A user interface system for a kitchen appliance

Abstract

Disclosed is a user interface system for a kitchen appliance, a method performed by the user interface system, a kitchen appliance, and a method performed by the kitchen appliance. In one aspect, the user interface system is for a kitchen appliance, wherein the kitchen appliance comprising an appliance body. At least a portion of the user interface system is moveable relative to the appliance body, wherein the user interface system includes: an input device; an electromagnet; a control system in electrical communication with the electromagnet and the input device, wherein the control system includes a processor and a memory including executable instructions, wherein execution of the executable instructions cause the processor to: receive an input signal from the input device; and electrically actuate the electromagnet, based on the input signal, to generate a magnetic force to move at least a portion of the user interface system relative to the appliance body to provide haptic feedback.

Description

A USER INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR A KITCHEN APPLIANCERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2023902521 , entitled “A user interface system for a kitchen appliance” and filed 9 August 2023. The above-mentioned application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technology relates to a user interface system for a kitchen appliance, a method performed by the user interface system, a kitchen appliance, and a method performed by the kitchen appliance.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many kitchen appliances include user interfaces, such as visual displays, to communicate information to a user, as well as to facilitate receiving user commands. For example, a visual display may be used to present options for operating the appliance from which a user may interact therewith.

[0004] Whilst there has been motivation to provide larger user interfaces with kitchen appliances to provide a better user experience, this has led to unique challenges to provide a suitable user experience when interacting with such a user interface. For example, it can be difficult for the user to be sure whether the user input provided has been detected by the control system of the kitchen appliance.

[0005] In modern handheld electronic devices, such as smart phones and game controllers, haptic feedback systems have been used to provide confirmatory feedback to the user to indicate that the user’s input has been detected by the respective device. However, there is a considerable amount of contact surface area between the user’s hand and the respective device. Specifically, the user’s palm, fingers, and thumb are generally in contact with the respective device during user input. Thus, in these types of small, handheld devices, a small haptic device, such as an eccentric rotation motor or a linear vibration actuator can provide sufficient haptic feedback to the user in response to user input.

[0006] Small haptic devices found in handheld electrical devices are inappropriate for larger electrical systems such as kitchen appliances. Kitchen appliances generally weigh several tens of kilograms. Thus, the force transferred from these types of haptic devices to the appliance does not generate the same user response compared to small handhelddevices. Furthermore, due to kitchen appliances being supported on kitchen tops, benches, or the like, the user generally only has small area of their hand, for example a portion of a fingertip, in contact with the user interface of the kitchen appliance. Thus, it can be difficult for the user to accurately detect the haptic feedback via such a small contact surface area of the user’s hand. Whilst multiple haptic devices of handheld electrical devices can be introduced into a kitchen appliance to increase the haptic feedback provided by the appliance to the user, the combined force is still insufficient to provide sufficient user feedback and also can introduce substantial expense to the overall cost of the kitchen appliance.SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0008] In a first aspect, there is provided a user interface system for a kitchen appliance, the kitchen appliance comprising an appliance body, wherein at least a portion of the user interface system is movable relative to the appliance body, wherein the user interface system includes: an input device; an electromagnet; a control system in electrical communication with the electromagnet and the input device, wherein the control system includes a processor and a memory including executable instructions, wherein execution of the executable instructions cause the processor to: receive an input signal from the input device; and electrically actuate the electromagnet, based on the input signal, to generate a magnetic force to move at least a portion of the user interface system relative to the appliance body to provide haptic feedback.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the input device is part of an interface assembly configured to be located substantially flush with a housing of the appliance body when the electromagnet is not generating the magnetic force, wherein the interface assembly is configured to project outward relative to the housing in response to the electromagnet generating the magnetic force.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the user interface system comprises a bias structure configured to apply a biasing force to the interface assembly to return the interface panel to being substantially flush with the housing when the processor stops electrical actuation of the electromagnet.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the bias structure includes a pair of springs including a first spring located at a first end of the interface assembly and a second spring located at a second end of the interface assembly.

[0012] In certain embodiments, each spring is a leaf spring.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to control the electromagnet to increase the magnetic force gradually over a predefined timeframe after receiving the input signal indicative of user input.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the gradual increase of the magnetic force is substantially linear over the predefined timeframe.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to control the electromagnet to stop generating the magnetic once the predefined timeframe has elapsed.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the input device includes a capacitive touch sensor, wherein the input signal is indicative of a capacitance measurement by the capacity touch sensor, wherein the processor is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the memory has stored therein a threshold defining a touch event by the user, wherein the processor is configured to determine that the user has touched the touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the first threshold.

[0020] In certain embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to: electrically actuate the electromagnet to gradually increase the magnetic force for the predefined time in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device; and electrically actuate the electromagnet to generate a further magnetic force in response toreceiving the input signal indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing their finger out of contact with the input device.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to gradually decrease the further magnetic force generated by the electromagnet over a further predefined timeframe in response receiving the input signal indicative of the user beginning to withdraw their finger out of contact with the input device.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the gradual decrease of the further magnetic force is substantially linear over the further predefined timeframe.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the further predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the further predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the memory has stored therein a further threshold defining a partial contact withdrawal event indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing contact with the capacitive touch sensor by the user, wherein the processor is configured to determine that the user has at least partially withdrawn contact with the capacitive touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the further threshold.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the predefined timeframe and the further predefined timeframe are substantially equal.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the input device is a dial, wherein the processor is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user rotating the dial.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user rotating the dial to a predefined position.

