Dynamic slider for a cooking appliance user interface

Abstract

A cooking appliance includes a first heating element and a second heating element. A user interface includes a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module. A control system configured to generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element and a second slider graphic associated with the second heating element. The control system is further configured to generate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element, and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the second heating element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Indian Provisional Application No. 202511016676, filed on Feb.25, 2025, entitled “DYNAMIC SLIDER FOR A COOKING APPLIANCE USER INTERFACE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a cooking appliance, and more particularly, a cooking appliance with a user interface having independently addressable slider controls.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Cooking appliances generally provide a variety of user interfaces with complicated button schemes. These button schemes are not quickly intuitive, require several different electronic components for each of the button interfaces, and take up large footprints on the cooking appliance architecture.

[0004] The present disclosure generally provides a user interface for a cooking appliance that includes a slider graphic for setting a temperature of a heating element and / or setting a timer for the heating element. The slider graphic and icons associated therewith provide an unambiguous and easy to learn format of operating the cooking appliance. Further, the slider graphic and icons associated therewith may generally require fewer button inputs and, consequently, fewer parts and a smaller footprint requirement.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a first heating element and a second heating element. A user interface includes a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module. A control system configured to generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element and a second slider graphic associated with the second heating element. The control system is further configured to generate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element, and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the second heating element.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a first heating element and a second heating element. A user interface includes a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module. A control system configured to generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element and a second slider graphic associated with the second heating element. The control system is further configured to generate, on the display module, a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element, and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the second heating element.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a first heating element and a second heating element. A user interface includes a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module. A control system configured to generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element. The control system is further configured to generate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element, and a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element.

[0008] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a cooking appliance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front plane view of a user interface for a cooking appliance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front plane view of a display module and button input module of a first construction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front plane view of a display module and button input module of a second construction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in a cooking appliance and, more particularly, a cooking appliance with a user interface having independently addressable slider controls. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0016] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer and / or user, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer and / or user. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0017] The terms “including,”“comprises,”“comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . .” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0018] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally designates a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance 10 includes a first heating element 12A and a second heating element 12B. A user interface 14 includes a display module 16 and a button input module 18 (FIGS. 3 and 4) aligned with the display module 16. A control system 100 is configured to generate, with the display module 16, a first slider graphic 20A associated with the first heating element 12A and a second slider graphic 20B associated with the second heating element 12B. The control system 100 is further configured to generate, on the display module 16, a first power regulation icon 22A moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic 20A to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element 12A, and a second power regulation icon 22B moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic 20B to regulate a temperature output of the second heating element 12B.

[0019] The control system 100 may be further configured to generate, on the display module 16, a first timer regulation icon 24A moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic 20A to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element 12A, and a second timer regulation icon 24B moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic 20B to regulate a timeframe for heating the second heating element 12B. It should be appreciated that, in some implementations, only one of the first slider graphic 20A and a second slider graphic 20B may be implemented in scenarios where the cooking appliance 10 only includes one heating element 12A. Further, in some implementations, only one of the first slider graphic 20A and the second slider graphic 20B may be implemented in scenarios with multiple heating elements 12A, 12B. More particularly, the first slider graphic 20A may be the only slider graphic and be switchable (e.g., via user input) between the heating elements 12A, 12B (e.g., via an option to select the first or second heating elements 12A, 12B). In some implementations, the first slider graphic 20A may be the only slider graphic and include multiple power regulation icons 22A, 22B and timer regulation icons 24A, 24B, which may be individually identifiable and associated with the different heating elements 12A, 12B. In this manner, the user interface 14 may provide an unambiguous and easy to learn format of operating the cooking appliance 10 and may generally require fewer button inputs and, consequently, fewer parts and a smaller footprint requirement.

