Cooking Hob Zone Addressing Using Code Words for Remote Voice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking hobs with multiple zones, especially 'cook anywhere' induction hobs, are cumbersome to control and adjust from a remote position due to the difficulty in addressing specific zones without fixed markings.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a unique code word or identifier to each cooking zone allows for easy selection and configuration using voice or gesture control, with visual aids like color-coded LED indicators to simplify zone identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cooking zones are controlled by individual control means with markings or optical allocation indicators, then each cooking zone can be identified and configured, but controlling a specific cooking zone from a remote position becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control means (control knobs, touch inputs) with voice control means that recognize code words. Users can address cooking zones remotely by speaking code words like 'front left' or 'rear right', eliminating the need to physically approach the hob or interpret visual markings from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces code words as intermediaries between the user and cooking zones. These code words serve as a communication bridge, allowing users to refer to specific zones remotely without needing to see or physically interact with the zone markers on the hob surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cooking hobs have no fixed cooking zones (cook anywhere induction hobs), then flexibility is improved, but addressing and selecting a specific cooking zone becomes even more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical zone markers and control knobs with voice-activated code word recognition. When a user places cookware anywhere on the hob, they can remotely address the active cooking zone by saying code words like 'front left' or 'rear right', allowing flexible cook placement while maintaining easy zone selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines directional code words (front left, front right, rear left, rear right) that correspond to potential cooking zone locations. This preliminary linguistic framework allows users to immediately address any cooking zone as it becomes active, without needing to learn or locate physical markers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control means are provided for multiple cooking zones, then each zone can be individually configured, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal voice control interface that handles all cooking zones through a single system. Instead of providing separate control knobs or touch inputs for each zone, one voice recognition system processes code words for all zones, reducing physical complexity while maintaining individual configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual control means into a single voice control interface. The voice recognition system consolidates the functionality of what would otherwise be separate controls for each cooking zone, simplifying the overall control system architecture.
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
Enables straightforward control and adjustment of cooking zones from a distance, improving usability by eliminating the need for positional addressing and enhancing user experience, especially with 'cook anywhere' induction hobs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source, in particular an LED lamp
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooking hob (1) having a cooking surface (5) with at least two cooking zones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) on which cookware (21) is placeable. Each cooking zone (3a,5 3b, 3c, 3d) is individually configurable and/or adjustable according to a selection mode. The selection mode comprises at least a selection and/or configuration of a power level for the cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). According to the invention, a code word and/or an identifier is allocatable to each cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for controlling and/or addressing a spe-cific one of the cooking zones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). Further, a method for a configuration and/or adjustment of a cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) arranged on a cooking hob (1) which comprises at least two cooking zones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is disclosed. The cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is selected and/or addressed by identification of the cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) with an allocated code word or identifier.