Method of cooking a variety of different food items on a grill apparatus and related system

Abstract

A method can include retrieving a first cooking mode associated with a first food, where the first cooking mode includes at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one first time period. The method can further include controlling a grill to the first cooking mode. The method can further include retrieving a second cooking mode associated with a second food, where the second cooking mode includes at least one second temperature setpoint and at least one second time period. The method can further include combining the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode to form a hybrid cooking mode, the hybrid cooking mode including at least one third temperature setpoint and at least one third time period. The method can further include controlling the grill to the hybrid cooking mode after starting the second cooking period.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 001,080, filed on March 27, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to grill assemblies and their components. In particular, this disclosure relates to control components for grill assemblies and methods of using grill assemblies. Background Technology

[0004] Grills and smokers have long been used for food preparation and other tasks. Outdoor grills and smokers, for example, are commonly used for preparing meats, vegetables, fruits, and other types of food. These grills and smokers are typically operated using manual controls integrated into the frame of the grill or smoker. For example, many such outdoor products have an ignition button, which, when pressed, creates a spark near the gas outlet on the burner. The spark ignites the gas, and the burner begins to generate heat. The amount of heat is usually controlled using a dial or knob that allows more or less gas to be introduced into the burner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of this disclosure include a method of cooking a meal. The method may include initiating a first cooking period for a first food item. The method may further include receiving a first cooking profile associated with the first food item, wherein the first cooking profile includes at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one first time period. The method may further include controlling the temperature of a grill to the first cooking profile. The method may further include initiating a second cooking period for a second food item before the first cooking period completes. The method may further include receiving a second cooking profile associated with the second food item, wherein the second cooking profile includes at least one second temperature setpoint and at least one second time period. The method may further include combining the first cooking profile and the second cooking profile to form a mixed cooking profile, the mixed cooking profile including at least one third temperature setpoint and at least one third time period. The method may further include controlling the grill to the mixed cooking profile after the second cooking period has begun.

[0006] Another embodiment of this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor to initiate a first cooking period for a first food item. The first cooking period may include a first cooking mode associated with the first food item, wherein the first cooking mode includes at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one first time period. The instructions may further cause the processor to control the grill to the first cooking mode. The instructions may also cause the processor to initiate a second cooking period for a second food item before the first cooking period completes. The second cooking period may include a second cooking mode associated with the second food item, wherein the second cooking mode includes at least one second temperature setpoint and at least one second time period. The instructions may further cause the processor to combine the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode to form a mixed cooking mode, the mixed cooking mode including at least one third temperature setpoint and at least one third time period. The instructions may also cause the processor to control the grill to the mixed cooking mode after the second cooking period has begun.

[0007] Another embodiment of this disclosure may include a grill apparatus. The grill apparatus may include a cooking chamber operatively coupled to a heat source, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to receive a first food and a second food. The grill apparatus may further include a controller. The controller may include at least one processor configured to control the heat source. The controller may further include a memory device configured to receive a first cooking mode for the first food and a second cooking mode for the second food. The controller may also include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to control the heat source to a first cooking chamber temperature defined by the first cooking mode when the first food is in the cooking chamber. The instructions may further cause the controller to control the heat source to a second cooking chamber temperature defined by the second cooking mode when the second food is in the cooking chamber. The instructions may also cause the controller to combine the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode to form a mixed cooking mode when both the first food and the second food are in the cooking chamber. The instructions may further cause the controller to control the heat source to a third cooking chamber temperature defined by the mixed cooking mode. Attached Figure Description

[0008] For a detailed understanding of this disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same elements are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 A perspective view of a grill apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown of an environment in which the grill apparatus of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, may operate;

[0011] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary controller for a grill apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cooking time according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a dietary control sequence according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0014] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a grill apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The illustrations presented herein, used to describe embodiments of the invention, are not actual views of any grill, wood-particle grill, or any component thereof, but are merely idealized representations.

[0016] As used herein, the singular forms following “a,” “one,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] As used herein, the term “may” in relation to materials, structures, features, or methodological actions indicates that they are intended for use in implementing embodiments of this disclosure, and such term is preferred over the more restrictive term “is” in order to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods that may be used in combination with them should or must be excluded.

[0018] As used herein, any relational terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “side,” “upward,” “downward,” etc., are used for clear and convenient understanding of this disclosure and the accompanying drawings, and are not intended to imply or depend on any particular preference or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these terms may refer to the orientation of elements of the grill assembly when used in a conventional manner. Furthermore, these terms may refer to the orientation of elements of the grill assembly shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0019] As used herein, the term “substantially” with respect to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes the degree to which a given parameter, property, or condition is satisfied with a small degree of variation, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances, as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. As an example, depending on the specific parameter, property, or condition being substantially satisfied, the parameter, property, or condition may be satisfied with at least 90.0%, at least 95.0%, at least 99.0%, or even at least 99.9%.