[0020] With reference now to FIG. 2, the cooking appliance 10 is depicted as including a cooktop 26 including the first and second heating elements 12A, 12B. The first and second heating elements 12A, 12B may include burners located on the cooktop 26. The cooktop 26 may further include a third heating element 12C (e.g., a third burner) and a fourth heating element 12D (e.g., a fourth burner). However, it should be appreciated that any number of heating elements may be utilized by the cooking appliance 10 and controlled by the user interface 14. In some implementations, additional slider graphics may be utilized and equal in number to and associated with each of the available heating elements 12A-12D. The cooking appliance is further depicted as including an appliance body 28 located under the cooktop 26, which may or may not include a heating cavity 30. In some implementations, the heating cavity 30 includes one or more additional heating elements (not shown) that may be controllable via the principles described in reference to the heating elements on the cooktop 26 (e.g., with a designated slider graphic, a timer regulation icon, and / or a power regulation icon).

[0021] The cooking appliance 10 may utilize any number of fuels and operate under any number of heating technologies. For example, the cooking appliance 10 may employ a variety of induction heating, electric heating, gas heating, and heating that employs all fuel types. In some embodiments, the heating elements 12A-12D may rest under a panel 32 (e.g., glass or ceramic). In the depicted implementation, the heating elements 12A-12D employ induction heating and may include magnetic coils and / or the like to transfer energy to a cooking vessel 34 that is located on one of the heating elements 12A-12B.

[0022] The user interface 14 may be located on the cooktop 26. For example, the user interface 14 may be located under the panel 32 or located in a pocket or aperture defined by the panel 32. However, the user interface 14 may be in locations other than or in addition to the cooktop 26. For example, in some implementations, the user interface 14 may be located on the appliance body 28 (e.g., a forward-facing or user facing surface of the appliance body 28) or any other location of the cooking appliance 10. In still further implementations, the user interface 14 (e.g., and the display module 16) may be remote from the cooking appliance 10, alternatively or in addition to one or more of the previously described locations. For example, the control system 100 may include a communication module (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and / or other short or long range communication protocols). The communication module may pair with or be otherwise communicatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly) with a remote device (e.g., with a remote control system), such as a mobile phone, tablet, or a designated device. Regardless of the location of the user interface 14, the user interface 14 may employ one or more of the slider graphics, the power regulation icons, the timer regulation icons, or other icons as described herein in any number of available combinations.

[0023] With reference now to FIG. 2, the user interface 14 (e.g., and the display module 16) is depicted as may include an outer perimeter 36, defined by a top edge 38 and a bottom edge 40 that is spaced from the bottom edge 40 by a pair of side edges 42. In the depicted arrangement, the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40 are longer than the side edges 42. For example, the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40 may be longer than the side edges 42 by a factor of at least 1.5, at least 2, at least 4, at least 6, and any range between these values. In some implementations, the side edges 42 face corresponding side edges of the cooktop26. In FIG. 2, only the first slider graphic 20A and a second slider graphic 20B are depicted. However, it should be appreciated that when more than two heating elements 12C, 12D are employed by the cooking appliance 10, the user interface 14 may include additional slider graphics and the same icons associated with each slider graphics 20A, 20B depicted in FIG. 2. For example, when more than two heating elements 12C, 12D are employed, the user interface 14 may include additional slider graphics over or under the slider graphics 20A, 20B depicted in FIG. 2 (e.g., relative to the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40). In other examples, when more than two heating elements 12C, 12D are employed, the user interface 14 may include additional slider graphics to the side of the slider graphics 20A, 20B depicted in FIG. 2 (e.g., relative to the side edges 42). For example, the user interface 14 may be mirrored from the rightmost side edge 42 depicted in FIG. 2.

[0024] In some implementations, the location of the slider graphics 20A, 20B may be associated with the location of the heating elements 12A-12D on the cooktop 26. For example, the first heating element 12A is depicted as being near a rear-left corner of the cooktop 26, the first slider graphic 20A may therefore be located near a leftmost side edge 42 and the top edge 38. The second heating element 12B, on the other hand, is depicted as being near a front-left corner of the cooktop 26, the second slider graphic 20B may therefore be located near a leftmost side edge 42 and the bottom edge 40. The additional heating elements 12C, 12D may likewise be spatially associated with the graphics on the user interface 14. For example, the third heating element 12C is depicted as being near a rear-right corner of the cooktop 26, a third slider graphic may therefore be located near a rightmost side edge 42 and the top edge 38. The fourth heating element, on the other hand, is depicted as being near a front-right corner of the cooktop 26, a fourth slider graphic may therefore be located near a rightmost side edge 42 and the bottom edge 40.

