Cloud-Based Mobile Application for Remote Outdoor Grill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor appliances like grills and smokers require manual or Bluetooth-controlled operation, limiting user interaction to proximity and offering limited functionality, preventing remote control and access to additional information or control signals.
Innovation Solution
A software application and user interface that enables remote control of electronically-controlled appliances by receiving user inputs, generating control instructions, and sending them to the appliance for execution, allowing communication with remote systems and providing a notification of availability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth radio is used for remote control, then user can control appliance from nearby location, but user must still be within proximity range and control options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the appliance. The mobile device communicates with the server, which then communicates with the appliance, enabling extended range control beyond direct Bluetooth connectivity. This mediator architecture allows users to control appliances from anywhere in the world, not just within proximity range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from local Bluetooth communication to cloud-based remote communication by adding the network dimension. Instead of direct peer-to-peer communication limited by physical range, the system uses a cloud server to bridge the communication gap, enabling control across any geographic distance through the network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If manual controls are used, then appliance operation is simple and reliable, but user must be present at the appliance to make changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with an electronic software-based control system. Instead of physically being at the appliance to turn knobs or press buttons, users interact with a graphical user interface on their mobile device, which transmits control signals through the network to the appliance, maintaining reliability while enabling remote operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If electronic controls with solenoids are used, then gas flow can be regulated precisely, but user still needs to be at the appliance to adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service remote control where users can adjust gas flow and other appliance settings from their mobile devices without needing to physically travel to the appliance. The electronic controls with solenoids continue to provide precise regulation, while the remote interface eliminates the time loss associated with traveling to and from the appliance for routine adjustments.
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.