Temperature determination method, hob, temperature calibration device and system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HANGZHOU ROBAM APPLIANCES CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
Smart Images

Figure CN122237787A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of cooking stove technology, and in particular to a temperature determination method, stove, temperature calibration device and system. Background Technology
[0002] In the cooking process, precise control of the temperature of the medium inside the pot is crucial to the success of a dish. For example, when stir-frying, it's necessary to know if the oil temperature has reached 70-80% of its maximum heat; when frying food, the oil temperature needs to be stabilized within a specific range; and when stewing soup or simmering at a low temperature, precise control of the water temperature is required. Therefore, the core need of users is to obtain the real-time, direct temperature of the water or oil inside the pot—the true temperature of the medium—and use this as the basis for decisions regarding adjusting the heat and adding ingredients.
[0003] To achieve precise temperature control, existing smart gas stoves typically integrate a temperature sensor at the center of the burner. This sensor directly faces and detects the temperature at the bottom of the pot. However, there is a temperature difference between the bottom of the pot and the inside of the pot, and this difference is affected by various factors. Directly using the bottom temperature to represent the inside temperature, or using a simple fixed offset correction to the bottom temperature to represent the inside temperature, will result in a large difference between the determined inside temperature and the actual inside temperature, leading to low accuracy. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a temperature determination method, a stove, a temperature calibration device, and a system to improve the accuracy of the determined pot temperature.
[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for determining temperature, the method comprising:
[0006] Obtain the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking;
[0007] Obtain the carrier type corresponding to the cooking carrier in the cookware;
[0008] The bottom temperature of the cookware is collected, and the internal temperature of the cookware is determined based on the bottom temperature, the carrier type, and the reference material.
[0009] Optionally, obtain the reference material of the cookware used in this cooking, including:
[0010] The pot placed on the stove is ignited and heated, wherein the pot contains a preset cooking carrier;
[0011] When the preset cooking medium boils, record the first bottom temperature and the first internal temperature of the pot.
[0012] The first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences, and the reference material of the cookware used for this cooking is determined based on the comparison results; wherein, the multiple preset temperature differences correspond to multiple cookware materials, and the first temperature difference is equal to the difference between the temperature inside the first pot and the temperature of the bottom of the first pot.
[0013] Optionally, the first temperature difference can be compared with multiple preset temperature differences, including:
[0014] When the temperature inside the first pot is within the first temperature range, the first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences; where a is a preset positive number; the first temperature range is between [(100-a)℃, (100+a)℃].
[0015] The method further includes:
[0016] The temperature inside the pot is displayed on the display panel;
[0017] When the temperature inside the first pot is not within the first temperature range, a first prompt message is sent to the user. The first prompt message is used to indicate that the user's location is not suitable for the pot temperature display function.
[0018] Optionally, based on the comparison results, determine the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking, including:
[0019] For any preset temperature difference, when the difference between the preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is less than the preset difference, the cookware material corresponding to the preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material.
[0020] If the difference between any preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is greater than the preset difference, then the two target preset temperature differences with the smallest difference from the first temperature difference are selected, and the cookware material corresponding to the target preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material.
[0021] Optionally, the internal temperature of the cookware is determined based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material, including:
[0022] When the number of reference materials is 1, the pot temperature is determined by the pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material through a first mapping table; the first mapping table is used to indicate the correspondence between the pot temperature and the first reference conditions, wherein the first reference conditions include: pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material.
[0023] When the number of reference materials is 2, according to the formula α= Determine the calibration coefficient α; where, The first temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference;
[0024] For any reference material, the reference pot temperature is determined by the first mapping table based on the reference material, the pot bottom temperature, and the carrier type.
[0025] According to the formula Determine the internal temperature Y of the cookware, wherein, For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature.
[0026] Optionally, the internal temperature of the cookware is determined based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material, including:
[0027] The weight of the cooking vessel, the current heat level of the stove, and the status of the pot lid are obtained, wherein the status of the pot lid is used to indicate whether the pot is covered with a lid.
[0028] Based on the bottom temperature of the pot, the type of carrier, the reference material, the weight of the carrier, the current heat level, and the state of the pot lid, the internal temperature of the pot is determined through a second mapping table. The second mapping table is used to indicate the correspondence between the internal temperature of the pot and the second reference conditions, which include: bottom temperature of the pot, type of carrier, reference material, weight of the carrier, current heat level, and state of the pot lid.
[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a cooktop, including: a first controller, a temperature sensor, and a display screen;
[0030] The first controller is used to execute the method described in the first aspect;
[0031] The temperature sensor is used to collect the temperature of the bottom of the cookware and send the temperature of the bottom of the cookware to the first controller;
[0032] The display screen is used to acquire and display the pot temperature sent by the first controller.
[0033] Optionally, the cooktop also includes: an operation panel, which includes: water-related cooking mode function buttons, oil-related cooking mode function buttons, and temperature calibration function buttons.
[0034] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a temperature calibration device, including: a second controller, a support frame, and a thermometer;
[0035] Both the second controller and the support frame are provided with through holes for the thermometer to pass through;
[0036] The second controller is electrically connected to the thermometer. The second controller is used to acquire the temperature inside the pot measured by the thermometer and send the temperature inside the pot to the first controller.
