U.S. patent application number 15/489490 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-18 for user interface and controller for a heating system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Silicon Valley Factory LLC. Invention is credited to Arash Kani, David St. Martin, Sebastian Thrun.
Application Number | 20180300047 15/489490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63790014 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180300047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thrun; Sebastian ; et
al. |
October 18, 2018 |
USER INTERFACE AND CONTROLLER FOR A HEATING SYSTEM
Abstract
In various embodiments, a method of providing a user interface
and controller for a heating system includes determining at least
one option for heating instructions based on an electronic tag,
rendering the at least one option on a graphical user interface,
receiving user input based on the rendered at least one option,
relaying the user input to a controller configured to carry out the
heating instructions, and outputting a notification in response to
a determination that at least a portion of the heating instructions
is complete.
Inventors: |
Thrun; Sebastian; (Los
Altos, CA) ; St. Martin; David; (San Rafael, CA)
; Kani; Arash; (Roxbury, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Silicon Valley Factory LLC |
Los Altos Hills |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63790014 |
Appl. No.: |
15/489490 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 6/668 20130101;
H05B 6/6441 20130101; G06F 3/04847 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101;
G06F 3/016 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0484 20060101
G06F003/0484; G06F 3/0482 20060101 G06F003/0482; G08B 21/18
20060101 G08B021/18; H05B 6/64 20060101 H05B006/64 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: determining, by a processor, at least one
option for heating instructions based on an electronic tag;
rendering, by the processor, historical activity and the at least
one option on a graphical user interface, wherein the at least one
option includes an inventory of heatable loads; receiving user
input based on the rendered at least one option; relaying, by the
processor, the user input to a controller configured to carry out
the heating instructions, wherein the controller is provided in a
remote heating apparatus; receiving at least one sensor reading
about a state of a load, wherein the at least one sensor reading is
collected at least one of: during execution of the heating
instructions and responsive to termination of the heating
instructions; determining whether to modify heating based on the
received at least one sensor reading; and outputting, on the
graphical user interface, a notification in response to a
determination that at least a portion of the heating instructions
is complete.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one option is stored
in the electronic tag.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one option is
retrieved based on a link stored in the electronic tag.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the rendering of the at least one
option includes visual content.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the rendering of the at least one
option includes audio content.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input includes a
photograph.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input includes
audio.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the outputting a notification
includes a notification that a heating process will be completed
within a pre-defined time period.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the outputting a notification
includes a notification that a heating process is complete.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification includes at
least one of: a visual, an audio, and a haptic signal.
11. (canceled)
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising rendering, by the
processor, an inventory of heatable loads and associated recipe
options.
13. (canceled)
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the received at least one sensor
reading includes at least one of an image and a sound.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising, responsive to a
determination to modify heating, adjusting heating instructions for
another user.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification includes
feedback based on the received at least one sensor reading.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein: the received at least one
sensor reading is associated with a first user; and the received at
least one sensor reading is aggregated with at least one sensor
reading about another load associated with a second user.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the aggregated at least one
sensor reading is used to modify heating instructions for the load
and the other load associated with another user.
19. A system comprising: a processor configured to: determine at
least one option for heating instructions based on an electronic
tag; render historical activity and the at least one option on a
graphical user interface, wherein the at least one option includes
an inventory of heatable loads; receive user input based on the
rendered at least one option; relay the user input to a controller
configured to carry out the heating instructions, wherein the
controller is provided in a remote heating apparatus; receive at
least one sensor reading about a state of a load, wherein the at
least one sensor reading is collected at least one of: during
execution of the heating instructions and responsive to termination
of the heating instructions; determine whether to modify heating
based on the received at least one sensor reading; and output, on
the graphical user interface, a notification in response to a
determination that at least a portion of the heating instructions
is complete; and a memory coupled to the processor and configured
to provide the processor with instructions.
20. A computer program product embodied in a non-transitory
computer readable storage medium and comprising computer
instructions for: determining at least one option for heating
instructions based on an electronic tag; rendering historical
activity and the at least one option on a graphical user interface,
wherein the at least one option includes an inventory of heatable
loads; receiving user input based on the rendered at least one
option; relaying the user input to a controller configured to carry
out the heating instructions, wherein the controller is provided in
a remote heating apparatus; receiving at least one sensor reading
about a state of a load, wherein the at least one sensor reading is
collected at least one of: during execution of the heating
instructions and responsive to termination of the heating
instructions; determining whether to modify heating based on the
received at least one sensor reading; and outputting, on the
graphical user interface, a notification in response to a
determination that at least a portion of the heating instructions
is complete.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating instructions include
a plurality of phases, each phase having an associated energy
level; and further comprising, responsive to a determination to
modify heating, modifying at least one of a length of one of the
plurality of phases and an energy level of one of the plurality of
phases.
22. The method of claim 1, further comprising rendering a progress
of execution of the heating instructions in real time.
23. The method of claim 1, further comprising rendering: (i) a
progress of execution of the heating instructions in real time and
(ii) at least one of a description of the load and nutritional
facts of the load.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the historical activity includes
whether an item is expired and, for previously-heated loads, a time
when the load was heated.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] There are many challenges in food preparation. Cooking can
be time-consuming and messy. For example, ingredient selection,
acquisition, transportation, and preparation can be inconvenient.
In spite of the effort expended, sometimes the results of meal
preparation are unsatisfying. Successfully extracting flavors from
ingredients typically requires lengthy cooking processes such as
stewing or skilled processes such as browning. The final tastiness
of food depends on the characteristics of the ingredients and a
person's tastes and preferences.
[0002] Pre-packaged chilled convenience meals have been popular
since the 1950s for its ease of preparation. Typical convenience
meals are packaged in a tray and frozen. The consumer heats the
meal in an oven or microwave and consumes the food directly from
the tray. However, conventional pre-packaged convenience meals
might be unhealthy and not tasty, and results may vary depending on
the microwave or oven used to heat the meal. For example, the food
might be heated unevenly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a functional diagram illustrating a programmed
computer system for a user interface and controller for a heating
system in accordance with some embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a
process to provide a user interface and controlling a heating
system.
