Cooking Assistance device for recipe curation detachably mountable to an automatic cooker

Abstract

A cooking aid for recipe curation detachably attached to an automatic cooking device according to the present invention comprises: a fixed part detachably installed on the automatic cooking device; a signal management unit that receives at least one of a cooking start signal, a cooking status signal, and a cooking completion signal, and generates request information for requesting recipe information based on the cooking start signal; a recipe curation unit that determines recipe guidance information corresponding to a cooking stage based on recipe information received from an external server and a signal received through the signal management unit; and a display unit that outputs at least one of the recipe guidance information determined by the recipe curation unit and a guidance screen corresponding to cooking completion. The automatic cooking device is characterized by having the cooking aid detachably installed and generating signals corresponding to cooking start, cooking progress, and cooking completion while performing a cooking operation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking assistance device for recipe curation that is detachably attached to an automatic cooking appliance. Specifically, it relates to a detachable cooking assistance device for recipe curation that is detachably installed on an automatic cooking appliance to provide recipe guidance information corresponding to the cooking progress stages, and can receive and curate recipe information by linking with an external server. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, systems utilizing automated cooking equipment to rapidly provide food of consistent quality are becoming widespread in unmanned stores, convenience food specialty shops, and instant food retailers. These automated cookers offer the advantage of reducing reliance on human labor and ensuring standardized cooking results by automatically performing tasks such as heating, time control, and ingredient input sequences according to pre-set cooking programs. However, conventional automated cookers are primarily focused on executing fixed programs, resulting in limited functionality for providing user-customized information, such as detailed recipe guidance, step-by-step explanations, and suggestions for additional ingredients. In particular, features that intuitively guide users through the current status of each cooking stage or present real-time information on supplementary ingredients or options linked to the cooking flow often rely on separate display devices or external systems.

[0004] Furthermore, existing systems have structural limitations in that the cooking unit and the guidance system are integrated, requiring the replacement of the entire device when hardware is replaced or making it difficult to add new guidance functions to existing cooking units. Consequently, there are restrictions on flexibly expanding recipe guidance functions for already installed automatic cooking units or integrating cloud-based recipe updates and curation functions. Moreover, to implement features such as guidance on additional ingredients linked to cooking steps or functions that induce additional sales, a structure is required to analyze the status signals of the cooking unit in real-time in conjunction with recipe data from an external server; however, conventional technology has not sufficiently considered such an integrated structure. Therefore, there is a continuously increasing technical demand for cooking assistance devices that can provide step-by-step recipe guidance and additional information in conjunction with the cooking operation of the automatic cooking unit, while also being applicable to existing cooking units in a detachable form.

[0005] Although there is a prior patent, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2743347 (Cooking Control Device for Heating Cooking Appliance), it merely provides a cooking control device for a heating cooking appliance that controls the automatic cooking of a food item at each of the multiple cooking stages by applying the heat function value obtained in the previous cooking stage to correct the standard time to reach the standard cooking temperature, the standard time to maintain the standard cooking temperature after the standard time to reach the standard cooking temperature, while automatically cooking the food item according to a cooking recipe that includes a standard cooking temperature determined by a standard cooking capacity for each cooking stage, a standard time to reach the standard cooking temperature, and a standard time to maintain the standard cooking temperature after the standard time to reach the standard cooking temperature, thereby adjusting the standard time to be proportional to the thermal function value calculated as the ratio of the actual time to reach the standard cooking temperature to the standard time to reach the standard cooking temperature for each cooking stage, changing the total cooking time to the sum of the actual time to reach the standard time and the adjusted standard time to control the corresponding cooking stage, and in the next cooking stage, applying the thermal function value obtained in the previous cooking stage to correct the standard time to reach the standard time to reach the standard time to maintain the standard time and the total cooking time for that next cooking stage. The problem to be solved

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a cooking aid for recipe curation that is detachable from an automatic cooker, which can simultaneously improve the scalability of the cooking guidance function and user convenience by providing recipe guidance information corresponding to the cooking progress stage in conjunction with the cooking operation of the automatic cooker, receiving and analyzing cloud-based recipe data to dynamically curate it, and being configured to be attachable to an existing automatic cooker. means of solving the problem

[0009] A cooking aid for recipe curation detachably attached to an automatic cooking device according to the present invention comprises: a fixed part detachably installed on the automatic cooking device; a signal management unit that receives at least one of a cooking start signal, a cooking status signal, and a cooking completion signal, and generates request information for requesting recipe information based on the cooking start signal; a recipe curation unit that determines recipe guidance information corresponding to a cooking stage based on recipe information received from an external server and a signal received through the signal management unit; and a display unit that outputs at least one of the recipe guidance information determined by the recipe curation unit and a guidance screen corresponding to cooking completion. The automatic cooking device is characterized by having the cooking aid detachably installed and generating signals corresponding to cooking start, cooking progress, and cooking completion while performing a cooking operation. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to the present invention, recipe guidance information corresponding to the cooking stage can be provided in real time in conjunction with the cooking start, progress, and completion signals of the automatic cooker, so that the user can intuitively recognize the current cooking status.