[0037] Optionally, the second controller includes: a plastic housing and a circuit board, the circuit board including a base plate, a power interface, a start button, a first plug-in terminal, and a chip; the thermometer includes a second plug-in terminal;
[0038] The first plug-in terminal is connected to the second plug-in terminal;
[0039] Both the plastic outer shell and the base plate are provided with through holes for the thermometer to pass through.
[0040] The power interface is used to connect to an external power source;
[0041] The chip is used to acquire the temperature inside the pot as measured by the thermometer and send the temperature inside the pot to the first controller.
[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a temperature calibration system, including:
[0043] The stove described in the second aspect and the temperature calibration device described in the third aspect.
[0044] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including: a memory and a processor;
[0045] The memory stores computer-executed instructions;
[0046] The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to perform various possible implementations as described above.
[0047] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement various possible implementations as described in any of the above aspects.
[0048] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements various possible implementations as described in any of the above aspects.
[0049] The temperature determination method, stove, temperature calibration device, and system provided in this application embodiment include: obtaining a reference material corresponding to the cookware used for cooking; obtaining the carrier type corresponding to the cooking carrier in the cookware; collecting the bottom temperature of the cookware; and determining the internal temperature of the cookware based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material. This method abandons the coarse mode of single fixed compensation and determines the internal temperature of the cookware by comprehensively considering the reference material, carrier type, and bottom temperature of the cookware, which can significantly improve the accuracy of internal temperature determination and provide a reliable data foundation for subsequent precise cooking. Attached Figure Description
[0050] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.
[0051] Figure 1 An application scenario diagram provided for an embodiment of this application;
[0052] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating a temperature determination method provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0053] Figure 3 This is another application scenario diagram provided by an embodiment of this application;
[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature calibration device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermometer provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a support frame provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second controller provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0058] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a stove operation and display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0059] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a temperature determination device provided in this application;
[0060] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in this application.
[0061] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0062] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.
[0063] In culinary arts and food science, precise control of the temperature of the medium in the pot, such as water, oil, and broth, is a key physical parameter determining the color, aroma, flavor, shape, and safety of dishes. Different cooking techniques have drastically different and extremely stringent temperature requirements. For example, when frying food, the oil temperature needs to be stabilized within a specific range (e.g., 160-180°C) to ensure the food is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside while absorbing minimal oil. Meanwhile, sous-vide cooking or simmering in broth in Western cuisine requires precise and stable control of the water temperature over a long period (e.g., 55-65°C). Therefore, the core need of users is to be able to obtain the real-time, direct temperature of the water or oil in the pot—the true temperature of the cooking medium—and use this as the core basis for adjusting the heat, determining the cooking time, and adding ingredients.
[0064] To achieve precise temperature control, existing smart gas stoves typically integrate a temperature sensor at the center of the burner. This sensor directly faces and detects the temperature at the bottom of the pot. However, there is a temperature difference between the bottom of the pot and the inside of the pot, and this difference is affected by various factors. Directly using the bottom temperature to represent the inside temperature, or using a simple fixed offset correction to the bottom temperature to represent the inside temperature, will result in a large difference between the determined inside temperature and the actual inside temperature, leading to low accuracy.
[0065] In view of this, this application provides a temperature determination method. The first controller in the stove obtains the reference material of the pot used for cooking and the carrier type of the cooking medium in the pot, and collects the bottom temperature of the pot. Based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material, the internal temperature of the pot can be determined. This method abandons the coarse mode of single fixed compensation. By comprehensively considering the reference material, carrier type, and bottom temperature of the pot, the internal temperature of the pot can be determined, which can greatly improve the accuracy of the internal temperature determination and provide a reliable data foundation for subsequent precise cooking.
[0066] Figure 1 An application scenario diagram provided for an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the user places the cookware used for this cooking on the stove, and the cookware contains a cooking medium. The first controller in the stove ignites and heats the cookware, obtains the reference material corresponding to the cookware and the type of the cooking medium in the cookware, collects the temperature of the bottom of the cookware, and determines the temperature inside the cookware based on the temperature of the bottom of the cookware, the type of the medium, and the reference material.
[0067] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0068] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a temperature determination method provided in an embodiment of this application. The executing entity in this embodiment can be any device with data processing capabilities. This application uses the first controller of a stove as the executing entity for specific description. Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a temperature determination method may include:
[0069] Step 201: Obtain the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking.
[0070] The reference material can be one or more, for example, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, etc.
[0071] Optionally, the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking can be selected by the user through the control panel on the stove or the corresponding mobile APP (application).
[0072] In this application, a temperature calibration device is required when measuring the temperature inside the pot; therefore, the structure of the temperature calibration device will be described in detail first. Figure 3 Another application scenario diagram provided for the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 The system includes: a temperature calibration device 1, a cookware to be calibrated 2, and a stove 3. The cookware 2 is a commonly used household cooking cookware, which the user can choose. The temperature calibration device 1 includes a thermometer 1.3, which is used to measure the temperature of the cooking medium inside the cookware, wherein the cooking medium can be water or oil.
