Food Processor Motion-Triggered Voice Output for User Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional food processors lack user-oriented noise output features, such as voice or music output, to provide timely information and assistance during cooking processes, particularly for visually impaired users or when visual contact is not possible.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a motion detector as a proximity sensor to trigger noise output, such as speech or music, when a user approaches, and linking this output to specific actions or time selections, along with a loudspeaker system for directed sound propagation, and an anti-noise device to suppress appliance noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a motion detector is added to trigger noise output, then user-oriented information delivery is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-oriented information deliveryVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion detector serves multiple functions: it detects user presence to trigger voice output, monitors proximity for safety purposes, and can initiate cooking programs automatically. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects when a user approaches and provides information without requiring manual button presses or visual interaction. The appliance serves itself by autonomously determining when communication is needed based on motion detection, reducing the need for complex user interface controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If voice or music output is added, then user assistance is improved, but appliance noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser assistanceVSAvoidappliance noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The voice or music output is not continuous but triggered periodically only when motion is detected. This allows the appliance to remain quiet during normal operation while providing auditory information on-demand when a user is present, thus assisting users without creating constant noise pollution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The motion detector provides feedback about user presence to the control system, which then modulates the noise output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that noise is generated only when needed for user assistance, creating a responsive system that adapts to actual usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If noise output is triggered by motion detection, then information delivery is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation deliveryVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The noise output system operates periodically based on motion detection events rather than continuously. Energy is consumed only when a user approaches and information needs to be delivered, significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining effective information delivery when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters dynamically - switching from a low-power state to an active noise output state only when motion is detected. This parameter change based on environmental conditions optimizes the balance between information delivery and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 user-friendly information delivery through voice or music output, enhancing user interaction and assistance, especially for visually impaired users, while reducing appliance noise, and providing personalized messages and recipe guidance.

Implementation Method 1

an output can be triggered by addressing a motion detector arranged in the food processor and designed as a proximity sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a loudspeaker also being provided in the food processor and a file can be used for noise development by means of the loudspeaker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 3

it is also known in this respect to heat the mixing vessel directly or also to heat the food contained therein indirectly, in particular for the corresponding cooking of food

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3195770B1Kitchen appliance operated by electric motor
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP3195770B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric motor-operated food processor (1) with a mixing vessel (4) and an agitator in the mixing vessel (4), optionally with a heater, and also with a volatile or non-volatile memory in which files that can be used for the application can be stored, wherein furthermore, a loudspeaker (11) is provided in the food processor (1) and that a file can be used for noise development by means of the loudspeaker (11), e.g. for speech or music or sound output. In order to specify a food processor with a user-oriented noise output, e.g. speech, music or sound output, the invention proposes that an output can be triggered by activating a motion detector (16) arranged in the food processor (1).