[0006] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0007] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0008] FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0009] FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0012] FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0013] FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an
apparatus to store and transport matter.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an
apparatus for heating.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller
for a heating apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a
process to operate an automatic heating system.
[0018] FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
modular heating system.
[0019] FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
modular heating system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including
as a process; an apparatus; a system; a composition of matter; a
computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage
medium; and/or a processor, such as a processor configured to
execute instructions stored on and/or provided by a memory coupled
to the processor. In this specification, these implementations, or
any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as
techniques. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed
processes may be altered within the scope of the invention. Unless
stated otherwise, a component such as a processor or a memory
described as being configured to perform a task may be implemented
as a general component that is temporarily configured to perform
the task at a given time or a specific component that is
manufactured to perform the task. As used herein, the term
`processor` refers to one or more devices, circuits, and/or
processing cores configured to process data, such as computer
program instructions.
[0021] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that
illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is
described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is
not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is
limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous
alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific
details are set forth in the following description in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details
are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be
practiced according to the claims without some or all of these
specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material
that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has
not been described in detail so that the invention is not
unnecessarily obscured.
[0022] A user interface and controller for a heating system is
disclosed. In various embodiments, a method of providing the user
interface and controlling operation of a heating apparatus with the
user interface includes determining at least one option for heating
instructions based on an electronic tag. The method also includes
rendering the at least one option on a graphical user interface,
receiving user input based on the rendered at least one option,
relaying the user input to a controller configured to carry out the
heating instructions, and outputting a notification in response to
a determination that at least a portion of the heating instructions
is complete. The user interface may be provided on a physical
devices such as a heating apparatus, smart phone, tablet, laptop,
and/or smart wearable. An example of a heating apparatus is shown
in FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a functional diagram illustrating a programmed
computer system for a user interface and controller for a heating
system in accordance with some embodiments. As will be apparent,
other computer system architectures and configurations can be used
to provide a user interface and control a heating system. Computer
system 100, which includes various subsystems as described below,
includes at least one microprocessor subsystem (also referred to as
a processor or a central processing unit (CPU)) 102. For example,
processor 102 can be implemented by a single-chip processor or by
multiple processors. In some embodiments, processor 102 is a
general purpose digital processor that controls the operation of
the computer system 100. Using instructions retrieved from memory
110, the processor 102 controls the reception and manipulation of
input data, and the output and display of data on output devices
(e.g., display 118). In some embodiments, processor 102 includes
and/or is used to execute/perform the processes described below
with respect to FIGS. 2 and 8.
[0024] Processor 102 is coupled bi-directionally with memory 110,
which can include a first primary storage, typically a random
access memory (RAM), and a second primary storage area, typically a
read-only memory (ROM). As is well known in the art, primary
storage can be used as a general storage area and as scratch-pad
memory, and can also be used to store input data and processed
data. Primary storage can also store programming instructions and
data, in the form of data objects and text objects, in addition to
other data and instructions for processes operating on processor
102. Also as is well known in the art, primary storage typically
includes basic operating instructions, program code, data and
objects used by the processor 102 to perform its functions (e.g.,
programmed instructions). For example, memory 110 can include any
suitable computer-readable storage media, described below,
depending on whether, for example, data access needs to be
bi-directional or uni-directional. For example, processor 102 can
also directly and very rapidly retrieve and store frequently needed
data in a cache memory (not shown).
[0025] A removable mass storage device 112 provides additional data
storage capacity for the computer system 100, and is coupled either
bi-directionally (read/write) or uni-directionally (read only) to
processor 102. For example, storage 112 can also include
computer-readable media such as magnetic tape, flash memory,
PC-CARDS, portable mass storage devices, holographic storage
devices, and other storage devices. A fixed mass storage 120 can
also, for example, provide additional data storage capacity. The
most common example of mass storage 120 is a hard disk drive. Mass
storage 112, 120 generally store additional programming
instructions, data, and the like that typically are not in active
use by the processor 102. It will be appreciated that the
information retained within mass storage 112 and 120 can be
incorporated, if needed, in standard fashion as part of memory 110
(e.g., RAM) as virtual memory.
[0026] In addition to providing processor 102 access to storage
subsystems, bus 114 can also be used to provide access to other
subsystems and devices. As shown, these can include a display
monitor 118, a network interface 116, a keyboard 104, and a
pointing device 106, as well as an auxiliary input/output device
interface, a sound card, speakers, and other subsystems as needed.
For example, the pointing device 106 can be a mouse, stylus, track
ball, or tablet, and is useful for interacting with a graphical
user interface.
[0027] The network interface 116 allows processor 102 to be coupled
to another computer, computer network, or telecommunications
network using a network connection as shown. For example, through
the network interface 116, the processor 102 can receive
information (e.g., data objects or program instructions) from
another network or output information to another network in the
course of performing method/process steps. Information, often
represented as a sequence of instructions to be executed on a
processor, can be received from and outputted to another network.
An interface card or similar device and appropriate software
implemented by (e.g., executed/performed on) processor 102 can be
used to connect the computer system 100 to an external network and
transfer data according to standard protocols. For example, various
process embodiments disclosed herein can be executed on processor
102, or can be performed across a network such as the Internet,
intranet networks, or local area networks, in conjunction with a
remote processor that shares a portion of the processing.
Additional mass storage devices (not shown) can also be connected
to processor 102 through network interface 116.
[0028] An auxiliary I/O device interface (not shown) can be used in
conjunction with computer system 100. The auxiliary I/O device
interface can include general and customized interfaces that allow
the processor 102 to send and, more typically, receive data from
other devices such as microphones, touch-sensitive displays,
transducer card readers, tape readers, voice or handwriting
recognizers, biometrics readers, cameras, portable mass storage
devices, and other computers.
