U.S. patent application number 15/525137 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for food and beverage preparation sequence recording and playback.
The applicant listed for this patent is BREVILLE PTY LIMITED. Invention is credited to David DAVENPORT, Robert GRASSIA, Ashley MARSH-CROFT, Eddie SIU, Lochana SUBASEKARA, Khon THAI.
Application Number | 20180271322 15/525137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55908278 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180271322 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THAI; Khon ; et al. |
September 27, 2018 |
FOOD AND BEVERAGE PREPARATION SEQUENCE RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to the operation of a kitchen
appliance (100). A processor (122) receives (220) a stored sequence
of user settings and at least one recorded parameter, and applies
(226) the stored sequence of user settings to the kitchen
appliance. A sensor (140) senses at least one sensed parameter
while the stored sequence of user settings is applied to the
kitchen appliance (100). The processor (122) determines (228) a
difference between the at least one sensed parameter and
corresponding recorded parameter(s) and, if the determined
difference exceeds a difference threshold, adjusts (234) at least
one user setting applied.
Inventors: |
THAI; Khon; (Sydney, AU)
; DAVENPORT; David; (Sydney, AU) ; SIU; Eddie;
(Sydney, AU) ; GRASSIA; Robert; (Alexandria,
AU) ; MARSH-CROFT; Ashley; (Alexandria, AU) ;
SUBASEKARA; Lochana; (Alexandria, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BREVILLE PTY LIMITED |
Alexandria, NSW |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
55908278 |
Appl. No.: |
15/525137 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 6, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2015/000670 |
371 Date: |
May 8, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 43/0716 20130101;
A47J 31/5253 20180801; A47J 31/5251 20180801; A47J 36/32 20130101;
A47J 36/321 20180801; B01F 2015/062 20130101; B01F 15/00253
20130101; A47J 31/52 20130101; A47J 43/046 20130101; B01F 15/00175
20130101; A47J 27/21083 20130101; A47J 31/002 20130101; H05B 6/062
20130101; H05B 1/0258 20130101; A47J 31/525 20180801; B01F 15/00201
20130101; A47J 31/42 20130101; B01F 15/066 20130101; B01F 15/065
20130101; A47J 37/0629 20130101; H05B 2213/07 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 36/32 20060101
A47J036/32; A47J 43/046 20060101 A47J043/046; A47J 43/07 20060101
A47J043/07; A47J 27/21 20060101 A47J027/21; A47J 31/42 20060101
A47J031/42; A47J 31/52 20060101 A47J031/52; A47J 37/06 20060101
A47J037/06; B01F 15/00 20060101 B01F015/00; B01F 15/06 20060101
B01F015/06; H05B 1/02 20060101 H05B001/02; H05B 6/06 20060101
H05B006/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 7, 2014 |
AU |
2014904483 |
Feb 26, 2015 |
AU |
2015900673 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a kitchen appliance, the method comprising
the steps of: receiving at a processor a stored sequence of user
settings and a stored sequence of a recorded parameter; applying at
the processor the stored sequence of user settings to the kitchen
appliance; with a sensor, sensing a sensed parameter while the
stored sequence of user settings is applied to the kitchen
appliance; determining at the processor a difference between the
sensed parameter and a corresponding recorded parameter of the
stored sequence of the recorded parameter; and if the determined
difference between the sensed parameter and the corresponding
recorded parameter exceeds a difference threshold, adjusting at the
processor at least one user setting applied.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the user setting is
adjusted by adjusting a duration the user setting is
maintained.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the user setting is
adjusted proportional to the percentage of the difference between
the sensed parameter and the corresponding recorded parameter.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the user setting is
adjusted proportional to the percentage of the difference between
an average of the sensed parameter and an average of the
corresponding recorded parameter.
5. A-The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps
of: receiving at the processor the stored sequence of the recorded
parameter; segmenting at the processor the stored sequence of the
recorded parameter into preparation segments; and presenting on a
user interface the preparation segments as distinct recipe
steps.
6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the stored sequence of
the recorded parameter is segmented by detecting changes in the
stored sequence of the recorded parameter.
7. The method according to claim 5 wherein the stored sequence of
the recorded parameter is segmented at a time corresponding to a
change in the stored sequence of user settings.
8. The method according to claim 7 comprising the further step of
adding text to the distinct recipe steps, the text reflecting the
change in the stored sequence of user settings.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps
of: upon completion of applying the sequence of user settings,
receiving a user command for additional operation; in response to
the user command for additional operation, re-applying the user
settings applied prior to completion for a reduced period of time;
and saving the sequence of user settings with the re-applied user
settings appended thereto.
12. (canceled)
13. A kitchen appliance comprising: a processor adapted to: receive
a stored sequence of user settings and stored sequence of a
recorded parameter; and a controller adapted to apply the stored
sequence of user settings to the kitchen appliance; a sensor for
sensing a sensed parameter while the stored sequence of user
settings is applied to the kitchen appliance; wherein the processor
is further adapted to determine if a difference between the sensed
parameter and a corresponding recorded parameter exceeds a
difference threshold; and wherein, upon determining that the
difference between the sensed parameter and the corresponding
recorded parameter exceeds the difference threshold, the controller
is further adapted to adjust at least one user setting applied.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. The kitchen appliance according to claim 10 wherein the
processor is further adapted to: upon completion of applying the
sequence of user settings, receiving a user command for additional
operation; in response to the user command for additional
operation, re-applying the user settings applied prior to
completion for a reduced period of time; and saving the sequence of
user settings with the re-applied user settings appended
thereto.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to kitchen
appliances used in the preparation of food and beverage, and having
settings that may be adjusted by a user. More particularly, the
present invention relates to such kitchen appliances where a
sequence of settings adjusted by the user, together with operating
parameters of the kitchen appliance, are recorded and stored as a
preparation sequence. The preparation sequence may later be
replayed on the kitchen appliance, in which case the kitchen
appliance repeats the preparation sequence, and hence the sequence
of settings as previously adjusted by the user.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The complexity of the manner in which kitchen appliances are
being used is ever increasing. Many kitchen appliances contain
processors for controlling the operation thereof, and a memory for
storing predefined settings used on a regular basis. This enables a
user to select one of the predefined settings, causing the
processor to retrieve the predefined settings and control
components of the appliance accordingly. More sophisticated
predefined settings may include a sequence of settings, in which
case the various settings are changed during operation according to
the sequence.
[0003] However, the predefined settings are typically stored in the
memory of the kitchen appliance during manufacture. Kitchen
appliances exist having removable memories, thereby allowing users
to add further predefined settings to the appliance. However, those
arrangements allow little to no flexibility for a user to make
changes to the settings, or to store new settings.
[0004] Often complex preparation sequences are performed by the
user using such kitchen appliances, with the preparation sequences
including numerous setting changes. In food and beverage
preparation repeatability is desirable. For that reason, appliances
have been developed having the ability for the user to record the
preparation sequence. Recorded preparation sequences may later be
replayed, in which case the setting changes are repeated with
little or no user input.
[0005] However, the steps required to be performed in order to
record the preparation sequence are often laborious.
[0006] Also, the recorded preparation sequence relates to a
specific operating environment. During the replay of the recorded
sequence variations in ingredients, for example, may cause
undesirable results. As an example, if the quantities of the
ingredients used during replay of the recorded preparation sequence
do not correspond to the quantities used during recording of the
sequence, a required temperature may not be reached and maintained
for a required amount of time, causing a meal to be
undercooked.
SUMMARY
[0007] The term "preparation" as used herein refers to all aspects
of food and/or beverage preparation including, but not limited to,
grinding, cutting, kneading, milling, mixing, and cooking.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a method of operating a kitchen appliance, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0009] receiving at a processor a stored sequence of user settings
and at least one recorded parameter;
[0010] applying at the processor the stored sequence of user
settings to the kitchen appliance;
[0011] with a sensor, sensing at least one sensed parameter while
the stored sequence of user settings is applied to the kitchen
appliance;
[0012] determining at the processor a difference between the at
least one sensed parameter and corresponding recorded parameter(s);
and
[0013] if the determined difference between the at least one sensed
parameter and corresponding recorded parameter(s) exceeds a
difference threshold, adjusting at the processor at least one user
setting applied.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a method of composing a recipe, the method comprising
the steps of:
[0015] receiving at a processor a stored variation of at least one
recorded parameter;
[0016] segmenting at the processor the stored variation of the at
least one recorded parameter into preparation segments; and
[0017] presenting on a user interface the preparation segments as
distinct recipe steps.
[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a method of operating a kitchen appliance, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0019] receiving at a processor a stored sequence of user settings
associated with a recorded parameter;
[0020] receiving at the processor a user input modification of the
user settings and storing a modified sequence of user settings;
[0021] determining at the processor a modified recorded parameter
based on the modification;
[0022] on a user interface including a display, displaying the
modified recorded parameter as visual feedback to a user of the
modification; and
[0023] using a controller, applying the modified stored sequence of
user settings to the kitchen appliance.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a method of operating a kitchen appliance, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0025] receiving a sequence of user settings;
[0026] applying the sequence of user settings to the kitchen
appliance;
[0027] upon completion of applying the sequence of user settings,
receiving a user command for additional operation;
[0028] in response to the user command for additional operation,
re-applying the user settings applied prior to completion for a
reduced period of time; and
[0029] saving the sequence of user settings with the re-applied
user settings appended thereto.
