Segmented LCD Pictograms for Cooking Receptacle Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking management devices lack visual indication of the type of cooking receptacle they are configured for, leading to improper signal adaptation during cooking, which can result in suboptimal cooking outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A cooking management device with a segmented liquid crystal display that activates specific pictograms representing the type of cooking vessel and cooking program, allowing users to verify proper configuration and ensuring signal adaptation to the receptacle type, featuring a microcontroller with limited inputs/outputs for economical implementation and automatic recognition of cooking vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a segmented liquid crystal display is used to show pictograms representing cooking vessel types and programs, then the user can verify proper configuration and ensure signal adaptation, but the device complexity increases compared to a simple display
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple independent segments that can be individually activated to form different pictograms. Each segment represents a specific cooking vessel type or program state, allowing the system to convey multiple pieces of information using a limited number of discrete display elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex matrix display or multiple separate indicators, the patent uses a simplified segmented display that copies or represents the essential information (vessel type and program status) through pictographic symbols. This reduces the physical complexity while maintaining the reliability of information display.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control device activates multiple segments to display different pictograms for various cooking vessel types and programs, then the adaptability to different cooking configurations is improved, but the number of required display segments and control inputs/outputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented display is designed to serve multiple functions by displaying different pictograms for various cooking vessel types (frying pan, saucepan, casserole, pressure cooker) and different program states using the same physical segments. This universal display approach allows one display structure to adapt to numerous cooking configurations without requiring separate indicators for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The display segments are dynamically activated and deactivated based on the detected cooking vessel type and selected program. The control device adjusts which segments are illuminated in real-time, allowing the same physical display to convey different information states without requiring additional hardware for each configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If a microcontroller with limited inputs/outputs is used to control the segmented display, then the implementation cost is reduced, but the capability to display complex information is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The information to be displayed is segmented into discrete pictographic elements that can be represented by a limited number of display segments. By dividing the information into essential components (vessel type identification and program status), the system can convey meaningful information using fewer control outputs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified microcontroller that copies or represents the essential cooking parameters through pictographic symbols rather than displaying detailed numerical data or text. This information copying approach reduces the computational and I/O requirements while preserving the core functional information needed by the user.
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
Ensures reliable and adaptive signal emission for consistent cooking results by displaying pictograms representing the cooking vessel and program, reducing the risk of misconfiguration and enhancing user assurance of proper settings.
Implementation Method 1
a segmented liquid crystal display making it possible to emit visual signals intended for the user
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for managing the cooking of foods (20) which is intended to be arranged in a removable manner on a cooking receptor (1), said device for managing cooking (20) comprising a control device (50) in which is stored a datum characteristic of the type of the cooking receptacle (1) on which it is arranged and/or several cooking programs activated by a control member (27), as well as a segmented liquid crystal display (30) making it possible to emit visual signals intended for the user. In accordance with the invention, the control device (50) activates one or more segments (34, 35, 36, 37, 38; 40, 41, 42, 43) of the display (30) making it possible to display a first pictogram representing a first type of cooking receptacle corresponding to the datum stored and/or a first activated cooking program, the control device (50) being designed so as to display at least one second pictogram representing a second type of cooking receptacle and/or a second cooking program by activating at least one segment (34, 40) activated so as to display the first pictogram.