Packaged food product microwave system and method

Abstract

A microwave appliance provides safe heating of packaged food products with greater than 90% efficiency. Temperature sensors positioned around a product holder are configured to sense the temperature of the package. A product identification scanner identifies the type of food product, the type of packaging, and / or the size of the packaging being inserted into the microwave appliance. The product identification can be used to obtain the dielectric constant and / or conductivity of the product. An electric field detector verifies that a suitable product has been inserted into the microwave appliance and is used to estimate the volume of the packaged food product. Thus, even partially filled packaged food products can be safely reheated to a desired temperature. Unlike the time-based operation of conventional microwave appliances, the operation of the microwave appliance can be adjusted based on the product identification scanner, the temperature sensor, and the electric field detector.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 732,183, filed on September 17, 2018, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] Typical consumer microwave ovens are designed to heat a wide variety of food products. Therefore, the efficiency of consumer microwave ovens is generally about 64%. In addition, typical microwave ovens do not have a safety feature that can be beneficial to use the microwave oven in the case of a closed package to prevent the closed package from rupturing. Due to the long operation of the microwave oven, such closed packages may be accidentally ruptured. Therefore, in a typical microwave oven, an open, ventilated or otherwise unsealed food container or package is used. Therefore, in use, a typical microwave oven may be exposed to the food product that splashes out from the opened food container.

[0005] Overview

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a microwave appliance comprising a plurality of microwave sources. The microwave appliance further comprises a microwave chamber in electromagnetic communication with the plurality of microwave sources, and a product holder configured to support a food container within the microwave chamber. The microwave appliance further comprises a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the food container supported within the product holder, and a user interface configured to receive a temperature selection. The microwave appliance further comprises a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the user interface, the controller being configured to operate the plurality of microwave sources to heat the food product in the food container to a temperature corresponding to the temperature selection.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the microwave appliance further includes an electric field detector in communication with the controller, the electric field detector being configured to detect an electric field in the microwave chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to determine whether the electric field in the microwave chamber is less than a maximum electric field threshold.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the microwave appliance further includes a product identification scanner in communication with the controller and configured to read an identifier on the food container.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to determine a volume of the food product in the microwave chamber based on a reading from the electric field detector and a reading from the identifier of the product identification scanner.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the product identification scanner is an optical scanner or a wireless tag reader. The optical scanner is a camera or a barcode reader.

[0012] In some implementations of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor is positioned below the product holder and is configured to sense a temperature of a base of the food container.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor is an infrared or ultrasonic temperature sensor.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the microwave appliance further comprises a plurality of power sources, each power source corresponding to one of the plurality of microwave sources, and each power source is in communication with the controller. The controller is further configured to modulate the power level of the microwaves generated by the plurality of microwave sources.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, one or more of the plurality of microwave sources is a magnetron or a solid-state microwave source.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the controller is further configured to modulate the frequency of the microwaves generated by the solid-state microwave source.

[0017] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating a microwave appliance. The method includes identifying a food container based on scanning an identifier on the food container with a product identification scanner. The method includes receiving a temperature selection from a user interface. The method includes powering a plurality of microwave sources to heat a food product in a food container within a microwave chamber. The method includes sensing a temperature of the food container with a temperature sensor. The method includes shutting off power to the plurality of microwave sources when the temperature of the food container reaches the temperature selection.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises detecting the electric field in the microwave chamber using an electric field detector.

[0019] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes determining whether the electric field in the microwave chamber is greater than a maximum electric field threshold.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises determining a volume of the food product in the microwave chamber based on the electric field detected by the electric field detector and identification of the food container.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises modifying a power level of one or more of the plurality of microwave sources based on the determined volume of the food product.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor is positioned below the food container in the microwave chamber and is configured to sense a temperature of a base of the food container.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the product identification scanner is an optical scanner or a wireless tag reader.

[0024] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, one or more of the plurality of microwave sources is a magnetron or a solid-state microwave source.

[0025] These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0027] Figure 1 is a front view of a microwave appliance for heating packaged food products to a desired temperature.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a microwave appliance with the door open.

[0029] Figure 3 is a left side perspective view of a microwave appliance with the microwave entry panel removed.

[0030] Figure 4 is a right side perspective view of a microwave appliance with the electronics access panel removed.

[0031] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a microcontroller assembly of a microwave appliance.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a block diagram of a computer system of a microwave apparatus.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a state diagram of a consumer operating a microwave appliance.

[0034] Figures 8A-8F is a user interface screen displayed on the user interface of a microwave appliance during operation by a consumer.

[0035] Fig. 9 It is a state diagram of a technician operating a microwave appliance.

[0036] Figures 10A-10B is a user interface screen displayed on the user interface of a microwave appliance during technician operation.

[0037] Fig.11 An exemplary computer system suitable for implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is presented.

[0038] Detailed Description

[0039] At the outset, it should be understood that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are described below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or existing. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques described below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. The use of the phrase "and / or" indicates that any one or any combination of a list of options may be used. For example, "A, B, and / or C" means "A", or "B", or "C", or "A and B", or "A and C", or "B and C", or "A and B and C".

[0040] A microwave appliance is disclosed herein to facilitate reliable and efficient heating of packaged food products. For example, for packaged food products such as beverage bottles or soup containers, the microwave appliance can have an efficiency of greater than 90%. The packaged food products can include tea, coffee, dairy-based beverages, water, soup, or other flowable packaged food products. In some embodiments, carbonated or lightly carbonated food products (e.g., about 1-8 volumes of CO 2 ) can be used. 2 ). In some embodiments, other packaged or non-packaged food products may be used.

[0041] The microwave appliance includes a product holder configured to hold a packaged food product, such as a beverage or soup container. The size of the product holder can be set to receive a single product or multiple products. In some embodiments, the product holder can be a shelf configured to position or receive multiple packaged food products.

[0042] The temperature sensor is configured to sense the temperature of the packaged food product. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is a non-contact temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the packaged food product from outside the microwave chamber. The use of a non-contact temperature sensor prevents interaction between the temperature sensor and the microwave radiation used when heating the packaged food product. For example, the temperature sensor can be an infrared temperature sensor arranged to sense infrared radiation emitted by the packaged food product. In another example, an ultrasonic sensor can be used to sense the temperature of the packaged food product. Other contact-based or non-contact temperature sensors can be used.

[0043] In order to provide a more accurate temperature reading, the temperature sensor can be arranged relative to the packaged food product to avoid sensing the temperature near the product label. The product label can isolate or otherwise affect the temperature reading of the packaged food product. Therefore, in some embodiments, the infrared temperature sensor is arranged near the bottom of the packaged food product. Measuring the temperature from the bottom of the packaged food product allows accurately sensing the temperature of more types of packaging, without considering different package sizes, shapes and product label positions.