[0012] In addition, by dynamically configuring step-by-step guidance based on recipe information, it is possible to change recipes, support multiple languages, or provide customized guidance according to the store environment, thereby enhancing the scalability and flexibility of the system.

[0013] In addition, since it is implemented with a detachable structure for automatic cookers, a recipe guidance function can be added without modifying the hardware of the existing cooker, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs.

[0014] In addition, by providing guidance on additional ingredients linked to cooking steps, it is possible to expand additional functions without compromising the user experience and improve the utilization of services linked to the provision of cooking information.

[0015] It can be attached in a detachable manner without modifying existing automatic cookers, allowing for non-invasive application to various types of cookers, and can be configured so that power supply and the transmission and reception of cooking status signals are synchronized when attached.

[0016] In addition, without directly controlling the operation of the automatic cooker, it is possible to identify the cooking progress stage based on the cooking status signal received from the automatic cooker and provide corresponding recipe guidance. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a cooking aid for recipe curation that is detachable from an automatic cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing of a cooking aid attached to an automatic cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Specific structural or functional descriptions of embodiments according to the concept of the present invention disclosed herein are provided merely for the purpose of explaining embodiments according to the concept of the present invention, and embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0020] Embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be subject to various modifications and may take various forms; therefore, embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. However, this is not intended to limit the embodiments according to the concept of the present invention to specific disclosed forms, and includes all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0021] The terms used herein are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings attached to this specification.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a cooking aid for recipe curation that is detachable from an automatic cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a cooking aid device (100) for recipe curation that is detachable from an automatic cooker (hereinafter referred to as the cooking aid device) is composed of a signal management unit (110), a display unit (120), a recipe curation unit (130), a power supply unit (140), a fixing unit (150), and a communication unit (160).

[0026] The signal management unit (110) can receive a cooking start signal, a cooking status signal, and a cooking completion signal. The cooking start signal, the cooking status signal, and the cooking completion signal may be signals generated by user input received through the display unit (120) or received from the automatic cooking unit (300). To manage the entire lifecycle of the recipe curation operation, the signal management unit (110) may be configured to receive and normalize the event signifying the start of cooking as a cooking start signal, the event corresponding to a change in state during cooking as a cooking status signal, and the event signifying the end of the cooking operation as a cooking completion signal. The signal management unit (110) may be configured to accept input signals flowing in from different sources, and by converting each different signal format and data structure into an internally integrated event model, the recipe curation unit (130) may be configured to utilize them through a consistent interface. To this end, the signal management unit (110) can perform logical functions including receiving input, signal preprocessing, debounce processing, validation, state transition management, and generating event packets.

[0027] First, when a signal is generated by user input through the display unit (120), the signal management unit (110) can receive various UI events associated with at least one cooking action among a touch event, button input, menu selection completion, option setting change, confirmation, or approval input. The signal management unit (110) can apply internal state information and predefined mapping rules to determine whether the input corresponds to cooking start, cooking stage transition, or cooking end. Additionally, to prevent repeated reception of the same input, it can perform debouncing and duplicate removal processing, and generate event information including at least one of the input occurrence time, input type, and target UI object identifier.

[0028] When a signal is received from the automatic cooker (300), the signal management unit (110) can receive cooking-related status data through the external interface of the automatic cooker (300). The signal may logically correspond to at least one of heating start, output level change, timer operation start, cooking program stage transition, internal sensor value change, and program end flag. The signal management unit (110) can interpret an input in the form of an analog signal, a digital level change, a pulse signal, or a data frame, and can stably acquire the signal by performing at least one of noise filtering, threshold comparison, frame synchronization, and buffering processing.

[0029] When a cooking start signal is confirmed, the signal management unit (110) initiates a cooking session and generates a cooking session ID so that subsequently received cooking status signals and cooking completion signals can be managed by linking them to the same session. The cooking status signal may correspond to at least one of a change in the cooking progress stage, reaching an elapsed time threshold, or switching the cooking mode, and the signal management unit (110) can prevent an abnormal state transition by verifying the transition relationship with the previous state. When a cooking completion signal is received, the signal management unit (110) transitions the corresponding cooking session to an end state and can generate a completion event including the completion time and completion cause information. Subsequently, the internal state can be returned to a standby state to prepare for the next cooking operation.