[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a kitchen appliance for implementing each of the above
methods.
[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a kitchen appliance comprising:
[0032] a powered element for processing a food substance;
[0033] a sensor for sensing a property associated with the powered
element; and
[0034] a controller for controlling the powered element according
to a control profile, the control profile having at least two
segments, wherein a transition for a current segment to a next
segment is effected upon the property sensed by the sensor
satisfying at least one transition criterion.
[0035] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a kitchen
appliance having record and replay features according to the
present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a process of
controlling the operation of the kitchen appliance shown in FIG.
1;
[0039] FIG. 3A shows a blender according to the present
disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 3B shows a user interface of the blender shown in FIG.
3A;
[0041] FIG. 4A shows a heated blender according to the present
disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 4B shows a user interface of the heated blender shown
in FIG. 4A;
[0043] FIG. 5A shows an induction cooker according to the present
disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 5B shows a user interface of the induction cooker shown
in FIG. 5A;
[0045] FIG. 6A shows an espresso machine according to the present
disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 6B shows a user interface of the espresso machine shown
in FIG. 6A;
[0047] FIG. 7A shows a compact oven according to the present
disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 7B shows a schematic cross section of the compact oven
of FIG. 7A;
[0049] FIG. 7C shows a user interface of the compact oven shown in
FIG. 7A; and
[0050] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate displays of a recipe composer
application.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0051] Kitchen appliances exist having the ability for a user to
record a preparation sequence for later replay. However, the steps
required to be performed in order to record the preparation
sequence are often complex. The complexity is exacerbated by the
fact that most kitchen appliances have user interfaces with limited
controls and display capabilities. Users are therefore discouraged
to set the kitchen appliance to record a processing sequence.
[0052] Success in the preparation of food and beverages often
results from continual experimentation with different preparation
sequences, involving varying the settings of the appliance, as well
as time differences between setting changes. As a result, only
after the preparation sequence is completed does the user know
whether the sequence was successful. Thus, the user either has to
record many sequences, only to discard most due to less than
desirable outcomes, or end up with a successful outcome, but having
neglected to commence the recording of the preparation
sequence.
[0053] In order to simplify the user interface with respect to
recording of the processing sequence, the kitchen appliance 100
disclosed herein automatically records a sequence of user settings
and sensed parameters while in operation. The kitchen appliance
provides the user thereof with an option to store the recorded
sequence. The stored sequence may later be retrieved and replayed
on demand, in which case the kitchen appliance repeats the sequence
of settings.
[0054] Furthermore, ingredients used in recipes are not always
consistent. For example, the size of ingredients, specifically
fruit and vegetables, may vary significantly. Also, the temperature
of some ingredients may be different to that used when the
processing sequence was recorded. Other differences may for example
include the ripeness of the fruit used, or the quality or type of
flour used which in turn affects the liquid absorbance of the
flour.
[0055] The operational environment such as temperature and humidity
may also be different to the operational environment experienced
when the preparation sequence was recorded.
[0056] Such differences may significantly affect the repeatability
of the recipe when the preparation sequence is replayed. For
example, the time taken to boil very large potatoes would be
significantly longer than medium sized potatoes. In an attempt to
compensate for changes in ingredients and/or operational
environment, the kitchen appliance 100 disclosed herein, while
replaying a recorded sequence of user settings, compares parameters
stored when the sequence of settings were recorded with sensed
parameters, and upon detecting a difference between the stored
parameters and sensed parameters, may adjust user settings in the
sequence.
[0057] 1. Overview of a kitchen appliance with recording
functionality
[0058] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the kitchen
appliance 100 having record and replay features according to the
present disclosure. The kitchen appliance 100 has a control module
120 which includes a processor 122, and memory in the form of Read
Only Memory (ROM) 124, which typically comprises non-volatile
memory, such as flash memory, or any other suitable electrically
erasable programmable memory (EEPROM), as well as Random Access
Memory (RAM) 128, coupled to the processor 122. In the preferred
implementation the processor 122 is an ARM based microcontroller
that includes an external bus for interfacing to the ROM 124 and
the RAM 128, as well as external devices. The processor 122
comprises hardware logic, and software to implement the
functionality described below. The ROM 124 and RAM 128 are used to
store the sequence of user settings and both recorded and sensed
parameters as is described below.
[0059] The kitchen appliance 100 further includes a user interface
130 operably connected to the control module 120. The user
interface 130 includes a display 132 and user controls 134. The
display 132 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and/or merely a
number of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to provide user prompts and
feedback. The user controls 134 may be a touch-screen element,
and/or various switches and dials. Each of the switches and dials
may be single- or multi-function controls.
[0060] Controlling operation of the appliances: The control module
120 also interfaces with and controls a power interface 150 of the
kitchen appliance 100. The power interface 150 controls how power
is supplied from a power source 152 to one or more powered elements
160, such as motors, heater elements, pumps and actuators. Examples
of various kitchen appliances are described below, as well as the
forms the one or more powered elements 160 take within those
kitchen appliances. By controlling the supply of power to the one
or more powered elements 160, the power interface 150, under
control of the processor 122, controls the operation of the one or
more powered elements 160. For example, if the powered element 160
is a motor (not illustrated), the power interface 150, under
control of the processor 122, controls the speed of a rotor of the
motor.
[0061] Using Sensors: The kitchen appliance 100 further includes
one or more sensors 140 for sensing various parameters of the
appliance 100 during operation, and providing those parameters to
the control module 120, and in particular to the processor 122.
Such parameters may include speed, pressure, temperature, etc. The
parameters may be used directly in the control of the powered
elements 160, for example a speed sensor may be used to provide
feedback when controlling the rotational speed of a motor. The
parameters may alternatively be used as triggers within the
sequence, for example after a heating element is controlled to heat
water to a predefined temperature sensed with a temperature sensor,
a pump is activated to pump the water.
[0062] Sensor measurements are also used when operational sequences
of the appliance 100 are recorded and when these recordings are
edited and/or played back as described elsewhere herein.
[0063] Including A Computing Device: In a preferred implementation,
the control module 120 further includes a data interface 126 for
allowing communication between the control module 120 and a remote
computing device 190, such as a tablet computer. The communication
is over a bidirectional data link 192, preferably a wireless data
link such as Wi-Fi. The data link may also be wired (such as
Ethernet), or may use a different wireless protocol such as
Bluetooth. The remote computing device 190 also has a data
interface 198, as well as a display 194 and controls 196. In the
preferred implementation where the remote computing device 190 is a
tablet computer, the controls 196 take the form of a
touch-screen.
[0064] Modifying Recordings: The remote computing device 190 may be
used to edit recorded preparation sequences. In a manner described
elsewhere herein, settings and/or parameters within the recorded
preparation sequence may be modified, or the preparation sequence
may be annotated to guide the user while replaying the sequence,
for example prompting the user to add an ingredient to a
mixture.
[0065] Having described the kitchen appliance 100 generally, the
operation of the appliance 100 under control of the control module
122 is now described in more detail. More particularly, the
automatic recording of a sequence of user settings and sensed
parameters is described first, followed by the manner in which user
settings are adjusted while replaying a recorded sequence of user
settings upon detecting a difference between stored parameters and
sensed parameters, and then followed by methods of modifying
recorded sequences.
[0066] 2. Recording A Food Preparation Sequence
[0067] Initiating auto-record: In the preferred implementation the
automatic recording of a sequence of user settings and sensed
parameters is initiated upon receipt by the kitchen appliance 100
of a first user setting change after power up. All user settings
and sensor parameters from sensor measurements are recorded as a
food preparation sequence into the RAM 128. At the same time, the
power interface 150 (FIG. 1) is controlled by the control module
120 to effect the user settings as appropriate. The time intervals
between user settings and/or sensor parameters are also recorded
within the sequence.
[0068] Ending Recordings: Following the recording of the user
settings and sensed parameters into the RAM 128, the processor 122
determines whether the kitchen appliance has been in a passive
state for a predefined time period. The passive state is typically
a state in which the kitchen appliance is still powered, but all
operations have terminated. If it is determined by the processor
122 that the kitchen appliance is not in a passive state, or has
been in the passive state for less than the predefined time period,
then further user settings and sensed parameters are added to the
recorded sequence in the RAM 128.
[0069] If the processor 122 determines that the kitchen appliance
has been in the passive state for the predefined time period, then
the processor 122 controls the display 132 to prompt the user with
a message confirming the end of the food preparation/cooking
sequence, and/or questioning the user whether the recorded sequence
is to be saved, or edited and saved, for future replay.
[0070] Preferably, an "Edit and Save" button or menu option (not
illustrated) is provided. Upon detecting that the "Edit and Save"
option has been selected, the user is provided with one or more
options including: 1) saving the recorded sequence, 2) carry on
recording the sequence (since the sequence is not finished yet), 3)
edit the recorded sequence before saving the edited sequence, etc.
In some embodiments, as an alternative to (or in addition to)
determining the passive state predefined time period, a button or
menu option is available to the user to indicate that recording has
finished, thereby calling up the "Edit and Save" post-recording
options.
[0071] Upon receiving a command to save the recorded sequence,
including after the recorded sequence has been edited, that
sequence is saved with a unique identifier. The unique identifier
may be a user provided identifier received from the user interface
130. Alternatively a user definable button may be pressed by the
user, and the processor 122 assigns the recorded sequence to that
button and saves the recorded sequence to the ROM 124.