[0029] In addition, various embodiments disclosed herein further
relate to computer storage products with a computer readable medium
that includes program code for performing various
computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium is
any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be
read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media
include, but are not limited to, all the media mentioned above:
magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape;
optical media such as CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media such as
optical disks; and specially configured hardware devices such as
application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable
logic devices (PLDs), and ROM and RAM devices. Examples of program
code include both machine code, as produced, for example, by a
compiler, or files containing higher level code (e.g., script) that
can be executed using an interpreter.
[0030] The computer system shown in FIG. 1 is but an example of a
computer system suitable for use with the various embodiments
disclosed herein. Other computer systems suitable for such use can
include additional or fewer subsystems. In addition, bus 114 is
illustrative of any interconnection scheme serving to link the
subsystems. Other computer architectures having different
configurations of subsystems can also be utilized.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a
process 200 to provide a user interface and controlling a heating
system. In various embodiments, the process 200 may be implemented
by a processor such as processor 102 of FIG. 1, controller 608 of
FIG. 6, or controller 708 of FIG. 7.
[0032] At 202, one or more options are determined based on an
electronic tag. In various embodiments, an option is with respect
to heating instructions encoded by the electronic tag. For example,
a processor may determine a set of encoded heating instructions
with associated options by decoding the electronic tag. The encoded
heating instructions may include one or more heating phases, where
each phase has an associated duration and energy level. The heating
phases may have options that adjust the associate direction and/or
energy level of a phase based on user selection of the options.
[0033] In some embodiments, providing an option is encoded in the
electronic tag. In some embodiments, an option is determined
locally based on the heating instructions encoded in the electronic
tag. In some embodiments, the heating instructions are embedded in
the electronic tag and an Internet connection is not needed to
prepare food using the heating instructions. In some embodiments,
the heating instructions are requested from a remote server based
on an identification of the packaged food. The identification of
the packaged food may be determined by scanning an electronic tag
such as tag 524 of FIG. 5. An example of displaying options is FIG.
3A, which shows available pods in an inventory of pods.
[0034] At 204, one or more determined options is rendered. An
option may be rendered on a user interface such as display 118 of
FIG. 1, user interface 610 of FIG. 6, or a display of a mobile
device running an app carrying out process 200. For example, the
option may be for a specific food such as "rare, medium rare,
medium, well" for steak. The option may be presented a variety of
formats including selectable option boxes or a selectable sliding
scale. One of the options may be pre-selected based on a default or
a prediction of the user's preferences.
[0035] At 206, user input to the rendered option(s) is received.
The user input may include a response to option(s). For example,
the user selects one of the choices for how she prefers her steak
or her pasta.
[0036] At 208, the user input is relayed to a controller. The
controller may be configured to control a heating process. Examples
of controllers are 608 of FIG. 6 and 708 of FIG. 7. In various
embodiments, the user input causes a heating process, phase, or
instructions to be modified. For example, if the user input is that
the user prefers steak rare. A heating phase may be shortened from
a default phase or an energy level may be lowered relative to a
default energy level.
[0037] At 210, a notification is output to the user when at least a
portion of the heating instructions are complete. For example, the
notification may be a countdown to a time when the heating process
will be completed, an alert that the heating process will be
completed within a threshold time (e.g., 2 minutes). An example of
a user interface displaying notification with respect to the
heating instructions is shown in FIG. 4A. In various embodiments,
the notification may provide feedback to the user based on the
heating process and/or user reactions to the heating process. For
example, the notification may include suggestions of other pods
that the user might like based on the reaction to a current heating
process.
[0038] In some embodiments, at 212, information about the heated
load is collected. For example, a user may be instructed to take a
photograph of food at the end of a heating process. As another
example, a heating apparatus may automatically collect sensor
readings about a heated load at the end of a heating process. For
example, the heating apparatus may record a sound of the food
during or after the heating process. The sizzling sound (or other
types of sound) may provide information about the heating process.
The collected information may be used to improve heating
instructions for similar foods. For example, recipes (e.g., heating
instructions) may be improved or refined by crowdsourcing. The
collected information may be used to improve predictions and
knowledge about a particular user's preferences. The collected
information may be aggregated by machine learning.
[0039] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system. In various embodiments,
the user interface may include selectable icons that are
consistently displayed across different pages. In this example, the
user interface includes a heating icon 358, inventory icon 360, and
user profile icon 362. In various embodiments, selecting the
inventory icon 358 causes an inventory page to load. An example of
the inventory page is shown in FIG. 3A. In various embodiments,
selecting the heating icon 358 causes a heating page to load. An
example of the heating page is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In various
embodiments, selecting the user profile icon 362 causes a profile
page to load. At the profile page, a user may provide information
to be associated with a specific user profile. For example, the
user may indicate that she prefers her steak rare and her pasta al
dente.
[0040] The user interface includes a first portion 300 displaying
an inventory of heatable loads (here, "pods"). In this example,
each of the pods 302 is displayed with a graphical representation,
a brief description, and an expiration date. The graphical
representation may be an icon (as shown). An example of a pod is
apparatus 500 of FIG. 5. Pods may be categorized and displayed with
an icon reflecting their categorizations. Here, red meat is
represented by a red icon with an image of a piece of steak,
vegetables are presented by a green icon with an image of a leaf,
fish is represented by a blue icon with an image of a fish, other
seafood is represented by a pink icon with an image of a shell, and
poultry is represented by a yellow icon with an image of a
drumstick. The graphical representation may allow a user to quickly
determine the makeup of an inventory (e.g., mostly meat, fish,
vegetables, etc.). In various embodiments, the inventory may be
sorted in response to a user command. The sorting may be according
to various parameters such as food type, expiration date (as
shown), variety (e.g., presenting pods that are different from what
the user recently heated or, alternatively, presenting pods that
are similar to what the user recently heated), etc. In various
embodiments, the graphical representation may be a photograph or
other type of image conveying information about pod contents. A pod
30 may be selected to display additional information about the pod
such as nutritional information
[0041] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system. The user interface
includes a second portion 350 displaying activity. In this example,
the activity is listed chronologically with the most recent
activity displayed at the top. Each entry is displayed as a row
with the name of a pod 352, a status of the pod 354, and a date and
time the pod was heated 356. For example, "Coffee Steak" was cooked
on January 3 at 2:34 PM. The activity may be sorted in response to
a user command. For example, pods may be sorted by their status,
type, etc. This information may help a user remember pods that were
previously cooked and assess usage habits and possible waste. For
example, a "Coffee Steak" pod expired on December 30. The date and
time displayed may be the time the item expired. In some
embodiments, the pod may nevertheless be heated despite already
being expired.