[0020] As used herein, the term “approximately” with respect to a given parameter includes the value and has the meaning prescribed by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with the measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations caused by manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0021] As used herein, the term "grill apparatus" refers to a grilling and / or smoking apparatus for grilling and / or smoking food. In particular, the grill apparatus described herein can be an outdoor grill apparatus configured for grilling and / or smoking food in an outdoor environment.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of a grill apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the grill assembly 100 may include a base assembly 104, a cooking section base assembly 104, and a controller 102. The cooking section base assembly 104 may be disposed on the base assembly 104 and may be operatively connected to the controller 102. In some embodiments, the base assembly 104 may include one or more storage areas and a door 106. For example, the base assembly 104 may include one or more cabinet assemblies. The cabinet assemblies may provide access to one or more portions of the cooking section base assembly 104.

[0023] The cooking base assembly 104 may include a cover 108, one or more cooking racks 110, a cooking chamber 112, and a fuel chamber 114 (i.e., a hopper). In some embodiments, a controller 102 may be at least partially disposed in the housing 116 of the fuel chamber 114. The controller 102 may control the cooking temperature of the grill, control the fuel supply rate, control the cooking cycle and process, control the fuel combustion rate, monitor the ambient temperature, monitor the internal and external temperatures, monitor the fuel level, monitor the grease and ash levels, monitor the position of the cover 108, monitor the presence and level of the flame, control the ignition process, and / or perform other functions.

[0024] In some embodiments, controller 102 may include a display 118 for presenting information to a user. For example, display 118 may be visible from the outside of grill device 100. Display 118 may display various operational information and may display one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that allow the user to interact. For example, a GUI may include one or more display areas and active / activatable areas. As used in this disclosure, a display area is an area of ​​the GUI that displays information to the user. An activatable area is an area of ​​the GUI such as a button, slider, or menu that enables the user to take certain actions on the GUI (e.g., if the GUI is manipulated). Some display areas are also activatable areas because activatable areas display information and initiate certain actions taken by the user. In a touch-sensitive GUI, touching a touch-sensitive area associated with an activatable area activates that area (e.g., selecting a GUI button). Activatable areas may be displayed as GUI elements / objects, such as buttons, sliders, selectable panes, menus, etc., all of which have various shapes and sizes. In particular, components (e.g., activatable areas of the GUI) may allow the user to interact with a collection of display elements for various purposes.

[0025] In some embodiments, the grill device 100 may include a wood pellet grill. For example, the grill device 100 may utilize wood pellets fed to the igniter and fire pot assembly to generate heat and smoke for cooking and preparing food. In another embodiment, the grill device 100 may include a charcoal smoker. In a further embodiment, the grill device 100 may include a combination of a wood pellet grill and a charcoal smoker. In a further embodiment, the grill device 100 may include a gas-fired grill. For example, the grill device 100 may utilize natural gas and / or propane to generate heat for cooking and preparing food. In some embodiments, the grill device 100 may include both a wood pellet grill and a gas-fired grill. For example, the grill device 100 may utilize wood pellets and / or gas to heat, cook, and prepare food. As a non-limiting example, the grill device 100 may include any conventional gas system used on the grill. For the purposes of this application, the grill device 100 is described as a wood pellet grill. However, the systems and components described herein are applicable to any grill described herein, and all the above-described grills are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2A schematic diagram of an environment 200 in which a grill device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may operate is shown. As shown, the environment 200 may include the grill device 100, a remote device 204, a network 202, and a cloud computing platform 208. The grill device 100, the remote device 204, and the cloud computing platform 208 may communicate via the network 202. The network 202 may include one or more networks such as the Internet, and one or more communication platforms or technologies suitable for transmitting data and / or communication signals may be used. Although Figure 2 A specific arrangement of the grill device 100, remote device 204, cloud computing platform 208, and network 202 is shown, but various other arrangements are possible. For example, the grill device 100 may bypass the network 202, such as via a hardwired connection or a radio connection (e.g., It can communicate directly with remote device 204.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the grill device 100 may include a controller 102 for controlling the operation of the grill device 100. In some embodiments, the remote device 204 may include an application 206 installed thereon. In one or more embodiments, the application 206 may be associated with the grill device 100. For example, the application 206 may enable the remote device 204 to interface directly with the grill device 100 or indirectly with the grill device 100 via a cloud computing platform 208. For example, the grill device 100 and the remote device 204 may communicate via any of the methods described below: U.S. Patent No. 10,158,720, published December 18, 2018, to Colston; U.S. Patent No. 10,218,833, published February 26, 2019, to Colston; and U.S. Application No. 15,114,744, filed July 27, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, the remote device 204 and the cloud computing platform 208 can control the grill device 100 in any of the ways described in the aforementioned patents and patent applications. Additionally, the application 206, the cloud computing platform 208, and the grill device 100 may include any of the functions of the application, cloud computing platform, and grill device described in the aforementioned patents and patent applications.

[0028] Both remote device 204 and controller 102 can represent various types of computing devices with which a user can interact. For example, remote device 204 can be a mobile device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, wearable device, smart speaker, etc.). However, in some embodiments, remote device 204 can be a non-mobile device (e.g., desktop computer or server).