[0029] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of providing haptic feedback via a user interface system of a kitchen appliance, the kitchen appliance comprising an appliancebody, wherein at least some of the user interface system is movable relative to the appliance body, wherein the user interface system comprises an input device, an electromagnet, and a control system in electrical communication with the electromagnet and the input device, wherein the control system includes a processor and a memory including executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, configure the processor to perform steps of: receiving an input signal from the input device; and electrically actuating the electromagnet, in response to the input signal, to generate a magnetic force to move at least part of the input device relative to the appliance body to provide haptic feedback.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the input device is part of an interface assembly configured to be located substantially flush with a housing of the appliance body when the electromagnet is not generating the magnetic force, wherein the method includes projecting the interface assembly outward relative to the housing in response to the electromagnet generating the magnetic force.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the user interface system further comprises a bias structure, wherein the method includes the bias structure applying a biasing force to the interface assembly to return the interface panel to being substantially flush with the chassis when the processor stops electrical actuation of the electromagnet.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the bias structure includes a pair of springs including a first spring located at a first end of the interface assembly and a second spring located at a second end of the interface assembly.

[0033] In certain embodiments, each spring is a leaf spring.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the method includes the processor controlling the electromagnet to increase the magnetic force gradually over a predefined timeframe after receiving the input signal indicative of user input.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the gradual increase of the magnetic force is substantially linear over the predefined timeframe.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the method includes the processor controlling the electromagnet to stop generating the magnetic once the predefined timeframe has elapsed.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the input device includes a capacitive touch sensor, wherein the input signal is indicative of a capacitance measurement by the capacity touch sensor, wherein the method includes the processor electrically actuating the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the memory has stored therein a threshold defining a touch event by the user, wherein the method includes the processor determining that the user has touched the touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the first threshold.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the method further includes: electrically actuating, by the processor, the electromagnet to gradually increase the magnetic force for the predefined time in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device; and electrically actuating, by the processor, the electromagnet to generate a further magnetic force in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing their finger out of contact with the input device.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the method processor is configured to gradually decrease the further magnetic force generated by the electromagnet over a further predefined timeframe in response receiving the input signal indicative of the user beginning to withdraw their finger out of contact with the input device.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the gradual decrease of the further magnetic force is substantially linear over the further predefined timeframe.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the further predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the further predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the memory has stored therein a further threshold defining a partial contact withdrawal event indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing contact with the capacitive touch sensor by the user, wherein the method includes the processor determining that the user has at least partially withdrawn contact with the capacitive touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the further threshold.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the predefined timeframe and the further predefined timeframe are substantially equal.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the input device is a dial, wherein the method includes the processor electrically actuating the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user rotating the dial.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the method includes the processor electrically actuating the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user rotating the dial to a predefined position.

[0050] In a third aspect, there is provided a kitchen appliance including a user interface system configured according to the first aspect and embodiments thereof.

[0051] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of providing haptic feedback to a user via a kitchen appliance, wherein the kitchen appliance includes a user interface system configured to perform a method according to the second aspect and embodiments thereof.

[0052] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium including executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to perform the method of the second aspect and embodiments thereof.

[0053] Other aspects and embodiments will be appreciated throughout the detail description of the example embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic top front perspective view of a kitchen appliance incorporating an example of a user interface system.

[0056] Figure 2A is a functional block diagram of the user interface system of Figure 1 .

[0057] Figure 2B is a functional block diagram of a control system for the kitchen appliance of Figure 1 .

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic showing a simplified operation of the user interface system of the kitchen appliance of Figure 1 .

[0059] Figure 4 is a method performed by the user interface system of Figure 2A or 2B to provide feedback to a user of the kitchen appliance.

[0060] Figure 5A is a magnified view of a display zone presenting visual information via the user interface system of the kitchen appliance of Figure 5.

[0061] Figure 5B is a table representing a lookup-table used by a user interface system of the kitchen appliance of Figure 5 to determine an activation power and an activation timeframe for providing haptic feedback in response to a user interacting with the display zone of Figure 5A.

[0062] Figure 6 is a top view of an example of a user interface assembly for a kitchen appliance.

[0063] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the user interface assembly of Figure 6.

[0064] Figure 8 is a bottom end view of the user interface assembly of Figure 6 with a portion thereof removed to show a biasing structure of the user interface assembly.

[0065] Figure 9 is a schematic front view of a further example of a kitchen appliance including a further example of a user interface assembly employing the user interface system.

[0066] Figure 10 is a schematic front view of a kitchen appliance with an example of visual information presented via the user interface assembly employing the user interface system.

[0067] Figure 11 is a schematic front view of the kitchen appliance with a further example of visual information presented via the user interface assembly employing the user interface system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an example of a kitchen appliance 100. In this example, the kitchen appliance 100 is an espresso appliance. The kitchen appliance 100 has an outer housing 120 defining an appliance body 110. The kitchen appliance 100 also includes a user interface assembly 130 including a user interface panel. A user can interact with user interface elements presented by or provided with the user interface assembly 130 to control operation of the kitchen appliance 100. As discussed herein, the kitchen appliance 100 includes a user interface system 200 to provide haptic feedback to the user.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2A there is shown a block diagram representing the user interface system 200 of the kitchen appliance 100 of Figure 1 . The user interface system 200 includes one or more input devices 240, one or more electromagnets 250 and a control system 205. The control system 205 can include one or more controllers.

[0071] The one or more input devices 240 can be provided in the form of a touch screen display. However, the one or more input devices 240 can additionally or alternatively be provided in other forms, such as a rotary dial, as will be discussed in more detail in other examples. It will be appreciated that the user interface system 200 can include a plurality of input devices 240, such as a touch screen display, dial, physical buttons, etc.