[0042] In various embodiments, the second portion 350 may be
displayed on a separate page from the first portion 300. For
example, the second portion 350 is loaded in response to a user
command. In various embodiments, the second portion 350 is
displayed on a same page as the first portion 300. For example, the
second portion 350 is displayed in response to a user scrolling to
that portion of the user interface.
[0043] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system. The user interface 370
is an example of how an inventory may be displayed. In this
example, the inventor includes four items, each displayed with a
graphic and a name. In this example, the user interface includes a
menu shown on the bottom with a current page highlighted. Here, the
current page is "store." In this example, the menu includes a
"more" option to display additional pages and/or options. In
various embodiments, an inventory item 372 may be selected to
display additional details. For example, when coq au yin 372 is
selected, user interface 390 shown in FIG. 3D is rendered.
[0044] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface for controlling a heating system. The user interface 390
is an example of a more detailed display of a particular inventory
item/pod. Here, the inventory item (Coq au yin) is displayed with a
graphic and information about expiration. Here, the expiration is
displayed as how many days of shelf life remain (5 days). On this
page, related information such as related activity may be
displayed. For example, the user interface shows a pod most
recently cooked with coq au yin (Green Medley).
[0045] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface 400 for controlling a heating system. The user interface
400 may include a graphical representation, a brief description,
and an expiration date of the pod. An example of the graphical
representation is described with respect to FIG. 3A. In various
embodiments, the pod is automatically displayed when a pod is
loaded into a heating apparatus. For example, when apparatus 500 is
loaded into cooker 600, interface 400 is displayed (e.g., on a
screen of the apparatus or on a mobile device). In various
embodiments, the contents of the apparatus 500 is determined by
reading an associated electronic tag 524. Information about the
contents of the apparatus may then be transmitted to a mobile
device via a remote server in some instances or via a local
connection such as NFC, Bluetooth.RTM., etc.
[0046] User interface 400 may provide an option 404 for the user to
"start cooking!" Selecting the "start cooking!" button initiates a
heating process. An example of a heating process is shown in FIG.
8. The user interface 400 may display information about the heating
process such as time remaining 408 in the heating process. The time
remaining 406 may be displayed as a countdown timer and updated in
real time. In some embodiments, the time remaining is displayed
when a predefined threshold is reached. For example, the time
remaining is displayed only in the last 2 minutes of a heating
process. In some embodiments, the time remaining is displayed
without being updated in real time. In various embodiments, the
user interface may display information about the heating phase or
energy (not shown). For example, the display may show that steak is
"searing," when it is in a first phase, and "baking" when it is in
a second phase.
[0047] In various embodiments, nutritional facts may be displayed
for the pod. For example, standard FDA nutritional facts may be
displayed in space 408. In some embodiments, user interface 400 may
provide several options for different cooking methods for a
specific type of food. For example, the miso black cod may be
baked, steamed, or fried. Corresponding nutritional facts may be
displayed for each method of preparing the food item.
[0048] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface 430 for controlling a heating system. The example shown
in FIG. 4B is an alternative to the example shown in FIG. 4A. Here,
a photograph 432 instead of an icon is displayed for the inventory
item. The expiration information also shows a countdown (11 days
away) in addition to the date. The user interface includes a "start
cooking" button 434. An example of the start cooking button is
button 404 of FIG. 4A. In this example, a description 438 of the
food item is displayed. The description 438 is a more
descriptive/detailed description compared with the name. An
identification code (here, "300G") may be displayed with the
description. In this example, ingredients 442 are displayed for the
food item. The listing of ingredients may be ordered or formatted
according to FDA standards, and/or other sorting metrics. In this
example, nutritional facts 444 are displayed for the food item. The
listing of nutritional facts may be ordered or formatted according
to FDA standards, and/or other sorting metrics. The units for the
nutritional facts may be converted or updated in real time on the
user interface.
[0049] FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface 450 for controlling a heating system. The example shown
in FIG. 4C shows a state of the user interface after the pod has
started cooking. Here, there is a progress indicator 452 that
displays the progress of the heating process (around 1/8 done). The
user interface may include a button 454 to cancel a heating
process. Selecting the button causes a controller of the heating
apparatus to stop the heating process. The user interface 430 may
include other sections, "Description," "Ingredients," and
"Nutritional Facts." Examples of these sections are described with
respect to FIG. 4B.
[0050] FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a user
interface 470 for controlling a heating system. The example shown
in FIG. 4D shows a state of the user interface when the pod has
completed cooking. Here, a pop-up notification or window 472 alerts
a user that the pod was cooked successfully. Other message
regarding the heating process may be displayed including any
information about any events that occurred during the heating
process.
[0051] In various embodiments, where the user interface is part of
an app on a mobile device, the app may be configured to provide
notifications about the state of a heating process on the mobile
device. For example, when 2 minutes (or some other threshold)
remains in a heating process, a user may be notified according to
standard OS notifications. This allows the cooking process to be
unattended and convenient.
[0052] The information displayed in user interfaces 300, 350, and
400, and information gathered from these user interfaces may be
locally analyzed or provided to a remote server for analysis. The
analytics may refine heating instructions for associated foods or
food types. The analytics may be associated with the user profile
to provide improved suggestions for the user.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an
apparatus 500 to store and transport matter 530. For example, in
various embodiments the apparatus 500 is adapted to store and
transport matter 530 comprising food or other heatable loads. The
apparatus 500 includes a top portion 510, a bottom portion 512, a
metal layer 514, a membrane 516, a seal 518, and a pressure relief
valve 520.