[0044] Unlike the time-based operation of conventional microwave appliances, the operation of the disclosed microwave appliance can be based on the measured temperature of the packaged food product determined by the temperature sensor. In use, the consumer can select the desired product temperature. The desired product temperature can be an absolute temperature input (e.g., 52°C) received via an input on the user interface, or a relative temperature input (e.g., ambient, hot, very hot) received via an input on the user interface. The relative temperature input can be configurable to a specific set point by a technician (e.g., ambient selection corresponds to 25°C, hot selection corresponds to 55°C, etc.). The temperature-based operation of the microwave appliance can be used for packaged food products of various sizes and types while ensuring that the product will not overheat during use. In addition, the packaged food product can be reheated, or a partially filled packaged food product can be safely heated to the desired product temperature. The maximum operating time can also be used as a fault protection to prevent the temperature sensor from malfunctioning.

[0045] The microwave appliance also includes a product identification scanner for identifying the type of food product, the type of packaging, and / or the size of the packaging being inserted into the microwave appliance. For example, the product identification scanner can be a barcode reader, a camera, an RFID reader, etc. In some embodiments, the product holder can include a turntable for rotating the packaged food product around the product identification scanner to facilitate the identification of the packaged food product. Based on the identification of the inserted food product type, the microwave appliance can identify the dielectric constant and / or conductivity of the food product, and adjust the operation of the microwave appliance accordingly. For example, the power level of the microwave can be adjusted based on the dielectric constant and / or conductivity of the food product inserted into the microwave appliance.

[0046] In addition to the product identification scanner, the microwave appliance may also include a proximity or presence detector. The proximity or presence detector may be positioned relative to the product holder to confirm that the product is located within the product holder before the microwave appliance is operated. For example, the product may first be scanned by the product identification scanner and then verified to be located in the product holder based on the proximity or presence detector. The proximity or presence detector may be an optical sensor or an acoustic range finder for detecting the presence of the product in the product holder.

[0047] The microwave appliance also includes an electric field detector. Based on the identification of the dielectric constant and / or conductivity of the food product inserted into the microwave appliance and based on the measurement results from the electric field detector, an estimate of the product volume can be determined. The operation of the microwave appliance can be adjusted based on the estimated product volume. For example, for a packaged food product determined to be half full, the power level of the microwave appliance can be reduced or otherwise modified compared to the operation of a full product.

[0048] Figure 1-4 are various views of a microwave appliance 100 suitable for heating a packaged food product to a desired temperature. Figure 1 is a front view of the microwave appliance 100, showing the door 102, the user interface 104, and the support legs 106. The door 102 includes a window 112 for accessing the user interface 104 when the door 102 is closed.

[0049] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of the microwave appliance 100 with the door 102 open. The door switch 532 may be located on the front surface of the body 123 of the microwave appliance 100 or on the door 102 and provide a signal indicating the position of the door 102 (e.g., open or closed). The holder 118 is located on the door and is sized and shaped to receive a food container 120, such as a food or beverage container. Figure 2 In the example shown, the food container 120 is a beverage bottle. The food container 120 can be made of plastic (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, etc.), glass, ceramic, non-foil-lined cartons, etc. The retainer 118 is positioned on the door 102 to position the food container 120 within the microwave cavity 114 when the door 102 is closed. For example, when the door 102 is rotated to the closed position, the retainer 118 passes through the opening in the microwave cavity 114 to be positioned therein.

[0050] When the door 102 is closed, a reactive choke 116 is positioned on the door 102 around the perimeter of the opening in the microwave cavity 114, around the holder 118. The reactive choke 116 prevents microwave radiation from passing through the door 102 in use. One or more product presence detectors 122 are positioned on the door 102 around the product holder 118 and are configured to confirm whether a food container 120 is located within the product holder 118. The (multiple) product presence detectors 122 may be optical sensors or acoustic range finders for detecting the presence of a food container 120 in the product holder 118. Multiple product presence detectors 122 may be used to ensure detection of food containers 120 of various sizes. Multiple product presence detectors 122 may also be used to verify the size of the food container 120.

[0051] The user interface 104 is positioned on the body 123 of the microwave appliance 100. For example, the user interface 104 is positioned on the front surface of the body 123 of the microwave appliance 100. Figure 2 As shown, the front surface of the body of the microwave appliance 100 is the same surface that includes the opening in the microwave cavity 114. The user interface 104 can be a touch screen user interface. The user interface 104 can include a graphics port 108 (such as a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port) and a data port 110 (such as a universal serial bus (USB) port). The graphics port 108 can supply graphic data for display on the user interface 104. The data port 110 can transmit touch or gesture input registered on the touch screen. Other user interface elements can be used, and they can communicate via the data port 110 or another data port. For example, in a vending environment, a payment module can be additionally present to facilitate receiving payment and unlocking the door 102. The operation of the user interface 104 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 7-10B.

[0052] The product identification scanner 124 is positioned on the body 123 of the microwave appliance 100. Figure 2 In the example shown, the product identification scanner 124 is positioned below the user interface 104 and faces the product holder 118 when the door 102 is open. The product identification scanner 124 can be an optical scanner (such as a barcode reader or a camera) that is configured to read an identifier on the food container 120. In some embodiments, more than one barcode reader can be configured to read the identifier at multiple locations along the food container 120. Including multiple barcode readers facilitates identifying different food containers 120 (where the barcode is located at different locations on the container 120) and takes into account containers 120 of different heights.

[0053] The product holder 118 may include an opening above the base of the product holder 118 that is sized to facilitate viewing of an identifier on the food container 120 when the food container 120 is placed in the product holder 118. For example, the identifier may be a barcode, symbol, quick response (QR) code, etc. that encodes a universal product code (UPC) or other product identifier. The product holder 118 may be sized to allow a user to rotate the food container 120 in the product holder 118 to facilitate scanning or otherwise reading the identifier on the food container 120. For example, by rotating the food container 120 in the product holder 118, the identifier may be located within the opening of the product holder 118 and in the field of view of the product identification scanner 124.

[0054] In some embodiments, the product holder 118 includes a turntable on the base of the product holder 118 to facilitate easier rotation of the food container 120 within the product holder 118. The turntable can be driven by a motor to automatically scan the identifier on the food container 120 within the product holder 118. The turntable motor can be activated when the door switch provides a signal indicating that the door 102 is opened or after a predetermined delay after the door 102 is opened.

[0055] In some embodiments, the identifier on the food container 120 may be scanned by the product identification scanner 124 before the food container 120 is inserted into the product holder 118. In such embodiments, the product presence detector(s) 122 may verify that the food container 120 has been inserted into the product holder 118 after being scanned by the product identification scanner 124.

[0056] Although the product identification scanner 124 is described as an optical scanner in the above example, the product identification scanner 124 can be a wireless tag reader. For example, the wireless tag can be located on the food container 120 (such as on a label or seal of the food container) and store an identifier of the food container 120. The wireless tag can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag, a beacon tag, etc. The wireless tag reader of the product identification scanner 124 is configured to read the identifier of the food container 120 from the wireless tag on the food container 120.