[0072] Each controller of the control system 205 includes at least one processor 210 coupled to an input / output (i / o) interface 230 and a memory 120 provided in the form of a computer readable medium. The processor 210, the memory 220 and the i / o interface 230are coupled together via a bus 235. The computer readable medium of the memory 220 can have stored therein computer executable instructions which configure the control system 205 to perform a method as represented by the flowchart of Figure 4 to be discussed in further detail below. The control system 205 may be provided in the form of one or more controllers, such as microcontrollers. In one form, the control system 205 may include a plurality of electrically coupled controllers to perform specialised tasks. For example, referring to Figure 2B there is shown an appliance control system 150 including the user interface system 200 of Figure 2A. The appliance control system 150 can include a first microcontroller 262 to perform a central control task, which is electrically coupled to a power controller 266 to control the provision of varying electrical power to the electromagnets 250 in response to commands received from the first microcontroller 262. The appliance control system also includes a dedicated user interface microcontroller 264, that is electrically coupled with the first microcontroller 262, wherein the user interface microcontroller 264 can sample one or more touch sensors 242, provided in the form of capacitive sensors, and transfer an electrical signal indicative of the sampled capacitance measurements of the one or more capacitive sensors 242 back to the first microcontroller 262 to determine whether particular haptic feedback 340 needs to be output via actuation of the electromagnets 250. The first microcontroller 262 can be coupled to a second microcontroller 268 via the i / o interface 230 which is electrically coupled to other components of the appliance, such as one or more heaters 270, a hydraulic system 280, and one or more sensors 290. It will be appreciated from Figures 2A and 2B that the control system 205 of the user interface system 200 can be a single controller system or a distributed controller system. For the purposes of clarity, the control system 205 will be herein described with reference to a single controller 205 including a processor 210 coupled to a memory 220 and an i / o interface 230 via a bus 235, however it will be appreciated that the below description can equally apply to a multicontroller arrangement.

[0073] Each of the components of the control system 205 performs particular functions using hardware, software or a combination thereof.

[0074] The processor 210 may comprise various hardware elements, software elements, or a combination of both. Examples of hardware elements may include devices, logic devices, components, processors, microprocessors, circuits, processor circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), Application-specificStandard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), memory units, logic gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. Examples of software elements may include software components, programs, applications, computer programs, application programs, system programs, software development programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, processes, software interfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets, computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whether an embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and / or software elements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such as desired computational rate, power levels, heat tolerances, processing cycle budget, input data rates, output data rates, memory resources, data bus speeds and other design or performance constraints, as desired for a given implementation.

[0075] The memory 220 may comprise a computer-readable storage medium to store program code (such as haptic feedback program code 222) and data 224. The haptic feedback program code 222 may be configured to interpret one or more input signals received which are indicative of user input received at user interface elements including physical elements of the input device(s) 240 such as a touchscreen or dial, and / or interpret one or more input signals received which are indicative of user input received from graphical user interface elements such as buttons, menus, icons, tabs, windows, widgets etc. that may be displayed by the output device(s) of the kitchen appliance 100. The haptic feedback program code may also be configured to control haptic feedback generated by the kitchen appliance 100 via actuation of the one or more electromagnets 250.

[0076] Examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile memory or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or rewriteable memory, and so forth. Program code may include executable computer program instructions implemented using any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, object-oriented code, visual code, and the like. Embodiments may also be at least partly implemented as instructions contained in or on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors to enable performance of the operations described herein.

[0077] The bus 235 can be a system bus which provides an interface for system components including, but not limited to, the memory 220 and to the processor 210. The system bus 235 may be any of several types of bus structure that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.

[0078] The user interface system 200 preferably includes or is provided in the form of a user interface assembly 130. Referring to Figure 3, the interface assembly 130 includes a mounting frame structure 320 and a supporting frame structure 310. The mounting frame structure 320 and the supporting frame structure 310 can be provided in the form of bracket structures. The mounting frame structure 320 is configured to mount the interface assembly to the appliance body 110. Effectively, due to the weight of the appliance 100, the mounting frame structure 320 is considered fixed and does not move relative to the appliance body 110 during normal operational use. The support frame structure 310 is configured to support the visual panel 140 supporting or providing the user interface which the user can interact therewith. In one form, a biasing structure 330 is operably coupled between the mounting frame structure 320 and the supporting frame structure 310 to form a biased frame structure supporting the user interface panel 140 is a floating manner thereby defining a floating user interface panel. As such, the user interface panel 140 is coupled in a suspended manner to the appliance body 110 and is able to move relative to the mounting frame structure 320 and the appliance body 110. In a preferable form as shown in Figure 8, the biasing structure 330 is provided in the form of one or more springs, preferably a pair of compressions springs, and more preferably a plurality of compression leaf springs, to form a spring-loaded frame structure. The springs 330 can be pre-loaded under compression to cause the display panel supported on the support frame structure 310 to be substantially flush with the housing of the kitchen appliance 1 whilst the user is not interacting (i.e., in contact with) with the user interface. The support frame structure 310 is preferably made of or has affixed thereto a ferromagnetic material such that the support frame structure 310 is movable in response to a magnetic attractive force therebetween in response to the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet(s) 250.

[0079] The electromagnet 350 is mounted to the support frame structure 310 and located adjacent a portion of the mounting frame structure 320. In a preferable form, the user interface system 200 includes a plurality of electromagnets 250 which are electrically controlled by the control system 205. In one form, the user interface assembly 130 is asubstantially longitudinal structure wherein a first electromagnet 250 is located at a first end of the user interface assembly 130 and a second electromagnet 250 is located at a second end of the user interface assembly 130. In this arrangement, the pair of electromagnets 250 can be actuated substantially simultaneously. For the purposes of clarity, examples will be discussed below with reference to a single electromagnet 250 unless specified otherwise. However, it should be appreciated that a plurality of electromagnets 250 can be used.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the interface assembly 130 can include a stop structure 360 to restrict or prevent the support frame structure 310 moving inwardly relative to the housing 120 and beyond a position substantially flush with the housing 120 whilst the user is interacting with the user interface 140. As the user interacts with the user interface 140 and applies pressure thereto, the stop structure 360 resists the force applied by the user’s hand 2000 to the user interface 140 to substantially prevent inward movement of the user interface 140 within the housing 120. Once the user interaction is detected, the user interface 140 is projected outwardly, in certain embodiments over the predefined timeframe, from a flush position to an extended position relative to the housing 120, before returning the user interface 140 to the flush position after the predefined timeframe. This restriction of the inward movement of the user interface 140 is advantageous to prevent ingress of foreign materials and substances within the housing 120 of the appliance 100 during the user’s interaction with the user interface 140. Furthermore, the restricted inward movement provides a greater perceived build quality to the user in relation to the appliance 100.