[0054] The bottom portion 512 is adapted to receive matter 530. The
bottom portion holds food or other types of loads. For example, the
bottom portion may be a plate or bowl. As further described herein,
a user may directly consume the matter 530 from the bottom portion
512.
[0055] The top portion 510 is adapted to fit the bottom portion 512
to form a chamber. For example, the top portion may be a cover for
the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the top portion is deeper
than the bottom portion and is a dome, cloche, or other shape.
Although not shown, in some embodiments, the top portion is
shallower than the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the top
portion is transparent and the matter 530 can be observed during a
preparation/heating process. In some embodiments, the chamber is at
least partially opaque. For example, portions of the chamber may be
opaque to prevent users from inadvertently touching the apparatus
when the chamber is hot.
[0056] The top portion 510 and the bottom portion 512 may be made
of a variety of materials. Materials may include glass, plastic,
metal, compostable/fiber-based materials, or a combination of
materials. The top portion 510 and the bottom portion 512 may be
made of the same material or different materials. For example, the
top portion 510 is metal while the bottom portion 512 is another
material.
[0057] The seal 518 is adapted to join the top portion 510 to the
bottom portion 512. In one aspect, the seal may provide an
air-tight connection between the top portion and the bottom
portion, defining a space enclosed within the top portion and the
bottom portion. In some embodiments, in the space, matter 530 is
isolated from an outside environment. The pressure inside the space
may be different from atmospheric pressure. The seal may also
prevent leakage and facilitate pressure buildup within the chamber
in conjunction with pressure relief valve 520 and/or clamp of a
heating apparatus (not shown).
[0058] In one aspect, a chamber formed by the top portion 510 and
the bottom portion 512 may store and/or preserve food. For example,
food may be vacuum-sealed inside the chamber. In another aspect,
the chamber contains the food during a heating process. In various
embodiments, the chamber can be directly be placed on a heating
apparatus. For example, a user may obtain the chamber from a
distributor (e.g., a grocery store), heat up the contents of the
chamber without opening the chamber, and consume the contents of
the chamber directly. In various embodiments, the same chamber
stores/preserves food, is a transport vessel for the food, can be
used to cook the food, and the food can be directly consumed from
the chamber after preparation.
[0059] The metal layer 514 (also referred to as a conductive
structure) heats in response to an EM source. In some embodiments,
the metal layer heats by EM induction. The metal layer can heat
matter 530. For example, heat in the metal layer may be conducted
to the contents. As further described herein, the heating of the
matter (in some cases in combination with a controlled level of
moisture) in the chamber allows for a variety of preparation
methods including dry heat methods such as baking/roasting,
broiling, grilling, sauteing/frying; moist heat methods such as
steaming, poaching/simmering, boiling; and combination methods such
as braising and stewing. In various embodiments, several different
heating methods are used in a single preparation process, e.g., the
preparation process comprising a sequence of heating cycles.
[0060] The metal layer may be made of a variety of materials. In
some embodiments, the metal layer includes an electrically
conducting material such as a ferromagnetic metal, e.g., stainless
steel. In various embodiments, the metal is processed and/or
treated in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the
metal is ceramic-coated. In some embodiments, the metal layer is
made of any metallic material, e.g., aluminum.
[0061] The membrane 516 (also referred to as a membrane region) is
adapted to control an amount of liquid. For example, the membrane
may provide controlled flow of moisture through the membrane. In
various embodiments, the membrane may release liquids (e.g., water)
inside a space defined by the top portion 510 and the bottom
portion 512. For example, water can be released in a controlled
manner and transformed to steam during a heating process. In
various embodiments, the membrane may absorb liquids. For example,
the membrane may absorb juices released by food during a heating
process.
[0062] In some embodiments, the membrane 516 is adapted to provide
insulation between the metal layer 514 and a surface of the bottom
portion 512. For example, if the bottom portion is a glass plate,
the membrane may prevent the glass plate from breaking due to
heat.
[0063] The membrane 516 may be made of a variety of materials. In
some embodiments, the membrane includes a heat-resistant spongy
material such as open-cell silicone. In some embodiments, the
membrane includes natural fiber and/or cellulose. The material may
be selected based on desired performance, e.g., if the membrane is
intended to absorb liquid or release liquid, a rate at which liquid
should be absorbed/released, a quantity of liquid initially
injected in the membrane, etc.
[0064] The pressure relief valve 520 regulates pressure in a space
defined by the top portion 510 and the bottom portion 512. In
various embodiments, the pressure relief valve relieves pressure
buildup within the chamber. For example, in various embodiments the
valve activates/deploys automatically in response to sensed
temperature or pressure inside the chamber meeting a threshold. In
some embodiments, the valve is activated by a heating apparatus
such as heating apparatus 600 of FIG. 6. For example, the valve may
be activated at a particular stage or time during a cooking
process. The pressure relief valve allows the contents of the
chamber to be heated at one or more pre-determined pressures
including at atmospheric pressure. In various embodiments, this
accommodates pressure heating techniques.
[0065] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a handle 522.
The handle may facilitate handling and transport of the apparatus.
For example, the handle may enable a user to remove the apparatus
from a base (e.g., from the heating apparatus 600 of FIG. 6). In
various embodiments, the handle is insulated to allow safe handling
of the apparatus when the rest of the apparatus is hot. In some
embodiments, the handle is collapsible such that the apparatus is
easily stored. For example, several apparatus may be stacked. FIG.
5 shows one example of the handle placement. The handle may be
provided in other positions or locations.
[0066] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an electronic
tag 524. The electronic tag encodes information about the
apparatus. By way of non-limiting example, the encoded information
includes identification of matter 530, characteristics of the
contents, and handling instructions. Using the example of a food
package, the electronic tag may store information about the type of
food inside the package (e.g., steak, fish, vegetables),
characteristics of the food (e.g., age/freshness, texture, any
abnormalities), and heating instructions (e.g., sear the steak at
high heat followed by baking at a lower temperature). Although
shown below membrane 516, the electronic tag may be provided in
other locations such as below handle 522, on a wall of the top
portion 510, among other places.