[0029] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary controller 102 that can be configured to perform one or more of the processes described above is shown. It will be understood that one or more computing devices can form the controller 102 of the grill device 100. Figure 3 As shown, the controller 102 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, a storage device 306, an I / O interface 308, and a communication interface 310, which can be communicatively connected via a communication infrastructure. Although in Figure 3 An exemplary controller 102 is shown, but Figure 3 The components shown are not intended to be limiting. Additional or optional components may be used in other embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, controller 102 may include components that are more advanced than those shown. Figure 3 The fewer components shown.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, processor 302 may include hardware for executing instructions, such as those that make up a computer program. By way of example, and not limitation, to execute instructions, processor 302 may retrieve (or fetch) instructions from internal registers, internal caches, memory 304, or storage device 306, and decode and execute those instructions. In one or more embodiments, processor 302 may include one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses. By way of example, and not limitation, processor 302 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation look-aside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in the instruction cache may be copies of instructions in memory 304 or storage device 306.

[0031] Controller 102 may include memory 304 coupled to processor 302. Memory 304 may be used to store data, metadata, and programs running on processor 302. Memory 304 may include one or more of volatile and non-volatile memory such as random access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), solid-state drive (“SSD”), flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), or other types of data storage devices. Memory 304 may be internal or distributed memory.

[0032] Controller 102 may include storage device 306, which includes storage for storing data or instructions. By way of example and not limitation, storage device 306 may include the non-transitory storage media described above. Storage device 306 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), floppy disk drive, flash memory, optical disk drive, magneto-optical disk drive, magnetic tape drive, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, storage device 306 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Storage device 306 may be internal or external to controller 102. In one or more embodiments, storage device 306 may be non-volatile solid-state memory. In other embodiments, storage device 306 may include read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmable ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically rewritable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0033] The controller 102 may also include one or more input or output (“I / O”) devices / interfaces 308 (e.g., touch displays) configured to allow a user to provide input to the controller 102, receive output from the controller 102, and otherwise transmit and receive data to and from the controller 102. The I / O devices / interfaces 308 may include a mouse, keypad or keyboard, touchscreen, camera, optical scanner, network interface, modem, other known I / O devices, or combinations of these I / O devices / interfaces. Touchscreens may be activated using a stylus or finger.

[0034] I / O device / interface 308 may include one or more devices for presenting output to a user, including but not limited to a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a screen), one or more output drivers (e.g., display drivers), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In some embodiments, I / O interface 308 may be configured to provide graphical data to the display for presentation to a user. The graphical data may represent one or more graphical user interfaces and / or any other graphical content that may serve a particular implementation.

[0035] Controller 102 may further include a communication interface 310. The communication interface 310 may include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface 310 may provide one or more interfaces for communication (e.g., packet-based communication) between controller 102 and one or more other computing devices or networks. By way of example and not limitation, the communication interface 310 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with Ethernet or other wired networks, or for communicating with networks such as Wi-Fi and / or... The controller 102 may further include a bus 312. The bus 312 may include hardware, software, or both for connecting the components of the controller 102 to each other.

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cooking period 400 using a grill device 100 with a controller 102 is shown. As described above, a user can interact with the controller 102 and / or the grill device 100 via a user interface 412. In some embodiments, the user interface 412 may be located on the grill device 100, such as a display panel, a touchscreen display, a keypad, etc. In some embodiments, the user interface 412 may be a remote device that communicates with the controller 102 and the grill device 100 via a network connection. For example, the user interface 412 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a remote control, etc. The user can input a cooking mode 402 through the user interface 412. The cooking mode 402 may provide the controller 102 with instructions for operating the grill device 100. For example, the cooking mode 402 may provide the controller with a temperature setpoint 404 for the grill device 100 and a duration 406 that defines the amount of time the grill device 100 should be maintained at the temperature setpoint 404.

[0037] In some embodiments, the temperature setpoint 404 and duration 406 can be determined based on the type of food 410 being cooked and other environmental data 408. For example, a user can input the type of food 410 being cooked via user interface 412. Cooking mode 402 can determine the appropriate temperature setpoint 404 and the duration 406 required to fully cook the food 410. In some embodiments, the user can further input the desired level of doneness of the selected food 410 (e.g., rare, medium-rare, medium, well-done, etc.).

[0038] In some embodiments, environmental data 408, such as ambient temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, etc., may be received and taken into account in cooking mode 402. For example, a cold ambient temperature may require increasing the temperature setpoint 404 and / or duration 406 sent to controller 102 to fully cook the selected food 410 to the desired level of doneness. In some embodiments, user interface 412, controller 102, or grill device 100 may include environmental sensors configured to provide environmental data 408 to cooking mode 402. In some embodiments, environmental data 408 may be obtained via network 202, such as from internet weather services, remote sensors, etc.