[0025] The depicted slider graphics 20A, 20B are shown with a plurality of sequentially spaced (e.g., and parallelly extending) lines 44. However, it should be appreciated that the slider graphics 20A, 20B may be generated (e.g., via the control system 100) as a single line, a series of dots, or other distinguishing marks in an elongated slider graphic which may be linear. The power regulation icons 22A, 22B may be generated as a distinguishing mark, such as lines extending above or below the slider graphics 20A, 20B that become shorter as the next sequential lines are spaced further from the slider graphics 20A, 20B. The lines of the power regulation icons 22A, 22B may be parallel to the lines of the slider graphics 20A, 20B. By using the button input module 18, the power regulation icons 22A, 22B may be moved along the slider graphics 20A, 20B between a first end designated “OFF” that is associated with a non-powered state and a second end designated “P” that is associated with a maximum heating state. In some implementations, the power regulation icons 22A, 22B may be a distinguishing mark that infers heat, such as a graphic of a flame and / or the like. In some implementations, the color of the lighting associated with the power regulation icons 22A, 22B may change (e.g., form a colder or bluer coloration to a hotter or red coloration) as the power regulation icons 22A, 22B are moved between the first end and the second end.

[0026] The timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may, similarly to the power regulation icons 22A, 22B, be generated as a distinguishing mark, such as lines extending above or below the slider graphics 20A, 20B that become shorter as the next sequential lines are spaced further from the slider graphics 20A, 20B. The timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may be located on an opposite side of the slider graphics 20A, 20B than the power regulation icons 22A, 22B. The lines of the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may be parallel to the lines of the slider graphics 20A, 20B. By using the button input module 18, the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may be moved along the slider graphics 20A, 20B between a first end designated “OFF” that may be associated with an untimed cooking duty cycle and a second end designated “P” that may be associated with a maximum timed duty cycle. When a time is set, the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may move periodically along the slider graphics 20A, 20B, for example towards the side of the slider graphics 20A, 20B associated with an untimed cooking duty cycle. Once the set time has elapsed, a visual or audible notification may be generated (e.g., via the control system 100) to a user. In some implementations, the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may be a distinguishing mark that infers time, such as a graphic of a clock and / or the like. In some implementations, the color of the lighting associated with the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may change as the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B is moved between the first end and the second end. In some implementations, the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may move during the course of the set time from the maximum duty cycle on the second end to the duty cycle completion on the first end. In some implementations, the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B, the slider graphics 20A, 20B, and / or other graphics on the display module 16 may flash once the duty cycle is complete. In this way, multiple timers can be set for different heating elements 12A-12D. However, it should be appreciated that completion of the duty cycle may also be associated with an audible alert to a user. In some implementations, the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B have a different appearance the power regulation icons 22A, 22B. For example, the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may have a shape, size, and / or color than the power regulation icons 22A, 22B.

[0027] In addition to the power regulation icons 22A, 22B and the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B, additional icons may be displayed on the user interface 14. For example, number icons 46A, 46B may be associated with each slider graphics 20A, 20B and, consequently, each heating element 12A, 12B. The number icons 46A, 46B may provide raw numerical data on a temperature of the heating element 12A, 12B as set by the power regulation icons 22A, 22B, a setting of the heating element 12A, 12B as set by the power regulation icons 22A, 22B, and / or a time remaining of the heating element 12A, 12B as set by the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B. Further, additional icons may be generated on the user interface 14, such as a “keep warm” icon associated with maintaining a desired temperature or maintenance temperature. In some implementations, the user interface 14 may also include icons with pictorials, such as those designated 48 that show more or less steam emitting from a cooking vessel and are associated with different heat settings. The icons described herein that are in addition to the power regulation icons 22A, 22B and the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may be interactable with via the button input module 18 and / or otherwise used for communicative purposes for a user. The display module 16 may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”) with a backlight (e.g., a red backlight) or, alternatively, employ light-emitting diodes (“LED”).