[0072] In some embodiments, where limited appliance memory (ROM
124) is available, additional recorded sequences may be saved
remotely to the remote computing device 190. When the sequence is
modified, it will then be modified with and saved on the remote
computing device (see additional description regarding modifying
sequences elsewhere herein). When the sequence is played back, it
will be loaded from the remote computing device 190 into the
appliance RAM 128 (in some embodiments via the local ROM 124).
[0073] 3. Replaying A Recorded Sequence
[0074] FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a process 200,
performed by the processor 122, of controlling the operation of the
kitchen appliance 100 to adjust user settings while replaying a
recorded sequence of user settings. Also included in process 200 is
the response to detecting a difference between stored parameters
and sensed parameters. The process 200 is implemented as software,
stored in the ROM 124 (FIG. 1), and executed within the processor
122.
[0075] Process 200 is initialized when the kitchen appliance 100 is
placed in a "replay" mode. The mode of the kitchen appliance 100
may be toggled between a user operated and replay modes via user
interaction with the controls 134 (FIG. 1). Process 200 starts in
step 218 where the processor 122 receives a user selection of a
recorded sequence. Upon receipt of a user selection of a recorded
sequence, the recorded sequence is retrieved from the ROM 124 in
step 220. In step 222 the sequence is loaded for execution, and the
processor 122 awaits a start input from the user. Next, in step
224, the processor 122 determines whether a user input has been
received that indicates that the replay of the selected recorded
sequence is to start, for example by the user depressing a start
button (not illustrated).
[0076] Upon receiving user input indicative that the replay of the
selected recorded sequence is to start, one or more steps (or
segments) of the recorded sequence are executed whereby the control
module 120 controls (at step 226): (1) the display 132 on the user
interface 130, for example to provide recipe instructions according
to annotations added to the original recording, and/or (2) the
power interface 150 according to the settings of the recorded
sequence. The power interface 150 in turn controls the operation of
the one or more powered elements 160, to replicate the recorded
sequence.
[0077] Where a user setting is associated with a recorded
parameter, and a corresponding parameter is sensed, then the
recorded and sensed parameters are compared in step 228.
[0078] Processor 122 determines the difference between one or more
pairs of recorded parameters and corresponding sensed parameters
sensed using sensors 140. The processor 122 also determines whether
the difference between at least one pair of parameters exceeds a
predefined threshold. If it is determined that the difference
between the relevant pair(s) of parameters does not exceed the
predefined threshold, then processing continues to step 236 where
the processor 122 determines whether all the settings in the
sequence have been used in controlling the operation of the
appliance. If all the settings in the sequence have been used, the
process 200 terminates in step 240. Otherwise the process returns
to step 226.
[0079] If the processor 122 determines in step 230 that the
difference between any of the pairs of parameters exceeds the
predefined threshold, then processing continues to step 232. At
step 232 an adjustment to a user setting that would result in the
sensed parameters to better approximate the recorded parameters is
determined. At step 234 the adjustment may be implemented
automatically, or implemented with a user action, for example user
confirmation. In one implementation the duration the last setting
is maintained is adjusted in a predetermined manner, for example by
an amount proportional to the percentage the sensed parameter
differs from the recorded parameter, or according to amounts in a
look-up table.
[0080] For example, in a sequence for blending ingredients (using a
blender or a heated blender), the blending motor speed (v.sub.1) as
well as the time duration for blending (t.sub.1) are the user
settings that have been recorded. In addition, the motor torque
(Nm.sub.1) as measured when the sequence was recorded forms part of
the recorded parameters. When the sequence is played back, the
blender is set to the recorded speed v.sub.1, for duration t.sub.1.
The torque is measured (Nm.sub.2), and this sensed parameter is
compared to the recorded parameter Nm.sub.1. The torque is an
indication of the load on the motor, and therefore indicates
characteristics of the ingredients that would influence the load,
for example a higher load could indicate the use of more
ingredients. In one example, the speed v.sub.2 of the blender's
motor is adjusted according to the difference in torque,
.DELTA.Nm=Nm.sub.2-Nm.sub.1, which may also be described as a
percentage % .DELTA.Nm. In another example the duration t.sub.2 for
blending is adjusted, and in yet another example both the speed
v.sub.2 and the duration t.sub.2 are adjusted. These adjustments
can be linearly proportional, or according to an appropriate
profile (e.g. pulsing the blender). An example of a linear
adjustment of the duration t.sub.2 can be understood with reference
to equation (1), where k is a constant:
t.sub.2=t.sub.1.(1+k.(% .DELTA.Nm)) (1)
[0081] In its simplest form this can be described by the following
example wherein the torque is measured anywhere during execution of
the specific step, for example 1 second into blending. A blending
step in a sequence is defined by the user settings of blending
speed at v.sub.1=7,000 rpm for a time interval of t.sub.1=10
seconds, and the recorded torque parameter is Nm.sub.1=1.5 Nm.
During playback, the sensed torque parameter is Nm.sub.2=1.8 Nm. In
this example the constant k=1, so that %
.DELTA.Nm=(Nm.sub.2-Nm.sub.1)/Nm.sub.1=20%, therefore the playback
time is adjusted as follows:
t.sub.2=120% (t.sub.1)=12 seconds (2)
[0082] For more accuracy, a running average of the torque may be
measured and calculated, and the adjustment will then be calculated
as the playback blending step proceeds. In this way changes to the
characteristics of the ingredients will also be taken into
consideration. For example, referring again to the above example,
the torque Nm.sub.2 may be measured at each second (or every 2 or 3
seconds), and the running average of the torque Nm.sub.2 can then
be calculated to provide an ongoing and more accurate indication of
the changes required in user setting(s).
[0083] An example to illustrate the use of running averages will
now be described, wherein the speed is adjusted according to a
comparable relationship as shown in equation (1), where time is
substituted for speed. Again, a speed of v.sub.1=7,000 rpm is
selected for t.sub.1=10 seconds, and the torque Nm.sub.1 is
recorded per second over the 10 second interval. On playback each
recorded torque Nm.sub.1 is compared to 10 consecutive playback
torque measurements Nm.sub.2. The real time average of percentage
difference is calculated as shown in Table 1 below. This results in
an adjusted speed, v.sub.2, labelled as "Option 1 v.sub.2" in Table
1.
[0084] In some embodiments the speed adjustment is not an ongoing
calculation, but is determined within the first portion of a step,
e.g. within the first 3-5 seconds, or e.g. within the first 30%-40%
of a step. The adjusted speed v.sub.2 achieved at the end of this
shorter adjustment period is then maintained until the end of the
step. This reduces the calculation required, and also reduces the
wear on the motor caused by several incremental adjustments. An
example is shown in Table 1, where the adjusted target output speed
is labelled as "Option 2 v.sub.2".
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Option 1 v.sub.2 Option 2 v.sub.2 (continual
(initial v.sub.1 Nm.sub.1 Nm.sub.2 .DELTA.Nm = % .DELTA.Nm =
adjustment) adjustment) t.sub.1 (time) (speed) (torque) (torque)
Nm.sub.2 - Nm.sub.1 (Nm.sub.2 - Nm.sub.1)Nm.sub.1 real time k = 1.0
k = 0.9 10 seconds predefined target measured (example) average %
v.sub.2 = v.sub.1 .times. (1 + % .DELTA.Nm) .times. k 1 7,000 1.5
1.80 0.3 20.0% 120.0% 8400 7560 2 7,000 1.4 1.68 0.3 20.0% 120.0%
8400 7560 3 7,000 1.3 1.55 0.3 19.2% 119.7% 8382 7544 4 7,000 1.2
1.40 0.2 16.7% 119.0% 8328 7495 5 7,000 1.1 1.29 0.2 17.3% 118.6%
8304 7495 6 7,000 1.0 1.10 0.1 10.0% 117.2% 8204 7495 7 7,000 0.9
1.00 0.1 11.1% 116.3% 8143 7495 8 7,000 0.8 0.85 0.0 6.2% 115.1%
8055 7495 9 7,000 0.7 0.70 0.0 0.0% 113.4% 7937 7495 10 7,000 0.6
0.60 0.0 0.0% 112.1% 7844 7495
[0085] Specific examples of the manner in which the settings are
adjusted are described below with reference to specific examples of
kitchen appliances.
[0086] Referring again to FIG. 2, following step 234 processing
proceeds to step 236, where the processor 122 determines whether
all the settings in the sequence have been used in controlling the
operation of the appliance. If all the settings in the sequence
have been used, the process 200 terminates in step 240.
Alternatively, the process returns to step 226 for execution of a
following one or more steps of the recorded sequence.
[0087] 4. Modifying Recordings
[0088] Recorded sequences can be modified by the user, at one or
more of the following times:
[0089] 1. The sequence may be modified, substantially in real-time,
while the sequence is still being recorded.
[0090] 2. The sequence may be modified after recording, but before
saving the recording.
[0091] 3. The recorded sequence may be modified after it has been
saved.
[0092] 4. The recorded sequence may also be modified during
playback.