[0039] In some embodiments, a user can input a recipe into the user interface 412 or select an existing recipe through the user interface 412. In some embodiments, the recipe may include a cooking cycle (e.g., a pre-programmed cooking routine that controls the temperature over a period of time to cook or smoke food in a certain way). The cooking cycle may vary the temperature over time according to a temperature pattern. For example, a cooking cycle may include a temperature pattern that starts at a high temperature to provide intense heat to the selected food, and then the temperature may decrease to a low temperature over a longer period of time to finish cooking the interior of the food without burning the exterior. In some embodiments, the temperature pattern may gradually increase the temperature over a period of time to provide a final high temperature to finish cooking the food. Examples of the use and adaptation of recipes and cooking cycles are further described in U.S. Patent No. 10,158,720, issued December 18, 2018, U.S. Patent No. 10,218,833, issued February 26, 2019, and U.S. Application No. 15,114,744, filed July 27, 2016, the disclosure of each of the aforementioned patents or applications being incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] Cooking mode 402 can be provided to controller 102, allowing controller 102 to have instructions for temperature setpoint 404 and duration 406, including any cooking cycle for selected food 410. Controller 102 can then control the heat source 414 in the grill assembly 100 to maintain the temperature of the grill's cooking chamber 112 at the temperature setpoint 404 defined by cooking mode 402. For example, controller 102 can control the fuel supply to heat source 414, such as gas (e.g., natural gas, propane, etc.), solid fuel (e.g., wood pellets, etc.), electricity, etc. In some embodiments, controller 102 can control heat source 414 by supplying other necessities for combustion, such as air. For example, controller 102 can control an air supply damper or a ventilation device such as a fan. In some embodiments, grill assembly 100 can include multiple heat sources 414. Controller 102 can control the temperature as needed by cascading the multiple heat sources 414 on and off. The temperature of the cooking chamber 112 can be verified by a temperature sensor 416, which is configured to provide the controller 102 with a temperature reading of the cooking chamber 112 from the grill assembly 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, cooking mode 402 may include further instructions for cooking the selected food 410, such as the time for adding sauce, the time for adding ingredients (e.g., seasonings, toppings, etc.), the time for turning the food, the time for rotating the food, etc. Controller 102 may receive these additional instructions from cooking mode 402. When the time for completing the different instructions is reached, controller 102 may provide an alert to the user via user interface 412. In some embodiments, controller 102 may issue an audible alarm at the grill device 100 and / or a remote device to remind the user to take action.

[0042] In some embodiments, it may be necessary to cook more than one type of food on the same grill apparatus 100. For example, when preparing a meal, the meal may include meats such as steak, chicken, turkey, fish, etc., as well as vegetables, potatoes, bread, etc. Different foods may require different temperatures and durations for preparation. If foods are prepared individually, multiple grill apparatuses may be needed, or some foods may cool down before the later foods are prepared. Automatically adjusting one or more of the temperature and / or duration of the cooking mode 402 for each food allows the user to cook multiple different foods simultaneously on the same grill apparatus. Figure 5 A dietary control diagram 500 is shown for controlling the grill device 100 when cooking more than one type of food.

[0043] The controller 102 can receive a first cooking mode 502 associated with a first type of food, such as meat. The controller 102 can also receive a second cooking mode 504 associated with another type of food, such as vegetables, pumpkin, etc. The controller 102 can receive a temperature setpoint and duration and / or cooking cycle with a temperature pattern from the first cooking mode 502, and a second set of temperature setpoints, durations, and / or cooking cycles from the second cooking mode 504. The controller 102 can combine the temperature, duration, and / or cooking cycle from the first cooking mode 502 and the second cooking mode 504 to form a mixed instruction for the grill device 100. For example, if the temperature of the first cooking mode 502 is lower than the temperature of the second cooking mode 504, the controller 102 can determine that the food associated with the second cooking mode 504 can be cooked to substantially the same degree of doneness if cooked at the lower temperature of the first cooking mode 502 for a longer duration. In some embodiments, the controller 102 can control the grill device 100 to a temperature between the temperature of the first cooking mode 502 and the temperature of the second cooking mode 504, and adjust the duration of each accordingly.

[0044] Controller 102 can be accessed via user interface 412 ( Figure 4The controller 102 provides instructions to the user. For example, the controller 102 may instruct the user which food should be placed first in the cooking chamber 112 of the grill device 100. For descriptive purposes, it will be assumed that the first food associated with the first cooking mode 502 is the food placed first in the cooking chamber 112. The controller 102 may then control the grill device 100 to the temperature defined by the first cooking mode 502 until the time when the second food should be placed in the cooking chamber 112 is reached. The controller 102 may then alert and / or instruct the user to place the second food in the cooking chamber 112. Once the second food is placed in the cooking chamber 112, the controller 102 may control the grill device 100 to a mixed temperature 508 until the final duration is reached.