[0057] Based on the identifier read by the product identification scanner 124 from the food container 120, the microwave appliance 100 is configured to identify the type of food product being inserted into the microwave appliance 100 (e.g., sugary carbonated beverages, sugar-free carbonated beverages, juice drinks, tea, coffee, smoothies, dairy beverages, yogurt products, etc.), packaging type (e.g., PET carbonated beverage bottles, aluminum cans, aluminum bottles, hot-filled PET beverage bottles, aseptic PET beverage bottles, etc.), and / or packaging size (e.g., 20 fl.oz. packaging, 12 fl.oz. packaging, 8 fl.oz. packaging, etc.). Based on the identification of the type of food product inserted, the microwave appliance 100 can identify the dielectric constant and / or conductivity of the food product and adjust the operation of the microwave appliance accordingly. For example, the power level of the microwave appliance 100 can be adjusted based on the dielectric constant and / or conductivity of the food product. In response to reading the identifier, the microwave appliance 100 can access a local database or a network-accessible database that provides one or more tables or other logical structures that associate the identifier with the type of food product, the packaging type, the packaging size, the dielectric constant of the food product, and / or the conductivity of the food product.

[0058] The body 123 of the microwave appliance 100 includes an electronics entry panel 126 and a microwave entry panel 132. The electronics entry panel 126 is positioned on the right side surface of the body 123 of the microwave appliance 100. The electronics entry panel 126 includes a fan vent 128 and a duct vent 130, which are configured to promote air exchange with the surrounding environment to cool the microwave appliance 100. The microwave entry panel 132 is on the opposite side of the microwave appliance 100, on the left side surface of the body 123, and also includes a fan vent (not shown) and a duct vent (not shown).

[0059] Figure 3 1 is a left side perspective view of the microwave appliance 100 with the microwave entry panel 132 removed. The microwave entry panel 132 provides access to a microwave compartment 133 having the microwave components of the microwave appliance 100. Figure 4 1 is a right side perspective view of the microwave appliance 100 with the electronics access panel 126 removed. The electronics access panel 126 provides access to the electronics compartment 135. The microwave compartment 133 and the electronics compartment 135 are separated by a partition wall 134.

[0060] The microwave compartment 133 includes a microwave chamber 136 that provides an enclosed volume for receiving the holder 118. The microwave chamber 136 includes a surface that reflects microwave radiation within the chamber 136. For example, the sides of the microwave chamber 136 can be made of a metal such as aluminum or steel. The microwave chamber 136 can include an electric field detector 538 for measuring the electric field within the microwave chamber 136. As described in more detail below, the electric field detector 538 can be used to estimate the product volume within the food container 120.

[0061] Microwave chamber 136 receives microwave radiation from waveguide 138 and waveguide 144. Waveguide 144 is Figure 4134. The waveguide 144 is shown in dashed lines to illustrate that the waveguide 144 is located on the other side of the partition wall 134. The waveguide 138 is located along the left side surface, relative to the waveguide 144, toward the top of the microwave chamber 136. Similarly, the waveguide 144 is located along the right side surface, toward the bottom of the microwave chamber 136. Therefore, the waveguide 138 on the microwave chamber 136 is offset from the waveguide 144 in the vertical direction. A first magnetron (not shown) is located around the waveguide 138 for supplying microwave radiation to the waveguide 138. The first magnetron includes an antenna located within the waveguide 138. The waveguide 138 is configured to guide the received microwave radiation along the first surface of the microwave chamber 136 into the microwave chamber 136. Similarly, a second magnetron (not shown) is located around the waveguide 144 for supplying microwave radiation to the waveguide 144. The second magnetron includes an antenna located within the waveguide 144. The waveguide 144 is configured to guide the received microwave radiation along the second surface of the microwave chamber 136 into the second surface of the microwave chamber 136.

[0062] Having two or more magnetrons for introducing microwave radiation at different locations in the microwave chamber 136 establishes standing wave patterns that interfere constructively and / or destructively. By optimizing the size of the microwave chamber 136 and the location at which the microwave radiation is introduced in the microwave chamber 136, the microwave radiation can be strongly coupled to the food product in the food container 120. In other words, the size of the microwave chamber 136 is optimized to minimize microwave energy reflected back to the magnetron. In various embodiments, the microwave appliance 100 is configured to have an efficiency greater than 90%.

[0063] Although two magnetrons are disclosed, more or fewer magnetrons may be used. Additional waveguides may be provided for each such additional magnetron. Providing additional magnetrons enables the creation of more complex standing wave patterns to ensure secure coupling with a wider variety of food products in food containers 120.

[0064] In some embodiments, the power level of one or more magnetrons may be adjusted or turned off during use, depending on the product being identified by product identification scanner 124. For example, because waveguide 138 introduces microwave radiation into microwave chamber 136 at a higher position than waveguide 144, if a short bottle or other food container 120 is placed in product holder 118, the first magnetron may be reduced or turned off during use.

[0065] Although Figure 3The illustrated example provides waveguides 138, 144 for supplying microwave radiation to the microwave chamber 136 from opposite sides of the microwave chamber 136, but other configurations may be used. For example, the waveguide 138 may alternatively be positioned along the top surface of the microwave chamber 136 to supply microwave radiation toward the top of the food container 120 in the product holder 118. Other configurations and locations of the waveguides 138, 144 are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0066] In some embodiments, a solid-state microwave source may be used in place of one or more magnetrons. By providing a solid-state microwave source, in addition to modulating the power level of the microwave source, the frequency of the microwave radiation may be modified in use to adaptively change the pattern of standing waves generated in the microwave chamber 136. For example, the pattern of the standing waves may be modified based on the type or size of the product identified by the product identification scanner 124 to optimize the efficiency of delivering microwave power to the food product within the food container 120.

[0067] In addition, unlike the rigid waveguides 138, 144, a simple coaxial antenna can be used with a solid-state microwave source to guide microwave radiation into the microwave chamber 136. Thus, additional positions, more than one position for each microwave source (e.g., dispersing microwave radiation from a single source through two or more antennas), or other such configurations can be used. In some embodiments, the position of the coaxial antenna can also be adjustable. For example, the coaxial antenna can be mounted to the surface of the microwave chamber 136 so as to adjustably change the depth of the antenna within the microwave chamber 136. The depth position of the antenna can be moved by a solenoid plunger, a stepper motor, a gear motor, or other such position adjustment mechanism. By adjusting the depth of the coaxial antenna within the microwave chamber 136, the pattern of the standing wave can be modified to optimize the efficiency of the microwave appliance 100 for a specific food product and / or food container 120.

[0068] The fan 140 and the duct 142 circulate air to cool the magnetrons positioned around the waveguide 138 in use. For example, the fan 140 draws air through fan vents (not shown) on the microwave inlet panel 132 and directs the air through the magnetrons positioned around the waveguide 138 and out of the duct 142 to discharge it to the surrounding environment. Similarly, the fan 146 can push air out through the fan vents 128 so that the air is drawn into the duct 148 through the duct vents 130 and passes through the magnetrons positioned around the waveguide 144. In addition, the fan 150 pushes air out from the fan vents 152 on the rear surface of the body 123 of the microwave appliance 100 to provide air circulation within the microwave compartment 133, for example to cool the microwave compartment 133 from the heat generated by the various power sources 154, 156, 158, 160.