[0030] The signal management unit (110) can generate request information for requesting recipe information based on the cooking start signal and transmit it to an external server (not shown). The request information may be at least one of menu identification information, device identification information, store identification information, and language setting information, but is not necessarily limited thereto. Various identification information or setting information included in the request information may be obtained in conjunction with the generation path of the cooking start signal. That is, the menu identification information, device identification information, store identification information, and language setting information may be information included in the cooking start signal, or may be extracted and determined based on user input received together with the cooking start signal or a signal from the automatic cooker (300). Specifically, when the cooking start signal is generated by user input through the display unit (120), the signal management unit (110) may convert at least one of the menu item selected by the user, option value, and selection code on the screen into menu identification information. In one embodiment, when the user selects a specific type of ramen and starts cooking, the internal code value of the corresponding menu may be set as menu identification information. Additionally, the language setting value selected on the user input screen may be included as language setting information, and this information may be used as a criterion for determining the display language of the recipe guidance information thereafter. Meanwhile, when a cooking start signal is received from the automatic cooker (300), the cooking program number, product code, or set cooking mode information currently running on the automatic cooker (300) may be used as menu identification information. When the automatic cooker (300) executes a specific cooking course, an identification code corresponding to that course may be transmitted to the signal management unit (110), and the signal management unit (110) may set this as menu identification information included in the request information. The device identification information may be a unique identification value of the cooking auxiliary device (100) itself or an identification value of the automatic cooker (300).The signal management unit (110) may utilize at least one of a pre-stored device ID, MAC address, serial number, or registered device code as device identification information, thereby enabling an external server (not shown) to provide recipe information optimized for a specific model or specific environment. Store identification information is information for distinguishing stores where the cooking assistance device (100) is installed, and may use a store code that is entered during the initial setup phase or assigned by the server. The store identification information may be used to provide different recipes or additional guidance information according to at least one of the store-specific sales policy, additional ingredient composition, and promotion information. The signal management unit (110) may configure each of the identification information into a single request packet, and may additionally include at least one of time information, cooking session ID, user selection option, and network status information in the request information as needed. The request information is transmitted to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (160), and the transmission method may be an HTTP-based request using a wired or wireless network, a message queue-based request, or a data frame transmission method according to a pre-defined communication protocol. Additionally, the signal management unit (110) may include timeout management, retransmission processing, and network error handling logic to check whether a response is received after a request is transmitted, and may also control to temporarily display basic recipe information if the server response is delayed.

[0031] The display unit (120) can output recipe guidance information determined by the recipe curation unit (130) through a display. The display unit (120) may be composed of an integrated interface device including a display panel, a graphics processing module, screen control logic, and an input detection function. The display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a touch-integrated panel, or a similar visual output means, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The display unit (120) can receive recipe guidance information transmitted from the recipe curation unit (130) in the form of screen configuration data, and the screen configuration data may include at least one of step-by-step guidance text, an image or icon, progress display information, remaining time display information, highlight area information, and animation effect information. The display unit (120) can configure a screen layout based on the received screen configuration data and perform rendering with a visual structure suitable for the current cooking progress stage. In one embodiment, the display unit (120) may be configured to display the name of the current cooking stage in the upper area, display stage guidance text and related images in the central area, and display a progress bar or remaining time information in the lower area. Additionally, the display unit (120) may apply screen transition effects according to the cooking progress status. In one embodiment, when transitioning stages, fade-in / fade-out effects, highlight animations, color changes, etc., may be applied to allow the user to intuitively recognize that the current stage has changed. Beyond simply displaying static information, the display unit (120) may dynamically update guidance information in conjunction with real-time updated cooking status information, and may be configured to immediately reflect new guidance information received from the recipe curation unit (130) on the screen.Additionally, the display unit (120) may include a touch input function and can perform the role of an interface that interacts with the cooking flow by receiving at least one input from the user, such as confirmation, cancellation, or a request for the next step, and transmitting it to the signal management unit (110) or the recipe curation unit (130). That is, the display unit (120) is not a component that simply outputs recipe guidance information, but can be configured to provide an intuitive and dynamic user interface linked to the cooking progress stage and real-time status information.