[0028] With reference now to FIG. 3, the button input module 18 is depicted in a first construction, wherein the button input module 18 includes a plurality of discrete buttons 50 that can independently be interfaced with. The buttons 50 may be located in alignment with both sides of the slider graphics 20A, 20B associated with available locations of the power regulation icons 22A, 22B and the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B. Furthermore, the icons described herein that are in addition to the power regulation icons 22A, 22B and the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may have designated buttons 50. In some implementations, the buttons 50 are mechanical and moved during actuation and setting selection.

[0029] With reference now to FIG. 4, the button input module 18 is depicted in a second construction, wherein the button input module 18 includes an expanded touch interface 52 (e.g., a touch screen). The touch interface 52 may react to changes in conductivity that are detectable by human touch. The touch interface 52 may be located and sized to expand at least along both sides of the slider graphics 20A, 20B associated with available locations of the power regulation icons 22A, 22B and the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B. Furthermore, the icons described herein that are in addition to the power regulation icons 22A, 22B and the timer regulation icons 24A, 24B may be located in alignment with the touch interface 52. It should be appreciated that both the touch interface 52 and discrete buttons 50 may be utilized in the user interface 14 for packaging constraints, available resources, and resource costs. For example, in some implementations, the slider graphics 20A, 20B may be associated with the touch interface 52 and additional inputs and settings may be associated with the discrete buttons.

[0030] The control system 100 may include a processor and a memory. For example, the processor may include any suitable processor. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system 100 may include any suitable number of processors, in addition to or other than the processor. The memory may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives) and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory. In some embodiments, memory may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, or the like. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), or a combination thereof. Alternatively, or in addition to the processor and memory, the control system 100 may utilize logic circuitry for performing the functions, operations, and tasks described herein. The memory may contain profile and / or configuration information related to the graphics, lights, color of lights, and / or the like of the user interface 14. Further, the memory and processor or other logic based control circuitry may associate different inputs from the discrete buttons 50 and / or touch interface 52 with specific settings associated with one or more heating elements 12A-12D. In implementations where the user interface 14 is partially or fully remote, the control system 100 may be partially located in the remote device (e.g., a remote control system) and partially located in the cooking appliance 10 but permit operable communication between the remote device and the cooking appliance 10.

[0031] The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a first heating element and a second heating element. A user interface includes a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module. A control system configured to generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element and a second slider graphic associated with the second heating element. The control system is further configured to generate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element, and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the second heating element.

[0033] According to another aspect, the first and second heating elements are configured as induction heaters on a cooktop.

[0034] According to yet another aspect, the user interface is configured as a touch screen.

[0035] According to still yet another aspect, the user interface is configured as a plurality of individually addressable buttons.

[0036] According to another aspect, the display module is configured as a backlight.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, the control system is configured to generate, on the display module, a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element, and a second timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the second heating element.

[0038] According to still yet another aspect, the first timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the first slider graphic than the first power regulation icon and the second timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the second slider graphic than the second power regulation icon.

[0039] According to another aspect, the cooking appliance further includes a third heating element and a fourth heating element, and the control system is further configured to generate, with the display module, a third slider graphic associated with the third heating element and a fourth slider graphic associated with the fourth heating element.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, the first through fourth slider graphics are respectively located on the display module in a pattern that matches the respective locations of the first through fourth heating elements.

[0041] According to still yet another aspect, the first through fourth heating elements are located on a cooktop and include induction burners.