[0069] The microwave compartment 133 also includes a first magnetron power source 154 and a second magnetron power source 156 for powering the magnetrons positioned around the waveguides 138, 144. The magnetron power sources 154, 156 can be half-wave voltage doubler power sources or inverters or switch mode power sources. The half-wave voltage doubler power source has a fixed output and controls the power by an on-off cycle. An inverter or switch mode power source can perform continuously variable power control (and on-off cycling). Other power source types can also be used.

[0070] The first electronics power source 158 provides a first DC voltage for powering the electronics in the microwave appliance 100. For example, the first DC voltage may be 12V. The second electronics power source 160 provides a second DC voltage for powering the electronics in the microwave appliance 100. For example, the second DC voltage may be 5V. A different number of power sources may be used to provide more or fewer voltage rails for powering the electronics in the microwave appliance 100. Different voltage levels may also be used for one or more of the power sources 158, 160.

[0071] The temperature sensor 162 is positioned around the bottom surface of the microwave chamber 136 and is configured to measure the temperature of the food container 120 in the product holder 118 when the door 102 is closed. The temperature sensor 162 can be a non-contact temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the packaged food product from outside the microwave chamber. The use of a non-contact temperature sensor prevents the interaction between the temperature sensor and the microwave radiation used when heating the food product in the food container 120. For example, the temperature sensor 162 can be an infrared temperature sensor arranged to sense the infrared radiation emitted by the food product in the food container 120. In another example, an ultrasonic sensor can be used to sense the temperature of the packaged food product. Other contact-based or non-contact temperature sensors can be used.

[0072] The food container 120 can have a variety of shapes and sizes and have product labels at different locations. The product label can isolate or otherwise affect the temperature reading of the food container 120 obtained by the temperature sensor 162. However, the base of the food container 120 generally has less variation or variability, especially at the center of the base of the food container 120. For example, beverage containers generally have a flat or petal-shaped base. Even with a petal-shaped base, the center of the base of the beverage container is substantially uniform. In addition, product labels are rarely located on the base of the food container 120.

[0073] When the door 102 is closed, the temperature sensor 162 is arranged to face toward the bottom of the product holder 118. The bottom of the product holder 118 may include a hole or aperture through which the temperature sensor 162 can view the bottom of the food container 120. Measuring the temperature from the bottom of the food container 120 allows for accurate sensing of the temperature of a wider variety of package types without having to account for different package sizes, shapes, and product label locations.

[0074] like Figure 4 1 , the electronics compartment 135 includes a computer system 600, a microcontroller assembly 500, and a speaker 168. A port access door 170 is located on the rear surface of the body 123 of the microwave appliance 100 to provide access to one or more input / output (I / O) ports on the computer system 600. The partition wall 134 isolates the components in the electronics compartment 135 from heat and electromagnetic noise generated by the components in the microwave compartment 133.

[0075] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a microcontroller assembly 500 of the microwave appliance 100. The microcontroller assembly 500 includes a microcontroller 502 and an I / O interface board 504. The I / O interface board 504 is configured to receive various input signals and transmit the input signals to the microcontroller 502. The microcontroller 502 includes firmware 506 for processing the received input signals and generating output control signals 508. The I / O interface board 504 supplies the output control signals 508 to control the components of the microwave compartment 133.

[0076] The I / O interface board 504 includes a power input block 510 for receiving a DC voltage from the first electronics power source 158 and the second electronics power source 160. A universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) port 512 is configured to communicate signals with a product identification scanner 124 (such as a barcode scanner). An input conditioning block 514 provides a conditioned signal to an input block 516 to process an input signal received by the input block 516. The input conditioning block 514 may receive an AC synchronization input 518.

[0077] The input block 516 is configured to receive status signals from sensors in the microwave appliance 100. For example, the voltage status sensor 520 provides a signal indicating the status of the first electronic device power source 158 to the input block 516. The lid interlock status sensor 522 provides a signal indicating the status of the interlock switch (e.g., open or closed) to the input block 516 to prevent the removal of microwave access panel 132 when the interlock switch is in the "closed" position. The thermal fuse sensor 524 provides a signal indicating whether the temperature of the first magnetron has reached the thermal fuse threshold to the input block 516. The thermal fuse sensor 526 provides a signal indicating whether the temperature of the second magnetron has reached the thermal fuse threshold to the input block 516. The relay state 528 provides a signal indicating the status of the first power relay (e.g., connected or disconnected) to the input block 516. The relay state 530 provides a signal indicating the status of the second power relay (e.g., connected or disconnected) to the input block 516.

[0078] The first power relay may be closed in response to control from the first magnetron MOSFET. The first magnetron MOSFET in turn responds to control from the thermal fuse sensor 524 or the lid interlock to close the first power relay in response to the first magnetron exceeding the thermal fuse threshold or the lid interlock opening. Similarly, the second power relay may be closed in response to control from the second magnetron MOSFET. The second magnetron MOSFET in turn responds to control from the thermal fuse sensor 526 or the lid interlock to close the second power relay in response to the first magnetron exceeding the thermal fuse threshold or the lid interlock opening.

[0079] The product presence detector(s) 122 provide a signal to the input block 516 indicating whether a food container 120 is present in the product holder 118. The door switch 532 provides a signal to the input block 516 indicating whether the door 102 is open or closed. The magnetron status sensor 534 provides a signal to the input block 516 indicating the status of the first magnetron power source 154. The magnetron status sensor 536 provides a signal to the input block 516 indicating the status of the second magnetron power source 156. More or fewer input signals may be provided to the input block 516.

[0080] The I / O interface board 504 also receives analog inputs from the temperature sensor 162 and the electric field detector 538. The signal from the electric field detector 538 may pass through a radio frequency envelope filter 540 before being received by an analog amplifier 542 on the I / O interface board 504. An analog input 544 on the I / O interface board 504 receives a signal from the temperature sensor 162 indicating the temperature of the food container 120.

[0081] As described above, the electric field detector 538 can be used to estimate the volume of the product within the food container 120. In addition, the electric field detector 538 can be used to verify that the electric field within the microwave chamber 136 is within the expected range for normal operation. For example, if a metal food container 120 (such as a 12 oz. aluminum can) is inserted into the microwave appliance 100, the electric field detector 538 will sense a load lower than expected or zero. At the same time, the (multiple) product presence detectors 122 will sense the presence of the food container 120 in the product holder 118. Similarly, if no product is inserted into the microwave appliance 100, the electric field detector 538 will sense a load lower than expected or zero. The (multiple) product presence detectors 122 will also sense that there is no product in the product holder 118. In either case, when the electric field detector 538 senses a load value lower than the minimum allowable value indicated by the maximum allowable electric field threshold, the operation of the microwave appliance 100 can be prevented from being started or otherwise terminated.