[0073] The cooktop 3 includes a temperature sensor 3.1 and a weight sensor 3.2. The temperature sensor 3.1 is used to measure the temperature of the bottom of the cookware, and the weight sensor 3.2 is used to weigh the cookware. The cooktop 3 can use an electronically controlled valve to automatically adjust the speed settings. In this embodiment, the electronically controlled valve has 9 speed settings, with level 1 being the lowest and level 9 being the highest.
[0074] During the calibration process, the temperature calibration device 1 measures the actual water or oil temperature inside the pot, and the temperature sensor 3.1 on the stove 3 measures the temperature of the bottom of the pot. By comparing the changing trends of the actual temperature inside the pot and the temperature of the bottom of the pot, the material of the pot is identified.
[0075] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature calibration device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the temperature calibration device 1 includes a second controller 1.1, a support frame 1.2, and a thermometer 1.3.
[0076] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermometer provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the thermometer 1.3 includes a main body 1.3.1 and a power cord 1.3.2. The main body 1.3.1 is cylindrical and can move freely up and down through the second controller 1.1 and the support frame 1.2.
[0077] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a support frame provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the support frame 1.2 comprises a main body 1.2.1 and a cover 1.2.2, which are embedded and connected. The main body 1.2.1 is shaped like a pot lid and can be placed on commonly used household cookware. A universal joint is located in the center of the main body 1.2.1 for the thermometer 1.3 main body 1.3.1 to pass through. The support frame main body 1.2.1 is fixedly connected to the second controller 1.1. The cover 1.2.2 can be removed and put on.
[0078] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second controller provided in an embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the second controller 1.1 includes a plastic housing 1.1.1 and a circuit board 1.1.2. The circuit board 1.1.2 further includes a base plate 1.1.2.1, a power interface 1.1.2.2, a start button 1.1.2.3, a connector 1.1.2.4, and a chip 1.1.2.5. The plastic housing 1.1.1 and the base plate 1.1.2.1 are fixedly connected. A through hole is provided in the center of the circuit board for the thermometer 1.3 body 1.3.1 to pass through. The power interface 1.1.2.2 can be connected to an external power source such as a power bank. The connector 1.1.2.4 connects to the power cord 1.3.2 terminal on the thermometer 1.3. The chip 1.1.2.5 is used to process electrical signals and communicate with the stove 3.
[0079] In this invention, the stove 3, based on a conventional stove, is equipped with a temperature sensor 3.1, a weight sensor 3.2, a second controller 3.3, and an operation and display panel 3.4. The temperature sensor 3.1 is located at the center of the stove burner and is used to measure the temperature of the pot bottom. The weight sensor 3.2 is located at the bottom of the stove and is connected to the stove pot rack via a connector, used to measure the weight of the pot and its internal components. The second controller 3.3 is wired to the temperature sensor 3.1 and the weight sensor 3.2, and is also wired or wirelessly connected to the temperature calibration device 1, allowing real-time acquisition of the pot bottom temperature and the actual water temperature inside the pot during calibration.
[0080] Optionally, obtain the reference material of the cookware used in this cooking, including:
[0081] The pot placed on the stove is ignited and heated, and the pot contains a preset cooking medium;
[0082] When the preset cooking medium boils, record the first bottom temperature and the first internal temperature of the pot.
[0083] The first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences, and the reference material of the cookware used for this cooking is determined based on the comparison results. Among them, multiple preset temperature differences correspond to multiple cookware materials, and the first temperature difference is equal to the difference between the temperature inside the first pot and the temperature of the bottom of the first pot.
[0084] In this context, the cooking medium refers to the continuous medium that serves as the final recipient of heat transfer during the cooking process and directly exchanges heat with the food. For example, the cooking medium can be water or oil.
[0085] Specifically, the first controller ignites and heats the pot placed on the stove. The pot contains a preset cooking medium and a temperature calibration device can be placed on the pot. The preset cooking medium is water, the temperature calibration device is used to measure the temperature inside the pot, and the temperature sensor on the stove is used to measure the temperature of the bottom of the pot.
[0086] The temperature inside the pot measured by the temperature calibration device can determine whether the preset cooking medium is boiling. For example, if the preset cooking medium is water, and the temperature difference inside the pot does not exceed 1°C within one minute, it indicates that the water is boiling.
[0087] The first controller records the temperature of the bottom and the inner temperature of the pot when the preset cooking medium boils, calculates the difference between the bottom and inner temperatures, compares the calculated difference with multiple preset temperature differences, and determines the reference material of the pot used for this cooking based on the comparison results.
[0088] Multiple preset temperature differences correspond one-to-one with various cookware materials, and the preset temperature difference for each cookware material is obtained through experimental measurement. In each experiment, the type and mass of the preset cooking carrier in the cookware, the heat level used to heat the cookware, and whether a lid is added are all the same as when determining the reference material corresponding to the cookware used for this cooking. The cover 1.2.2 on the support frame of the temperature calibration device can simulate the function of a pot lid. When a pot lid is added, cover 1.2.2 on the main body 1.2.1; when no pot lid is added, cover 1.2.2 can be removed.