[0081] Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a flowchart representing a method 400 performed by the control system 205 of the user interface system 200. At step 410, the method 400 includes the control system 205 receiving an input signal from the input device 140. At step 420, the method 400 includes the control system 205 electrically actuating the one or more electromagnets 250, based on the input signal, to generate a magnetic force to move the input device 140 relative to the appliance body 110 to provide haptic feedback 340.

[0082] When the control system 205 electrically actuates (i.e., energises) the electromagnet 250 based on the input signal, the magnetic force generated by the one or more electromagnets 250 cause a portion of the user interface 140 supported on the support frame structure 310 to project outwardly from the housing 120 of the appliance 100 and further compress the biasing structure 330 located between the support frame structure 310 and the mounting frame structure 320. When the control system 205 stops electrically actuating (i.e. stop energising) the electromagnet 150, the biasing force (i.e. potentialenergy) of the biasing structure 330 causes the support frame structure 310 to move relative to the mounting frame structure 320 which results in the user interface 140 supported on the support frame structure 310 to be withdrawn to sit substantially flush with the housing 120 of the kitchen appliance 100. It will be appreciated that the user interface 140 supported on the support frame structure 310 only needs to project outwardly by a fraction of a millimetre to create haptic feedback 340 which is suitable for a user to sense through a small contact surface area such as a portion of a user’s fingertip 2000. In one form, the projection is less than or equal to approximately 1 millimetre.

[0083] Advantageously, the electrical actuation of the electromagnet 250 to cause the user interface 140 to move relative to the appliance body 120 enables the user to sense haptic feedback 340 in response to user input provided to the user interface 140 of the kitchen appliance 100.

[0084] In a preferred configuration, the processor 120 of the controller 205 is configured to control the electromagnet 250 to increase the magnetic force gradually over a predefined timeframe after receiving the input signal indicative of user input. In one form, gradual increase of the magnetic force is substantially linear over the predefined timeframe. The processor 610 is preferably configured to control the electromagnet 250 to stop generating the magnetic force once the predefined timeframe has elapsed. In one form, the predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds. In a more specific example, the predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

[0085] In a preferred form, as discussed above, the input device 140 is a touch display screen including one or more touch sensors 242, such as one or more capacitive touch sensors 242. It will be appreciated that the touch screen display 140 acts as both an input and output device. The input signal received by the control system 205 from the one or more capacitive touch sensors 242 is indicative of a capacitance measurement. In this configuration, the processor 210 of the control system 205 is configured to electrically actuate (i.e., energise) the electromagnet 250 in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device 240. In this arrangement, the memory 220 has stored therein a threshold defining a touch event by the user. The processor 210 is configured to determine that the user has touched the touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the threshold. For example, if the capacitance measurement is greater than a threshold, the touch event is detected by the processor 210 which then results in the electromagnet 650 being actuated.

[0086] In a further preferred form, the processor 210 of the control system 205 is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet 250 to generate a further (i.e. subsequent) magnetic force in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing their finger 2000 out of contact with the input device 240. The processor 210 is configured to control and gradually decrease the further magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 250 over a further predefined timeframe in response receiving the input signal indicative of the user beginning to withdraw their finger 2000 out of contact with the input device 240. The gradual decrease of the further magnetic force is substantially linear over the further predefined timeframe. The further predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds. In a more preferable form, the further predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

[0087] In this embodiment where haptic feedback 340 is provided during the withdrawal of the user’s finger 2000 from the user interface 140, the memory 220 has stored therein a further threshold defining a partial contact withdrawal event indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing contact with the capacitive touch sensor 640 by the user. The processor 210 is configured to determine that the user has at least partially withdrawn contact with the capacitive touch sensor 640 based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the further threshold. In this embodiment, the predefined timeframe and the further predefined timeframe are substantially equal to provide consistent haptic feedback 340 across interaction events with the user interface.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the control system 205 is configured to generate a variable magnetic force to provide varied haptic feedback to the user in response to selection of a user interface element presented or provided by the user interface 140 of the user interface assembly 130. In particular, referring to Figure 5A there is shown visual display information / indicia 507 presented as part of the user interface 140 of the user interface assembly 130. The visual display information includes a plurality of user interface elements 512, 514 which allow an adjustment of an operating parameter of the appliance 100 between a minimum and maximum operation parameter value. In the example shown in Figure 5A, the operating parameters relate to a grind size, a grind amount, a temperature and a froth level. As the user interacts with an increment user interface element 512 to increase the desired value of one of the operating parameters, the maximum magnetic force generated by the electromagnet under control of the control system is increased. Similarly, as the user interacts with the decrement user interface element 514 to decrease the value ofthe one of the operating parameters, the maximum magnetic force generated by the electromagnet under control of the control system is decreased. Thus, it will be appreciated that for configurations where the magnetic force is gradually adjusted (increased or decreased) over the predefined timeframe, wherein the gradient of the substantially linear adjustment of the magnetic force is adjusted accordingly. This dynamic adjustment of the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet provides haptic feedback to the user that is indicative of the adjusted operating parameter relative to a predefined operating parameter scale. For example, referring to Figure 5B there is shown a table representing lookup table of percentage of the maximum magnetic force to be generated in response to a selected grind level for a grinder of the appliance 100. The control system 205 can control the electromagnet 250 to generate 100% of the maximum magnetic force if the user selects the most-coarse grind available. In contrast, the control system 205 can control the electromagnet 250 to generate 50% of the maximum magnetic force if the user selects the least-coarse grind available. The table may be stored in memory 220 of the control system 205 and used by the processor 210 during user interaction with one or more user elements 512, 514 where an operating parameter may be adjusted between a minimum and maximum operating parameter value. It will be appreciated that this functionality could apply to the adjustment of various operating parameters other than those discussed or illustrated. Other examples may include adjusting the volume of the beverage which is dispensed by the espresso machine, or adjusting the temperature of the beverage dispensed by the espresso machine.

