Weighing Device Control via Terminal Refresh Instructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weighing devices used in cooking recipes remain operational and consume energy even when not needed, as they constantly check weight sensors during steps like mixing or waiting periods, leading to unnecessary energy usage and battery drain.
Innovation Solution
A method where a terminal controls the weighing device by sending cyclic refresh or update instructions based on the device's usage needs, allowing the device to adapt its operational frequency and reduce energy consumption by inhibiting unnecessary functions during non-essential steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the weighing device remains constantly operational to check weight sensors during all recipe steps, then the device is always ready to perform weighing functions, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily during non-weighing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the current recipe step. During weighing steps, the device operates at full functionality with continuous sensor monitoring. During non-weighing steps (mixing, waiting), the device transitions to a low-power state where sensor checking is inhibited or reduced frequency, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining readiness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operational mode, the device implements periodic activation synchronized with recipe steps. The control entity receives step information and activates weighing functions only during periods when weighing is required. This periodic operation pattern allows the device to maintain reliability for weighing tasks while significantly reducing energy consumption during non-weighing periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the weighing device operates continuously with all functions available, then all functions are accessible to the user at any time, but the battery life is reduced due to constant energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The device adaptively changes its functional availability based on contextual needs. During recipe execution, the device provides full functionality when weighing steps are active. During non-weighing steps, non-essential functions are inhibited or placed in standby mode. This dynamic adaptation maintains user experience quality while extending battery life by avoiding continuous full-function operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functional elements of the weighing device are controlled with different levels of activity based on local needs. Weight sensors are actively monitored only during weighing steps, while display, user interface, and other functions are activated only when required by the current recipe step. This localized control of functional elements reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining necessary adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for controlling a weighing device (DP) via a terminal (TER), comprising the following steps: using the terminal (TER) to generate and/or acquire a piece of control information (Cde) comprising at least one refresh (Ins_ra) or update instruction (Ins_ac) relating to a refresh or update cyclic period and/or duty cycle of a function of at least one functional element (F) of the weighing device (DP), and sending said piece of control information (Cde) to the control entity (C), and controlling method internal to a weighing device (DP) comprising the following steps: receiving a piece of control information (Cde) originating from a terminal (TER), and adapting the refresh or update cyclic period and/or duty cycle of said function of the at least one functional element (F) depending on the at least one received refresh (Ins_ra) or update (Ins_ac) instruction.