[0093] Modifying the sequence, substantially in real-time, while
the sequence is still being recorded: In some embodiments, while a
food preparation sequence is being recorded the recorded user
settings and the recorded parameters are displayed. This recorded
information may be displayed on the appliance display 132 and/or on
the display 194 of a remote computing device 190 running a software
application adapted to support the use and manipulation of recorded
sequences. For ease of reference, the software application is
referred to herein as a "recipe composer application".
[0094] The display(s) provide visual feedback about the recording
process and the recorded information, for example in the form of
graphs (or simplified graphs, for example showing smoothed filtered
data points or sampled data points). Where the recorded sequence is
displayed on both the appliance display 132 and the device display
194, the displays substantially mirror one another, and any
modification to the recorded data made by the user will also be
mirrored in both displays.
[0095] While the sequence is being recorded, the user is able to
modify the recorded data either by entering modifying commands via
the appliance user interface 130 or by entering modifying commands
via the user interface of the remote computing device 190, using
the recipe composer application. For example, where a graph of
recorded data is displayed on a touchscreen style display 194 of
the remote computing device 190, the user is able to drag and drop
the recorded user settings in order to modify the user
settings.
[0096] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are example application displays 800,
801 showing recorded data when viewed on a device display 194
running a recipe composer application. This particular example
relates to a cooking process performed with an induction cooker.
The user settings include temperature, time intervals and heating
speed. Heating speed relates to how fast a certain set temperature
is to be achieved, e.g. slow, medium, fast or maximum. In segment
806 the heating speed has been set to medium, and this is reflected
in a linear increase in set temperature. In the other segments, the
heating speed is set to maximum, so that the temperature user
setting is indicated as a step input. Heating speed is described in
more detail in International Patent Application WO 2012/006674
incorporated herein by reference.
[0097] FIG. 8A indicates a user modification of a user setting
whereby the set temperature is altered to a higher or lower
temperature when the end point 810 of a segment 820 is dragged up
or down, respectively. End point 810 is also the start point of
segment 830 that follows segment 820.
[0098] In the example of an induction cooker, if a user set
temperature is 100 degrees, and the recorded data shows that the
recorded temperature parameter only reaches 90 degrees (and never
the intended 100 degrees), the user may, for example, drag the set
temperature higher, or drag the recorded profile to increase the
cooking time.
[0099] In some embodiments, such user modifications may be
accompanied by a calculated extrapolation of recorded parameters,
whereby a modification extending the cooking time (in the example
of an induction cooker) may then be accompanied by an extrapolated
temperature parameter to provide the user with feedback regarding
an expected achieved temperature. The calculated extrapolation of
recorded parameters is based on the known behaviour of the specific
appliance--either as pre-programmed, or as learnt during operation
(e.g. with the use of a neural network or other suitable
intelligence). Referring again to the induction cooker example, if
the cooking time is modified to increase with 10%, and the
extrapolated temperature parameter is then 100 degrees instead of
the original 90 degrees, then the user has an approximate
indication that the target temperature is more likely to be reached
with the modified sequence than with the originally recorded
sequence.
[0100] In addition to modifying user settings, the user is able to
modify recorded sequences by adding annotations. FIG. 8A shows edit
icons 841 to 845 that relate to multimedia and other annotation
functions. In some embodiments dragging and dropping one or more of
the icons shown, places a place-holder for a multimedia annotation
on a certain point in the recorded sequence. The relevant
multimedia can then be associated with the place-holder at a later
stage. In other embodiments dragging and dropping an icon (such as
the photograph icon 844) onto the recorded data activates a
software application module whereby the specific multimedia is
either created (e.g. activating a smartphone camera for taking a
photo associated with the relevant preparation step in the
sequence), or selected from a library as is known in the art.
[0101] It will be understood that any number of relevant types of
annotation icons may be provided as would be relevant to recorded
food preparation or cooking sequences, such as ingredient icons 846
to 850 as shown on the display 801 in FIG. 8B. In the example shown
in FIG. 8B, an ingredient icon 849 (in this case the ingredient is
indicated to be "eggs") is placed on a specific position of the
recorded sequence, according with a certain time and/or temperature
in the recorded sequence. This type of fast and easy modification
can be done during the recording process, resulting in a recipe
step "place-holder".
[0102] Modifying the sequence after recording, before saving the
recording: In some embodiments the recorded sequence may be
modified after recording, before saving the recording. Once the end
of a recording has been indicated by a user input or has been
detected (refer to determining the passive state predefined time
period as described elsewhere herein), the appliance (and/or the
remote device 190 application, depending on the platform being used
by the user) will provide the user with the option to modify the
recording before saving the recording. At this time the same
modifications can be made as described above with reference to
modifications that can be made while recording is in process.
[0103] Additional modification options may also be available at
this time (or may simply be easier to do post-recording). Referring
again to the example described above with respect to FIG. 8B,
following recording, when the user reviews the recorded sequence,
the user can then refer back to the recipe step place-holder and
add further details. For example, where the place-holder indicates
the "eggs" ingredient, further details may include how many eggs to
use and what to do with them at this point in the recipe. These
details may be entered using the remote device 190 application, for
example selecting an icon, other place-holder or position on a
recording may call up a dialog box in which to enter written
annotations. In some embodiments the remote device 190 application
displays a conventional style recipe template (for example having
an "ingredients" section and a "method" section), and annotations
may be made within this template to accord with steps recorded in
the sequence. This is described in more detail elsewhere herein
with reference to FIG. 8C.
[0104] Modifying the recorded sequence after the sequence has been
saved: After a recorded sequence has been saved, the user may at
any time access the saved sequence (either via the appliance user
interface 130 or via the remote device 190 application) and select
a sequence modification mode whereby any of the user settings
and/or annotations may be modified.
[0105] Modifying the recorded sequence during playback: Saved
sequence modifications are also possible while a sequence is being
played back. For example, if a blending sequence has been selected,
and the user has decided to change the blending speed, this change
is recorded and the user is provided with the option to save the
change to the original sequence. In another example, where an
adjustment to a user setting is determined by the appliance itself,
such an adjustment may also be saved to the original sequence. (See
description elsewhere herein regarding playback adjustments where
sensed parameters differ from recorded parameters).
[0106] It will be understood that any processing required for the
modification of recorded sequences may be performed either by the
processor 122 of the appliance or by a processor associated with
the remote device 190, depending on the specific configuration of
the system. Processing and memory functionality may be provided on
one or both the appliance 100 and the remote device 190. In some
embodiments recorded (and modified) sequences are saved on both the
appliance 100 and on the remote device 190. In some embodiments
recorded (and modified) sequences are saved on the remote device
190, and uploaded to the appliance 100 for playback. In some
embodiments the appliance 100 may include limited memory (ROM 124),
so that some recorded sequences may be saved on the appliance 100
itself (for example sequences that are used often), while other
recorded sequences (or all recorded sequences) may be saved
remotely on the device 190, to be accessed and uploaded to the
appliance 100 when required.
[0107] For all of the sequence modifications possible, the
modification may be saved in one or more different configurations.
For example, the modified sequence may be saved as a replacement of
the original sequence, whereby the original sequence is
over-written and not saved. Alternatively the modified sequence may
be saved in addition to the original sequence, as a new and
separate sequence (for example accessible as a separate cooking
recipe). In other embodiments, one or more modified sequences may
be recorded and saved in sequence or recipe families, whereby the
original sequence and modified sequences stemming from the original
sequence are grouped together. This grouping enables a user to
access and view family data together, for example to view
alternative sequences associated with, e.g. alternative (but
related) ingredients, portion sizes, doneness preferences, etc.
[0108] 5. Compiling recipes from recorded sequences
[0109] In some embodiments the recorded sequence may be
automatically pre-processed by the processor 122 before saving,
once the save option has been selected. For example, the recorded
sequence may be split into "preparation stages" to identify steps,
similar to conventional method steps of a recipe. By way of
example, FIG. 8B shows a graphical display 801 of recorded user
settings for temperature as well as a recorded temperature
parameter measured by a temperature sensor in contact with a
cooking vessel used with an induction cooker. FIG. 8C. shows an
example of a prepopulated recipe template 860 as generated by the
remote device's processor and displayed in the recipe composer
application.
[0110] 5.1 Recipe auto segmentation:
[0111] In the preferred implementation the variation over time of
both (1) user settings (shown by the thin solid line 802), and of
(2) one or more of the recorded parameters (shown by the thick
curved line 804) are analysed and segmented, with each segment
being associated with a separate preparation stage (or "recipe
step"). Automatically segmenting a recording in this way results in
a recorded sequence comprising segments that can readily be
converted to a representation that resembles a conventional recipe,
i.e. a list of method steps associated with the preparation and/or
cooking of ingredients. These separate steps resulting from the
segmentation are presented to the user on the appliance display 132
and/or the remote device display 194 for editing prior to and/or
after saving, allowing for example notes, such as "Set blender
speed to 8" to be added to the start of one of the segments. This
is illustrated in FIG. 8C. The notes are displayed to the user on
the display 132, e.g. during subsequent replay.
[0112] The recorded sequence may be segmented at times
corresponding to times where user settings have been changed, for
example changes in temperature. A text note indicating the setting
change may also automatically be added to the segment. For example,
if the set temperature is changed to 90.degree. C., a note, such as
"Set temperature to 90.degree. C." may be added to the segment.