[0089] Continuing to refer to Figure 5B, the period of time which the adjusted magnetic force is activated may also vary across the scale of the one or more adjustable operating parameters. For example, for the most-coarse grind, 100% of the maximum magnetic force generated by the electromagnet, under control of the control system, occurs for a period of 10 milliseconds. In contrast, for the least-coarse grind, 50% of the maximum magnetic force generated by the electromagnet, under control of the control system, occurs for a period of 3 milliseconds. Again, this temporal adjustment provides an indication of the selected operating parameter relative to the scale of possible operating parameters which the user can select therefrom.

[0090] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, there is shown a schematic of the user interface assembly 130 which can be used with a kitchen appliance such as that depicted and described in relation to Figure 1 .

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, the external surface provides a touch sensitive display 140. The user interface assembly can include a plurality of input devices 240. In one form, the plurality of input devices 201 additionally includes a rotary dial 610 as shown in Figure 6. In this arrangement, the processor 610 is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet 250 in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user rotating the dial and / the touch screen. In a preferred form, the processor 210 is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet 250 in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user rotating the dial to a predefined position, such as a predefined detent position.

[0092] As shown in Figure 7, the user interface assembly 130 includes a plurality of electromagnets 150 secured within a support frame 810 of the user interface assembly 130 and located at opposing ends of a longitudinal body of the user interface assembly 130. The electromagnets 150 are electrically coupled to the control system 205 provided in the form of a circuit board mounted to the underside surface of the support frame 810 of the user interface assembly 130. As clearly shown in Figure 8, the electromagnets are in contact with biasing structures 330 provided in the form of compression leaf springs which are in contact with mounting structures 710 of a mounting frame 712 of the user interface assembly 130. The support frame 810 of the user interface assembly 130 can be provided in the form of or include a display panel support bracket 810 which supports the touch screen display 140. The electromagnets 250 are coupled to the display panel support bracket 810. Each mounting structure 710 is ferromagnetic and fixed to the appliance body 110. Each mounting structure 710 has an elbow profile. When the control system 205 actuates (i.e. energises) the electromagnets 250, the magnetic force between the electromagnets 250 and the rearward section of the ferromagnetic mounting structure causes the display panel support bracket 810 to move toward and relative to the rearward section of the mounting structures 710 such that the touch screen interface 140 supported by the display panel support bracket 710 projects outwardly relative to the housing 120 of the appliance 100. During this movement, the compression leaf springs 330 are compressed. When the electromagnets 250 are deactivated (i.e., de-energised) by the control system 250, the potential energy stored in the compression leaf springs 330 move the display panel support bracket 810 away from the rearward section of the mounting structures 710 and the appliance body 110, such that the touch screen interface is withdrawn and substantially flush with the housing 120 of the kitchen appliance 100. It will be appreciate that the operating principle of the user interface panel 130 depicted in Figures 6 to 8 is similar to the operating principle of the embodiment discussed with reference to Figure 3.

[0093] As shown in Figure 8 and 9, the electromagnets 250 have a cylindrical profile and are secured within an electromagnet frame 815 of the support frame 810. Each electromagnet 250 can be fastened to the respective electromagnet frame 815 of the support frame 810. In one form, casing of each electromagnet 250 includes a threaded hole to receive therein a threaded fastener such as a screw. Each electromagnet frame 815 includes a hole to receive the respective fastener therethrough to secure the electromagnet 250 to and within the electromagnet frame 815. As each electromagnet 250 is secured to the support frame 810, electrically energising the one or more electromagnets 250 results in the support frame 810, including the secured one or more electromagnets 250 and the supported user interface panel 140, to move relative to the mounting structure / frame 710, 712 so as to project outwardly from the outer housing 120 of the appliance body 110.

[0094] Referring to Figures 9 to 11 , shown is an example of a kitchen appliance 100, specifically, an espresso machine which incorporates the user interface system 200 and user interface assembly 130 described with reference to Figure 1 to 8. Examples of the kitchen appliance and user interface assembly described with reference to Figures 9 to 11 are disclosed by International Patent Application No. PCT / AU2023 / 050611 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0095] Figure 9 shows the kitchen appliance 100 including the outer housing 120 defining the appliance body 110. The outer housing 120 is formed from one or more outer housing materials. In an example embodiment, the outer housing 120 may be formed wholly or primarily of stainless steel, although other materials may also be used, for example various plastics, either alone or in combination.

[0096] The appliance 100 includes the user interface assembly 130 provided as an upper, forward-facing portion of the outer housing 120 which is configured as a dead front display panel 130 having one or more display zones 904 where the visual display information / indicia 507 can be visually exhibited, as disclosed in the embodiments herein. Under ambient conditions without any visual display information / indicia 507 shown in the display zone 904, the display zone 904 appears identical, or at least substantially identical to adjacent non-display portions 908, thus providing a seamless impression as shown in Figures 9, for example. In this context, ambient conditions include typical room lighting when viewed no closer than a normal operating distance from the appliance 100.

[0097] The one or more display zones 904 are associated with one or more display output devices 245 respectively mounted internally of the body 100. In an example embodiment, each display output device 245 is a thin film transistor (TFT) electronic display, though other options will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. Each display output device 245 has an energized state producing optical output 910 defining visual display information / indicia 507 to be exhibited in the display zone 904. The display output device 245 is arranged such that its optical output 910 is incident upon an interior surface of a display panel 901 whereby it at least partially transmits so as to be visible from the exterior surface 903 of the display panel 901 thereby defining the display zone 904 as shown in Figures 10 and 11 , for example. The display panel 901 and the one or more display output devices 245 are components of the user interface assembly 130.

