Induction Cooker Drag-Touch Interface for Multi-Coil Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cookers with small user interfaces face efficiency degradation due to the need for multiple screen shifts for control, while larger interfaces increase manufacturing costs, and existing solutions do not allow for simultaneous control of all coils without screen shifting.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a display unit and sensor unit that allows for the control of all coils' power levels with a single manipulation, enabling power level adjustment through drag touches on a main screen without shifting screens, and displaying power control bars for precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the user interface is provided in small size, then the manufacturing cost is decreased, but the efficiency of control is degraded due to multiple screen shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple coils into a single main screen interface. The main screen displays all coil power levels simultaneously, allowing users to control multiple coils without navigating through multiple screens. This consolidation maintains a compact display size while improving control efficiency by eliminating the need for screen shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The main screen is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it displays power levels for all coils, allows individual coil selection, enables power adjustment through drag touches, and provides access to cooking mode selections. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control screens for each coil, maintaining a small display size while achieving comprehensive control.
2Productivity
If the user interface is provided in large size, then the efficiency of control is improved, but the manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical space on the main screen to display additional control options and information. By arranging elements in multiple dimensions (horizontal and vertical layouts), the interface can provide comprehensive control functionality without requiring a larger horizontal display area, thus maintaining a compact overall size while achieving efficient control.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple screen shifts are required for control, then the display unit can be small size, but the time for control operation is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The main screen is pre-configured to display all necessary control information and options simultaneously. Power level indicators, coil selections, and cooking mode options are all prepared and visible on the main screen before the user begins operation, eliminating the need for screen shifts during the control process and reducing operation time.
4Productivity
If all coils are controlled on a single screen, then the control efficiency is improved, but the display complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The main screen is segmented into distinct functional zones: power level display areas for each coil, cooking mode selection sections, and control button regions. This segmentation allows multiple coils to be controlled on a single screen while maintaining visual organization and operational simplicity, preventing the display from becoming overwhelming despite the increased functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user interface for an induction heating cooker, a method of controlling the same and an induction heating cooker thereof are provided. The user interface, if a drag touch signal of a drag touch from one position to another position on a display unit is sensed, is configured to change power levels of all of coils in operation to a predetermined reference power level and displays the changed power level. The induction heating cooker is configured to supply the coils with a power corresponding to the reference power level, thereby controlling all of the coils with one drag touch and enabling enhanced security while in a rapid manner.