Food Processor AR Interface for Cleanable User Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processors require complex control and display elements that can be cumbersome for users, leading to a less intuitive operating experience and increased risk of dirt accumulation, which complicates cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A wearable image generating device, such as augmented reality eyeglasses, projects operating and preparation parameters directly into the user's visual field, eliminating the need for a display on the food processor's housing and allowing for intuitive operation by simulating control interfaces on the food processor's surface, enabling users to interact with the device through touch sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If complex control and display elements are integrated into the food processor housing, then information display capability is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates due to dirt accumulation in gaps and recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a wearable image generating device (such as augmented reality glasses) to project virtual images of control elements and display information onto a transparent or reflective surface. This creates a virtual copy of the interface that appears to be on the food processor but is actually generated by the wearable device, eliminating the need for physical displays and controls on the appliance itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical control elements (buttons, knobs, physical displays) with a wireless communication system. The wearable image generating device transmits control signals and displays information wirelessly, substituting the mechanical interface with an optical and wireless communication-based interface that leaves the food processor housing smooth and cleanable.
2Loss of information
If physical display devices are integrated into the food processor, then information transmission to user is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display and control interface functions from the food processor housing and relocates them to a separate wearable image generating device. This separation removes the complexity of integrating displays and controls into the appliance, allowing the food processor to maintain a simple, clean design while the wearable device handles all information transmission and control interface functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable image generating device serves multiple functions: it displays information about operating parameters and preparation parameters, provides control interface elements, and transmits user inputs back to the food processor. This multi-functional wearable device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components integrated into the food processor housing.
3Ease of operation
If control elements are integrated into the housing surface, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are rendered as virtual images by the wearable image generating device rather than being physically integrated into the housing. This virtual copying approach maintains ease of operation (users can see and interact with control elements) while eliminating the manufacturing complexity of integrating displays, buttons, and controls into the housing structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an electric motor-driven food processor for preparing a preparation item, wherein a user of the food processor receives information from the food processor about an operating parameter for the food processor and/or a preparation parameter for the preparation item and/or transmits said information to the food processor. The information is projected into the visual field of the user by means of a wearable image generating device configured separately from the food processor, in particular an eyeglass-type construction worn in front of an eye while the user is looking at the food processor in a defined angular range. The information is superimposed onto the visual field. Also proposed is an electrically driven food processor as well as a system comprised of such a food processor and a wearable image generating device.