[0032] When the display unit (120) receives a cooking completion signal, it can output a guidance screen corresponding to the cooking completion through the display. The cooking completion signal may correspond to a cooking session end event transmitted through the signal management unit (110), and may be generated by user input through the display unit (120) or determined based on a completion signal received from the automatic cooker (300). When the cooking completion signal is determined, the display unit (120) may be configured to switch the currently displayed cooking step guidance screen to a completion status screen. At this time, the screen switching may be implemented in at least one of an immediate switching method, an animation-based switching method, or a step-by-step switching method, and may include visual emphasis effects so that the user clearly recognizes the end of cooking. The cooking completion guidance screen may include at least one of a completion message, cooking completion time information, the name of the completed menu, additional selection buttons (e.g., select next menu, re-cook, confirm), a user satisfaction input area, and a cleanup guidance message. Additionally, summary information on cooking conditions at the time of completion (e.g., final heating time, setting options, etc.) may be displayed together to provide feedback information to the user. The display unit (120) may include timer-based control logic to automatically return to the initial standby screen after the cooking completion notification screen is maintained for a certain period of time, and may be configured to immediately switch to the standby screen or menu selection screen when there is confirmation input from the user. Additionally, the display unit (120) may be configured to initialize the screen state and delete or initialize display data related to the previous cooking step according to session termination information transmitted from the signal management unit (110) after receiving a cooking completion signal. This ensures that previous cooking information does not remain even in a multi-cooking environment.That is, the display unit (120) can be designed to dynamically configure the screen structure to go beyond simply outputting a completion message in response to a cooking completion signal, so as to clearly convey the end of the cooking session to the user and allow for a natural transition to the next action. Additionally, the display unit (120) can output guidance information regarding associated additional ingredients generated by the recipe curation unit (130) through the display. The display unit (120) can be configured to display the additional ingredient guidance information through a layer structure or screen splitting structure independent of the recipe guidance screen. For example, the additional ingredient guidance information can be output through at least one of a bottom banner area, a popup layer area, a slide card area, or a screen side overlay area that is distinguished from the basic recipe guidance area. The additional ingredient guidance information may include at least one of an ingredient image, an ingredient name, a brief description text, a selection button, additional guidance text, or a related action icon, and the display unit (120) may apply at least one of color contrast, an accent border, an animation effect, or a blinking effect to visually emphasize this. The display unit (120) can dynamically adjust the display duration and display position of additional ingredient guidance by considering the importance of the current cooking progress stage or the state of user input availability. In one embodiment, the additional ingredient guidance can be configured to be displayed in an unblocked area at the bottom of the screen during a stage where immediate user operation is required, and can be set to be displayed in a pop-up form during a stage where the waiting time is relatively long. Additionally, the display unit (120) can be configured to transmit the corresponding input event to the signal management unit (110) or recipe curation unit (130) so that a subsequent action is performed when the user selects additional ingredients or presses the close button. At this time, the selection event is not limited to simple UI selection information but can be generated as an event packet including additional ingredient identification information and selection time information.The display unit (120) can manage internal display history information so as not to re-expose additional ingredient guidance information that has already been exposed within the same cooking session, and can be configured to automatically suppress the display of additional ingredient guidance in the stage immediately before cooking completion or in an emergency warning state.

[0033] The recipe curation unit (130) receives recipe information from an external server (not shown) and can determine recipe guidance information corresponding to a cooking stage based on the received recipe information. The recipe curation unit (130) can receive a cooking status signal including at least one of a cooking progress stage, elapsed time, and a change in cooking status. The cooking status signal may be transmitted from the signal management unit (110) or received directly from the automatic cooker (300) and provided in a normalized form. By receiving the cooking status signal, the recipe curation unit (130) can obtain reference information for determining which stage the current cooking operation is located at. The recipe information may include at least one of a stage identification value for a plurality of cooking stages, a stage guidance phrase, an image or graphic element, a stage recommended time information, and an ingredient input time information, and may be composed of a structured data format (e.g., table form, stage array form, etc.). The recipe curation unit (130) may be configured to temporarily store such recipe information in internal memory and select appropriate guidance information through comparison and matching with the cooking status signal. The cooking status signal may be a step code indicating the cooking progress stage itself, time information indicating the elapsed time since the start of cooking, or may include state change information such as at least one of the heating state, output intensity change, and internal sensor value change of the automatic cooker (300). The recipe curation unit (130) may apply different judgment logic depending on the type of the cooking status signal. In one embodiment, when a step code is received directly, the current stage may be determined by matching the corresponding step code with a step identification value defined in the recipe information, and when elapsed time is received, the current stage may be inferred by comparing it with the step time interval defined in the recipe information.Additionally, the recipe curation unit (130) may include a state transition table that manages transition conditions between the previous stage and the current stage, taking into account an environment where cooking status signals are continuously received. Through this, it is possible to detect cases where cooking stages are abnormally reversed or skipped, and to apply correction logic if necessary to maintain consistency in guidance information. Furthermore, even if cooking status signals are temporarily not received, it may be configured to maintain the predicted stage based on the last confirmed cooking stage and elapsed time. That is, the recipe curation unit (130) combines static recipe information received from an external server (not shown) with dynamic cooking status signals received in real time during the cooking process to perform basic processing to derive guidance information suitable for the current cooking situation.

