Cloud-Connected Mobile Application for Remote Outdoor Grill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor grills and smokers lack remote control capabilities beyond limited Bluetooth range, restricting users' ability to control appliance functions and access information from a distance.
Innovation Solution
A software application and user interface that enables remote control of electronically-controlled appliances by communicating with a cloud service, allowing users to monitor and control grill functions such as temperature, cooking cycles, and fuel management through a mobile device, even when outside the Bluetooth range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth radio is used for remote control, then wireless communication capability is improved, but control range is limited to proximity only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud service as an intermediary between the mobile device and the outdoor appliance. The appliance communicates with the cloud service via Wi-Fi or other network connections, and the mobile device communicates with the cloud service through the internet, enabling remote control beyond Bluetooth range while maintaining wireless operation.
2Length of moving object
If cloud service integration is implemented, then remote control range is improved, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate functional modules: the outdoor appliance with its controller, the cloud service platform, and the mobile device application. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, maintained, and scaled independently, managing overall system complexity while enabling extended remote control capability.
3Measurement precision
If electronic controls are used, then precision of control is improved, but user presence at appliance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at the appliance with electronic communication through a mobile device and cloud service. Users can adjust electronic controls remotely via wireless communication, eliminating the need to be physically present while maintaining precise electronic control of the appliance.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to controlling an electronically-controlled appliance using a software application and providing a user interface for controlling an electronically-controlled appliance. In one scenario, a computer system receives an indication from a remote computing system indicating that an electronically-controlled appliance is communicably connected to the remote computing system. The computer system provides a notification in the software application indicating that the electronically-controlled appliance is available to receive instructions, and receives a user input at the software application indicating that certain functions are to be performed by the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system further generates instructions configured to control the electronically-controlled appliance based on the functions specified in the received user input, and sends the generated instructions to the electronically-controlled appliance to perform the specified functions. These functions are then interpreted and carried out on the electronically-controlled appliance via the hardware controller.