[0089] Users no longer need to search and select cookware materials from complex menus, nor do they need to remember the materials of different cookware. The system can automatically complete the calibration with a simple boiling water operation, seamlessly embedding the recognition process into normal cooking preparation steps (such as boiling water to cook noodles or blanching). Users can hardly perceive any additional operation, achieving a perfect integration of technology and cooking, improving the user experience, and enhancing the accuracy of cookware material recognition.
[0090] Optionally, the first temperature difference can be compared with multiple preset temperature differences, including:
[0091] When the temperature inside the first pot is within the first temperature range, the first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences; where a is a preset positive number; the first temperature range is between [(100-a)℃, (100+a)℃].
[0092] The method also includes:
[0093] The temperature inside the pot is displayed on the display panel;
[0094] When the temperature inside the first pot is not within the first temperature range, a first prompt message is sent to the user. The first prompt message is used to indicate that the temperature display function inside the pot is not applicable in the user's area.
[0095] Among them, 'a' can be selected according to the actual situation. For example, 'a' can be 5℃.
[0096] When the temperature inside the first pot is between 95℃ and 105℃, the first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences. When the temperature inside the first pot is greater than 105℃ or less than 95℃, the first controller sends a first prompt message to the user. The first prompt message can be displayed on the stove display screen or on the corresponding mobile APP.
[0097] Sending an initial notification to the user in this way can prevent the display of a misleading temperature reading in the event of model failure.
[0098] Optionally, based on the comparison results, determine the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking, including:
[0099] For any preset temperature difference, when the difference between the preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is less than the preset difference, the cookware material corresponding to the preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material.
[0100] If the difference between any preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is greater than the preset difference, then the two target preset temperature differences with the smallest difference from the first temperature difference are selected, and the cookware material corresponding to the target preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material.
[0101] Specifically, if the difference between a certain preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is less than the preset difference, while the differences between the preset temperature differences other than that preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference are all greater than the preset difference, then the cookware material corresponding to that preset temperature difference is determined to be the reference material corresponding to the cookware used in this cooking.
[0102] If the difference between each preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is greater than the preset difference, the first controller determines the two target preset temperature differences with the smallest difference in the first temperature difference, and the two cookware materials corresponding to the two target preset temperature differences are both reference materials.
[0103] It should be noted that all differences mentioned in this application refer to absolute values.
[0104] For example, the preset temperature difference is 1 degree Celsius, the first temperature difference is 3 degrees Celsius, and multiple preset temperature differences include preset temperature difference 1, preset temperature difference 2 and preset temperature difference 3. Among them, preset temperature difference 1 is 4.5 degrees Celsius, preset temperature difference 2 is 4.8 degrees Celsius, preset temperature difference 3 is 6 degrees Celsius, and the differences between the three preset temperature differences and the first temperature difference are 1.5 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees Celsius and 3 degrees Celsius respectively. All the differences are greater than the preset temperature difference of 1 degree Celsius. The two target preset temperature differences with the smallest difference from the first temperature difference are preset temperature difference 1 and preset temperature difference 2. The cookware material corresponding to preset temperature difference 1 and preset temperature difference 2 are both reference materials.
[0105] In this way, the first-level judgment (difference < preset difference) aims to find the preset material that closely matches the measured data. When the user uses cookware made of common, standard materials, it will fall into the scope of the first-level judgment. When the user may use cookware that is non-standard or not fully covered by the system's preset material library, instead of simply reporting an error or randomly specifying a material, it intelligently finds the two closest candidate materials, providing an accurate reference for the subsequent determination of the pot's internal temperature, which can improve the accuracy of the determined pot's internal temperature.
[0106] Step 202: Obtain the type of cooking medium in the cookware.
[0107] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a stove operation and display panel provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 8As shown, the operation and display panel 3.4 includes: calibration function button 3.3.1, water-related cooking mode function button 3.3.2, oil-related cooking mode function button 3.3.3, and display screen 3.4.4. When the user clicks calibration function button 3.3.1 and presses the start button in the temperature calibration device, the temperature calibration device begins to collect the temperature inside the pot and sends the collected temperature inside the pot to the first controller.
[0108] In one alternative implementation, in response to a user clicking the water-related cooking mode function button 3.3.2, the first controller determines that the cooking medium in the pot is water. In response to a user clicking the oil-related cooking mode function button 3.3.3, the first controller determines that the cooking medium in the pot is oil.
[0109] In another alternative implementation, in response to the user's click on the carrier type in the app corresponding to the stove, the first controller obtains the carrier type corresponding to the cooking carrier in the pot.
[0110] Step 203: Collect the temperature of the bottom of the cookware. Based on the temperature of the bottom of the cookware, the type of carrier, and the reference material, determine the internal temperature of the cookware.
[0111] Specifically, the temperature sensor on the stove is used to obtain the temperature of the bottom of the pot and send the bottom temperature to the first controller. This application does not limit the specific method by which the first controller determines the temperature inside the pot based on the bottom temperature, the type of carrier, and the reference material.