[0067] The apparatus 500 may be a variety of shapes and sizes. In
some embodiments, the shape of the apparatus is compatible with a
heating apparatus such as heating apparatus 600 of FIG. 6. For
example, the apparatus may be of a suitable surface area and shape
to be heated by apparatus 600. For example, apparatus 100 may be
around 7 inches in diameter and around 2 inches in height.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an
apparatus 600 for heating. For example, in various embodiments the
heating apparatus 600 is adapted to receive an apparatus 630 (also
referred to as a chamber) and heat contents of the chamber 630. An
example of the chamber 630 is apparatus 800 of FIG. 8. The heating
apparatus 600 includes an EM source 602, one or more sensors 604,
electronic tag reader 606, controller 608, and user interface
610.
[0069] The EM source 602 heats electrically conductive materials.
In various embodiments, the EM source is an RF source that provides
inductive heating of metals such as ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
metals. For example, the EM source 602 may include an electromagnet
and an electronic oscillator. In some embodiments, the oscillator
is controlled by controller 608 to pass an alternating current (AC)
through an electromagnet. The alternating magnetic field generates
eddy currents in a target such as metal layer 514 of FIG. 5,
causing the metal layer to heat. Heating levels and patterns may be
controlled by the frequency of the AC and when to apply the AC to
the electromagnet as further described herein.
[0070] The sensor(s) 604 are adapted to detect characteristics of
contents of chamber 630 including any changes that may occur during
a heating process. A variety of sensors may be provided including a
microphone, camera, thermometer, and/or hygrometer, etc. A
microphone may be configured to detect sounds of the matter being
heated. A camera may be configured to detect changes in the
appearance of the matter being heated, e.g., by capturing images of
the matter. A hygrometer may be configured to detect steam/vapor
content of the chamber. For example, the hygrometer may be provided
near an opening or pressure relief valve such as valve 520 of FIG.
5 to detect moisture escaping the chamber. The information captured
by the sensors may be processed by controller 608 to determine a
stage in the cooking process or a characteristic of the matter
being heated as further described herein. In this example, the
sensor(s) are shown outside the chamber 630. In some embodiments,
at least some of the sensor(s) are provided inside the chamber
630.
[0071] The electronic tag reader 606 reads information about
contents of the chamber 630 such as characteristics of packaged
food. The information encoded in the tag may include properties of
the contents, instructions for preparing/heating the contents, etc.
In various embodiments, the electronic tag reader is configured to
read a variety of tag types including barcodes, QR codes, RFIDs and
any other tags encoding information.
[0072] The controller 608 controls operation of the heating
apparatus 600. An example of the controller is controller 708 of
FIG. 7. In various embodiments, the controller executes
instructions for processing contents of chamber 630 based on user
input provided via a user interface such as the example interfaces
shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4. In some embodiments, the instructions
are obtained from reading an electronic tag of the chamber 630 via
the electronic tag reader 606. In some embodiments, the controller
requests instructions from a remote server based on the contents.
The controller controls the EM source 602 to implement heating
levels and patterns, e.g., activating the electromagnet to carry
out the heating instructions.
[0073] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more
network interfaces (not shown). A network interface allows
controller 608 to be coupled to another computer, computer network,
or telecommunications network using a network connection as shown.
For example, through the network interface, the controller 608 can
receive information (e.g., data objects or program instructions)
from another network or output information to another network in
the course of performing method/process steps. Information, often
represented as a sequence of instructions to be executed on a
processor, can be received from and outputted to another network.
An interface card or similar device and appropriate software
implemented by (e.g., executed/performed on) controller 608 can be
used to connect the heating apparatus 600 to an external network
and transfer data according to standard protocols. For example,
various process embodiments disclosed herein can be executed on
controller 608, or can be performed across a network such as the
Internet, intranet networks, or local area networks, in conjunction
with a remote processor that shares a portion of the processing.
Additional mass storage devices (not shown) can also be connected
to controller 608 through the network interface.
[0074] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more I/O
devices 610. An I/O device interface can be used in conjunction
with heating apparatus 600. The I/O device interface can include
general and customized interfaces that allow the controller 608 to
send and receive data from other devices such as sensors,
microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers,
tape readers, voice or handwriting recognizers, biometrics readers,
cameras, portable mass storage devices, and other computers.
[0075] The user interface 610 is configured to receive user input
and/or provide information to a user. For example, the user
interface may be suitable for receiving user input at 604 of FIG.
6. In various embodiments, the user interface 610 is a
touch-sensitive screen. For example, various options for food
preparation may be displayed on the touch screen. The user
interface may transmit a user's selection to a processor such as
controller 608. The processor then determines a heating schedule
based at least in part on the user selection. An example of a
process for providing a user interface is shown in FIG. 2. Example
images of graphical user interfaces that may be displayed on user
interface 610 are shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4.
[0076] In various embodiments, controller 608 is coupled
bi-directionally with memory (not shown), which can include a first
primary storage, typically a random access memory (RAM), and a
second primary storage area, typically a read-only memory (ROM). As
is well known in the art, primary storage can be used as a general
storage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also be used to
store input data and processed data. Primary storage can also store
programming instructions and data, in the form of data objects and
text objects, in addition to other data and instructions for
processes operating on controller 608. Also as is well known in the
art, primary storage typically includes basic operating
instructions, program code, data and objects used by the controller
608 to perform its functions (e.g., programmed instructions). For
example, memory can include any suitable computer-readable storage
media, described below, depending on whether, for example, data
access needs to be bi-directional or uni-directional. For example,
controller 608 can also directly and very rapidly retrieve and
store frequently needed data in a cache memory (not shown).
