Optical Detection of Cooktop Operating States Without Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooktops, especially older models, lack the capability to detect and communicate their operating states to other appliances, limiting their integration into cooking systems and excluding applications like power control and safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A method for optically detecting and evaluating the operating states of cooktop zones using a detection unit, such as a camera, to recognize cooking zones and identifiers, determining centroids, and assigning identifiers to zones based on detected coordinates, allowing for the assessment of operating states without data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data exchange protocols are implemented for communication between cooktop and other appliances, then integration into cooking systems is improved, but device complexity and compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical data exchange system with an optical detection system. Instead of requiring communication protocols and data transmission between appliances, the control apparatus uses optical sensors (cameras) to detect and interpret the operating state of the cooktop visually. This substitution eliminates the need for complex communication infrastructure while achieving the same integration goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system that mediates between the cooktop and the control apparatus. The detection unit captures optical signals from the cooktop surface and control panel, converting visual information into control data without requiring direct communication between the cooktop electronics and other appliances.
2Reliability
If optical detection system is added to detect operating states, then integration and monitoring capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detection unit multi-functional by enabling it to perform multiple tasks: detecting cooking zone status, reading control panel settings, identifying cooking utensils, and monitoring safety conditions. This single optical system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors and detection mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
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 the integration of cooktops into cooking systems, improving safety by providing warnings and anticipatory assistance, and allowing for monitoring and control of cooking processes without requiring data transmission from the cooktop.
Implementation Method 1
optically detecting objects within a detection space, wherein the detection space comprises the cooktop with at least two cooking zones and a control panel with at least two identifiers
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for optical ascertainment of an operating state of a cooktop, objects are optically detected within a detection space including the cooktop with at least two cooking zones and a control panel with at least two identifiers. The cooking zones and the identifiers are recognized based on optically detected properties of the objects. A centroid for each object is determined and the cooking zones and the identifiers are arranged based on detected coordinates of the respective centroids in the detection space. The identifiers are assigned to a respective cooking zone based on the arrangement of the cooking zones and the identifiers, and an operating state for at least one cooking zone is ascertained based on a detected unambiguous feature of one of the identifiers assigned to the at least one of the cooking zones.