[0098] Figure 9 shows an example embodiment espresso appliance 100 with three display output devices 245. Figure 9 shows the espresso machine 100 where the display output devices 245 are not energized and thus not producing optical output. Accordingly, no visual display information / indicia 507 is exhibited in each display zone 904. By this arrangement, each display zone 904 is indiscernible from the non-display portions 908 of the display panel 901 , such that the display panel 901 gives a seamless or continuous impression. Otherwise stated, the ambient appearance of each display zone 904 is like that of one of the outer housing 120 materials. Furthermore, the unenergized display output devices 245 are not visible, or at least not substantially visible.

[0099] In the energized state as depicted in Figures 10 and 11 , for example, each display zone 904 of the display panel 140 appears translucent, allowing optical output from each energised display output device 245 incident on the interior surface to propagate through to the exterior surface 903. In the unenergized state of Figure 9, for example, the exterior surface 903 of the display panel 901 including the display zones 904 appears opaque. Each display zone 904 acts as if formed from a translucent material when the respective display output device 245 is energized to transmit visual display information / indicia 507 and act as if formed from an opaque material when the respective display output device 245 is not energized.

[0100] Alternatively stated, when one of the display output devices 245 is in an unenergized state, the respective display zone 904 has an ambient appearance at least substantially similar to an adjacent or proximal portion of the outer housing 120, such as a non-display portion 908 of the display panel 901 . By this arrangement, each display zone904 is only substantially discernible when in use with the respective display output device 245 energized. Otherwise, it is disguised as part of the outer housing 120, for example, appearing as an opaque surface such as stainless steel. The ambient appearance is the impression given to a user of the appliance 100 at a normal operating distance from the appliance 100 under typical lighting conditions. The display zones 904 are therefore of the type known as dead-front displays, where the display output device 245 is hidden behind the display panel 901 until energised. The visual display information / indicia 507 appears as emitted from the exterior surface 203 of the display panel 901 , rather than being generated internally from the display panel 901 . Only sections of each display zone 904 receiving optical output from the energized display output device 245 appear to act as translucent to exhibit visual display information / indicia 507; parts of each display zone 904 not receiving optical output and thus not exhibiting visual display information / indicia 507 act opaque and appear as ordinary housing 120 material.

[0101] Figures 10 is an embodiment having two main display zones 905 disposed about a central vertical axis of the display panel 901 , and a secondary display zone 906 with visual display information / indicia 507 in the form of a power button. Here the outer housing 120 material is stainless steel. In an example embodiment, the kitchen appliance 100 may feature a proximity sensor 290 (see Figure 2) adapted to trigger the power button icon being displayed as visual display information / indicia 507 on the secondary display zone 906. The secondary display zone 906 may be part of the user interface assembly 130 having a touchsensor layer, such that a user may press the illuminated power button on the secondary display zone 906 to initiate a change of state in the kitchen appliance 100. Such a change of state may be a start-up sequence which may involve, for example, purging lines, heating water or any other function relevant to the kitchen appliance 100. The change of state may also energize one or more of the other display zones 904, with the corresponding portion of the display panel 130 appearing to the user as transforming from opaque stainless steel to a dead-front electronic display presenting visual display information / indicia 507.

[0102] Any particular display zone 904, or portion of the display zone 904 may be configured to only exhibit visual display information / indicia 507 as required, such that those display zones 904 or portions of display zones 904 appear as the outer housing 120 material when not in use, for example stainless steel. As previously stated, the espresso machine 100 may have a first state where the display panel 901 appears as ordinary housing 120 material, and none of the display zones 904 are discernible as shown in Figure 9. The appliance 100 may have a second state where only a power button icon is exhibited on any of the display zone 904. This second state may be triggered by a proximity sensor detectinga user is nearby or is approaching the machine and thus detecting an increasingly proximal position over a time period. In alternative embodiments, the appliance may be configured to detect certain gestures to trigger the second state, or the appliance 100 may simply have a physical power button.

[0103] The appliance may have a third state triggered by actuation of the power button. The illuminated power button icon may change colour to mark the transition between these second and third states. The third state may involve visual display information / indicia 507 being exhibited on one of the two main display zones 905 of Figure 11 , such that it would appear to transition from opaque outer housing 120 material to an illuminated electronic display. In this third state the other of the two main display zones 905 may not be required and thus remains unenergized so as to appear as opaque outer housing 120 material to a user of the appliance 120. The visual display information / indicia 507 exhibited on the energised primary main display zone 905 may correspond to icons of various beverages, or other operational instructions such as opening menus, cleaning functions, settings etc. The display assembly 130 associated with this display zone 904 can include a touch-sensor layer such that a user can swipe the display zone 904 to cycle through the list of available beverages to select the desired beverage by touching the corresponding icon.

[0104] Selection of the desired beverage may initiate a fourth state, where the other of the main display zones 905 illuminates to transition for appearing as ordinary stainless steel outer housing 120 material to exhibiting visual display information / indicia 507 from the exterior surface of the corresponding portion of the display panel 901. This visual display information / indicia 507 may relate to instructions for preparing the selected beverage and thus not required until the appliance 100 enters the fourth state. These instructions may be in the form of coloured animated graphics or video representations of how the machine is to be operated to produce the selected beverage. In an embodiment, the area of the display assembly 130 corresponding to this display zone 204 depicting instructions may not have touch-sensitive functionality, or may have limited touch-sensitive functionality, for example, with only a portion having a touch-sensor layer.

