Method for the coordinated control of at least two devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen devices, such as food processors, often require manual operation and limited automation when used together, due to incompatible communication interfaces and lack of data compatibility, making it difficult to automate the complementary use of their functionalities for complex food preparation tasks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device system that enables coordinated control of multiple kitchen appliances through a global communication level, allowing devices to transmit and evaluate request and reply information to optimize the use of their functionalities, ensuring high compatibility and flexibility, even when devices are not directly connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices use different communication interfaces to maintain device independence and functionality, then device versatility and functionality are improved, but data compatibility and communication reliability between devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between devices with different communication interfaces. The gateway translates messages between different protocols (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee), enabling devices with incompatible interfaces to communicate reliably. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining device independence while ensuring data compatibility through protocol translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It can receive messages from devices using different interfaces and forward them appropriately, making the communication system universal and compatible across diverse device types without requiring each device to support all protocols.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to coordinate device functionalities, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to autonomously coordinate their operations through automated message exchange. Devices can independently determine when to operate based on recipe requirements and communicate their status and availability automatically, eliminating the need for manual coordination while maintaining ease of use through simple user initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their operational status, availability, and completion state to the gateway and other devices. This automated feedback loop enables the system to self-regulate and coordinate operations without manual intervention, improving productivity while keeping the user interface simple.
3Productivity
If limited automated coordination is implemented between devices, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and communication infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By centralizing communication coordination in a gateway device, the patent avoids the complexity of implementing full peer-to-peer communication infrastructure across all devices. The gateway handles protocol translation and message routing, reducing the communication burden on individual devices while enabling automated coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments communication functions by separating them into two layers: simple local device operations that devices handle independently, and coordination functions that are handled by the gateway. This segmentation reduces device complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for the coordinated control of at least two devices (10), wherein at least a first device (10a), preferably a food processor (10a), and a second device (10b) are provided, which are different from one another in terms of a respective functionality.