That note would be displayed on the display 132, 184 during replay
of the recorded (and edited) sequence. Temperature changes are
shown in FIG. 8B at point 882 where the temperature is set to 120
degrees, at point 884 where the temperature is reduced to 90
degrees, at point 886 where the temperature is changed to 80
degrees, at point 888 where the temperature is increased to 125
degrees, and at point 890 where the temperature is turned to zero.
As described below in more detail with reference to FIG. 8C, each
of these changes in user setting is used to generate a separate
recipe step in the prepopulated recipe template 860.
[0113] Further, the recorded sequence may be segmented at times
corresponding to unexpected significant changes (e.g. a 10% change
or more) in the sensed parameter. For example, a sudden drop in the
sensed temperature while the set temperature has not changed (as
shown at point 808 in FIG. 8B) may identify new (cold) ingredients
being added to the food being prepared by the appliance 100. In
that case, beyond merely segmenting the variation over time of the
sensed temperature, the user may automatically be presented with an
"add ingredients" option or menu, allowing the user to specify the
ingredient that was added. This is shown in FIG. 8C at recipe step
2 862. Similarly, when the appliance is a blender, a sudden
increase in the power used by the motor is an indication of an
increased load on the motor, and therefore an indication of
ingredients added into the blending jug. The power increase may be
measured by, e.g. a current sensor.
[0114] 5.2 Segment from icon or marker placement:
[0115] In the event that the remote computing device 190 is
connected to the appliance 100, a recipe composer application
executing on the remote computing device 190 may display one or
more of the user settings and/or recorded parameters on the display
194 of the remote computing device in the form of one or more
graphs. The remote computing device 190 is able to receive user
inputs which place icons on the displayed graph(s). In some
embodiments the remote computing device 190 then segments the
displayed graph(s) at or around where icons are placed. The user is
then able to edit the segment and attribute a separate preparation
stage to each segment as desired. In FIG. 8B, for example, the egg
ingredient icon 849 is placed on the graph of the recorded data at
point 884 resulting in segmentation here. In this example, point
884 happens to also coincide with a change in temperature.
[0116] In some embodiments the graphical representation of the
recorded sequence may be segmented by the user by the placement of
markers or cursors at the start of segments that correspond to
recipe method steps. For example, during the recording process a
user may view a representation of the recording on the display 132
of the appliance 100, and place cursors via the appliance 100 user
interface 130 such as cursor #1 883 and cursor #2 886 (shown in
double lines). When the recorded sequence is saved, these marked
positions may be used to automatically generate a text
representation of the recorded sequence into "recipe steps", each
step associated with a segment of the recorded sequence as shown
following a particular marker. This is shown at recipe step 3 862
and recipe step 5 868 in FIG. 8C. Subsequently, the user may access
the recorded sequence via the recipe composer application on the
remote device 190 to further amend and/or annotate the recorded
sequence which is then displayed as a prepopulated conventional
style recipe representation 860 as shown in FIG. 8C.
[0117] The example of a prepopulated recipe template 860 shown in
FIG. 8C accords with the graphical display 801 of the recording, as
modified by the user, shown in FIG. 8B. Seven method steps 861-872
are shown that have been automatically selected based on a
combination of (1) changed user settings (in this case temperature
settings), (2) icon placements (in this case the ingredients icon
849), (3) unexpected changes in measured parameters and (4) cursor
placements (in this case cursor #1 882 and cursor #2 886).
[0118] Step 1 861 includes temperature information associated with
the initial temperature setting of 120 degrees at time 0, shown at
880. Step 2 862 corresponds to an unexpected drop in measured
temperature ("unexpected" referring to a drop in measured parameter
that does not accord with the user setting, namely a steady set
temperature of 120 degrees 880). The text in the prepopulated
recipe template at this point is simply a placeholder for adding
further details regarding an added ingredient. (Note that this
example relates to an induction cooker, where the sensed parameter
is the temperature of the cooking vessel itself, described in more
detail in International Patent Application WO 2012/006674
incorporated herein by reference). Step 3 864 is associated with
both the placement of cursor #1 at 882, and the temperature user
setting that is changed, so that a recipe step inserted here
includes text relating to both aspects. Step 4 866 is associated
with placement of the eggs icon 849. Step 5 868 is associated with
cursor #2 at 888. When the segmentation is performed, no details
about this step are available yet, e.g. from a change in user
settings, a change in recorded parameters, or icon placement. The
recipe step 868 is therefore a place holder without specific text,
ready for the user to finalise at a later stage. Step 6 870 is
associated with the change of temperature to 100 degrees at 888
shown in FIG. 8B. Step 7 872 is the end of the recipe, associated
with turning the temperature to zero at 890.
[0119] The prepopulated method steps generated through this
automatic segmentation process are shown on a "method" tab 892 of
the recipe shown in the recipe composer application. In addition,
there is an "ingredients" tab 894 which may be prepopulated by a
list of ingredients based on ingredients icons that have been
placed, such as the eggs icon 849 in this case.
[0120] In some embodiments a user may define the ingredients prior
to recording so that predefined ingredient icons are made available
for placement on a graphical representation of a recording.
[0121] 5.3 Segment or annotate according to sensed cooking
style:
[0122] The remote computing device 190 may additionally analyse the
segments and attribute a particular cooking style to one or more of
the segments. In the preferred implementation, a setting and the
duration of that setting combination of each segment is compared
with a look-up table in order to identify a cooking style to
attribute to respective segments. For example, for an induction
cooker a low temperature setting that is maintained for a long
period is indicative of a "slow cooking" style. The remote
computing device 190 then places icons representing the cooking
style on the displayed graph(s) with the respective segments. The
user is able to edit the segment and attribute a different cooking
style or other relevant information (e.g. user actions or
multimedia) to segments as desired.
[0123] For a blender the speed of the blade may be indicative of a
certain food preparation style. For example, a slow blade speed may
be used for "stirring" ingredients, whereas a faster blade speed
may be used for "blending" ingredients. Therefore, upon determining
a blade speed being within a certain range, the recorded sequence
can be automatically annotated with a "stirring" or with a
"blending" icon or method step.
[0124] Where the blender includes a temperature sensor, a
combination of blade speed and measured temperature may be used to
identify a certain food processing function. For example, where a
drop in temperature is measured, and the blender motor is pulsed,
the recorded sequence may be annotated with an "ice crush" icon on
a displayed graph or description in a written method.
[0125] 5.4 Transitioning to a next Segment:
[0126] In the preferred implementation, the default setting is for
a current segment to terminate, and a next segment to commence,
when the duration of the segment has expired. However, other
segment transition criteria may be set by the user.
[0127] For example, the segment transition criteria may include
that transitioning to a next segment is to be delayed until a set
temperature is reached. As described herein with reference to FIG.
2 (step 232), user settings are automatically adjusted in order for
the sensed parameters to better approximate the recorded
parameters. However, there are instances where it is important for
certain sensed parameters to be reached, for example for water to
reach boiling point, and even when maximum heating is applied, due
to various possible reasons, the boiling point is not reached in
the segment duration. In that even the segment transition criteria
are advantageously set to include that transitioning to the next
segment is to be delayed until the sensed temperature reaches
100.degree..
[0128] In another example the segment transition criteria may
include a rate of change of a sensed parameter. This is useful
since different types of food behave differently, and different
temperatures are required at different atmospheric pressures (e.g.
at different altitudes). For example, rate of temperature change
may be used in determining the transition between segments. More
specifically, the segment transition criteria using rate of
temperature change may be set such that replay of a next segment
only commences after the rate of temperature change of the current
segment falls below 1 degree per second, for example.
[0129] Having described the kitchen appliance 100 generally, and
the operations of the appliance 100 under control of the processor
122, examples of kitchen appliances and their implementation of
process 200 are next described.
[0130] 6. Appliance example 1: Blender
[0131] FIG. 3A shows a blender 350 according to the present
disclosure. The blender 350 includes a base 355, which includes a
motor (not shown) driving a shaft (not shown) which extends from
the base. The shaft couples to and drives a blade (not shown)
carried by a removable pitcher.
[0132] FIG. 3B shows a user interface 300 of the blender 350 shown
in FIG. 3A. The user interface 300 includes a power button 302, a
display 306, a speed dial 304, and a number of function buttons
308, 310, 312. In the preferred embodiment, the function buttons
310, 312 include a play/pause toggle button 310 for initiating
playback of a recorded sequence, for pausing the playback of the
recorded sequence, and then for resuming the playback of the
recorded sequence. Function buttons 308 are user definable,
allowing the user to assign a recorded sequence to a particular
function button 308.
[0133] The blender 350 includes a "bit more" function, whereby upon
completing one or more speed-time blending combinations, the last
combination executed is referred to when a user selects the "bit
more" function (either via a separate "bit more" button, or by
using one or more buttons and/or dials to navigate the menu
displayed on the user display). The "bit more" function then
results in an additional blending step whereby the ingredients are
blended at the speed of the last speed-time combination, but for
less time than the time of the last combination. The less time may
be, for example, either a predetermined duration (e.g. 5 seconds),
or a percentage of the last combination's time (e.g. 10%).
[0134] The power interface 150 (FIG. 1) of the blender controls the
amount of power supplied to the motor, and thus controls the
rotational speed of the blade. A speed sensor (not shown) is also
provided to sense the speed of the shaft, allowing the processor
122 to control the speed of the shaft more accurately.