[0082] The maximum electric field threshold may correspond to a minimum volumetric amount of a given type of food product in a given food container 120. For example, for a type of food product contained in a given food container 120, the maximum threshold may be an expected electric field reading corresponding to at least 5%, 10%, or 25% of the volume of the given food container 120.

[0083] Different materials have different dielectric constants and conductivities and therefore couple, absorb, or otherwise react to microwave radiation in different ways. For example, the dielectric constant of PET is about 1-3 ε', while the dielectric constant of water is about 80 ε'. Similarly, the conductivity of PET is about 10 -21 S / m, while the conductivity of saline solution is about 1-5 S / m. Therefore, food products absorb microwave radiation more easily than the container that usually contains the food product.

[0084] However, different food products have different electrical properties. Based on the electrical properties (e.g., dielectric constant and / or conductivity) of the food product inserted into the microwave chamber 136, such as based on the readings from the product identification scanner 124, and the detected electric field strength measured by the electric field detector 538, the volume of the food product can be estimated. Using the estimated volume of the food product inserted into the microwave chamber 136, the operation of the first magnetron power source 154 and / or the second magnetron power source 156 can be modified. For example, the power level of one or more of the magnetron power sources 154, 156 can be adjusted based on the estimated volume to avoid flash evaporation or otherwise reduce the risk of pressure accumulation in the food container 120. Therefore, even a partially filled food container 120 can be safely heated to a target temperature in the microwave appliance 100.

[0085] A volume adjustment input 546 (e.g., a volume knob or button) may be located within the electronics compartment 135 or elsewhere within the microwave appliance to allow a technician to adjust the volume level of the speaker 168. The volume adjustment input 546 may be provided to an audio amplifier 550 on the I / O interface board 504 via an audio jack 548 to adjust the amount of amplification provided by the audio amplifier 550. An output audio jack 552 supplies the audio signal from the audio amplifier 550 to the speaker 168.

[0086] The I / O interface board 504 also includes an output block 556 for supplying an output control signal 508 to components in the microwave compartment 133. The first magnetron signal 554 is provided to the first magnetron MOSFET to turn on or off the first power relay. Similarly, the second magnetron signal 556 is provided to the second magnetron MOSFET to turn on or off the second power relay. When the first power relay is turned on, power is provided to the first magnetron power source 154 and the fan 140. When the second power relay is turned on, power is provided to the second magnetron power source 156 and the fan 146.

[0087] The first power control signal 558 is provided to the first magnetron power source 154 to modulate the power output by the first magnetron power source 154 to the first magnetron. The second power control signal 560 is provided to the second magnetron power source 156 to modulate the power output by the second magnetron power source 156 to the second magnetron. In some embodiments, the first power control signal 558 and the second power control signal 560 are pulse width modulated control signals. The first power control signal 558 and the second power control signal 560 can be the same or different. For example, the first magnetron power source 154 and the second magnetron power source 156 can be operated to provide different power levels to their respective magnetrons. The fan control signal 562 is provided to the fan 150 to cool the microwave compartment 133. The fan control signal 564 can be provided to the fans 140, 146 to cool the first magnetron and the second magnetron.

[0088] Figure 6600 is a block diagram of a computer system 600 of a microwave appliance 100. The computer system 600 includes an operating system 602 and one or more applications 604 installed on the operating system 602. The computer 600 also includes a memory 606 with a file system for storing images, audio and video data 608 to be displayed on the user interface 104 or output from the speaker 168. One or more applications 604 control the operation of components (such as microcontroller 502) on the communication bus 610. The I / O interface 612 provides communication between one or more applications 604 and the user interface 104, for example, supplying video or image data and receiving touch input from a touch screen. The port 614 that can be entered via the port entry door 170 provides a technician with an entry for downloading usage and diagnostic data and uploading software updates of (multiple) applications 604 or firmware 506. The database 616 can store usage and diagnostic data of the microwave appliance 100 locally. For example, usage data may include how many times the door 102 was opened, which products were scanned by the product identification scanner 124, what temperature was selected on the user interface 104 to heat the product, and the time at which each of these events occurred. Other usage data may be collected. Diagnostic data may include a log of inputs received on the input block 516, the analog inputs 544 and the analog amplifier 542, and the control signal 508. Other diagnostic data may be stored in the database 616. A modem 618 may also be included for uploading usage and diagnostic data to a remote server (not shown), or for receiving software updates from a remote server. Other configurations and components are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a state diagram 700 of a consumer operating the microwave appliance 100 . Figures 8A-8F 104 is a user interface screen displayed on the user interface 104 of the microwave appliance 100 during operation by a consumer. At 702, the microwave appliance 100 receives power. At 704, the microwave appliance 100 enters an idle state 704. In the idle state 704, the user interface 104 may display a ready screen or video to convey to the consumer that the microwave appliance is ready for use. When the door switch 532 detects that the door 102 is opened, the microwave appliance enters a scanning state 706.

[0090] In the scanning state 706, the user interface 104 may display a scanning screen or video to convey to the consumer the scanning of the food container 120 using the product identification scanner 124. For example, the user interface 104 may display Fig. 8A If the door switch 532 detects that the door 102 is closed before the product identification scanner 124 scans the food container 120, the microwave appliance 100 returns to the idle state 704.

[0091] If the identification scanner 124 scans an invalid product, audio feedback may be provided via the speaker 168 and the microwave appliance 100 enters an invalid product state 708, in which the user interface 104 may display an invalid product screen or video to convey to the consumer that the scanned food container 120 is invalid for use with the microwave appliance 100. For example, the user interface 104 may display Figure 8C This check ensures that food containers 120 having incompatible container materials (e.g., aluminum cans, etc.), incompatible food product types (e.g., highly carbonated beverages, etc.), or otherwise not registered with the microwave appliance 100 are prevented from being used with the microwave appliance 100. After a timeout period, the microwave appliance returns to the scanning state 706.

[0092] If the identification scanner 124 scans a valid product, audio feedback may be provided through the speaker 168, and the microwave appliance 100 enters the check food container placement state 710. In the check food container placement state 710, the microwave appliance 100 verifies the presence of the food container 120 in the product holder 118 using the (multiple) product presence detectors 122. If the food container 120 is not detected in the product holder 118 or the food container is removed from the product holder 118 during the check food container placement state 710, the microwave appliance 100 returns to the scanning state 706. If the food container 120 is detected in the product holder 118, the microwave appliance 100 enters the close door state 712.

[0093] In the closed door state 712, the user interface 104 may display a closed door screen or video to convey to the consumer that the product is valid, properly placed, and that the consumer should close the door 102. For example, the user interface 104 may display Figure 8B If the door 102 is not detected closed within the timeout period, the microwave appliance 100 returns to the scanning state 706. When the microwave appliance 100 detects that the door 102 has been closed (such as detected by the door switch 532), the microwave appliance 100 enters the select temperature state 716.