[0034] The recipe curation unit (130) can identify a cooking progress step corresponding to the current cooking state by analyzing the cooking status signal and recipe information. The recipe curation unit (130) can manage recipe information received from an external server (not shown) as structured step data. The recipe information may consist of a plurality of cooking steps, and each step may include at least one of a step identifier, step sequence information, recommended execution time, target temperature or output condition, step transition condition, user guidance text, step image or graphic data. The recipe curation unit (130) can parse the cooking progress step information, elapsed time information, status code, or sensor-based state change information included in the cooking status signal and compare and analyze them with the recipe step data. In one embodiment, it can determine whether the elapsed time falls within the recommended time range of a specific step, whether the status code received from the automatic cooker (300) matches the transition condition of a specific step, or whether it matches an internal state transition rule. In addition, the recipe curation unit (130) can apply a multi-condition-based step identification logic in addition to simple time-based matching. In one embodiment, the 'water heating step' can be defined to transition to the next step only when both the arrival of the set temperature and the elapsed time are simultaneously satisfied, and the 'ingredient input step' can be configured to be activated only when both the user input approval signal and the elapsed time condition are satisfied. In this way, the recipe curation unit (130) can identify the cooking progress step most suitable for the current cooking state based on a mapping rule between the cooking state signal and the recipe step definition information. During the identification process, continuity with previous step information, an acceptable step transition path, and whether there is an abnormal transition can be verified together, and if multiple conditions are simultaneously satisfied, a priority rule or a weight-based judgment logic can be applied.In addition, in case the cooking status signal is incomplete or temporarily not received, the recipe curation unit (130) can perform step prediction logic based on recently received status information and an internal timer, and can be configured to request again from the automatic cooker (300) or apply a previous step maintenance policy if necessary.

[0035] The recipe curation unit (130) can determine recipe guidance information corresponding to the identified cooking progress stage. The recipe curation unit (130) can manage recipe information as a step-by-step guidance data structure, and each cooking stage may include at least one of text guidance phrases, step-by-step images or animations, voice output data, progress status display information, remaining time information, user precautions, and step transition conditions. The recipe curation unit (130) can generate final recipe guidance information by querying guidance data mapped to the corresponding stage based on the step identifier or index of the identified cooking progress stage and processing it to suit the current cooking state. In one embodiment, even for the same stage, it may be configured to include auxiliary guidance phrases such as “Moving to the next stage soon” depending on the elapsed time, or conditional guidance such as “Please wait a little longer” if the target temperature has not been reached. Additionally, the recipe curation unit (130) can variably configure the guidance information by reflecting user setting information or system setting information. In one embodiment, the guidance text may be converted into multiple languages ​​according to language setting information, or branched to include detailed explanations in beginner mode and provide only brief guidance in expert mode. The recipe curation unit (130) may expand the guidance information to include progress rate display information or remaining time count information when the current step is approaching a completion threshold, and may adjust the priority to output warning messages or exception guidance information first when the cooking status signal indicates an abnormal state. Additionally, the recipe curation unit (130) may generate UI configuration data including screen transition effects, step transition animations, or highlighted display areas in consideration of continuity with the previous step guidance information, and may be configured to transmit this to the display unit (120) to provide the user with an intuitive cooking flow.That is, the recipe curation unit (130) can be configured not simply to output static recipe data, but to determine dynamically optimized recipe guidance information by reflecting the currently identified cooking progress stage and real-time cooking status.