[0135] After the blender 350 is powered up by depressing of the
power button 302, and upon receipt of a first user setting, for
example by the speed dial 304 being turned, the user settings and
shaft speed are recorded as a sequence into the RAM 128, while the
power interface 150 is controlled to effect the user settings as
appropriate. The user may adjust the set speed by rotating the
speed button or dial 304.
[0136] After the blending sequence has ended, indicated by the
shaft having been stationary for a predefined time period the
processor 122 controls the display 306 to prompt the user with a
message questioning the user whether the recorded sequence is to be
saved for future replay. Alternatively, an "Edit and Save" function
button 312 may be depressed following which the user is provided
with options including saving of the recording sequence for future
replay. The user may depress one of the user definable buttons 308,
causing the recorded sequence to be assigned to that button
308.
[0137] Later, when the blender 350 is in the playback mode, and
that user definable button 308 is depressed, followed by the
play/pause toggle button 310, the processor 122 of the blender 350
controls the power interface 150 to control the motor to replicate
the recorded sequence until the sequence is completed. During the
replay of the recorded sequence, the processor 122 determines the
difference between the recorded shaft speed and the sensed shaft
speed. If the processor 122 determines that the difference between
the recorded shaft speed and the sensed shaft speed exceeds a
predefined threshold, then the duration the set speed is maintained
is adjusted, for example by an amount inversely proportional to the
percentage the sensed shaft speed differs from the recorded speed.
Accordingly, if the sensed shaft speed is lower than the recorded
shaft speed, the duration that speed setting is maintained is
increased.
[0138] A difference between the recorded shaft speed and the sensed
shaft speed typically indicates that the ingredients have been
altered from those used during the recording of the sequence. For
example, the amount of liquid may have been altered, or the fruit
used in the blended 350 are less ripe than those used during the
recording of the sequence. The benefit of adjusting the duration
the speed setting is maintained in response to detecting a
difference between the recorded shaft speed and the sensed shaft
speed is that the amount the ingredients would be blended better
approximates that amount achieved during the recording of the
sequence. Where a recorded sequence has been adapted during
playback, the user is provided with the option to save the adapted
user settings and sensed parameters in addition to the original
user settings and recorded parameters (or to overwrite the original
user settings and recorded parameters with these adapted user
settings and sensed parameters). Being able to record modified
playback features in this way is possible for all the appliances
described herein where recorded sequences are played back and
modified (manually and/or automatically) during playback.
[0139] If the user, after playback of a recorded sequence, selects
the "bit more" function, the user is then provided with the option
of appending this additional step to the recorded and saved
sequence. This is the case for all appliances that include "bit
more" functionality (as described below with reference to each
appliance).
[0140] As explained, the recorded sequence can be modified during
playback. The sequence can be modified manually by the user, either
by a simple selection of the "bit more" function, or by other user
inputs such as changing the blending speed, profile or the blending
time. The sequence can also be modified automatically, as described
above, where the recorded and sensed parameters differ. In some
embodiments, playback sequence modifications are saved
automatically or the option is provided for the user to select. In
some embodiments these saved modifications overwrite the original
saved sequence. In other embodiments these saved modifications are
saved in addition to the original saved sequence. In some of these
embodiments, the modified sequences are saved in a manner
associating them with the original saved sequence so that a user
can, upon playback, select the specific version of a recorded
sequence to be played back: i.e. the original version or the
modified version. In some embodiments, a plurality of sequence
versions can be associated with a sequence group (or a "recipe
group"), and these groups can be accessed and managed via the
appliance interface and/or via the recipe composer application
available on the computing device 190. Saving recorded sequence
modifications and the ability to create sequence groups as
described here is a feature of all the appliances described
herein.
[0141] 7. Appliance example 2: Heated blender
[0142] FIG. 4A shows a sectional view of a heated blender 450. The
heated blender 450 includes a base 455, which includes a motor 465
driving a shaft (not shown) which extends from the base 455. The
shaft couples to and drives a blade 460 carried by a removable
cooking vessel 470. The base 455 or removable cooking vessel 470
further includes a heater element 480 for heating the contents of
the cooking vessel 470.
[0143] FIG. 4B shows a user interface 400 of the heated blender 450
shown in FIG. 4A. The user interface 400 includes a power/start
button 402, a reverse button 412, a display 406, a speed dial 404,
a temperature dial 408, and a time dial 410. The speed dial 404
allows for the rotational speed of the blade 460 to be adjusted.
Depressing of the reverse button 412 reverses the rotational
direction of the motor 465, and hence the blade 460, without
changing the speed.
[0144] The heated blender 450 includes a "bit more" function,
whereby upon completing one or more speed-heat-time blending
combinations, the last combination executed is referred to when a
user selects the "bit more" function (either via a separate "bit
more" button, or by using one or more buttons and/or dials to
navigate the menu displayed on the user display). The "bit more"
function then results in an additional blending and/or heating step
whereby the ingredients are blended and/or heated at the
speed/temperature of the last speed-heat-time combination, but for
less time than the time of the last combination. The less time is
either a predetermined duration (e.g. 10 seconds), or a percentage
of the last combination's time (e.g. 15%).
[0145] The power interface 150 (FIG. 1) of the heated blender
controls the amount of power supplied to the motor 465 and heater
element 480 respectively. A speed sensor 485 is also provided to
sense the speed of the shaft, allowing the processor 122 to control
the speed of the shaft. A temperature sensor 475 is provided to
sense the temperature of the contents of the cooking vessel 470,
allowing the processor 122 to control the temperature within the
cooking vessel 470. A torque sensor is also used (not shown), and
can be supplemented or replaced by one or more other sensors that
provide measurements that may be used as an indication of what the
load on the blending/mixing blade is, e.g. current, power, weight
or noise sensors.
[0146] Recording of the user settings received from dials 404, 408
and 410 and the reverse button 412, the shaft speed and cooking
vessel temperature is started upon receipt of the first user
setting that initiates operation of the blender 450 following the
heated blender 450 being switched on. Responsive to the user
settings the power interface 150 is controlled as appropriate to
effect the user settings. During use the user may adjust the set
speed by rotating the speed dial 404, adjust the set temperature by
adjusting the temperature dial 408, adjust the cooking time by
adjusting the time dial 410, and reverse the direction of rotation
of the shaft by depressing the reverse button 412.
[0147] After the blending/cooking sequence has ended, indicated by
the shaft having been stationary for a predefined time period as
well as power to the heater element 480 being switch off for that
predefined time period, the processor 122 controls the display 406
to prompt the user with a message providing the user with options,
e.g. whether the recorded sequence is to be saved for future
replay, is to be edited, or whether recording should continue.
Alternatively, an "Edit and Save" function button may be depressed
following which the user is provided with those options. The user
may scroll through a list of unique identifiers, for example by
rotating one or more of the dials 404, 408 and 410 to select an
identifier to be assigned to the recorded sequence, and causing the
recorded sequence to be assigned to that identifier.
[0148] Later, the recorded sequence may be replayed. FIGS. 4C to 4E
show the user interface of FIG. 4B with various menu options
displayed on the display 406. The menu options displayed on the
display 406 shown in FIG. 4C include a "Saved" option which is to
be selected when the user wishes to replay a recorded sequence. The
menu options displayed on the display 406 shown in FIG. 4D include
a list of saved sequences, each with a unique identifier. After the
user selects one of the recorded sequences, the user is prompted,
as is shown in FIG. 4E, whether the selected sequence is to be
replayed. The processor 122 controls the power interface 150 to
control the shaft speed and the cooking vessel temperature to
replicate the recorded sequence until the sequence is
completed.
[0149] During the replay of the recorded sequence, the processor
122 determines the difference between the recorded shaft speed and
the sensed shaft speed, as well as the recorded cooking vessel
temperature and the sensed cooking vessel temperature (or
ingredient temperature, depending on the configuration of the
temperature sensors). If the processor 122 determines that the
difference between the recorded shaft speed and the sensed shaft
speed exceeds a predefined threshold an adjustment is determined,
for example in a manner similar to the one described in paragraph
[0056]. If the difference between the recorded cooking vessel
temperature and the sensed temperature exceeds another predefined
threshold then an adjustment to a user setting that would result in
the sensed parameters to better approximate the recorded parameters
is determined, for example increasing the set temperature by the
same amount that the recorded and sensed temperatures differ.
[0150] 8. Appliance example 3: Induction cooker
[0151] FIG. 5A shows an induction cooker 550. The induction cooker
550 includes a portable base 555, and an induction coil (not shown)
for inducing a magnetic flux in the ferrous pot placed on a cooker
top 560 of the induction cooker 550. The cooker top 560 includes a
temperature sensor 565 which contacts the ferrous pot when placed
on the cooker top 560 of the induction cooker 550. A temperature
probe (not shown) having a temperature sensor may also be provided.
The temperature probe may be inserted into the contents of the pot
in order to sense the temperature of the contents.
[0152] FIG. 5B shows a user interface 500 of the induction cooker
550 shown in FIG. 5A. The user interface 500 includes a power
button 502, single- or multi-function dials 504, 505, a number of
multi-function buttons 508, a stop/start button 510 and a display
506. At least some of the single- or multi-function dials 504, 505
and multi-function buttons 508 are used to navigate a menu-based
user interface displayed on the display 506. The display 506 is
also used to display current operating parameters, and may also be
used to display a simplified graph indicative of the recorded
information during the recording process described below.