[0112] The temperature determination method provided in this application can obtain the reference material of the cookware used in this cooking; obtain the carrier type of the cooking medium in the cookware; collect the bottom temperature of the cookware; and determine the internal temperature of the cookware based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material. This method abandons the coarse mode of single fixed compensation, and determines the internal temperature of the cookware by comprehensively considering the reference material, carrier type, and bottom temperature of the cookware. This can greatly improve the accuracy of internal temperature determination and provide a reliable data foundation for subsequent precise cooking.
[0113] Optionally, the internal temperature of the cookware can be determined based on the bottom temperature of the pot, the type of carrier, and the reference material, including:
[0114] When there is only one reference material, the pot temperature is determined by the first mapping table based on the pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material. The first mapping table is used to indicate the correspondence between the pot temperature and the first reference conditions, which include: pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material.
[0115] When there are two reference materials, according to the formula α= Determine the calibration coefficient α; where, The first temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference;
[0116] For any reference material, the reference pot temperature is determined by the first mapping table based on the reference material, pot bottom temperature, and carrier type.
[0117] According to the formula Determine the internal temperature Y of the pot, where, For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature.
[0118] Specifically, there is one reference material. The first controller can determine the pot's internal temperature by querying the first mapping table based on the known pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material.
[0119] The first mapping table indicates the correspondence between the pot's internal temperature and reference conditions, which include: pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material. This first mapping table was obtained through experimental testing, and the weight of the cooking carrier, the heat level, and whether or not the pot was covered must remain consistent throughout the testing process and in determining the pot's internal temperature.
[0120] When there are two reference materials, according to the formula α= Determine the calibration coefficient α; where, The first temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference; then, the reference material is determined by querying the first mapping table. The corresponding reference pot temperature and reference material The corresponding reference pot temperature, based on the two reference pot temperatures and the calibration coefficient α, is determined using the formula... Determine the internal temperature Y of the cookware.
[0121] By using interpolation algorithms, a customized model that best matches the actual thermal characteristics of these "non-standard" cookware is dynamically generated. This makes the system no longer limited to preset, discrete material categories, but can cover a nearly continuous spectrum of cookware characteristics, greatly expanding the scope of application for accurate temperature measurement.
[0122] Optionally, the internal temperature of the cookware can be determined based on the bottom temperature of the pot, the type of carrier, and the reference material, including:
[0123] The cooking vessel's weight, the stove's current heat setting, and the pot lid status are obtained. The pot lid status indicates whether the pot is covered with a lid.
[0124] Based on the pot bottom temperature, carrier type, reference material, carrier weight, current heat level, and pot lid status, the pot's internal temperature is determined using a second mapping table. This second mapping table indicates the correspondence between the pot's internal temperature and second reference conditions, which include: pot bottom temperature, carrier type, reference material, carrier weight, current heat level, and pot lid status.
[0125] Specifically, the method by which the first controller obtains the weight of the cooking medium is as follows:
[0126] Method 1: After the first controller determines that the weight sensor has returned to zero, it prompts the user to place the pot. The weight sensor detects the weight of the pot and sends the weight of the pot to the first controller. The first controller recognizes that the user has placed the pot, controls the weight sensor to return to zero again, and prompts the user to add the cooking medium. The weight sensor detects the weight of the cooking medium as Ms and sends Ms to the first controller. The first controller confirms that the weight of the medium is Ms.
[0127] Method 2: After the first controller determines that the weight sensor has returned to zero, it prompts the user to place the pot. The weight sensor detects the weight of the pot and sends it to the first controller. After receiving the weight of the pot, the first controller prompts the user to add the cooking medium. The weight sensor detects the weight of the pot with the cooking medium added and sends it to the first controller. After obtaining the weight of the pot with the cooking medium added, the first controller adds the weight of the pot with the cooking medium added to obtain the weight of the cooking medium.
[0128] The specific method by which the first controller determines the state of the pot lid is as follows:
[0129] After the first controller prompts the user whether to add a lid, if the weight sensor detects a sudden change in weight, it means that the user has placed the lid. If no sudden change in weight is detected after a first preset time, it means that the user has not placed the lid.
[0130] The specific method by which the first controller determines the current firepower level of the stove is existing technology, and will not be described in detail here.
[0131] The first controller determines the internal temperature of the cookware by querying the second mapping table based on the known bottom temperature of the pot, carrier type, reference material, carrier weight, current heat level, and lid status.
[0132] In this way, by introducing three key dynamic parameters—carrier weight, current heat level, and lid status—a highly complete, multivariable temperature calculation model is constructed together with the original pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material, further improving the accuracy of the determined pot interior temperature.
[0133] To facilitate understanding, the method for obtaining the second mapping table will be explained in detail below. The method for obtaining the first mapping table can be referred to the method for obtaining the second mapping table, as the core idea is the same. Therefore, the method for obtaining the first mapping table will not be repeated here.
[0134] 1. Select commonly used cookware (aluminum pot, iron pot, stainless steel pot) and two extreme cookware (the two cookware with the largest and smallest temperature deviation) within the product's applicable range as test objects, with cookware number Ga (a takes values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
[0135] 2. Select oil and water as cooking carriers, and designate the cooking carrier as Zb (b takes values of 1 and 2).