[0045] In some embodiments, the timing of inserting the second food item can be determined such that both foods will be cooked substantially at the same time. For example, a large quantity of meat, such as kebabs or turkey, may require a considerable amount of time to cook, while the vegetable side may cook in a relatively short time. When the controller 102 calculates that the vegetables will be cooked substantially in the same amount of time as the meat, which has already been in the cooking chamber 112 for a considerable period, the controller 102 may instruct the user to place the vegetable side in the cooking chamber 112. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may raise or lower the temperature in the cooking chamber 112 based on the needs of the vegetables, so that the vegetables and / or meat will cook at different rates to be cooked substantially simultaneously.

[0046] In some embodiments, a third food associated with the third cooking mode 506 may also be included in the meal preparation. The controller 102 may process the third cooking mode 506 in a similar manner, predicting the appropriate mixing temperature 508 and mixing duration 510 for cooking all three foods on the same grill apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may be configured to receive several different cooking modes 502, 504, and 506. For example, four cooking modes, ten cooking modes, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, controller 102 may instruct the user to cook some of the associated food items individually. For example, some of the food items may require significantly different temperatures, making it impractical to cook two different food items simultaneously. In this case, controller 102 may group the food items into compatible groups, such that food items requiring significantly higher temperatures than other food items can be grouped together. In some embodiments, controller 102 may identify the cooling or dwell time of some of the food items and take the cooling or dwell time into account when determining when to cook each group. For example, one group of food items may be cooked at a relatively high temperature for a relatively short period of time, while another group of food items may require cooking at a relatively low temperature for a relatively long period of time. Controller 102 may specify cooling or dwell time periods for groups of food items that are cooked at relatively low temperatures for a relatively long period of time and instruct the user to cook food items that require high temperatures and short dwell times while those requiring low temperatures and long dwell times are cooling or dwelling. In some embodiments, controller 102 may determine whether portions of the cooking cycle can be adjusted so that some food items that might not otherwise be cooked together can be cooked together. For example, the high-heat cycle may be shifted so that food items requiring high temperatures for a short period of time can be cooked during a high-heat cycle in cooking chamber 112 at substantially higher temperatures.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 102 may use a mixed cooking mode for common food combinations or pairings. For example, when cooking a common food combination, the user can select a mixed cooking mode for foods that are typically cooked together. If a mixed cooking mode is not available for the combination, the controller 102 may generate a mixed mode as described above.

[0049] Figure 6 A flowchart 600 illustrating a method for controlling a grill is shown. In action 602, the user can first select multiple foods. For example, the user can select the type of meat to be cooked, such as steak, hamburger, chicken, turkey, fish, etc. The user can also select vegetables and / or fruits to be cooked, such as cabbage, carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, cauliflower, etc. In some embodiments, the user can select another type of food, such as potatoes, bread, etc.

[0050] Once the user selects a food in action 602, the user can set a cooking mode associated with each food in actions 604 and 606. The cooking mode can be selected based on the type of food chosen by the user. In some embodiments, the cooking mode can be associated with a recipe selected by the user. For example, the user can download a cooking mode associated with a recipe or input a cooking mode based on a recipe. In some embodiments, the controller 102 can include recipes or cooking modes in the storage device 306 of the controller 102 that the user can select. In some embodiments, the cooking mode can be selected based on the desired level of doneness of the food. In some embodiments, the user can customize the cooking mode, such as adjusting the temperature mode, adjusting the duration, etc. In some embodiments, the controller 102 can automatically adjust the cooking mode based on the environmental conditions in the area surrounding the grill device 100.

[0051] Once a cooking mode is set, a meal plan can be formed in action 608. Based on the cooking modes set substantially simultaneously in actions 604 and 606, a meal plan can be formed to complete the cooking of the food selected in action 602, allowing the cooked foods to be served substantially simultaneously. For example, forming a meal plan may include determining when a food should be placed in the cooking chamber 112 of the grill apparatus 100 relative to other foods. In some embodiments, one or more cooking modes may include time periods during which cooking another food is impractical. For example, some cooking modes may include high-heat periods, where the cooking mode requires short periods of high temperature to char or burn the outer surface of the food. High temperatures may even cause some foods to char in a short time. Therefore, the meal plan may take such time periods into account when determining when to place other foods in the cooking chamber 112. In some embodiments, a portion of the cycle that may be incompatible with another cooking mode may be moved to another portion of the cycle. For example, a high-heat cycle may be moved from the end of a cooking cycle to the beginning of a cooking cycle. In some embodiments, if the cooking mode includes a high-heat cycle at the end of a cooking cycle, the meal plan may include instructions to the user to remove other foods before starting the high-heat cycle.

[0052] Forming a meal plan may also include adjusting the temperature and / or duration of individual cooking modes and creating mixed cooking modes, as shown in action 610, so that individual foods can be cooked simultaneously at substantially the same temperature. For example, if the temperature of the first cooking mode is higher than that of the second cooking mode, the temperatures of the two cooking modes can be adjusted to a temperature between the two. The duration of each of the cooking modes can also be adjusted. For example, the first cooking mode can lower the temperature and extend the duration of the cooking mode, so that the food associated with the first cooking mode can be cooked to substantially the same degree of doneness at a lower temperature. Similarly, the second cooking mode can increase the temperature and shorten the duration, so that the food associated with the second cooking mode can be cooked to the same degree of doneness at a higher temperature without overcooking (e.g., burning, drying out, etc.).