[0036] Additionally, if the recipe curation unit (130) determines that an identified cooking progress step corresponds to a specific cooking step, it may additionally generate guidance information for the associated additional ingredients. The recipe curation unit (130) may manage mapping data for additional ingredients linked to recipe step information. The mapping data may include at least one of a list of additional ingredients that can be provided in conjunction with a specific cooking step, identification information for each additional ingredient, image data, price information, inventory status information, and recommendation priority information. The recipe curation unit (130) may determine whether additional ingredients linked to the corresponding step exist based on the step identifier of the identified cooking progress step, and if they exist, it may select additional ingredients to be displayed by considering the current cooking status and user setting information. In one embodiment, the additional ingredient guidance may be configured to be activated only when a specific cooking step corresponds to the 'ingredient input step,' and ingredients that overlap with already selected options may be filtered out. Additionally, the recipe curation unit (130) may dynamically determine the UI configuration method so that the additional ingredient guidance information does not interfere with the cooking flow. In one embodiment, at least one display form among a bottom banner area, a popup area, and a slide card area can be selected, and the display duration or emphasis level can be adjusted according to the importance or urgency of the current cooking step. The additional ingredient guidance information is not limited to simple text guidance and may include at least one of an ingredient image, a brief description, a selection button, additional action guidance text, or information for generating a purchase-linked request signal. The recipe curation unit (130) may be configured to receive this as an event when the user selects the corresponding additional ingredient and to perform subsequent actions (e.g., generating an order request signal, automatically adjusting cooking time, modifying recipe steps, etc.). Additionally, the recipe curation unit (130) may control whether the additional ingredient guidance is displayed based on conditions.In one embodiment, a policy may be set so that ingredients already exposed in the same cooking session are not re-exposed, or so that additional ingredient guidance is disabled at the stage immediately before cooking is completed. Additionally, the recipe curation unit (130) may be configured to expose the additional ingredient guidance information at a time that aligns with the cooking progress stage, thereby allowing the user to intuitively recognize ingredients associated with the current cooking context. At this time, the additional ingredient guidance information exposed through the display unit (120) may not be limited to simple information provision but may include interactive elements to enable immediate selection by the user, and when a user's selection input occurs, it may be converted into an order request signal or selection event data and linked with an external system. Accordingly, the selection of additional ingredients can be naturally induced within a range that does not disrupt the cooking flow, and the user's selection behavior can be configured to lead to the actual addition of ingredients or linked orders. As a result, the recipe curation unit (130) may be configured to increase the possibility of selecting additional ingredients while maintaining user convenience through additional ingredient guidance combined with cooking stage-based context information. That is, the recipe curation unit (130) can be configured to enable additional functional expansion while maintaining the user experience by dynamically generating and controlling additional ingredient guidance information associated with specific cooking steps to match the cooking flow.

[0037] The power supply unit (140) may be configured to supply power to the cooking aid device (100). The power supply unit (140) may include a power conversion circuit that receives power supplied from an external power source and converts it into a voltage and current suitable for internal components. The external power source may be at least one of power provided from the automatic cooker (300), a separate adapter power source, or a commercial power supply unit, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In one embodiment, the power supply unit (140) may be configured to be electrically connected to the automatic cooker (300) and receive power from the power supply line of the automatic cooker (300). In this case, the power supply unit (140) may be configured to provide stable power regardless of changes in the operating state of the automatic cooker (300) by including at least one of a voltage stabilization circuit, an overcurrent protection circuit, and a reverse voltage prevention circuit. In another embodiment, the power supply unit (140) may include an independent battery built into the cooking aid device (100). The above battery may be a rechargeable battery and may be charged while attached to the automatic cooker (300) or through a separate charging port. In this case, the power supply unit (140) may be configured to efficiently manage power consumption by including a charging control circuit, a battery level detection circuit, and low-power mode switching logic. The power supply unit (140) may also be designed to maintain operation for a certain period of time even when the cooking auxiliary device (100) is separated from the automatic cooker (300). This prevents system errors caused by power disconnection during the attachment / detachment process and may be configured to maintain cooking session information or screen status. Additionally, the power supply unit (140) may include power sequencing logic that controls the sequential operation of internal components when power is applied, and may be configured to transmit the abnormal state to the signal management unit (110) in the event of a power abnormality to switch to a safe operation mode.That is, the power supply unit (140) can be configured to perform power linkage and stabilization functions suitable for a detachable structure with the automatic cooker (300) beyond simply performing a power supply function, and to support the stable operation of the cooking aid (100).

