Heating cooker and method of operating a heating cooker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating cookers require repeated operations to change setting levels, and users may inadvertently perform slide operations instead of direct specifying operations, leading to unintended setting changes.
Innovation Solution
A heating cooker with an operation position detecting means and a first setting level displaying means that allows users to change setting levels by sliding their finger, with a control unit adjusting the setting levels based on movement distance and direction, preventing unintended slide operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a direct specifying operation is used to input setting values from absolute positions, then the setting level can be determined uniquely, but the user must know which position corresponds to which setting level
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays the current setting level on the display unit in real-time during slide operations, providing visual feedback to the user. This allows users to see which setting level is currently active without needing to know the absolute position correspondence, resolving the contradiction between precise setting determination and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that translates relative slide movements into setting level changes. Instead of requiring users to understand absolute position mappings, the control unit processes the relative movement and automatically adjusts the setting level accordingly, mediating between user input and system response.
2Ease of operation
If a slide operation is used to change setting levels, then the operation becomes continuous and smooth, but unintended slide operations may occur when direct specifying is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its response mode based on the operation state. During slide operations, it continuously updates the setting level based on movement distance and direction. When the slide operation ends, it transitions to a state where the final position determines the setting level, adapting to different operational phases to prevent unintended operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous updating of the setting level throughout the slide operation based on finger movement, ensuring smooth and continuous adjustment. This continuous action allows users to make fine adjustments without interruption while still preventing unintended operations through proper termination detection.
3Measurement precision
If repeated operations are required to change setting levels, then the absolute position can be accurately specified, but the operation becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to skip multiple setting levels in a single slide operation. Instead of requiring repeated incremental operations, users can slide their finger across multiple positions to rapidly change the setting level by large increments, significantly reducing the time required for setting adjustments while maintaining accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If the setting level is determined by absolute position, then the operation is simple and direct, but the user cannot easily perform fine adjustments without knowing the exact position
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the setting level based on the relative movement of the finger during slide operations. This dynamic response allows users to perform fine adjustments by making small slide movements from their current position, eliminating the need to know exact absolute positions while achieving precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and applies the appropriate setting level change based on the finger's movement distance and direction. Users simply need to slide their finger, and the system self-adjusts the setting level without requiring users to calculate or know the exact position mappings, enabling both simplicity and precision.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A heating cooker is provided that includes an operation position detecting means one-dimensionally disposed and detecting a position operated by a user's finger, and a first setting level displaying means displaying a setting level of one or more setting parameters including at least heating power. When the operation position detecting means is operated first at start of heating, the heating cooker displays on the first setting level displaying means a setting level of the setting parameter uniquely determined depending on an operated position of the operation position detecting means. When the operation position detecting means is operated after start of heating, the heating cooker changes the setting level of the setting parameter displayed on the first setting level displaying means depending on a movement distance and a movement direction of sliding of the finger along the operation position detecting means regardless of the setting level determined in the operation position detecting means at the time of a first operation at start of heating.