[0053] In some embodiments, two or more foods can be selected in action 602. The meal plan formed in action 608 can identify multiple different start times for different foods. Therefore, multiple different mixed cooking modes can be formed to handle each of the different foods that may be in cooking chamber 112 at any given time. For example, a mixed cooking mode can be configured to handle a first food and a second food that are simultaneously in cooking chamber 112. A second mixed cooking mode can be configured to handle a first food, a second food, and a third food that are simultaneously in cooking chamber 112. A third mixed cooking mode can be configured to handle a first food and a third food that are simultaneously in cooking chamber 112. A fourth mixed cooking mode can be configured to handle a second food and a third food that are simultaneously in cooking chamber 112. The time each different food enters cooking chamber 112 can be defined by the meal plan, and an appropriate mixed cooking mode can be associated with the meal plan for each time period.

[0054] Once a meal plan is formed in 608 and a mixed cooking mode is established in action 610, a first cooking period can begin in action 612. In some embodiments, the first cooking period may include only one food item. For example, one food item may require a longer cooking time than others. In action 614, the food item requiring the longest cooking time can be placed in cooking chamber 112, and the grill device 100 can be controlled to the cooking mode associated with that food item. If a portion of the cooking mode is adjusted when the mixed cooking mode is formed, the adjusted cooking mode can be used. For example, if the high-heat cycle is moved to the beginning of the cooking mode, the grill device 100 can be controlled to the high-heat cycle at the beginning of the first cooking period, even if the high-heat cycle of the original cooking mode is at the end of the cooking mode.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first cooking period may include more than one food. For example, a meal plan may instruct two different foods to be started substantially simultaneously. Thus, the grill device 100 can be controlled to a mixed cooking mode during the first period to accommodate the different foods being cooked.

[0056] Once the time for placing another food item in cooking chamber 112 is reached according to the meal plan, a second cooking session can begin in action 616. In some embodiments, the grill device 100 may alert the user that it is time to begin the second cooking session. The user can then place the second food item in cooking chamber 112. In some embodiments, the grill device 100 may alert the user before the planned start of the second cooking session. For example, the grill device 100 may provide an alarm five minutes before the planned start of the second cooking session, giving the user sufficient time to retrieve and place the second food item in cooking chamber 112. In some embodiments, the grill device 100 may automatically begin the second cooking session after alerting the user. In some embodiments, the grill device 100 may require the user to input information before starting the second cooking session. For example, the user can confirm an alarm, thus reminding the grill device 100 that the second food item has been placed in cooking chamber 112. In some embodiments, if the user does not input information for the second food item, the grill device 100 may continue to follow the cooking pattern associated with the food item in the first cooking session.

[0057] When the second cooking period begins in action 616, the grill device 100 can be controlled to the mixed cooking mode formed in action 610, as shown in action 618. As described above, in some embodiments, multiple different mixed cooking modes can be formed and associated with different combinations of food in cooking chamber 112. Similarly, multiple cooking periods associated with different combinations of food can be identified in a meal plan. Different mixed cooking modes can be associated with corresponding cooking periods. The grill device 100 can alert the user each time a cooking period changes, allowing the user to make appropriate adjustments to the food in cooking chamber 112 before the grill temperature is adjusted to the temperature defined by the appropriate mixed cooking mode. For example, the first cooking period may include a first food in cooking chamber 112. The second cooking period may add a second food to cooking chamber 112 together with the first food. The third cooking period may add a third food to cooking chamber 112 together with the first and second foods. The fourth cooking period may remove the second food from cooking chamber 112. For example, the cooking mode associated with the first and third foods may include a high-heat cycle, which may have the potential to burn or overcook the second food. Therefore, when a meal plan is formed in action 608, the meal plan can identify the need to remove the second food from cooking chamber 112 before the high-heat cycle for other foods begins.

[0058] In some embodiments, when a user wants food to be cooked and ready to eat, the user can select a desired completion time in action 620. Once a meal plan is formed in 608 and a mixed cooking mode is formed in action 610, the meal plan can provide a start time to the user. For example, once a meal plan is formed in 608 and a mixed cooking mode is formed in action 610, the grill device 100 and the associated controller 102 can calculate the duration of the meal plan and the mixed cooking mode. The grill device 100 and the associated controller 102 can then determine the start time of the meal plan and the mixed cooking mode so that the associated food will be cooked and ready to be served at the desired completion time.

[0059] In some embodiments, the meal plan and mixed cooking mode may also take into account additional non-cooking time, such as marinating time, dwell time, and other associated preparation time. When the user selects the desired completion time, the grill device 100 and / or controller 102 may provide the user with a start time, including when related preparation processes such as marinating should begin, so that the food associated with the meal plan and mixed cooking mode is cooked and ready to be served at the desired completion time.

