Virtual Data Bus Bridging for Real-Time Recipe Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for updating recipes in food preparation apparatuses are cumbersome, unreliable, and disrupt the current functional mode of the apparatus, requiring physical transportation of memory devices and complex communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation apparatus utilizing a virtual data bus and memory scheme allows for operations updates via a separate computer, independent of the apparatus's current functional mode, using a single board computer with a state machine, web server, and publish/subscribe protocol to bridge physical and virtual data buses for seamless updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional techniques are used to update recipes (physically transporting memory devices), then updates can be applied, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically transporting memory devices with an electronic communication system. A virtual data bus enables wireless or network-based transmission of recipe updates from remote computers to the food preparation apparatus, eliminating the need for physical media transport and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual data bus as an intermediary communication channel between the food preparation apparatus and external computing devices. This virtual bus acts as a mediator that facilitates seamless data exchange without requiring physical connection or interruption of the apparatus's operational modes.
2Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to update recipes (creating multiple copies and instructing employees), then updates can be distributed, but the process is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service update mechanism where the food preparation apparatus automatically receives and applies recipe updates through the virtual data bus. The system eliminates the need for manual intervention by employees to distribute and install updates, reducing human error and improving reliability through automated processes.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus communicates its functional mode to a separate computing device, then changes can be coordinated, but this requires additional communication overhead and state management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication overhead of functional mode reporting from the update process. The virtual data bus enables updates to be transmitted and applied independently of the apparatus's current operational state, eliminating the need for continuous state communication and coordination between the computing device and the apparatus.
4Productivity
If the apparatus waits for a specific functional mode to apply updates, then operational integrity is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic update mechanism where the virtual data bus allows recipe updates to be received and applied in real-time regardless of the apparatus's current operational mode. The system dynamically adapts to different states (cooking, idle, cleaning) and applies updates appropriately without requiring the apparatus to pause or transition to a specific mode, thereby maintaining both productivity and operational integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A food preparation appliance and associated components and methods. The food preparation appliance is configured to support transmission of operations updates and other data to/from a local or remote computer. In some embodiments, the food preparation appliance provides a virtual data bus for transmission of the updates or data. The virtual data bus may be bridged to a physical data bus of the food preparation appliance. The food preparation appliance can be configured to receive operations updates regardless of an operational mode of the food preparation appliance.