[0136] 3. The carrier weight should be at least the minimum, median, and maximum values within the product's claimed applicable range, numbered Mc (c takes values 1, 2, and 3). The more values taken, the higher the accuracy.
[0137] 4. Stove firepower level Qd (d takes values of 1, 2...9).
[0138] 5. Whether the pot lid is on or off, its status is recorded as Pe (e takes values of 1 and 2).
[0139] 6. During testing, add cooking medium Zb to the pot Ga, record the medium weight Mc, the lid state Pe, select the setting Qd, and start heating from room temperature. Use a temperature calibration device to measure the pot's internal temperature Y in real time, and use the temperature sensor 3.1 on the stove 3 to measure the pot's bottom temperature X in real time. The test ends when the water boils or the stove triggers its high-temperature protection. For data processing, take one or more pot internal temperatures corresponding to each pot bottom temperature Xi, and calculate the average of these temperatures as the corresponding pot internal temperature Yi under the current pot bottom temperature. If there are jumps in the pot bottom temperature data, use interpolation to supplement the data. This yields the second mapping table between Y and X under the current conditions: Yi = f(Xi, Ga, Zb, Mc, Qd, Pe).
[0140] By changing the values of Ga, Zb, Mc, Qd, and Pe, and repeating step 6, a second mapping table of Y and X under different conditions is finally obtained.
[0141] Query the second mapping table to obtain the Xi value used for different pots Ga, Zb=Z1 (water), Mc=M2 (intermediate water volume), Qd=Q9 (maximum heat), Pe=P1 (no lid), Yi=boiling point, recorded as Xz(Ga) (a takes values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Calculate ∆Tz(Ga)=Xz(Ga)-boiling point (a takes values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
[0142] The temperature calibration method used in this application is described in detail below.
[0143] 1. Place the pot 2 on the stove 3, record the weight N of the pot 2, and then set the weight to zero.
[0144] 2. Add water to pot 2, the weight of which is the middle value M2 within the product's claimed applicable range, and the initial temperature is room temperature.
[0145] 3. Place the temperature calibration device 1 on the cookware 2. Connect the power interface 1.1.2.2 on the temperature calibration device 1 to the external power supply, and connect the thermometer 1.3 to the plug terminal 1.1.2.4.
[0146] 4. When the user clicks the calibration function button 3.3.1 on the stove 3 and the start button 1.1.2.3 on the temperature calibration device 1, the temperature calibration device 1 and the stove 3 begin to transmit the real-time water temperature measured by the thermometer 1.3.
[0147] 5. The stove is ignited from a cold state and heated at the highest setting Q9 until the water reaches boiling point (the temperature difference should not exceed 1 degree Celsius within 1 minute). The stove is then turned off. The stove 3 automatically records the pot bottom temperature Xf and the actual water temperature Yf at this point and calculates the temperature difference. .
[0148] 6. If the temperature does not meet the requirement of 95℃≤Yf≤105℃, the system will indicate that the temperature display function is not applicable in high-altitude areas.
[0149] 7. If 95℃≤Yf≤105℃ is satisfied, then compare (a takes values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), resulting in:
[0150] When a is close to any of the values in (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), that is...
[0151] When, determine that cookware 2 is a standard cookware; otherwise, when Between When the time interval is between, calculate the calibration coefficient α= .
[0152] The temperature display method of the stove 3 in actual use in this invention is as follows:
[0153] 1. When the user selects function key 3.3.2 or 3.3.3, the system weight will be zeroed, and the user will be reminded to place the cookware 2.
[0154] 2. The system detects a weight change of N±a, automatically recognizes that the user has placed the pot, and reminds the user to add cooking medium after the weight returns to zero.
[0155] 3. Place the cooking carrier Zb corresponding to the selected function into pot 2. After the user confirms, the system records the carrier weight as Ms and determines the Mc value that is closest to Ms.
[0156] 4. The system prompts the user to add ingredients and confirm. During this process, the displayed weight remains unchanged at Ms.
[0157] 5. The system reminds the user whether to add a lid. After detecting a sudden change in weight, it automatically recognizes that the user has placed a lid. Otherwise, the user needs to confirm manually, and the system records the lid status as Pe.
[0158] 6. The user selects the Qd setting to start heating. The cooker 3 collects the pot bottom temperature X in real time, and displays the temperature as Y = f(X, Ga, Zb, Mc, Qd, Pe) (when the Ga data of cooker 2 is close to that of the standard cooker) or Y = [f(X, Gi, Zb, Mc, Qd, Pe) + α * f(X, Gj, Zb, Mc, Qd, Pe)] / (1 + α) (when cooker 2 is only between the standard cooker Gi and Gj).
[0159] This application embodiment also provides a stove, including: a first controller, a temperature sensor, and a display screen;
[0160] The first controller is used to execute the method of any of the above embodiments;
[0161] The temperature sensor is used to collect the temperature of the bottom of the cookware and send the temperature of the bottom of the cookware to the first controller;
[0162] The display screen is used to acquire and display the pot temperature sent by the first controller.