[0153] The user interface 500 allows for the temperature of the
ferrous pot to be set. In the event that the temperature probe is
connected, the temperature of the contents of the pot is set using
the user interface 500. The power interface 150 (FIG. 1) of the
induction cooker 550 controls the amount of power supplied the
induction coil, and hence the amount of heat generated by the base
of the ferrous pot. Using temperature data received from the
temperature sensor 565 and/or the temperature probe, the processor
122 controls the operation of the induction coil, thereby changing
the temperature of the pot. The rate at which changes in the set
temperature are effected may also be user defined. For example, by
setting the rate as "fast", maximum power would be applied when a
higher temperature is set, thereby reaching the set temperature
after a minimum lapsed time. Similarly, by setting the rate as
"slow", the power applied to the coils would be increased gradually
when a higher temperature is set, thereby reaching the set
temperature after a much longer lapsed time.
[0154] When operation is initiated the user settings and sensed
parameters are recorded as a sequence into the RAM 128. The user
settings are received from dials 504 and 505 and buttons 508. The
measured parameters include the pot and/or contents temperature,
power applied to the coil (i.e. current and electric potential),
and time (either the time that the set temperature is to be
maintained once reached, or the time following the set of a new
temperature which includes the temperature ramp up/down time).
[0155] The induction cooker 550 includes a "bit more" function,
whereby upon completing one or more heat-time combinations
(regardless of a heating speed being set or not), the last
combination executed is referred to when a user selects the "bit
more" function (either via a separate "bit more" button, or by
using one or more buttons and/or dials to navigate the menu
displayed on the user display). The "bit more" function then
results in an additional heating step whereby the ingredients are
heated at the final temperature of the last heat-time combination,
but for less time than the time of the last combination. The less
time is either a predetermined duration (e.g. 1 minute), or a
percentage of the last combination's time (e.g. 5-10%).
[0156] Recording of the user settings and sensed parameters is
started upon receipt of the first user setting following the
induction cooker being switched on. Responsive to the user settings
the power interface 150 is controlled as appropriate to effect the
user settings.
[0157] After the cooking sequence has ended, indicated by the power
to the coil having been switched off for a predefined time period,
the processor 122 controls the display 506 to provide options
including: 1) saving the recorded sequence, 2) carry on recording
the sequence (since the sequence is not finished yet), 3) edit the
recorded sequence before saving the edited sequence, etc. If the
user chooses to save the recorded sequence, the user may scroll
through a list of unique identifiers, for example by rotating one
or more of the dials 504, 505 to select an identifier to be
assigned to the recorded sequence, and causing the recorded
sequence to be assigned to that identifier. In some embodiments the
identifier is assigned automatically.
[0158] Later, when the induction cooker replays a recorded
sequence, and that identifier is selected again by rotating one or
more of the dials 504, 505, followed by the stop/start button 510,
the processor 122 controls the display 506 to display instructions
to the user, and also the power interface 150 to control the
induction coil and thereby the temperature to replicate the
recorded sequence until the sequence is completed.
[0159] During the replay of the recorded sequence, the processor
122 determines the difference between the recorded temperature and
the sensed temperature. If the processor 122 determines that the
difference between the recorded temperature and the sensed
temperature exceeds a predefined threshold then the user settings
are adjusted to at least reduce the difference, for example by
altering the power applied to the coil thereby speeding up or
slowing down the rate at which the pot is heated, or changing the
time a set temperature is maintained.
[0160] 9. Appliance example 4: Espresso machine
[0161] FIG. 6A shows an espresso machine 600. The espresso machine
600 includes a base 601 which supports three separate functional
parts, those being a built-in coffee grinder part 610 on the
appliance's right, an espresso part 620 in the middle and a milk
frother 630 on the left. Various features of such an espresso
machine are described in International Application WO 2014/165905,
incorporated herein by reference.
[0162] The built-in coffee grinder part 610 has a coffee bean
hopper 602, a coffee grinder 612 below the hopper 602 and tamper
611 internal to a support cradle 603 that receives a portafilter
604 in order for the portafilter 604 to be filled with ground
coffee beans which are then tamped in situ. The coffee grinder 612
has an associated motor (not shown) for controlling the separation
of burrs of the grinder, which in turn controls the coarseness of
the ground coffee beans. The coffee grinder also has a further
motor (not shown) and associated gear system (not shown) for
rotating the burrs (not shown) which grind coffee beans supplied
from the coffee hopper 602. The amount of ground coffee beans
dispensed into the portafilter 604 is controlled by controlling the
duration the motor rotating the burrs is driven. Both motors are
under control of the processor 122 (FIG. 1).
[0163] The tamper 611 also has an associated motor (not shown) and
gear system (not shown) which, after the ground coffee beans are
dispensed into the portafilter 604, applies a set force to the
tamper to tamp the ground coffee beans. The force applied to the
tamper is measured by a pressure sensor (not shown).
[0164] The espresso part 620 of the espresso machine 600 includes a
brew head 605, a support cradle 613 for receiving the portafilter
604, a water tank (not shown) for storing fresh cold water, a
boiler (not shown) for heating and pressurizing the water, and an
auxiliary outlet 670 for displensing hot water independent of the
group head. The espresso part 620 also includes at least one pump
(not shown) for pumping water from the water tank to the boiler,
and sensors (not shown) for measuring the temperature and pressure
of water released from the brew head 605 into the portafilter
604.
[0165] The milk frother 630 of the espresso machine 600 includes a
steam wand 606, a boiler (not shown) for heating water supplied
from the water tank to create steam, a pump (not shown) for pumping
water from the water tank to the boiler, an air pump (not shown)
for injecting air into the steam path, and sensors (not shown) for
measuring the temperature of milk into which the steam wand 606 is
placed and the pressure of the air/steam mixture.
[0166] One or more of the operations of the espresso machine 600,
the milk frother's steam wand, and the grinder may include a "bit
more" function whereby a preceding operation can be extended upon.
For example, during or following a 25 second coffee extraction,
selection of the "bit more" function will add an additional 5
seconds of extraction time. Similarly, selection of the "bit more"
function on the milk frother will add an additional 5-10% frothing
time (if the operational metric fed back to the control system is
time) or 3-4 degrees to the final temperature (if the operational
metric fed back to the control system is temperature). As described
with respect to other appliance examples elsewhere herein, the user
is provided with the option of appending the "bit more" step to a
recorded sequence, which can then be saved and played back in the
original and/or modified version.
[0167] FIG. 6B shows the user interface 650 of the espresso machine
600 in more detail. The power button 640 turns the machine on
following which an initialisation process commences, during which
various components of the machine are heated in preparation for
coffee making.
[0168] The user interface 650 includes a grind controller 651 and a
grind control display 652. The grind controller 651 allows a user
to adjust the size of the coffee grinds and the amount of coffee
grinds dispensed into the portafilter 604, while the grind control
display 652 displays the user settings. Operation of the coffee
grinder part 610 is controlled by the processor 122, and commences
when a micro switch (not shown) inside the support cradle 603 is
activated when the portafilter 604 is placed in the cradle 603.
[0169] The user interface 650 further includes controls 655 for
setting the size of the coffee (one shot, two shots, or manual
control), and hence the amount of water that would be dispensed by
the brew head 605. Button 653 is used for pouring hot water, while
button 662 is used for pouring a long black: a combined operation
whereby an espresso shot is poured followed by a measure of hot
water. A brew display 657 is provided for displaying the user
settings of the espresso part 620 of the espresso machine 600.
[0170] For controlling the milk frother 630 the user interface 650
further includes a temperature/texture set knob 658 for setting the
temperature of the frothed milk as well as the texture of the
frothed milk, a froth display 659 for displaying the froth
temperature and texture settings, and a froth activation
lever/switch 660 which, when activated, causes the processor 122
(FIG. 1) to control the milk frother 630 of the espresso machine
600 to produce frothed milk according to the settings.
[0171] Button 664 is used to activate additional menu options,
displayed on display 657 and navigated by one or more of the
multi-function dials 651, 662, 658 and/or buttons 655, 653.
[0172] These menu options may be used to set a number of
operational parameters, such as the tamp force, the milk type used
(and therefore the temperature and air pressure used in the frother
630), the water temperature used for extraction which is set at 92
degrees in a default setting, and the water pump pressure profile
(pressure level and duration) used for extraction. Any one or more
of these settings may be set for a single use, after which
operation of the machine returns to default settings.
Alternatively, the settings may be saved as the default
settings.
[0173] In some embodiments, a coffee profile (including e.g. grind
settings, brew settings, and/or frothing settings) may be recorded
during operation of the coffee machine, after which the user is
provided with the option of editing and/or saving the coffee
profile for future use. In some embodiments two or more coffee
profiles may be recorded and saved in this manner.
[0174] When operation is initiated the user settings and sensed
parameters are recorded as a sequence into the RAM 128. The user
settings include the size of the coffee grinds, the amount of
coffee grinds dispensed into the portafilter 604 and/or the tamped
force applied to the grinds in the portafilter 604, the amount of
water dispensed by the brew head 605, the temperature of the
frothed milk and the texture of the frothed milk. The sensed
parameters include one or more of the following: the grinder 610
includes a torque sensor attached to the tamper that provides
feedback on how full the filter basket is and how densely the
grinds have been tamped; the brew path includes a number of
temperature sensors (including an NTC sensor in the brew head 605)
as well as one or more pressure sensors; the frother 630 includes
temperature sensors in the steam wand 606 and pressure sensors in
the steam path for monitoring and controlling the amount of air
injected into the milk for frothing.