[0077] In some embodiments, the controller implements the heating
instructions based on sensor readings. The controller may determine
that a heating stage is complete, e.g., the food has reached a
desired state, based on sensor readings. For example, when a level
of moisture inside the chamber 630 drops below a threshold, a
Maillard reaction begins and the food becomes browned. The Maillard
reaction may be indicated by a characteristic sound (e.g.,
sizzling). For example, in various embodiments, the controller
determines a characteristic of the food being prepared using
signals collected by the sensor(s) 604. The controller receives a
sensor reading from the microphone and/or other sensors and
determines that the Maillard reaction has begun based on the sensor
reading meeting a threshold or matching a profile. For example, the
color of food may indicate whether the food has been cooked to
satisfaction. The controller receives a sensor reading from the
camera and/or other sensors and determines that food has been
cooked to a desired level of tenderness based on the sensor reading
meeting a threshold or matching a profile.
[0078] The controller may adjust a heating stage or a heating power
level based on sensor readings. For example, in various embodiments
at the end of a default heating time indicated by heating
instructions, the controller checks sensor readings. The sensor
readings indicate that the food is not sufficiently browned. The
controller may then extend the heating time such that the food is
more browned.
[0079] In various embodiments, the heating apparatus includes a
cradle or support for apparatus 100. For example, the support may
be separated from the heating apparatus, the apparatus 100 inserted
into the support, and the support returned to the heating
apparatus. The support may support a circumference/walls of
apparatus 100.
[0080] In various embodiments, the heating apparatus includes a
switch (not shown). The switch may power on the heating apparatus
and/or receive user input to begin a heating process. In various
embodiments, the switch is provided with a visual indicator of
progress of a heating process. For example, the switch may be
provided at the center of a light "bulb," where the light bulb
includes one or more colored lights (e.g., LED lights). The light
"bulb" may change colors during the heating process, acting like a
timer. For example, at the beginning of a heating process, the bulb
is entirely be red. As the heating process progresses, the light
gradually turns green (e.g., segment by segment) until the light is
entirely green, indicating completion of a heating stage or heating
process. The light may gradually turn green segment by segment as
if with the sweeping of a second hand of a clock, where a section
to the left of the hour and minutes hands is red and a section to
the right of the hour and minute hands is green until both hands
are at 12:00 and the bulb is entirely green.
[0081] In various embodiments, the heating apparatus may include a
user interface to display and/or receive user input. For example, a
current power/energy level of a heating phase may be displayed on
the user interface. In some embodiments, the energy levels are
categorized Level 1 to Level 6 and a current power level of a
heating phase is displayed on the user interface. The
categorization may facilitate user comprehension of the energy
level. Power/energy levels may be represented in an analog or
continuous manner in some embodiments.
[0082] The heating apparatus 600 may be a variety of shapes. For
example, heating apparatus 600 may be around 9 inches in diameter
and around 2 inches in height. In some embodiments, the shape of
the apparatus is compatible with an apparatus such as chamber 500
of FIG. 5. For example, the apparatus may be of a suitable surface
area and shape to heat the contents of chamber 500.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller
708 for a heating apparatus. For example, the controller may be
provided in heating apparatus 600 of FIG. 6. The controller 708
includes control logic 704, a tag database 710, resonant circuit
714, and power 712. In this example, the controller 708 is
communicatively coupled to EM source 702 and tag reader 706.
[0084] The tag reader 706 reads a tag 714. The tag 714 may encode
information about contents of a chamber. An example of tag reader
706 is electronic tag reader 606 of FIG. 6.
[0085] The control logic 704 is configured to receive tag
information from the tag reader 706 and determine one or more
heating cycles based on the tag information. In some embodiments,
the control logic determines heating cycle(s) by looking up an
association between the tag information and stored heating cycles.
For example, the control logic may determine heating cycle(s)
adapted to properties of a chamber in which the heatable load is
provided and/or characteristics of the heatable load. In various
embodiments, the control logic executes one or more processes
described herein including processes shown in FIG. 2 or 8.
[0086] In some embodiments, the control logic is implemented by one
or more processors (also referred to as a microprocessor subsystem
or a central processing unit (CPU)). For example, the control logic
704 can be implemented by a single-chip processor or by multiple
processors. In some embodiments, a processor is a general purpose
digital processor that controls the operation of the heating
apparatus 600. Using instructions retrieved from memory, the
processor controls the reception and manipulation of input data,
and the output and display of data on output devices (e.g., display
118 of FIG. 1 or user interface 610 of FIG. 6).
[0087] The tag database 710 stores associations between heatable
loads and heating cycles. For example, energy level, duration, and
other properties of heating cycles may be stored in association
with a load or characteristic(s) the load. In various embodiments,
the associations are pre-defined and loaded into the database. In
various embodiments, the associations are refined based on machine
learning, user feedback, and/or sensor readings of heatable load
properties before, during, or after a heating cycle. Although shown
as part of the controller 708, the tag database may instead be
external to the controller.
[0088] The resonant circuit 714 controls the EM source 702. In some
embodiments, the resonant circuit 714 has an integrated EM source
702, e.g., an inductor coil (not shown). In some embodiments, the
EM source is a separate element from the resonant circuit 714.
[0089] The power 712 is input to the resonant circuit 714. In
various embodiments, power 712 is a DC source. The DC source may be
an internal or external DC source or may be adapted from an
external AC source. Although shown as an internal source, the power
may instead be external to the controller 708.
[0090] In operation, tag reader 706 read tag information from tag
714, and sends the information to the control logic 704. The
control logic 704 maps the received tag information to one or more
heating cycles using associations stored in tag database 710. The
control logic 704 then instructs the resonant circuit 714 to
execute the heating cycles. For example, the control logic 704 may
also control when power 712 is provided to the resonant circuit
714. Resonant circuit 714 then activates the EM source 702.
[0091] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a
process 800 to operate an automatic heating system. In various
embodiments, the process 800 may be implemented by a processor such
as control logic 704 of FIG. 7.
[0092] A tag is received (802). In various embodiments, the tag is
an electronic tag associated with a heatable load. Tag 524 of FIG.
5 is an example of a tag encoding information about matter 530.