[0060] Non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure may include the following:

[0061] Example 1: A method for cooking a meal, the method comprising: initiating a first cooking period for a first food; receiving a first cooking mode associated with the first food, wherein the first cooking mode includes at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one first time period; controlling the temperature of a grill to the first cooking mode; initiating a second cooking period for a second food before the first cooking period is completed; receiving a second cooking mode associated with the second food, wherein the second cooking mode includes at least one second temperature setpoint and at least one second time period; combining the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode to form a mixed cooking mode, the mixed cooking mode including at least one third temperature setpoint and at least one third time period; and controlling the grill to the mixed cooking mode after the second cooking period has begun.

[0062] Example 2: According to the method of Example 1, at least one of the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode includes a temperature mode that varies over time.

[0063] Example 3: According to the method of Example 2, the temperature mode includes at least two different temperature setpoints and at least two time periods associated with the at least two different temperature setpoints.

[0064] Example 4: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3 further includes identifying the start time of the second cooking period.

[0065] Example 5: According to the method of Example 4, identifying the start time of the second cooking period includes identifying the start time of the second cooking period that causes each of at least one first time period, at least one second time period, and at least one third time period to end substantially simultaneously.

[0066] Example 6: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, the method further comprising: starting a third cooking period for a third food after the start of a second cooking period and before the completion of at least one of the first cooking period and the second cooking period; receiving a third cooking mode associated with the third food, wherein the third cooking mode includes at least one fourth temperature setpoint and at least one fourth time period; combining the first cooking mode, the second cooking mode and the third cooking mode to form a second mixed cooking mode, the second mixed cooking mode including at least one fifth temperature setpoint and at least one fifth time period; and controlling the grill to the second mixed cooking mode after the start of the third cooking period.

[0067] Example 7: According to the method of Example 6, the combination of the first cooking mode, the second cooking mode and the third cooking mode further includes combining the first cooking mode and the third cooking mode to form a third mixed cooking mode.

[0068] Example 8: The method according to Example 7 further includes: identifying the time when the second food should be removed; and after the time when the second food should be removed, controlling the grill to a third mixed cooking mode.

[0069] Example 9: The method according to any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein combining the first cooking mode, the second cooking mode and the third cooking mode further includes combining the second cooking mode and the third cooking mode to form a third mixed cooking mode.

[0070] Example 10: The method according to Example 9 further includes: identifying the time when the first food should be removed; and after the time when the first food should be removed, controlling the grill to a third mixed cooking mode.

[0071] Example 11: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the following steps: initiating a first cooking period for a first food, wherein the first cooking period includes a first cooking mode associated with the first food, wherein the first cooking mode includes at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one first time period; controlling a grill to the first cooking mode; initiating a second cooking period for a second food before the completion of the first cooking period, wherein the second cooking period includes a second cooking mode associated with the second food, wherein the second cooking mode includes at least one second temperature setpoint and at least one second time period; combining the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode to form a mixed cooking mode, the mixed cooking mode including at least one third temperature setpoint and at least one third time period; and controlling a grill to the mixed cooking mode after the start of the second cooking period.

[0072] Example 12: A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Example 11, wherein at least one of a first cooking mode and a second cooking mode includes a temperature mode that varies over time.

[0073] Example 13: A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Examples 11 or 12, wherein instructions cause at least one processor to: control the heat source of the grill to match at least one first temperature setpoint of the first cooking mode after the start of a first cooking period and before the start of a second cooking period; and control the heat source of the grill to meet at least one third temperature setpoint after the start of the second cooking period.

[0074] Example 14: A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein instructions cause at least one processor to calculate a start time for starting a first cooking period and configured to complete the first cooking period and a second cooking period at a specified end time.

[0075] Example 15: A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Examples 11 to 14, wherein instructions cause at least one processor to calculate the start time of a second time period.

[0076] Example 16: According to the non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 15, the start time of the second time period is calculated so that the first food and the second food can be cooked substantially simultaneously.

[0077] Example 17: A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any of Examples 11 to 16, wherein instructions cause at least one processor to provide an alarm at the start of a second cooking period.

[0078] Example 18: A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any of Examples 11 to 17, wherein at least one third temperature setpoint is different from both at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one second temperature setpoint.

[0079] Example 19: A grill apparatus comprising: a cooking chamber operatively coupled to a heat source, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to receive a first food and a second food; and a controller comprising: at least one processor configured to control the heat source; and a memory device configured to receive a first cooking mode for the first food and a second cooking mode for the second food; at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to: control the heat source to a first cooking chamber temperature defined by the first cooking mode when the first food is in the cooking chamber; control the heat source to a second cooking chamber temperature defined by the second cooking mode when the second food is in the cooking chamber; combine the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode to form a mixed cooking mode when both the first food and the second food are in the cooking chamber; and control the heat source to a third cooking chamber temperature defined by the mixed cooking mode.

[0080] Example 20: The grill apparatus according to Example 19 further includes a display device operatively coupled to the controller, wherein instructions cause the controller to provide one or more alarms to the display device.

