Method of displaying widgets on a screen of an oven and corresponding oven

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern multifunctional ovens lack user customization, presenting all operational modes and functions to users regardless of their specific needs or job roles, leading to confusion and inefficient use of features.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for a multifunctional oven that allows users to customize their display by selecting and prioritizing widgets based on their role or expertise, using a touch screen with a main and secondary display mode, where widgets are grouped and weighted by frequency of use, and an authentication procedure to access specific functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all operational modes and functions are displayed on the main screen, then complete functionality is available, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of functionsVSAvoidinterface clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display interface is segmented into a main display mode showing only frequently used widgets and a secondary display mode showing all available functions. Users can switch between modes to access either a simplified interface or complete functionality, resolving the contradiction between interface clarity and function availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display mode is made dynamic and adjustable by the user. The system transitions from a static full-function display to a dynamic interface where users can switch between main and secondary modes based on their immediate needs, optimizing both clarity and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If all widgets are displayed on the main screen, then all functions are accessible, but the display becomes cluttered and usability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of functionsVSAvoiddisplay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Less frequently used widgets are extracted from the main display and placed in the secondary display mode. This extraction reduces display clutter and complexity while maintaining full functionality, as users can access the extracted widgets through the secondary mode or by searching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If the display shows all available functions, then complete information is provided, but users experience confusion and inefficient feature use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiduser efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display provides different levels of information density in different modes. The main mode offers a curated, high-quality view of essential functions for efficient operation, while the secondary mode provides complete information for users who need comprehensive access. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between information completeness and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4451102A1Method of displaying widgets on a screen of an oven and corresponding oven
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4451102A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4451102A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4451102A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional oven and associated method. The oven includes a data display device for manipulation by an operator and the data is displayed in the form of widgets (2) on a screen (1) of the multifunctional oven with a main display mode (M). The multifunctional oven includes first means for selecting, from the main display mode (M), a secondary display mode (S) comprising one or more of the displayable widgets (2) or at least one or more of the selectable widgets for display on the screen (1) in the main display mode (M). The multifunctional oven also includes second means for selecting, from the secondary display mode (S), at least one widget (2) for display on the main display mode (M), and means for displaying said at least one selected widget (2) on the screen in the main display mode (M).