Cooking Apparatus Virtual Flame Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooking apparatuses lack intuitive visual cues for the user to recognize the heated state, especially from a distance, due to the absence of flames, making it difficult to instantly perceive the cooking status.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus that displays a virtual flame image using a plurality of light sources grouped into sets, with a light emission driving controller generating driving signals by synthesizing periodic and random signals to simulate flame patterns, allowing for adjustable output levels and malfunctions indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a digital display is used to show the heated state, then information can be displayed, but the recognition property is low and users cannot instantly perceive the cooking status from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light sources that emit different colors (blue, red, green) to represent different cooking states. The flame image generator creates visual patterns that change color and intensity based on the heating status, making it easily recognizable from a distance without requiring close observation of a digital display
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual flame image that copies the visual appearance of a real flame using light sources arranged in a specific pattern. This virtual flame is projected onto the cooking container or surrounding area, providing intuitive visual feedback that mimics the appearance of actual combustion without the hazards of real flames
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are controlled individually to create flame images, then visual indication is achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are divided into multiple groups that can be controlled independently. Each group corresponds to a specific region or color component of the flame image, allowing the system to create complex flame patterns by coordinating simpler group controls rather than managing each light source individually
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines periodic signals and random signals to generate the driving signals for the light sources. This signal merging approach creates natural-looking flame patterns while simplifying the control logic, as the complex flame behavior emerges from the interaction of two relatively simple signal types
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The virtual flame image provides an intuitive and instantaneous visual indication of the cooking status, enhancing user recognition of the apparatus's operation state from a distance, while reducing complexity and costs through group control of light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward a cooking container
Implementation Method 2
The light emission driving controller is further configured to generate driving signals by synthesizing a periodic signal and a random signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a cooking apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The cooking comprises a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward a cooking container and grouped into a plurality of groups; and a light emission driving controller configured to perform control in a manner that flame images are displayed by performing group controlling based on at least one of a control command input by a user, a grouping form of the plurality of groups, and a preset operation pattern, wherein the light emission driving controller is further configured to generate driving signals by synthesizing a periodic signal and a random signal, and apply the driving signals to the plurality of groups.