Induction Cooker Optical Projection for Operational State Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to easily recognize the operational states of cooking zones in existing induction cookers, leading to potential undercooking or overcooking of food.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating optical devices that project images onto the circumferential wall of cooking utensils, displaying information such as temperature and operational state, allowing users to quickly assess and adjust cooking conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional user-interface is used for controlling cooking zones, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot easily recognize the operational states of the cooking zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical device as an intermediary between the control system and the user. This device projects visual information (images or light patterns) onto the cooking utensil or surrounding area, serving as a mediator that communicates operational states without requiring complex display interfaces. The optical device translates electrical control signals into visual feedback that users can immediately perceive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electronic display interfaces (such as LED panels or LCD screens) with an optical projection system. Instead of using complex electronic displays to show operational states, the system uses optical projection to cast images or light patterns that directly indicate cooking zone status, temperature levels, and operational modes onto the utensil surface.
2Loss of time
If no visual feedback is provided on the cooking utensil, then the device remains simple, but users cannot quickly ascertain the operational state and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device projects visual information onto the cooking utensil before the user needs to check the operational state. The system continuously or periodically updates the projected images to reflect current temperature and operational status, so the information is already available when the user looks at the utensil, eliminating the need for separate display checks or waiting for feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different colors of light or images to indicate different operational states and temperature levels. For example, different colors may represent different heating zones, temperature ranges, or operational modes. This visual coding allows users to quickly comprehend the state of each cooking zone at a glance without requiring detailed numerical displays.
3Measurement precision
If temperature information is not displayed, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot precisely adjust heating levels to prevent undercooking or overcooking
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device serves as an intermediary that translates temperature sensor data into visual representations projected onto the cooking utensil. The projection system converts numerical temperature readings into visual cues such as color gradients, bar graphs, or icon-based indicators that are immediately visible to users, bridging the gap between internal sensor measurements and user perception.
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 users to easily and precisely operate the induction cooker, preventing food from being undercooked or overcooked, and provides interactive assistance for cooking recipes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical devices each adapted to project an image onto the circumferential wall of the cooking utensil
Implementation Method 2
An induction cooker generally comprises glass top which includes one or more cooking zones each for inductively heating a ferromagnetic cooking utensil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an induction cooker (1) comprising a glass top (2) which includes one or more cooking zones (3) each for inductively heating a cooking utensil (4) at the heating level that is respectively selected by the user and a user-interface (5) for allowing the user to select for each heating zone (3) the heating level from a range of heating levels. The induction cooker (1) of the present invention further comprises one or more optical devices (6) each adapted to project an image (7) onto the circumferential wall (8) of the cooking utensil (4) that is placed on the respective cooking zone (3), wherein the image (7) shows information which relates to the operational state of the respective cooking zone (3).