[0094] Additionally, upon detecting that the door 102 has been closed, the temperature sensor 162 may detect an initial temperature reading of the food container 120. If an invalid temperature reading is received, the microwave appliance 100 enters an error state 714. For example, if the temperature reading of the food container 120 is equal to or higher than the maximum temperature of the microwave appliance 100, or the temperature reading otherwise exceeds the normal operating range of the temperature sensor 162 or otherwise indicates that the temperature sensor 162 is faulty, the microwave appliance 100 may enter the error state 714. In the error state 714, the user interface 104 may display an error screen or video to convey to the consumer that service is needed. For example, the user interface 104 may display a Figure 8F User interface screen shown.

[0095] In the select temperature state 716, the user interface 104 may display a select temperature screen or video to convey to the consumer the desired heating temperature for selecting the food container 120. For example, the user interface 104 may display Fig.8D The user interface screen shown. Fig.8D As shown, there are three selectable user interface icons, each representing a relative temperature level, such as ambient icon 802, hot icon 804, and very hot icon 806. Alternatively or in addition, a temperature value may be displayed on each selectable icon.

[0096] The consumer may select the ambient icon 802 to heat the frozen food container 120 to an ambient temperature (e.g., ~25°C). The consumer may select the hot icon 804 to heat the food container 120 to a configurable hot temperature (e.g., ~45°C). The consumer may select the very hot icon 806 to heat the food container 120 to a configurable very hot temperature (e.g., ~65°C). As disclosed in more detail below, other temperature levels may be used and may be configured by a technician. If no temperature selection is made within the timeout period, the microwave appliance will return to the scanning state 706.

[0097] Upon receiving the temperature selection from the user interface 104, the microwave appliance 100 enters a heating state 718. In the heating state 718, the microwave appliance begins to heat the food container 120 through the operation of one or more microwave sources as described above. During the heating state 718, the user interface 104 may display a heating screen or video to convey the current state of heating the food container 120 to the consumer. For example, the user interface 104 may display Fig. 8EThus, the user interface 104 can display the current temperature of the food container 120 and an indication that the microwave appliance 100 is running and the door 102 should remain closed. If the door 102 is opened during the heating state 718 (as detected by the door switch 532), the microwave appliance 100 suspends operation of the microwave source and returns to the scanning state 706.

[0098] Readings from the electric field detector 538 may be collected during operation of the microwave appliance 100. As discussed above, these readings may be used to verify that a product has been inserted into the microwave chamber 136 or to detect a fluid volume in the food container 120. For example, the power level or frequency of one or more microwave sources may be modulated based on the fluid volume detected in the food container 120. If the electric field detected by the electric field detector 538 is greater than a maximum electric field threshold, or if the product presence detector(s) 122 do not detect a product in the microwave chamber 136, the microwave appliance 100 enters the invalid product state 708, as described above. If the value from the electric field detector 538 is outside of a normal operating range or otherwise indicates that the microwave appliance 100 is faulty, the microwave appliance 100 enters the error state 714, as described above.

[0099] When the target temperature based on the selection from the user interface 104 is reached, the microwave appliance 100 suspends operation of the microwave source, provides audio feedback through the speaker 168, and enters the completion state 720. In the completion state 720, the user interface 104 can display a completion screen or video to convey to the consumer to remove and enjoy the heated food container 120. For example, the user interface 104 can display Figure 8B When the door 102 is opened (as detected by the door switch 532 ) during the completion state 720 , the microwave appliance 100 returns to the scanning state 706 .

[0100] In some embodiments, when the door 102 is opened during the completion state 720 or during the heating state 718, the microwave appliance 100 can enter the remove bottle state (not shown). In the remove bottle state, the user interface 104 can display a remove bottle screen or video to convey to the consumer that the food container 120 is removed from the product holder 118. The remove bottle screen or video can be displayed for a predetermined amount of time. When the food container 120 is removed from the product holder 118 (as detected by (multiple) product presence detectors 122) or after a timeout period, the microwave appliance 100 returns to the scanning state 706.

[0101] Fig. 9 is a state diagram 900 of a technician operating the microwave appliance 100 . Figures 10A-10Bis a user interface screen displayed on the user interface of the microwave appliance 100 during technician operation. At 902, the microwave appliance 100 enters a service home state 904. For example, when the product identification scanner 124 scans a technician barcode in the scanning state 706, the microwave appliance 100 enters the service home state 904. In the service home state 904, the user interface 104 can display a service home screen or video to convey service options to the technician.

[0102] For example, in the service home state 904, the user interface 104 may display Fig. 10A The service home screen includes a selectable back button 1002. When selection of the back button 1002 is received, after a timeout period, or when the door 102 is closed (as detected by the door switch 532) during the service home state 904, the microwave appliance 100 returns to the consumer operating mode. For example, the microwave appliance 100 returns to the idle state 704 or the scanning state 706 depending on whether the door 102 is closed.

[0103] The service home screen also includes a selectable temperature button 1004. Upon receiving a selection of the temperature button 1004, the microwave appliance 100 enters the adjust temperature state 906. In the adjust temperature state 906, the user interface 104 can display an adjust temperature screen or video to convey temperature adjustment options to the technician.

[0104] For example, in the adjust temperature state 906, the user interface 104 may display Fig. 10B The user interface screen shown. The adjust temperature screen includes an optional back button 1006. Upon receiving a selection of the back button 1006 or after a timeout period, the microwave appliance 100 returns to the service home state 904. The adjust temperature screen also includes temperature icons 1008, 1010, 1012, which correspond to the ambient icon 802, the hot icon 804, and the very hot icon 806, respectively, but have superimposed temperature values. Each of the temperature icons 1008, 1010, 1012 has a corresponding temperature adjustment button to change the temperature value corresponding to the temperature icon.

[0105] For example, the temperature icon 1008 corresponding to the ambient icon 802 is shown as having a temperature value of 25°C. The temperature value in the temperature icon 1008 may be increased upon selecting the increase temperature button 1014. Likewise, the temperature value in the temperature icon 1008 may be decreased upon selecting the decrease temperature button 1016. The temperature icon 1010 corresponding to the hot icon 804 is shown as having a temperature value of 45°C. The temperature value in the temperature icon 1010 may be increased upon selecting the increase temperature button 1018. Likewise, the temperature value in the temperature icon 1010 may be decreased upon selecting the decrease temperature button 1020. The temperature icon 1012 corresponding to the very hot icon 806 is shown as having a temperature value of 65°C. The temperature value in the temperature icon 1012 may be increased upon selecting the increase temperature button 1022. Likewise, the temperature value in the temperature icon 1012 may be decreased upon selecting the decrease temperature button 1024. The increase temperature buttons 1014, 1018, 1022 and the decrease temperature buttons 1016, 1020, 1024 can adjust the temperature values ​​in the temperature icons 1008, 1010, 1012 by integer values ​​(for example, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C or 5°C each time) or fractional values ​​(for example, 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C each time).