[0105] When the appliance 100 is in the fourth state, only visual display information / indicia 507 corresponding to instructions for preparing the selected beverage may be required. Accordingly, the appliance 100 may be configured to de-energise the display zone 904 corresponding to operating mode with icons of various beverages, as a selection has been made. This display zone 904 would thus appear to transform back tobeing formed of ordinary outer housing 120 material. Alternatively, this display zone 904 may exhibit visual display information / indicia 507 relevant to the fourth state. By way of a nonlimiting example embodiment, such visual display information / indicia 507 may involve only a portion of the display zone 904 illuminated to exhibit a button icon, with the remainder of the display zone 904 appearing as stainless steel outer housing 120 material. Such a button icon may be pressed to return the appliance 100 into the third state so an alternative selection may be made.

[0106] With at least some of the user selections with one or more of the display zones 904, one or more touch sensors 242 of the touch sensitive layer of the display panel, such as one or more capacitive sensors, transfer an input signal to the control system 205, which in response controls activation of the one or more electromagnets 250 as previously described such that the display panel 901 moves from a flush position relative to the outer housing to a projected position relative to the outer housing. The control system 205 controls deactivation of the one or more electromagnets 250 after a predefined time period resulting in the one or more biasing structures biasing movement of the display panel 901 inwardly toward the flush position relative to the outer housing 120 of the appliance 100.

[0107] Whilst various examples have been discussed with respect to a coffee appliance, it will be appreciated that the user interface system can be utilised on many other types of kitchen appliances.

[0108] Various embodiments may be implemented using hardware elements, software elements, or a combination of both. Examples of hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. Examples of software may include software components, programs, applications, computer programs, application programs, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, software interfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets, computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whether an embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and / or software elements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such as desired computational rate,power levels, heat tolerances, processing cycle budget, input data rates, output data rates, memory resources, data bus speeds and other design or performance constraints.

[0109] One or more embodiments may be implemented by representative instructions stored on a machine-readable medium which represents various logic within the processor, which when read by a machine causes the machine to fabricate logic to perform the techniques described herein. Such representations, known as “IP cores” may be stored on a tangible, machine readable medium and supplied to various customers or manufacturing facilities to load into the fabrication machines that make the logic or processor. Some embodiments may be implemented, for example, using a machine -readable medium or article which may store an instruction or a set of instructions that, if executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform a method and / or operations in accordance with the embodiments. Such a machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware and / or software. The machine-readable medium or article may include, for example, any suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium and / or storage unit, for example, memory, removable or non-removable media, erasable or non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-optical media, removable memory cards or disks, various types of Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, encrypted code, and the like, implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and / or interpreted programming language.

[0110] As used in this application, the terms “system”, “component” and “unit” are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution, examples of which are described herein. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, a hard disk drive, multiple storage drives, a non-transitory computer readable medium (of either optical and / or magnetic storage medium), an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server may be a component. One or morecomponents can reside within a process and / or thread of execution, and a component may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers.

[0111] Further, components may be communicatively coupled to each other by various types of communications media to coordinate operations. The coordination may involve the uni-directional or bi-directional exchange of information. For instance, the components may communicate information in the form of signals communicated over the communications media. The information may be implemented as signals allocated to various signal lines. In such allocations, each message is a signal. Further embodiments, however, may alternatively employ data messages. Such data messages may be sent across various connections. Exemplary connections include parallel interfaces, serial interfaces, and bus interfaces.

[0112] Some embodiments may be described using the expression “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” along with their derivatives. These terms mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Moreover, unless otherwise noted the features described above are recognized to be usable together in any combination. Thus, any features discussed separately may be employed in combination with each other unless it is noted that the features are incompatible with each other.

[0113] With general reference to notations and nomenclature used herein, the detailed descriptions herein may be presented in terms of functional blocks or units that might be implemented as program procedures executed on a computer or network of computers. These procedural descriptions and representations are used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.

[0114] A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. These operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be noted, however, that all of these andsimilar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to those quantities.

[0115] Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as adding or comparing, which are commonly associated with mental operations performed by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary, or desirable in most cases, in any of the operations described herein, which form part of one or more embodiments. Rather, the operations are machine operations. Useful machines for performing operations of various embodiments include general purpose digital computers or similar devices.

[0116] Some embodiments may be described using the expression "coupled" and "connected" along with their derivatives. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may be described using the terms “connected” and / or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The term "coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0117] It is emphasized that the Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow a reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth, are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0118] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "oomprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0119] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior ad. publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0120] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it wiii be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0121] Many and various modifications wiii be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident, from the disclosure provided herein.Parts Sisf kitchen appliance 100 body 110 outer housing 120 interface assembly 130 input / 'output device 140 appliance control system 150 user interface system 200 control system 205 controller 207 processor 210 memory 220 haptic feedback program code 222 data 224 input / output (i / o) interface 230 bus 235 input device(s) 240 touch sensor(s) 242 output device 245 electromagnet(s) 250 first, controller 262 user interface controller 264 power controller 266 second controller 268 heater(s) 270 hydraulic system 280 sensor(s) 290 supporting frame structure 310 mounting frame structure 320 biasing structure 330 movement 340 stop structure 380 visual display inlormation / indica 507 decrement user element 512 increment, user element 514 dial 810 mounting structure 710mounting frame 712 display panel support bracket 810 electromagnet frame 815 display panel 901 display zone(s) 904 main display zone 905 secondary display zone(s) 906 non-display portion 908 user’s hand 2000

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A user interface system for a kitchen appliance, the kitchen appliance comprising an appliance body, wherein at least a portion of the user interface system is moveable relative to the appliance body, wherein the user interface system includes: an input device; an electromagnet; a control system in electrical communication with the electromagnet and the input device, wherein the control system includes a processor and a memory including executable instructions, wherein execution of the executable instructions cause the processor to: receive an input signal from the input device; and electrically actuate the electromagnet, based on the input signal, to generate a magnetic force to move at least a portion of the user interface system relative to the appliance body to provide haptic feedback.