[0042] According to another aspect, the control system includes a communication module in wireless communication with a remote device. The remote device includes a remote user interface that matches the user interface of the cooking appliance that a user can operate to regulate the temperature output of the first and second heating elements.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a first heating element and a second heating element. A user interface includes a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module. A control system configured to generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element and a second slider graphic associated with the second heating element. The control system is further configured to generate, on the display module, a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element, and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the second heating element.

[0044] According to another aspect, the first and second heating elements are configured as induction heaters on a cooktop.

[0045] According to yet another aspect, the user interface is configured as a touch screen.

[0046] According to yet another aspect, the user interface is configured as a plurality of individually addressable buttons.

[0047] According to another aspect, the display module is configured as a backlight.

[0048] According to yet another aspect, the control system is configured to generate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element, and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the second heating element.

[0049] According to still yet another aspect, the first timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the first slider graphic than the first power regulation icon and the second timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the second slider graphic than the second power regulation icon.

[0050] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a first heating element and a second heating element. A user interface includes a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module. A control system configured to generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element. The control system is further configured to generate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element, and a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element.

[0051] According to yet another aspect, the first timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the first slider graphic than the first power regulation icon.

[0052] According to still yet another aspect, the first timer regulation icon has a different appearance than the first power regulation icon.

[0053] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0054] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0055] As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

[0056] The terms “substantial,”“substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0057] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0058] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance comprising:a first heating element and a second heating element;a user interface including a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module; anda control system configured to:generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element and a second slider graphic associated with the second heating element; andgenerate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the second heating element.

2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the first and second heating elements are configured as induction heaters on a cooktop.

3. The cooking appliance as in claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured as a touch screen.

4. The cooking appliance as in claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured as a plurality of individually addressable buttons.

5. The cooking appliance of claim 4, wherein the display module is configured as a backlight.

6. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the control system is further configured to:generate, on the display module, a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element and a second timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the second heating element.

7. The cooking appliance of claim 6, wherein the first timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the first slider graphic than the first power regulation icon and the second timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the second slider graphic than the second power regulation icon.

8. The cooking appliance of claim 1, further including a third heating element and a fourth heating element, and wherein the control system is further configured to:generate, with the display module, a third slider graphic associated with the third heating element and a fourth slider graphic associated with the fourth heating element.

9. The cooking appliance of claim 8, wherein the first through fourth slider graphics are respectively located on the display module in a pattern that matches the respective locations of the first through fourth heating elements.

10. The cooking appliance of claim 9, wherein the first through fourth heating elements are located on a cooktop and include induction burners.

11. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a communication module in wireless communication with a remote device, the remote device including a remote user interface that matches the user interface of the cooking appliance that a user can operate to regulate the temperature output of the first and second heating elements.

12. A cooking appliance comprising:a first heating element and a second heating element;a user interface including a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module; anda control system configured to:generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element and a second slider graphic associated with the second heating element; andgenerate, on the display module, a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the second heating element.

13. The cooking appliance of claim 12, wherein the first and second heating elements are configured as induction heaters on a cooktop.

14. The cooking appliance of claim 12, wherein the user interface is configured as a touch screen.

15. The cooking appliance of claim 12, wherein the user interface is configured as a plurality of individually addressable buttons.

16. The cooking appliance of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to:generate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element and a second power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the second slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the second heating element.

17. The cooking appliance of claim 16, wherein the first timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the first slider graphic than the first power regulation icon and the second timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the second slider graphic than the second power regulation icon.

18. A cooking appliance comprising:a first heating element;a user interface including a display module and a button input module aligned with the display module; anda control system configured to:generate, with the display module, a first slider graphic associated with the first heating element; andgenerate, on the display module, a first power regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a temperature output of the first heating element and a first timer regulation icon moveable based on user input along the first slider graphic to regulate a timeframe for heating the first heating element.

19. The cooking appliance of claim 18, wherein the first timer regulation icon is located on an opposite side of the first slider graphic than the first power regulation icon.

20. The cooking appliance of claim 18, wherein the first timer regulation icon has a different appearance than the first power regulation icon.

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