[0106] The adjust temperature screen also includes a cancel button 1026 and a save button 1028. When the cancel button 1026 is selected, any changes to the temperature values ​​in the temperature icons 1008, 1010, 1012 are discarded and the microwave appliance 100 returns to the service home state 904. Likewise, when the save button 1028 is selected, any changes to the temperature values ​​in the temperature icons 1008, 1010, 1012 are saved and the microwave appliance 100 returns to the service home state 904.

[0107] From the service home state 904, the technician can modify the list of acceptable food containers for use with the microwave appliance 100 by scanning the food container 120 that is desired to be modified. For example, the technician can scan the food container 120 using the product identification scanner 124, at which point the microwave appliance provides audio feedback of the scan through the speaker 168. If the scanned food container 120 is already stored in the list of acceptable food containers, the microwave appliance 100 enters the listed products state 908. If the scanned food container 120 is not yet stored in the list of acceptable food containers, the microwave appliance 100 enters the unlisted products state 910. Regardless, the user interface 104 can display the value of the scanned identifier (e.g., a bar code number, etc.) or other information about the scanned food container 120, such as the type of product, etc.

[0108] In the list product state 908, the user interface 104 can display a remove product screen or video to convey the option to the technician to modify the acceptable food container list. For example, the remove product screen can include a selectable confirmation icon for confirming that the scanned food container 120 should be removed from the acceptable food container list. Upon receiving the selection of the confirmation icon, the scanned food container 120 is removed from the acceptable food container list, and the microwave appliance 100 returns to the service home state 904. The remove product screen can also include a selectable back button for canceling the removal of the scanned food container 120 from the acceptable food container list. After the timeout period or upon receiving the selection of the back button, the acceptable food container list remains unchanged, and the microwave appliance 100 returns to the service home state 904.

[0109] In the unlisted product state 910, the user interface 104 can display an add product screen or video to convey the option to the technician to modify the acceptable food container list. For example, the add product screen can include a selectable confirmation icon for confirming that the scanned food container 120 should be added to the acceptable food container list. Upon receiving the selection of the confirmation icon, the scanned food container 120 is added to the acceptable food container list, and the microwave appliance 100 returns to the service home state 904. The add product screen can also include a selectable back button for canceling the addition of the scanned food container 120 from the acceptable food container list. After the timeout period or upon receiving the selection of the back button, the acceptable food container list remains unchanged, and the microwave appliance 100 returns to the service home state 904.

[0110] In some embodiments, the technician may be provided with more permissions to modify the list of acceptable food containers than the crew or other individuals who may access the service home state 904. For example, the crew may be able to add or remove some food containers from the list of acceptable food containers. However, there may be a subset of the list of acceptable food containers that the crew does not have permission to remove. If the scanned food container 120 is in the subset of the list of acceptable food containers that the crew does not have permission to remove, the user interface 104 may simply display a product screen showing additional information about the scanned food container.

[0111] From the service home state 904, the technician can also perform software update operations on the microwave appliance 100. For example, upon receiving a USB drive into the port 614, the microwave appliance 100 enters the update state 912. In the update state 912, the user interface 104 can display an update screen or video to convey to the technician that the software on the microwave appliance 100 is being updated. For example, the software update can upload and install software updates for (multiple) applications 604 or firmware 506. When the software update is completed, the user interface 104 can display an update completion screen to convey to the technician that the software update has been completed. Then, the microwave appliance 100 can restart normally from the power state 702.

[0112] It should be understood that the logical operations described herein with respect to the various figures may be implemented as (1) on a computing device (e.g., Fig.11 The logical operations discussed herein are defined as (i) a series of computer-implemented actions or program modules (i.e., software) running on a computing device described in the drawings, (2) interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules (i.e., hardware) within a computing device, and / or (3) a combination of software and hardware of a computing device. Therefore, the logical operations discussed herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software. The implementation is a matter of choice depending on the performance and other requirements of the computing device. Therefore, the logical operations described herein are variously referred to as operations, structural devices, actions, or modules. These operations, structural devices, actions, and modules may be implemented in software, firmware, dedicated digital logic, and any combination thereof. It should also be understood that more or fewer operations than those shown in the drawings and described herein may be performed. These operations may also be performed in an order different from that described herein.

[0113] refer to Fig.11 , showing an example computing device 1100 on which an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented. For example, the microwave appliance 100 described herein, the user interface 104, the microcontroller 502 and / or the computer 600 can be implemented as a computing device, such as a computing device 1100. It should be understood that the example computing device 1100 is only an example of a suitable computing environment on which an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented. Optionally, the computing device 1100 can be a known computing system, including but not limited to a personal computer, a server, a handheld device or a laptop device, a multiprocessor system, a microprocessor-based system, a network personal computer (PC), a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, an embedded system and / or a distributed computing environment including a plurality of any of the above systems or devices. A distributed computing environment enables a remote computing device connected to a communication network or other data transmission medium to perform various tasks. In a distributed computing environment, program modules, application programs and other data can be stored on local and / or remote computer storage media.

[0114] In an embodiment, the computing device 1100 may include two or more computers that communicate with each other to collaborate in order to perform tasks. For example, but not by way of limitation, the application may be partitioned in a manner that allows instructions of the application to be processed simultaneously and / or in parallel. Alternatively, the data processed by the application may be partitioned in a manner that allows different parts of the data set to be processed simultaneously and / or in parallel by two or more computers. In an embodiment, the computing device 1100 may use virtualization software to provide multiple servers that are not directly incorporated into the computing device 1100. For example, the virtualization software may provide twenty virtual servers on four physical computers. In an embodiment, the functions disclosed above may be provided by executing an application and / or multiple applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may include providing computing services via a network connection using dynamically scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported at least in part by virtualization software. A cloud computing environment may be established by an enterprise and / or may be rented from a third-party provider based on need. Some cloud computing environments may include cloud computing resources owned and operated by an enterprise and cloud computing resources rented and / or leased from a third-party provider.

[0115] In its most basic configuration, computing device 1100 typically includes at least one processing unit 1120 and system memory 1130. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, system memory 1130 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. Fig.11 1100 is shown by dashed line 1110. Processing unit 1120 may be a standard programmable processor that performs the arithmetic and logic operations required for the operation of computing device 1100. Although only one processing unit 1120 is shown, multiple processors may be present. Thus, although instructions may be discussed as being executed by a processor, these instructions may be executed by one or more processors simultaneously, sequentially, or otherwise. Computing device 1100 may also include a bus or other communication mechanism for conveying information between the various components of computing device 1100.

[0116] The computing device 1100 may have additional features / functionality. For example, the computing device 1100 may include additional storage, such as removable storage 1140 and non-removable storage 1150, including but not limited to magnetic or optical disks or tapes. The computing device 1100 may also contain network connection(s) 1180 that allow the device to communicate with other devices, such as through the communication paths described herein. The network connection(s) 1180 may take the form of a modem; a modem bank; an Ethernet card; a universal serial bus (USB) interface card; a serial interface; a token ring card; a fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) card; a wireless local area network (WLAN) card; a radio transceiver card such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long term evolution (LTE), world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), and / or other air interface protocol radio transceiver cards and other known network devices. The computing device 1100 may also have (multiple) input devices 1170, such as a keyboard, keypad, switch, dial, mouse, trackball, touch screen, voice recognition, card reader, paper tape reader, or other known input devices. Output device(s) 1160 may also be included, such as a printer, video monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen display, display, speaker, etc. Additional devices may be connected to the bus to facilitate data communication between components of the computing device 1100. All of these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed in detail here.