2. The user interface system of claim 1 , wherein the input device is part of an interface assembly configured to be located substantially flush with a housing of the appliance body when the electromagnet is not generating the magnetic force, wherein the interface assembly is configured to project outward relative to the housing in response to the electromagnet generating the magnetic force.

3. The user interface system of claim 2, further comprising a bias structure configured to apply a biasing force to the interface assembly to return the interface panel to being substantially flush with the housing when the processor stops electrical actuation of the electromagnet.

4. The user interface system of claim 3, wherein the bias structure includes a pair of springs including a first spring located at a first end of the interface assembly and a second spring located at a second end of the interface assembly.

5. The user interface system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor is configured to control the electromagnet to increase the magnetic force gradually over a predefined timeframe after receiving the input signal indicative of user input.

6. The user interface system of claim 5, wherein the gradual increase of the magnetic force is substantially linear over the predefined timeframe.

7. The user interface system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the processor is configured to control the electromagnet to stop generating the magnetic once the predefined timeframe has elapsed.

8. The user interface system of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

9. The user interface system of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

10. The user interface system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the input device includes a capacitive touch sensor, wherein the input signal is indicative of a capacitance measurement by the capacity touch sensor, wherein the processor is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device.11 . The user interface system of claim 10, wherein the memory has stored therein a threshold defining a touch event by the user, wherein the processor is configured to determine that the user has touched the touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the first threshold.

12. The user interface system of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to: electrically actuate the electromagnet to gradually increase the magnetic force for the predefined time in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device; and electrically actuate the electromagnet to generate a further magnetic force in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing their finger out of contact with the input device.

13. The user interface system of claim 12, wherein the processor is configured to gradually decrease the further magnetic force generated by the electromagnet over a further predefined timeframe in response receiving the input signal indicative of the user beginning to withdraw their finger out of contact with the input device.

14. The user interface system of claim 13, wherein the gradual decrease of the further magnetic force is substantially linear over the further predefined timeframe.

15. The user interface system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the further predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

16. The user interface system of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the further predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

17. The user interface system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the memory has stored therein a further threshold defining a partial contact withdrawal event indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing contact with the capacitive touch sensor by the user, wherein the processor is configured to determine that the user has at least partially withdrawn contact with the capacitive touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the further threshold.

18. The user interface system of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the predefined timeframe and the further predefined timeframe are substantially equal.

19. The user interface system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the input device is a dial, wherein the processor is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user rotating the dial.

20. The user interface system of claim 19, wherein the processor is configured to electrically actuate the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user rotating the dial to a predefined position.21 . A method of providing haptic feedback via a user interface system of a kitchen appliance, the kitchen appliance comprising an appliance body, wherein at least some of the user interface system is movable relative to the appliance body, wherein the user interface system comprises an input device, an electromagnet, and a control system in electrical communication with the electromagnet and the input device, wherein the control system includes a processor and a memory including executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, configure the processor to perform steps of: receiving an input signal from the input device; and electrically actuating the electromagnet, in response to the input signal, to generate a magnetic force to move at least part of the input device relative to the appliance body to provide haptic feedback.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the input device is part of an interface assembly configured to be located substantially flush with a housing of the appliance body when the electromagnet is not generating the magnetic force, wherein the method includes projecting the interface assembly outward relative to the housing in response to the electromagnet generating the magnetic force.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the user interface system further comprises a bias structure, wherein the method includes the bias structure applying a biasing force to the interface assembly to return the interface panel to being substantially flush with the chassis when the processor stops electrical actuation of the electromagnet.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the bias structure includes a pair of springs including a first spring located at a first end of the interface assembly and a second spring located at a second end of the interface assembly.

25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the method includes the processor controlling the electromagnet to increase the magnetic force gradually over a predefined timeframe after receiving the input signal indicative of user input.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the gradual increase of the magnetic force is substantially linear over the predefined timeframe.

27. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein the method includes the processor controlling the electromagnet to stop generating the magnetic once the predefined timeframe has elapsed.

28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

29. The method of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

30. The method of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the input device includes a capacitive touch sensor, wherein the input signal is indicative of a capacitance measurement by the capacity touch sensor, wherein the method includes the processor electrically actuating the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device.31 . The method of claim 30, wherein the memory has stored therein a threshold defining a touch event by the user, wherein the method includes the processor determining that the user has touched the touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the first threshold.

32. The user interface system of claim 30 or 31 , wherein the method further includes: electrically actuating, by the processor, the electromagnet to gradually increase the magnetic force for the predefined time in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user touching the user input device; and electrically actuating, by the processor, the electromagnet to generate a further magnetic force in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing their finger out of contact with the input device.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the method processor is configured to gradually decrease the further magnetic force generated by the electromagnet over a further predefined timeframe in response receiving the input signal indicative of the user beginning to withdraw their finger out of contact with the input device.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the gradual decrease of the further magnetic force is substantially linear over the further predefined timeframe.

35. The method of any one of claims 33 or 34, wherein the further predefined timeframe is between 50 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds.

36. The method of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the further predefined timeframe is approximately 100 milliseconds.

37. The method of any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the memory has stored therein a further threshold defining a partial contact withdrawal event indicative of the user at least partially withdrawing contact with the capacitive touch sensor by the user, wherein the method includes the processor determining that the user has at least partially withdrawn contact with the capacitive touch sensor based on a comparison of the capacitance measurement indicated by the input signal and the further threshold.

38. The method of any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the predefined timeframe and the further predefined timeframe are substantially equal.

39. The method of claim 21 to 27, wherein the input device is a dial, wherein the method includes the processor electrically actuating the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of a user rotating the dial.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the method includes the processor electrically actuating the electromagnet in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the user rotating the dial to a predefined position.41 . A kitchen appliance including a user interface system of any one of claims 1 to 20.

42. A method of providing haptic feedback to a user via a kitchen appliance, wherein the kitchen appliance includes a user interface system configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 21 to 40.

43. A computer readable medium including executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 21 to 40.

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