[0163] Optionally, the cooktop may also include: a control panel, which includes: water-related cooking mode function buttons, oil-related cooking mode function buttons, and temperature calibration function buttons.
[0164] The stove provided in this embodiment has a similar implementation principle and technical effect, and will not be described in detail here.
[0165] This application embodiment also provides a temperature calibration device, including: a second controller, a support frame, and a thermometer;
[0166] Both the second controller and the support frame are provided with through holes for the thermometer to pass through;
[0167] The second controller is electrically connected to the thermometer. The second controller is used to acquire the temperature inside the pot measured by the thermometer and send the temperature inside the pot to the first controller.
[0168] Optionally, the second controller includes: a plastic housing and a circuit board, the circuit board including a base plate, a power interface, a start button, a first plug-in terminal, and a chip; the thermometer includes a second plug-in terminal;
[0169] The first plug terminal is connected to the second plug terminal;
[0170] Both the plastic casing and the base plate have through holes for the thermometer to pass through.
[0171] The power interface is used to connect to an external power source;
[0172] The chip is used to acquire the temperature inside the pot as measured by the thermometer and send the temperature inside the pot to the first controller.
[0173] The temperature calibration device provided in this embodiment has a similar implementation principle and technical effect, and will not be described in detail here.
[0174] This application also provides a temperature calibration system, including:
[0175] The stove and the temperature calibration device of any of the above embodiments.
[0176] The temperature calibration system provided in this embodiment has a similar implementation principle and technical effect, and will not be described in detail here.
[0177] Corresponding to the temperature determination method described above, this application also provides a temperature determination device. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a temperature determining device provided in this application is shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the temperature determination device provided in this embodiment may include:
[0178] The first acquisition module 901 is used to acquire the reference material of the cookware used in this cooking.
[0179] The second acquisition module 902 is used to acquire the carrier type corresponding to the cooking carrier in the pot;
[0180] The data acquisition module 903 is used to acquire the bottom temperature of the cookware and determine the internal temperature of the cookware based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material.
[0181] Optionally, the first acquisition module 901 is specifically used for:
[0182] The pot placed on the stove is ignited and heated, and the pot contains a preset cooking medium;
[0183] When the preset cooking medium boils, record the first bottom temperature and the first internal temperature of the pot.
[0184] The first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences, and the reference material of the cookware used for this cooking is determined based on the comparison results. Among them, multiple preset temperature differences correspond to multiple cookware materials, and the first temperature difference is equal to the difference between the temperature inside the first pot and the temperature of the bottom of the first pot.
[0185] Optionally, when comparing the first temperature difference with multiple preset temperature differences, the first acquisition module 901 is specifically used for:
[0186] When the temperature inside the first pot is within the first temperature range, the first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences; where a is a preset positive number; the first temperature range is between [(100-a)℃, (100+a)℃].
[0187] The method also includes:
[0188] The temperature inside the pot is displayed on the display panel;
[0189] When the temperature inside the first pot is not within the first temperature range, a first prompt message is sent to the user. The first prompt message is used to indicate that the temperature display function inside the pot is not applicable in the user's area.
[0190] Optionally, when determining the reference material corresponding to the cookware used in this cooking based on the comparison results, the first acquisition module 901 is specifically used for:
[0191] For any preset temperature difference, when the difference between the preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is less than the preset difference, the cookware material corresponding to the preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material.
[0192] If the difference between any preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is greater than the preset difference, then the two target preset temperature differences with the smallest difference from the first temperature difference are selected, and the cookware material corresponding to the target preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material.
[0193] Optionally, when determining the internal temperature of the cookware based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material, the data acquisition module 903 is specifically used for:
[0194] When there is only one reference material, the pot temperature is determined by the first mapping table based on the pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material. The first mapping table is used to indicate the correspondence between the pot temperature and the first reference conditions, which include: pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material.
[0195] When there are two reference materials, according to the formula α= Determine the calibration coefficient α; where, The first temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference;
[0196] For any reference material, the reference pot temperature is determined by the first mapping table based on the reference material, pot bottom temperature, and carrier type.
[0197] According to the formula Determine the internal temperature Y of the pot, where, For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature.
[0198] Optionally, when determining the internal temperature of the cookware based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material, the data acquisition module 903 is specifically used for:
[0199] The cooking vessel's weight, the stove's current heat setting, and the pot lid status are obtained. The pot lid status indicates whether the pot is covered with a lid.
[0200] Based on the pot bottom temperature, carrier type, reference material, carrier weight, current heat level, and pot lid status, the pot's internal temperature is determined using a second mapping table. This second mapping table indicates the correspondence between the pot's internal temperature and second reference conditions, which include: pot bottom temperature, carrier type, reference material, carrier weight, current heat level, and pot lid status.
[0201] The temperature determination device provided in this embodiment can execute the method provided in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described in detail here.
[0202] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in this application. Figure 10 As shown, the electronic device 100 provided in this embodiment includes at least one processor 1001 and a memory 1002. Optionally, the device 100 further includes a communication component 1003. The processor 1001, memory 1002, and communication component 1003 are connected via a bus 1004.