[0038] The above fixing part (150) may be configured to allow the cooking aid device (100) to be detachably installed on the automatic cooker (300). The fixing part (150) may be configured to include a mechanical coupling structure so that the cooking aid device (100) is stably fixed to the outer housing of the automatic cooker (300) or a designated installation area. The mechanical coupling structure may include at least one of a coupling projection and coupling groove structure, a sliding rail structure, a locking projection structure, a clip structure, a magnetic coupling structure, or a similar detachable coupling means, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In one embodiment, the fixing part (150) may include a sliding insertion structure corresponding to a guide groove formed in the front panel or side housing of the automatic cooker (300), and may include an alignment guide part so that the position is automatically aligned upon completion of insertion. At this time, the fixing part (150) may include an elastic support structure or a spring structure to correct mechanical alignment errors. Additionally, the fixing part (150) may include a locking structure to prevent the cooking aid device (100) from being detached by vibration, shock, or repeated operation while coupled to the automatic cooker (300). The locking structure may be implemented as at least one of a button-type release device, a lever-type release device, or an electronic unlocking structure, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The fixing part (150) may not be limited to a simple mechanical fixing function but may be combined with an electrical or signal linkage function. In one embodiment, it may include a contact structure so that a power contact or a data contact is automatically connected when the cooking aid device (100) is coupled to the automatic cooker (300). Through this, it may be configured to receive power from the automatic cooker (300) or to reliably receive a cooking status signal. Additionally, the fixing part (150) may include a detection means for detecting the detachment status of the cooking aid device (100).In one embodiment, it may be configured to include at least one of a coupling detection switch, a magnetic detection sensor, a Hall sensor, or a contact detection circuit to transmit whether the cooking aid device (100) is coupled to the signal management unit (110). This prevents malfunction in the detached state and allows the device to automatically switch to a safety mode upon separation. Additionally, the fixing unit (150) may include a structure that limits the installation position so that the coupling position of the cooking aid device (100) is visually aligned with the operating area of ​​the automatic cooker (300), and may include an angle adjustment structure to maintain an optimal screen angle considering user visibility. That is, the fixing unit (150) may not be a simple fixing means, but may be configured as a detachable interface coupling structure that simultaneously considers mechanical stability, electrical connection, signal compatibility, and user convenience.

[0039] The communication unit (160) may be configured to perform data communication between the cooking assistance device (100) and an external server (not shown). The communication unit (160) may include a wired or wireless communication module and may include at least one of wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, LTE, 5G mobile communication, near-field communication (NFC), or similar communication means, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The communication unit (160) may configure request information transmitted from the signal management unit (110) or the recipe curation unit (130) into packet data form and transmit it to an external server (not shown). The request information may include at least one of menu identification information, device identification information, store identification information, language setting information, or cooking session identification information, and the communication unit (160) may be configured to encode this into a data format suitable for a network protocol and transmit it. Additionally, the communication unit (160) may receive recipe information from an external server (not shown) and may be configured to transmit the received data to the recipe curation unit (130) after performing integrity verification and error detection. To this end, the communication unit (160) may include an encrypted communication protocol, an authentication procedure, and data integrity verification logic. The communication unit (160) is not limited to unidirectional request and response communication and may be configured to upload cooking status information or user selection events to an external server (not shown) in real-time or near-real-time. In one embodiment, data such as cooking start time, cooking completion time, stage transition history, and additional ingredient selection events may be transmitted periodically or at the time an event occurs. Additionally, the communication unit (160) may include retransmission logic or a buffering function in preparation for cases where a network disconnection or communication error occurs. In one embodiment, if the network is temporarily disconnected, the request information or event data may be temporarily stored in an internal storage unit and automatically retransmitted when the network is restored.The communication unit (160) may include a direct communication function with the automatic cooking device (300) or an external terminal. In one embodiment, it may be configured to exchange status information wirelessly with the automatic cooking device (300) or to receive additional material inventory status information in real time by linking with a store management system. That is, the communication unit (160) may be configured as a network interface that links the cooking assistance device (100) with an external server and other systems, enabling recipe data exchange, status information uploading, and expansion of additional functions.

[0040] The automatic cooker (300) in the present invention may be configured as an electric cooking device that performs automatic cooking of food, and may be configured to be connected to the cooking auxiliary device (100) through a detachable structure. The automatic cooker (300) may be configured to apply heat to the food to be cooked by receiving power from an external power source and driving an internal heating means. The automatic cooker (300) may be configured to include an internal power input unit and a power conversion circuit to convert and supply commercial power to a voltage and current suitable for cooking, and may be designed to ensure safe cooking operation by including at least one of an overcurrent protection circuit, an overheating prevention circuit, and an output stabilization circuit. Additionally, the automatic cooker (300) may include an internal control unit and be configured to perform heating output control, time control, and status detection according to a set cooking program. The internal control unit may determine the cooking progress status based on information received from a temperature sensing means, a water level sensing means, or other status detection sensors. The automatic cooker (300) can generate a cooking start signal, a cooking status signal, and a cooking completion signal based on user input or internal control results. The signals may include status information corresponding to the start time of cooking, the time of transitioning between cooking stages, or the time of ending cooking. The automatic cooker (300) may include a signal interface for transmitting the signals to the cooking assistance device (100), and the interface may be implemented via a wired connection method, a wireless communication module (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), or an electrical contact method. When the cooking assistance device (100) is coupled to the automatic cooker (300), it may be configured to enable electrical signal transmission simultaneously with mechanical coupling.Additionally, the automatic cooker (300) may be configured to periodically generate state information that occurs during cooking operations or to output it in the form of an event when specific conditions are met, thereby supporting the cooking assistance device (100) to provide recipe guidance information corresponding to the cooking progress stage. That is, the automatic cooker (300) may be configured as a heating device that actually performs cooking operations, and as cooking control hardware that generates and outputs cooking state information and links with the cooking assistance device (100).