[0117] Processing unit 1120 may be configured to execute program code encoded in a tangible computer-readable medium. A tangible computer-readable medium refers to any medium that is capable of providing data that causes computing device 1100 (i.e., a machine) to operate in a particular manner. Various computer-readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to processing unit 1120 for execution. Example tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 1130, removable storage 1140, and non-removable storage 1150 are all examples of tangible computer storage media. Example tangible computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, integrated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays or application specific ICs), hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, holographic storage media, solid-state devices, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROMs, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices, or other magnetic storage devices.

[0118] Importantly for the fields of electrical engineering and software engineering, functions that can be implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be converted into hardware implementations by known design rules. The decision between implementing a concept in software or hardware typically depends on the consideration of the stability of the design and the number of units to be produced, rather than any issues involved in converting from the software domain to the hardware domain. Typically, designs that are still subject to frequent changes can preferably be implemented in software, because redeveloping hardware implementations is much more expensive than redeveloping software designs. Typically, stable designs that will be mass-produced can preferably be implemented in hardware (e.g., with application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), because hardware implementations may be cheaper than software implementations for mass production runs. Typically, designs can be developed and tested in software form and then converted into equivalent hardware implementations in application-specific integrated circuits hard-wired to the software's instructions by known design rules. Adopting the same method as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a specific machine or device, and similarly, a computer that has been programmed and / or loaded with executable instructions can be considered a specific machine or device.

[0119] In an example implementation, processing unit 1120 may execute program code stored in system memory 1130. For example, a bus may carry data to system memory 1130, from which processing unit 1120 receives and executes instructions. Data received by system memory 1130 may optionally be stored on removable storage device 1140 or non-removable storage device 1150 before or after execution by processing unit 1120.

[0120] It should be understood that the various techniques described herein can be implemented in combination with hardware or software or in combination with a combination thereof where appropriate. Therefore, the currently disclosed subject matter or some aspects or parts thereof and the method and apparatus can be in the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in a tangible medium, such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a hard disk drive, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine such as a computing device, the machine becomes a device for practicing the currently disclosed subject matter. In the case of executing the program code on a programmable computer, the computing device generally includes a processor, a storage medium (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage element) readable by the processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs can be implemented or utilized in combination with the process described in the currently disclosed subject matter, for example, by using an application programming interface (API), a reusable control, etc. Such programs can be implemented in a high-level procedural language or an object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, if necessary, the (multiple) programs can be implemented in an assembly language or a machine language. In any case, the language can be a compiled language or an interpreted language, and it can be combined with a hardware implementation.

[0121] Embodiments of the method and system may be described herein with reference to block diagrams and flow charts of the method, system, device, and computer program product. It should be understood that each frame of the block diagram and flow chart and the combination of frames in the block diagram and flow chart can be implemented by computer program instructions, respectively. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more process blocks.

[0122] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which may direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operating steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow blocks.

[0123] Therefore, the blocks of the block diagrams and flow charts support a combination of means for performing the specified functions, a combination of steps for performing the specified functions, and a program instruction device for performing the specified functions. It should also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flow charts and the combination of blocks in the block diagrams and flow charts can be implemented by a computer system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs specific functions or steps.

[0124] Although the present disclosure has provided several embodiments, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the details given herein. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0125] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described and shown as discrete or separate in the various embodiments may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques or methods. Other items shown or discussed as being directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicated through an interface, device or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions and variations may be determined by those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A microwave appliance, comprising: Multiple microwave sources; a microwave chamber, the microwave chamber being in electromagnetic communication with the plurality of microwave sources; a product holder configured to support a food container within the microwave chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the food container supported within the product holder; a user interface configured to receive a temperature selection; a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the user interface, the controller configured to operate the plurality of microwave sources to heat a food product in the food container to a temperature corresponding to the temperature selection; an electric field detector in communication with the controller, the electric field detector being configured to detect an electric field in the microwave chamber; as well as a product identification scanner in communication with the controller and configured to read an identifier on the food container, Wherein the controller is configured to estimate the volume of the food product in the microwave chamber based on a reading from the electric field detector and a reading of the identifier from the product identification scanner.

2. The microwave appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The electric field detector is used to verify that the electric field within the microwave chamber is within the expected range for normal operation.

3. The microwave appliance according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is configured to determine whether the electric field in the microwave chamber is less than a maximum electric field threshold.

4. The microwave appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The product identification scanner is an optical scanner or a wireless tag reader.

5. The microwave appliance according to claim 4, wherein: The optical scanner is a camera or a barcode reader.

6. The microwave appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor is positioned below the product holder and is configured to sense a temperature of a base of the food container.

7. The microwave appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor is an infrared or ultrasonic temperature sensor.

8. The microwave appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of power sources, each power source corresponding to one of the plurality of microwave sources, and each power source in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is further configured to modulate a power level of microwaves generated by the plurality of microwave sources.

9. The microwave appliance according to claim 1, wherein: One or more of the plurality of microwave sources is a magnetron or a solid state microwave source.

10. The microwave appliance according to claim 9, wherein: The controller is further configured to modulate the frequency of microwaves generated by the solid-state microwave source.

11. The microwave appliance according to claim 10, wherein: The controller adjusts power levels of microwaves generated by the plurality of microwave sources based on the estimated volume of the food product in the microwave chamber.

12. A method of operating a microwave appliance, comprising: identifying the food container based on scanning an identifier on the food container with a product identification scanner; receiving a temperature selection from a user interface; Using an electric field detector to detect the electric field in the microwave chamber; powering a plurality of microwave sources to heat a food product in the food container within the microwave chamber; estimating a volume of the food product in the microwave chamber based on the electric field detected by the electric field detector and the identifier of the food container; sensing the temperature of the food container using a temperature sensor; as well as Power to the plurality of microwave sources is turned off when the temperature of the food container reaches the temperature selection.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: A determination is made as to whether the electric field in the microwave chamber is greater than a maximum electric field threshold.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The volume of the food product in the microwave chamber is determined based on the electric field detected by the electric field detector and the identification of the food container.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: A power level of one or more of the plurality of microwave sources is modified based on the estimated volume of the food product.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein: The temperature sensor is positioned below the food container in the microwave chamber and is configured to sense a temperature of a base of the food container.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein: The product identification scanner is an optical scanner or a wireless tag reader.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein: One or more of the plurality of microwave sources is a magnetron or a solid state microwave source.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein: The electric field detector is used to verify that the electric field within the microwave chamber is within the expected range for normal operation.

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