Terminal Apparatus for Automatic Cooking Function Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food handling apparatuses require complex manual operations for users to start functions, such as inputting numerical codes or using contactless IC tag readers, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, and there is a lack of efficient cloud systems that utilize changes in these apparatuses to automate functionality.

Innovation Solution

A terminal apparatus that communicates with food handling devices, storing identification information and associated functions in a memory, automatically starting the appropriate function when a change is detected, using a server to transmit and receive information for seamless operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operations are used to start functions in food handling apparatuses, then users can control the apparatuses, but the operation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime spent on operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus automatically detects changes in the food handling apparatus state and autonomously starts the appropriate functions without requiring manual user input. The system self-services by monitoring apparatus status and triggering corresponding functions based on pre-stored associations between identification information and functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal apparatus pre-stores a table associating identification information of food handling apparatuses with their corresponding functions before operation. When a change is detected, the system quickly retrieves the pre-associated function information and activates it, eliminating the need for users to manually search or input function selections during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If identification information is manually input or IC tag readers are used, then food handling functions can be activated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods (such as numeric key entry or IC tag reading) with automatic detection and information processing. The terminal apparatus uses its information processing capabilities to automatically acquire identification information from the food handling apparatus and retrieve corresponding functions, substituting complex mechanical interaction with streamlined electronic communication and automated data retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10455651B2Terminal apparatus and control method for assistive cooking

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A information processor of a terminal apparatus reads from a memory identification information of a food handling apparatus and a table, identifies a function associated with the identification information of the food handling apparatus received by a information receiver in accordance with the table, and starts up the function.