Cloud-Connected Outdoor Grill Control Beyond Bluetooth Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor appliances, such as grills and smokers, often require manual user presence for control adjustments and have limited remote operation capabilities due to range limitations of Bluetooth radios, restricting users' ability to control functions and access information beyond their mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and cloud computing platform that enables communication and control of electronically-controlled appliances by receiving inputs from computing systems, generating notifications, and transmitting instructions to hardware controllers for performing specified functions, allowing remote operation and integration with cloud services, mobile devices, and third-party systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth radio is used for remote control, then user can control appliance from distance, but control range is limited by radio range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud computing platform as an intermediary between the mobile device and the outdoor appliance. The appliance communicates with the cloud platform via network connections (WiFi, cellular), which then relays commands and data to the user's mobile device, enabling remote control beyond direct Bluetooth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from local wireless communication (Bluetooth in 3D space around the appliance) to network-based communication (cloud platform accessible from any location with internet connection), effectively adding a new dimension of remote access不受物理距离限制.
2Device complexity
If manual controls are used, then appliance structure is simple, but user must be present at appliance to make adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls (dials, knobs, buttons on the appliance) with electronic controls that can be operated remotely via mobile device through network communication, eliminating the need for physical presence at the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance is equipped with electronic controls and communication capabilities that allow it to receive and execute commands remotely, making the system self-sufficient for remote operation without requiring user presence.
3Ease of operation
If electronic controls with Bluetooth are used, then remote control is enabled, but control options are limited to mobile device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud computing platform serves as a universal interface that can handle various control options and communication protocols, allowing the appliance to be controlled through multiple methods (mobile app, web interface, third-party integrations) and access diverse functionality beyond what a single mobile device interface provides.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to communicating with and controlling operation of electronically-controlled appliances. In one scenario, a computer system receives a first input from a computing system indicating that an electronically-controlled appliance is permitted to communicate with a cloud computing platform. The computer system generates a notification that is to be sent to a software application, where the software application is configured to control functions of the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system transmits the generated notification to the software application, where the generated notification indicates that the cloud computing platform is communicably connected to the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system then receives a second input from the software application indicating that specified functions are to be performed on the electronically-controlled appliance, and transmits instructions to the electronically-controlled appliance to perform the specified functions. These functions are then interpreted and carried out by a hardware controller on the electronically-controlled appliance.