[0081] Because different foods involved in a meal may require different temperatures and cooking times to prepare, cooking a meal using a single grill device can be difficult. Cooking different foods at different times can result in some of the food cooling down when the meal is served. Embodiments of this disclosure allow the user to cook multiple foods on a single grill device in substantially the same amount of time. By allowing the user to input the known temperature and cooking time for each individual food item, the work of determining the necessary temperature and cooking time is reduced. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure allow the user to place different foods in the cooking chamber at appropriate times, so that each food item in the meal can be cooked substantially simultaneously. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure allow the user to easily prepare multiple different foods that will be served at substantially the same time on the same grill device.

[0082] The embodiments of this disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of this disclosure, which is covered by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. In fact, in addition to those shown and described herein, various modifications to this disclosure, such as alternatively useful combinations of the described elements, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. These modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for cooking a meal, the method comprising: Begin the first cooking period for the first food item; Receive a first cooking mode associated with the first food, wherein the first cooking mode includes at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one first time period; Set the grill temperature to the first cooking mode; Before the first cooking period is completed, the second cooking period for the second food item begins; Receive a second cooking mode associated with the second food, wherein the second cooking mode includes at least one second temperature setpoint and at least one second time period; The first cooking mode and the second cooking mode are combined to form a hybrid cooking mode, the hybrid cooking mode including at least one third temperature setpoint and at least one third time period; as well as After the second cooking period begins, the grill is switched to the mixed cooking mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode includes a temperature mode that varies over time.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the temperature mode comprises at least two different temperature setpoints and at least two time periods associated with the at least two different temperature setpoints.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the start time of the second cooking period.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein identifying the start time of the second cooking period includes identifying the start time of the second cooking period that causes each of the at least one first time period, the at least one second time period, and the at least one third time period to end substantially simultaneously.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: After the second cooking period begins and before at least one of the first and second cooking periods is completed, a third cooking period for the third food item begins. Receive a third cooking mode associated with the third food, wherein the third cooking mode includes at least one fourth temperature setpoint and at least one fourth time period; The first cooking mode, the second cooking mode, and the third cooking mode are combined to form a second mixed cooking mode, the second mixed cooking mode including at least one fifth temperature setpoint and at least one fifth time period; as well as After the third cooking period begins, the grill is switched to the second mixed cooking mode.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein combining the first cooking mode, the second cooking mode and the third cooking mode further comprises combining the first cooking mode and the third cooking mode to form a third mixed cooking mode.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: Identify when the second food item should be removed; as well as After the time when the second food item should be removed, the grill is switched to the third mixed cooking mode.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein combining the first cooking mode, the second cooking mode and the third cooking mode further comprises combining the second cooking mode and the third cooking mode to form a third mixed cooking mode.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Identify when the first food item should be removed; as well as After the time when the first food item should be removed, the grill is switched to the third mixed cooking mode.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the following steps: A first cooking period is initiated for a first food product, wherein the first cooking period includes a first cooking mode associated with the first food product, the first cooking mode including at least one first temperature setpoint and at least one first time period; Set the grill to the first cooking mode; Before the first cooking period is completed, a second cooking period for the second food is started, wherein the second cooking period includes a second cooking mode associated with the second food, and the second cooking mode includes at least one second temperature setpoint and at least one second time period; The first cooking mode and the second cooking mode are combined to form a hybrid cooking mode, the hybrid cooking mode including at least one third temperature setpoint and at least one third time period; as well as After the second cooking period begins, the grill is switched to the mixed cooking mode.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode includes a temperature mode that varies over time.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the at least one processor to: After the start of the first cooking period and before the start of the second cooking period, the heat source of the grill is controlled to match the at least one first temperature setpoint of the first cooking mode; and After the second cooking period begins, the heat source of the grill is controlled to meet the at least one third temperature setpoint.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the at least one processor to calculate a start time for starting the first cooking period and configured to complete the first cooking period and the second cooking period at a specified end time.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the instructions cause the at least one processor to calculate the start time of the second time period.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the start time of the second time period is calculated so that the first food and the second food can be cooked substantially simultaneously.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the instructions cause the at least one processor to provide an alarm at the start of the second cooking period.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one third temperature setpoint is different from both the at least one first temperature setpoint and the at least one second temperature setpoint.

19. A grilling apparatus, the grilling apparatus comprising: A cooking chamber operably connected to a heat source, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to receive a first food and a second food; as well as Controller, the controller includes: At least one processor is configured to control the heat source; A memory device is configured to receive a first cooking mode for the first food and a second cooking mode for the second food; and At least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to: When the first food is in the cooking chamber, the heat source is controlled to the first cooking chamber temperature defined by the first cooking mode; When the second food is in the cooking chamber, the heat source is controlled to the temperature of the second cooking chamber as defined by the second cooking mode; When both the first food and the second food are in the cooking chamber, the first cooking mode and the second cooking mode are combined to form a mixed cooking mode; and The heat source is controlled to the temperature of the third cooking chamber as defined by the hybrid cooking mode.

20. The grill apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a display device operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the instructions cause the controller to provide one or more alarms to the display device.

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