Cloud-Connected Outdoor Grill Control Beyond Bluetooth Range Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor appliances, such as grills and smokers, lack remote control capabilities beyond a limited range due to Bluetooth radio limitations, restricting users' ability to control functions and access information from mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and cloud computing platform that enables communication and control of electronically-controlled appliances by receiving inputs, generating notifications, and transmitting instructions to hardware controllers, allowing users to control appliances remotely through software applications and mobile devices.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud computing platform as an intermediary between the mobile device and the outdoor appliance. The mobile device communicates with the cloud platform via internet connection, which then relays commands to the appliance. This mediator extends the control range beyond Bluetooth limitations while maintaining wireless operation.
2Length of stationary object
If cloud computing platform is introduced, then remote control range is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the outdoor appliance with embedded controller, the cloud computing platform with web server, and the mobile device with web browser. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the integrated system achieves extended functionality through their interconnection.
3Ease of operation
If cloud computing platform is used, then remote accessibility is improved, but information access capability is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where the outdoor appliance continuously reports operational status, sensor data, and event information to the cloud platform, which then makes this information available to the user via the web interface. This feedback mechanism ensures the user has real-time access to appliance information while maintaining remote control capability.
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.