 42, 44 and 46. Each subarea 42, 44 and 46 indicates
the remaining cooking time and the name of the corresponding dish
or course. In this example, a first subarea 42 indicates the dish
"Pink French Lamb" and its remaining cooking time, a second subarea
44 indicates the dish "Chocolate Roulade" and its remaining cooking
time, and a third subarea 46 indicates the course "Asparagus
Terrine" and its remaining cooking time.
[0101] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an example for two
domestic appliances 10, 110 and a mobile computer device 12
according to the present invention.
[0102] The mobile computer device 12 can be switched into a first
connection state with the domestic appliance 10. In the first
connection state, wireless data connection is enabled by the
domestic appliance 10 and the mobile computer device 12.
[0103] In the first connection state, remote control and/or
monitoring is enabled by the domestic appliance 10 and the mobile
computer device 12, so that in the first connection state
parameters and/or functions of the domestic appliance 10,
especially oven functions, can be monitored and/or controlled on
the mobile computer device 12.
[0104] The mobile computer device 12 can be switched into a second
connection state with the domestic appliance 10. In the second
convection state, no parameters and/or functions of the domestic
appliance 10, especially no oven functions, can be monitored and/or
controlled.
[0105] In the second connection state, remote control is disabled
by the domestic appliance 10 and/or the mobile computer device 12.
In the second connection state, also the wireless data connection
22, especially the WiFi connection, is disabled by the domestic
appliance 10 and/or the mobile computer device 12.
[0106] The mobile computer device 12 is interconnected or
interconnectable in FIG. 6 via a wireless data connection with a
first domestic appliance 10 and a second domestic appliance
110.
[0107] The second domestic appliance 110 comprises a cooking oven
114, a stationary control unit 124 as well as a cooking hob
116.
[0108] The first domestic appliance 10 and the second domestic
appliance 110 are of the same appliance category or of different
appliance categories. The appliance categories include ovens,
cooktops and washing machines. In this embodiment, the first
domestic appliance 10 and the second domestic appliance 110 are
ovens.
[0109] The mobile computer device 12 is in a first appliance
connection mode in the first connection state only with the first
domestic appliance 10. The mobile computer device 12 is in the
first appliance connection mode in the second connection state with
the second domestic appliance 110.
[0110] The mobile computer device 12 is in a second appliance
connection mode in the first connection state only with the second
domestic appliance 110. The mobile computer device 12 is in the
second appliance connection mode in the second connection state
with the first domestic appliance 10.
[0111] The mobile computer device 12 is switchable between the
first appliance connection mode and the second appliance connection
mode.
[0112] When the mobile computer device 12 switches between
appliance connection modes, it is getting configuration data from
the domestic appliance 10 or 110 which is switched into the first
connection state, wherein the configuration data is saved in the
memory unit of the mobile computer device 12.
[0113] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of an example for a
domestic appliance 10 and two mobile computer devices 12 and 212
according to the present invention. The mobile computer devices 212
comprises a keyboard 220.
[0114] The first mobile computer device 12 and the second mobile
computer device 212 are interconnected or interconnectable via a
wireless data connection with the domestic appliance 10.
[0115] In a first device connection mode only the first mobile
computer device 12 is in the first connection state with the
domestic appliance 10. Furthermore, in the first device connection
mode, the second mobile computer device 212 is in the second
connection state with the domestic appliance 10.
[0116] In the second device connection mode, the first mobile
computer device 12 is in the second connection state with the
domestic appliance 10. Furthermore, in the second device connection
mode only the second mobile computer device 212 is in the first
connection state with the domestic appliance 10.
[0117] The domestic appliance 10 is switchable between first device
connection mode and the second device connection mode.
[0118] The mobile computer device 12 comprises a display presenting
a display area 180, wherein the display area is splitted into
rectangular display regions 181, especially into rectangular app
tiles, as can be seen from FIG. 6.
[0119] Each display region 181 comprises a container for displaying
data. The mobile computer device 12 receives configuration data
from the domestic appliance 10. The size and the position of the
display regions as well as the data to be displayed in the
containers can be adapted based on the configuration data.
[0120] The configuration data is determined by the domestic
appliance 10 and/or the behaviour of the user of the domestic
appliance 10.
[0121] According to another embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises an "intuitive display function" for indicating
the status of the cooking process. For example, in the beginning of
the cooking process the background of the display 18 or touch
screen 18 or an indicating portion of said display 18 or touch
screen 18 is dark. Then a relative small bright area on the display
18 or touch screen 18 or the indicating portion of said display 18
or touch screen 18, respectively, is activated. During the
advancing cooking process the bright area becomes bigger. In the
end of the cooking process the whole area of the display 18 or
touch screen 18 or of the indicating portion of said display 18 or
touch screen 18, respectively, becomes bright. Preferably, the
bright area is enhanced from left to right. In particular, a
characteristic colour for the area becoming brighter is used. The
"intuitive display function" allows that the status of the cooking
process may be recognized clearly and from a relative big
distance.
[0122] According to a further embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a cooking time reduction function and/or a
temperature reduction function. In this case, said cooking time
reduction function and temperature reduction function require the
bidirectional wireless connection 22 between the cooking appliance
10 and the mobile computer device 12, so that the cooking appliance
10 is controllable by the mobile computer device 12. The user may
reduce the cooking time and/or the temperature wirelessly via the
mobile computer device 12. There is no doubt about the safety,
since the energy supply is reduced. In contrast, there is doubt
about the safety, if the cooking time and/or the temperature
increase, since very high electric power is operated by remote
control.
[0123] According to another embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a cooking time adjusting function and/or a
temperature adjusting function, wherein an increasing of the
cooking time and/or the temperature is allowed. For safety reasons
the cooking time and/or the temperature may be increased by a
slider, which can be activated only by two fingers at the same
time. This reduces the danger of an inadvertent activation of said
slider.
[0124] According to a further embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises a display function of statistic parameters. For
example, the energy consumption of the cooking appliance may be
indicated in relation to other parameters. The energy consumption
for predetermined time periods may be indicated graphically or by a
table. The energy consumption may be indicated in dependence of the
types of food stuff 11 of recipes.
[0125] According to another embodiment, the application software
("APP") comprises an edit function. The user may input and store an
own cooking recipe for his own purposes. Further, the user may
present own cooking recipes in a social network, wherein
photographs of the user and/or food stuff 11 may be inserted.
[0126] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other
changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in
the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0127] 10 domestic appliance, cooking appliance
[0128] 11 object, food stuff
[0129] 12 mobile computer device
[0130] 13 camera
[0131] 14 cooking oven
[0132] 15 oven cavity
[0133] 16 cooking hob
[0134] 17 heating element
[0135] 18 display, touch screen
[0136] 20 keyboard
[0137] 22 wireless data connection
[0138] 24 stationary control unit
[0139] 26 external connection
[0140] 28 internet
[0141] 30 main page of application software
[0142] 32 page of recipe generator
[0143] 34 upper menu
[0144] 36 lower menu
[0145] 40 page of multi-timer function
[0146] 42 first subarea, timer
[0147] 44 second subarea, timer
[0148] 46 third subarea, timer
[0149] 110 second domestic appliance
[0150] 180 display area
[0151] 181 display region
[0152] 212 second mobile computer device
* * * * *