[0042] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a cooking aid attached to an automatic cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the cooking assistance device (100) may be configured to be detachably coupled to the upper part of the automatic cooker (300). The cooking assistance device (100) has a main body structure including a display screen and may be configured to visually provide recipe guidance information, cooking step information, and additional guidance information to the user. The automatic cooker (300) is a device that actually performs cooking operations, and may have an operation area for cooking settings and status checks formed on the upper part, and a cooking space formed on the lower part where a food container is placed and cooking is performed. The automatic cooker (300) may be configured to supply heat to food through an internal heating means and to generate a cooking start signal, a cooking status signal, and a cooking completion signal and transmit them to the cooking assistance device (100). That is, the present invention is characterized by using a cooking assistance device that is detachably attached to an existing automatic cooker to provide step-by-step cooking guidance linked to a recipe and guidance on additional ingredients based on a cooking status signal.

[0044] In FIG. 2, the cooking aid (100) can be configured to be mechanically fixed to the automatic cooker (300) while simultaneously enabling electrical or signal transmission. That is, through a detachable structure, the user can detach or reattach the cooking aid (100) as needed, and in the combined state, it can be signal-linked with the automatic cooker (300) to provide recipe guidance corresponding to the cooking stage in real time.

[0045] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the automatic cooker (300) may have a structure capable of accommodating multiple cooking containers simultaneously, and status information for each cooking position may be individually detected and transmitted to the cooking assistance device (100). Accordingly, the cooking assistance device (100) may distinguish multiple cooking operations and provide step-by-step recipe guidance. That is, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which cooking performance and recipe guidance are linked while the cooking assistance device (100) and the automatic cooker (300) are physically combined.

[0047] The invention has been described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0049] 100 Detachable cooking aid for recipe curation for automatic cookers 110; Signal Management Unit 120; Display 130; Recipe Curation Department 140; Power Supply Department 150; Fixed part 160; Communication part 300; automatic cooker

Claims

Claim 1 A cooking aid for recipe curation that is detachably attached to an automatic cooking machine, comprising: a fixed part detachably installed on the automatic cooking machine; a signal management part that receives at least one of a cooking start signal, a cooking status signal, and a cooking completion signal, and generates request information for requesting recipe information based on the cooking start signal; and a recipe curation part that determines recipe guidance information corresponding to a cooking step based on recipe information received from an external server and a signal received through the signal management part.The automatic cooker includes a display unit that outputs at least one of the recipe guidance information determined by the recipe curation unit and a guidance screen corresponding to the completion of cooking, wherein the automatic cooker is equipped with a detachable cooking assistance device and generates signals corresponding to the start of cooking, cooking progress, and cooking completion while performing a cooking operation, wherein when the recipe curation unit determines the recipe guidance information, it receives a cooking status signal including at least one of a cooking progress stage, elapsed time, and cooking status change information, analyzes the cooking status signal and recipe information to identify a cooking progress stage corresponding to the current cooking state, and determines recipe guidance information corresponding to the identified cooking progress stage, wherein when the recipe curation unit determines that the identified cooking progress stage corresponds to a specific cooking stage, it additionally generates guidance information for linked additional ingredients, and the display unit outputs the guidance information for linked additional ingredients, wherein when the recipe curation unit identifies a cooking progress stage, it verifies the continuity with previous stage information, an acceptable stage transition path, and whether there is an abnormal transition during the identification process, and applies a priority rule or a weight-based judgment logic when multiple conditions are simultaneously satisfied, and wherein the recipe curation unit includes a list of additional ingredients linked to the recipe stage information, each A cooking aid for recipe curation detachable from an automatic cooking machine, characterized by managing additional material mapping data including at least one of identification information, image data, price information, inventory status information, and recommendation priority information of additional materials, determining whether there is an additional material associated with a corresponding step based on a step identifier of an identified cooking progress step, and if there is, selecting an additional material to be displayed by considering the current cooking status and user setting information. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A cooking aid for recipe curation detachable from an automatic cooking machine, characterized in that, in claim 1, the request information is at least one of menu identification information, device identification information, store identification information, and language setting information.

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