Induction Cooker UI for Single-Drag Multi-Coil Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cookers face inefficiencies in controlling multiple coils due to the need for multiple screen shifts, which degrades control efficiency and increases manufacturing costs, especially when trying to control all coils simultaneously or convert the cooking process quickly.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a display unit and sensor unit that allows for the control of all coils' power levels through a single drag touch on the main screen, enabling rapid conversion to a safe state and simultaneous control of multiple coils without shifting screens, using a power control bar for precise power 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 unified screen interface. The main screen displays all coil power levels simultaneously, allowing users to control all coils without navigating through multiple screens. This consolidation maintains a compact display size while eliminating the need for screen shifts, thus preserving manufacturing cost benefits while improving control efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is designed with multi-functionality, where a single screen serves multiple purposes: displaying power levels for all coils, providing individual coil control, showing cooking status, and enabling both individual and simultaneous coil control operations. This universal design eliminates the need for separate control screens for each coil, maintaining a small display size while achieving comprehensive control functionality.
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 spatial dimension of the display screen by arranging coil power level indicators and control elements in a compact two-dimensional layout that fits within a small display area. By optimizing the spatial arrangement of UI elements, the system achieves comprehensive control functionality without requiring a larger physical display size, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving control efficiency.
3Device complexity
If multiple screen shifts are required for controlling coils, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by displaying all necessary control information and options on the main screen before the user needs to make adjustments. Power level indicators for all coils are pre-positioned and accessible from the start screen, eliminating the need for sequential screen navigation. This preliminary arrangement of control elements allows immediate access to all coil controls, reducing operational time without simplifying the underlying device complexity.
Data Source
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.