[0203] In a specific implementation, at least one processor 1001 executes computer execution instructions stored in memory 1002, causing at least one processor 1001 to perform the above-described method.
[0204] The specific implementation process of processor 1001 can be found in the above method embodiments, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar. It will not be repeated here.
[0205] In the above embodiments, it should be understood that the processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this invention can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.
[0206] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device.
[0207] The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, the buses shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited to a single bus or a single type of bus.
[0208] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described method.
[0209] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described method.
[0210] The aforementioned readable storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.
[0211] An exemplary readable storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the readable storage medium. Of course, the readable storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the readable storage medium can reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the processor and the readable storage medium can exist as discrete components in the device.
[0212] The division of units is merely a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.
[0213] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.
[0214] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.
[0215] If a function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.
[0216] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program performs the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.
[0217] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for determining temperature, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking; Obtain the carrier type corresponding to the cooking carrier in the cookware; The bottom temperature of the cookware is collected, and the internal temperature of the cookware is determined based on the bottom temperature, the carrier type, and the reference material.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Obtain the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking, including: The pot placed on the stove is ignited and heated, wherein the pot contains a preset cooking carrier; When the preset cooking medium boils, record the first bottom temperature and the first internal temperature of the pot. The first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences, and the reference material of the cookware used for this cooking is determined based on the comparison results; wherein, the multiple preset temperature differences correspond to multiple cookware materials, and the first temperature difference is equal to the difference between the temperature inside the first pot and the temperature of the bottom of the first pot.
3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences, including: When the temperature inside the first pot is within the first temperature range, the first temperature difference is compared with multiple preset temperature differences; where a is a preset positive number; the first temperature range is between [(100-a)℃, (100+a)℃]. The method further includes: The temperature inside the pot is displayed on the display panel; When the temperature inside the first pot is not within the first temperature range, a first prompt message is sent to the user. The first prompt message is used to indicate that the user's location is not suitable for the pot temperature display function.
4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Based on the comparison results, the reference material for the cookware used in this cooking was determined, including: For any preset temperature difference, when the difference between the preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is less than the preset difference, the cookware material corresponding to the preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material. If the difference between any preset temperature difference and the first temperature difference is greater than the preset difference, then the two target preset temperature differences with the smallest difference from the first temperature difference are selected, and the cookware material corresponding to the target preset temperature difference is determined as the reference material.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Determining the internal temperature of the cookware based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material includes: When the number of reference materials is 1, the pot temperature is determined by the pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material through a first mapping table; the first mapping table is used to indicate the correspondence between the pot temperature and the first reference conditions, wherein the first reference conditions include: pot bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material. When the number of reference materials is 2, according to the formula α= Determine the calibration coefficient α; where, The first temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference, For reference materials The corresponding target preset temperature difference; For any reference material, the reference pot temperature is determined by the first mapping table based on the reference material, the pot bottom temperature, and the carrier type. According to the formula Determine the internal temperature Y of the cookware, wherein, For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature For reference materials The corresponding reference pot temperature.
6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the internal temperature of the cookware based on the bottom temperature, carrier type, and reference material includes: The weight of the cooking vessel, the current heat level of the stove, and the status of the pot lid are obtained, wherein the status of the pot lid is used to indicate whether the pot is covered with a lid. Based on the bottom temperature of the pot, the type of carrier, the reference material, the weight of the carrier, the current heat level, and the state of the pot lid, the internal temperature of the pot is determined through a second mapping table. The second mapping table is used to indicate the correspondence between the internal temperature of the pot and the second reference conditions, which include: bottom temperature of the pot, type of carrier, reference material, weight of the carrier, current heat level, and state of the pot lid.
7. A stove, characterized in that, include: First controller, temperature sensor, display screen; The first controller is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-6; The temperature sensor is used to collect the temperature of the bottom of the cookware and send the temperature of the bottom of the cookware to the first controller; The display screen is used to acquire and display the pot temperature sent by the first controller.
8. The stove according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cooktop also includes an operation panel, which includes: water-related cooking mode function buttons, oil-related cooking mode function buttons, and temperature calibration function buttons.
9. A temperature calibration device, characterized in that, include: Second controller, support frame, thermometer; Both the second controller and the support frame are provided with through holes for the thermometer to pass through; The second controller is electrically connected to the thermometer. The second controller is used to acquire the temperature inside the pot measured by the thermometer and send the temperature inside the pot to the first controller.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second controller includes: a plastic housing and a circuit board, the circuit board including a base plate, a power interface, a start button, a first plug-in terminal, and a chip; the thermometer includes a second plug-in terminal; The first plug-in terminal is connected to the second plug-in terminal; Both the plastic outer shell and the base plate are provided with through holes for the thermometer to pass through. The power interface is used to connect to an external power source; The chip is used to acquire the temperature inside the pot as measured by the thermometer and send the temperature inside the pot to the first controller.
11. A temperature calibration system, characterized in that, include: The cooktop according to any one of claims 7-8 and the temperature calibration device according to any one of claims 9-10.
12. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Memory, processor; The memory stores computer-executed instructions; The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.
13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.
14. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of claims 1-6.