[0175] As is known with espresso machines, operation generally
relies on default settings that are saved and then set again for
operation upon start up of the machine. The espresso machine
described herein, includes a recording feature whereby changes to
the machine settings can be recorded so that one or more different
profiles can be saved and accessed at a later stage. In some
embodiments recording of the user settings is started upon
modification of the first user setting following the espresso
machine 600 being switched on.
[0176] In other embodiments recording does not necessarily start as
soon as a setting is modified. Rather, once an operation is
initiated, the processor 122 compares the user settings used for
the operation with the previously used user settings that were
referenced and loaded at start up of the machine 600. If there is a
difference, then recording commences after this comparison returns
a detected modification and when operation of the actual function
(e.g. frothing or grinding) commences. The relevant sensor readings
are also recorded during operation when a user setting modification
has been detected. In some embodiments the operation of each
separate functional part is recorded, saved and accessed for
playback separately (i.e. for the grinder part 610, espresso part
620 and the frother 630). In other embodiments, as these operations
are generally performed sequentially, the user settings and stored
parameters are recorded and subsequently saved as a sequence.
[0177] After the operation has ended, and if the user chooses to
save the recorded sequence, the user may scroll through a list of
unique identifiers, to select an identifier to be assigned to the
recorded sequence, and causing the recorded sequence to be assigned
to that identifier. In some embodiments the identifier is assigned
automatically.
[0178] Later, during replay of the recorded sequence, the processor
122 determines the differences between recorded and sensed torque
(for the grinder part 610), temperature(s) and/or pressure(s) (for
the espresso part 620 and the frother 630), and uses these
differences to determine one or more adjustments to user settings
that would result in the sensed parameters to better approximate
the recorded parameters. For example, a lower sensed torque may be
an indication of a different kind of coffee bean being used that
results in less grind in the filter. When a lower torque is sensed,
the grinder part 610 can then suggest to the user (requiring user
selection or confirmation), or automatically implement, one or more
small increments in grinding time and/or grind coarseness until the
sensed torque is within a predefined range of the recorded torque,
e.g. within 5%.
[0179] An example of adjustments to user settings following a
comparison between recorded parameters and sensed parameters is in
a coffee machine that includes a pre-infusion stage in the
operation of the espresso part 620. If a high pressure or low flow
rate is sensed during pre-infusion, it is an indication that there
is a likelihood that the infusion stage may not function properly.
This is because the coarseness of the grind, the amount of coffee,
and/or the amount of tamping needs adjustment. The reason for this
may be, for example, a different kind of coffee bean being used. In
this example, following a pre-infusion with a flow rate or pressure
difference between sensed and recorded parameters of, e.g. more
than 5-10%, operation may be paused and the user provided with a
message suggesting one or more adjustment options and an infusion
restart.
[0180] 10. Appliance example 5: Compact oven
[0181] FIG. 7A shows a countertop compact oven 750 according to the
present disclosure. The compact oven 750 has a thermally insulated
housing 752 that defines an internal heating compartment closed by
door 754. The heating compartment has opposing pairs of fixtures
(not shown) for supporting one or more movable racks (not shown). A
panel on the front surface of the housing 752 provides a user
interface 700.
[0182] FIG. 7B is a schematic cross section of the compact oven 750
and illustrates the configuration of the heating elements. The oven
can have, for example, between 2 and 6 heating elements arranged
along the top and/or the bottom of the heating compartment, and
that are made of quartz, stainless steel calrod, tungsten, etc. In
the example shown, the oven has five quartz heating elements, three
top elements 762, 764, 766, located adjacent the ceiling 768 of the
heating compartment 770. Two bottom elements 772, 774 are located
long the floor 776 of the heating compartment 770.
[0183] In this embodiment, the top front and rear elements 762 and
766, the middle element 764, and the bottom elements 772, 774 form
3 distinct groups that are controlled separately and can be
utilised at variable power according to the mode of operation.
[0184] In some embodiments, the top front and rear elements 762,
766 provide up to 450 watts each and the middle element 764
provides 550 watts. In other embodiments, the top front element 762
provides 520 watt, the top rear element 766 provides 380 watt and
the top central element 764 provides 550 watt.
[0185] Various features relating to the operation of a compact oven
are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,878,106, incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. As described therein, the different
modes of operation of the oven are used for different styles of
cooking. For example, for the "toast" configuration, top front and
rear elements 762, 766 and bottom elements 772, 774 are used at
maximum power. In the toast configuration the oven rack is located
in the middle position. For the "bake" configuration, these same
top and bottom elements (excluding the middle element 764) are
used, but with a different power configuration. In addition, the
motorised convection fan 780 is used. The oven rack is located in
the lowest position. For the "broil" (or "grill") configuration the
oven rack is located in the uppermost position, the top three
elements 762, 764, 766 are all on full power, and the bottom
elements are inactive.
[0186] FIG. 7C shows the user interface 700 in more detail. The
display 702 provides feedback to the user regarding various aspects
of the oven's operation, such as which mode 704 has been selected,
the cooking temperature (or toasting amount) 706 that has been
selected (in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit depending on the
selection made with button 742), a timer 708, fan setting (as
selected with button 746), and information relating to a
temperature probe as shown in the probe display 712. A removable
temperature probe can be connected to the oven 750 at plug 720, the
probe being usable to measure internal temperature of food being
cooked in the oven 750. The measured temperature is shown on the
probe display 712.
[0187] The user interface 700 includes a number of single- or
multi-function dials 732, 734, 736 and buttons 738, 740, 742, 744,
746 and 748 for receiving user inputs defining the parameters
according to which the oven will operate. Pre-programmed
configurations can be selected by selecting a cooking mode 704 with
the selection dial 732. These configurations can also be modified
by the user with the use of one or both of the temperature dial 734
and the time dial 736, by selecting or deselecting the convection
fan 780 using fan control button 746, and/or by selecting the
defrost button 748. Light button 744 is used to turn on the oven's
internal light.
[0188] Phase button 738 is used to concatenate cooking mode phases
(also referred to as "stages" or "segments"). For example, if the
food being cooked is first defrosted, then broiled, then roasted,
and then kept in the oven to keep warm, four separated cooking
modes can be programmed as four consecutive phases by entering a
first setting, selecting the phase button 738, selecting a second
setting, etc. In this way one compound cooking function is created
from four simple cooking functions. Once the user settings have
been selected, the start/stop button 740 initiates operation of the
oven 750 according to the (simple or compound) user settings as
selected using the user interface 700.
[0189] Following a single phase cooking operation or a multi-phase
cooking sequence, a user can select the oven's "bit more" function
(via a button or menu option, not shown here), resulting in a
reactivation or continuation of cooking phase according to the user
settings associated with the more recently performed phase. The
additional amount of cooking time may be determined in any number
of ways as appropriate for the specific style of cooking. For
example, when toasting bread the oven will be set up with a
toasting profile and the "bit more" function may result in a simple
toasting operation of 1 or 2 more minutes, or 5-10% more time. For
other cooking profiles such as roasting, where a temperature probe
is used, the "bit more" additional time interval may be calculated
based on a measured probe temperature profile, whereby the
temperature profile is extrapolated in order to determine a time
interval for achieving a certain increase in temperature, e.g. 2-6
degrees, or e.g. 5-10%.
[0190] In addition to the external temperature probe used to
measure the temperature of the food, the oven 750 also includes one
or more additional temperature sensors (such as negative
temperature coefficient (NTC) sensors) inside the oven's heating
compartment 770. The oven 750 may also include rack location
sensors (not shown), which are typically mechanical sensors, for
sensing the location of the oven rack (e.g. lowest, middle, highest
position). Position sensors, such as mechanical sensors (not
shown), may be used to sense the position of the oven door, for
example where the oven door is held ajar during
grilling/broiling.
[0191] Selection of the start/stop button 740 to start operation of
the oven will initiate the recording feature. User settings as
input via the user interface 700 are recorded along with measured
parameters as sensed by the temperature, location and/or position
sensors. Measurements from both the oven's internal temperature
sensors as well as the temperature probe are recorded, and in some
embodiments these may also be recorded as a temperature profile
over time. For the temperature probe, a temperature profile will
consist of discrete measurement points, each associated with a
measurement time obtained from an oven and/or processor clock. In
addition, any further user inputs received that modify the user
settings during the operation of the oven will also be recorded
(e.g. selection of a "bit more" function, or any other
modifications, e.g. temperature changes, element selection, or
moving the oven rack). When the start/stop button 740 of the oven
is selected to stop operation of the oven, the user is provided
with the option to save, modify or continue the recording.
[0192] During playback of a recorded sequence recorded parameters
are compared to sensed parameters. For the location and position
sensors that relate to the rack location and door position,
parameter differences result in messages being displayed to the
user. For differences in temperature or fan speed measurements, the
processor 122 determines an adjustment to one or more user setting
that would result in the sensed parameters to better approximate
the recorded parameters, for example an increase in temperature,
fan speed, or an increase in time.
[0193] The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present
invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the
embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.
[0194] One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the
example kitchen appliances described herein is a small selection of
possible appliances in which the process 200 may be
implemented.
* * * * *