Returning to FIG. 8, the tag is mapped to a heating cycle (804). In
various embodiments, the tag is mapped by looking up an association
between the tag and heating cycles. The heating cycles may be
adapted for characteristics of a heatable load. The heating cycle
may be defined by a duration and an energy level as further
described herein. Upon determination of one or more heating cycles,
the heating cycle(s) is executed (806). For example, in various
embodiments control logic instructs a resonant circuit, e.g., 714
of FIG. 7, to drive an EM source, e.g., 702 of FIG. 7.
[0093] FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
modular heating system 900. The system 900 includes a plurality of
sub-units (labelled as "devices"). In this example, the sub-units
of the system are heating apparatus, e.g., N heating apparatus. An
example of a heating apparatus is heating apparatus 600 of FIG. 6.
In various embodiments, the sub-units are communicatively coupled
to at least their adjacent sub-units. For example, the sub-units
may communicate by wired or wireless means such as Bluetooth.RTM.,
WiFi.RTM., and/or other local area network protocols. For example,
in various embodiments, the sub-units each have a network interface
such as the network interface described with respect to FIG. 6.
[0094] The sub-units may be configured to coordinate operation such
that the system operates as a single unit. For example, one of the
sub-units may be appointed as a master and communicate with the
other slave sub-units of the system. If the master is removed from
the system, another sub-unit may be appointed as the master. As
another example, each of the sub-units may be instructed to operate
(e.g., delay beginning of a heating cycle) by a central server.
[0095] The system 900 is expandable and accommodates sub-units that
may be added or removed after an initial set-up. For example, the
heating apparatus need not be acquired at the same time. When a
heating apparatus is added to the system, the heating apparatus is
automatically configured to communicate and coordinate with the
other heating apparatus as further described herein. When a heating
apparatus is removed from the system, the system is automatically
updated.
[0096] In various embodiments, one or more sub-units of system 900
is configured to coordinate meal preparation. For example, the
heating apparatus may be configured to finish heating at the same
time. Those heating apparatus with contents having shorter heating
times may delay the start time such that more than one of the
heating apparatus finish at the same time. Suppose Device 1 is
instructed to cook steak, which takes 3 minutes, Device 2 is
instructed to cook spinach, which takes 1 minute, and Device N is
instructed to cook mashed potatoes, which takes 1.5 minutes. Device
1 begins first, 1.5 minutes later, Device N begins, and 30 seconds
after Device N begins, Device 2 begins. Thus, Devices 1, 2, and N
will finish heating at the same time.
[0097] As another example, the devices may be configured to finish
heating at staggered times. Using the same example in which Device
1 is instructed to cook steak, which takes 3 minutes, Device 2 is
instructed to cook spinach, which takes 1 minute, and Device N is
instructed to cook mashed potatoes, which takes 1.5 minutes,
suppose mashed potatoes need more time to cool down. Devices 1 and
2 may be configured to finish at the same time, and Device N may be
configured to finish 1 minute before Devices 1 and 2 finish. Device
1 begins first, 0.5 minutes later, Device N begins, and 1.5 minutes
after Device N begins, Device 2 begins. Thus, Devices 1 and 2 will
finish heating at the same time (3 minutes after Device 1 began)
and Device N will finish heating 1 minute before Devices 1 and 2
are finished.
[0098] FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
modular heating system 950. The system 950 includes a plurality of
sub-units (labelled as "devices"). In this example, the sub-units
of the system are modules, e.g., N modules. Each of the modules
includes four heating apparatus, Device 1 to Device 4. An example
of a heating apparatus is heating apparatus 600 of FIG. 6. In
various embodiments, the sub-units are communicatively coupled to
at least their adjacent sub-units. For example, the sub-units may
communicate by wired or wireless means such as Bluetooth.RTM.,
WiFi.RTM., and/or other local area network protocols. For example,
in various embodiments, the sub-units each have a network interface
such as the network interface described with respect to FIG. 2.
[0099] In various embodiments, the modules may be configured to
coordinate operation of constituent heating apparatus. For
examples, Device 1 to Device 4 are configured to finish heating at
the same time or pre-defined staggered finish times. In various
embodiments, the modules may be configured to coordinate operation
with each other. For example, Modules 1 to N are coordinated to
finish heating at the same time or pre-defined staggered finish
times.
[0100] Suppose system 950 is preparing a meal for two people, where
each meal includes four courses. Each of the courses may be
packaged in a chamber such as apparatus 500 of FIG. 5. In some
embodiments, the chambers may be loaded into the devices at the
same time and configured to be finished heating at pre-defined
times (e.g., at the same time or pre-selected staggered times).
[0101] There are a variety of ways to load the chambers into the
devices/modules. In a first example, each of the courses for the
first person is inserted into a respective device in Module 1. Each
of the courses for the second person is inserted into a respective
device in Module 2. For example, Device 1 in each module receives a
package for a starter, Device 2 in each module receives a package
for an intermediate course, Device 3 in each module receives a
package for a main course, and Device 4 in each module receives a
package for a dessert. The packages may all be inserted into the
heating apparatus at the same time.
[0102] In a second example, courses of the same type are inserted
into the same module. For example, a starter package is inserted
into Device 1 and Device 2 of Module 1, an intermediate course
package is inserted into Device 3 and Device 4 of Module 1, a main
course package is inserted into Device 1 and Device 2 of Module 2,
and a dessert package is inserted into Device 3 and Device 4 of
Module 2.
[0103] In operation, the modules may coordinate to finish cooking
the starter first, finish cooking the intermediate course 10
minutes after cooking of the starter is completed, finish cooking
the main course 15 minutes after cooking of the intermediate course
is completed, and finish cooking the dessert 20 minutes after
cooking of the main course is completed. The modules may factor in
the time is takes to prepare each of the courses in determining
when to begin cooking each of the courses to meet the defined
finish time. The end times may be adapted to a user, e.g., based on
usage habits and/or preferences provided by a user or associated
with a user profile. In various embodiments, the heating apparatus
is configured for use in a top-loading manner (e.g., like loading
matter into a pot or pan on a cooktop). In various embodiments, the
heating apparatus is configured for use in a side-loading manner
(e.g., like loading matter into a conventional oven).
[0104] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in
some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention
is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative
ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are
illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *