Kitchen Appliance System and Method of Operating a Kitchen Appliance System

Abstract

The invention relates to a kitchen appliance system with a base unit including a housing, a control device and a communication interface and with at least one accessory including an identifier. In order to improve user-friendliness, provision is made for a detection device which is configured to detect an identifier of at least one accessory. The control device is configured to control an identifier which is detected by the detection device with at least one identifier from a database, to provide at least one operation mode associated with an identifier from the database matching the detected identifier via the communication interface as a quick start mode. The invention further relates to a method of operating a kitchen appliance system and a corresponding computer program.

Claims

1. A kitchen appliance system, wherein the kitchen appliance system comprises a base unit having a housing, a controller and a communication interface, and at least one accessory having an identifier, wherein a detector configured to detect an identifier of at least one accessory is provided, and wherein the controller is configured to compare an identifier detected by the detection means with at least one identifier from a database, and provide at least one operation mode associated with an identifier from the database matching the detected identifier via the communication interface as a quick start mode.

2. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the quick start mode comprises at least one item from the list: a pre-set adapted to the accessory, a preparation instruction corresponding to a preparation operation which can be carried out with the accessory, a setpoint for a preparation parameter, a user request for a parameter setting, and a user request for a confirmation to start a preparation operation.

3. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to in response to detecting an identifier, switch the communication interface from an idle mode to an active mode; and provide a quick start mode corresponding to the detected identifier via the communication interface when switching to active mode.

4. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein a position detector is provided and is configured to detect an assembly or removal of at least one accessory with respect to the base unit and/or with respect to a further accessory and to forward this to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to provide a quick start mode in dependence of a detected identifier and of a detected assembly of an accessory, and/or terminate the provision of a quick start mode in dependence on a detected identifier and of a detected removal of an accessory.

5. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the controller assigns a high priority rank, preferably the highest priority rank, to the quick start mode for being made available, and wherein the controller provides information via the communication interface according to a prioritised arrangement.

6. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 5, wherein the controller provides information via the communication interface in an order of descending priority rank.

7. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the quick start mode has at least one user request, and wherein the controller is configured to control functional parts of the kitchen appliance system according to indications from the quick start mode in dependence on a detected user response to the user request.

8. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the quick start mode has at least one indication of a preparation process, and wherein the controller is configured to start the execution of the preparation process simultaneously with the provision of the quick start mode and to control functional parts of the kitchen appliance system in dependence on the indications.

9. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to compare multiple detected identifiers with identifiers from a database, and provide, as quick start modes, modes of operation which are each associated with all identifiers from the database matching a detected identifier.

10. The kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to save a quick start mode already provided in the past as a favourite, and make the quick start mode saved as a favourite available separately when the same identifier is detected again.

11. A method of operating a kitchen appliance system according to claim 1, wherein at least one identifier of an accessory is detected, wherein the at least one detected identifier is compared with at least one identifier from a database, and wherein at least one operation mode associated with an identifier matching the detected identifier is provided as a quick start mode.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a communication interface is switched from an idle mode to an active mode as a result of detecting an identifier; and wherein a quick start mode corresponding to the detected identifier is provided via the communication interface when switching to active mode.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein an assembly or removal of at least one accessory is detected with respect to the base unit and/or with respect to another accessory, wherein a quick start mode is provided in dependence on a detected identifier and a detected assembly of an accessory, and/or wherein the provision of a quick start mode is terminated in dependence on a detected identifier and on a detected removal of an accessory.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein a high priority rank, preferably the highest priority rank, is assigned to the quick-start mode for making available, and where quick start modes and/or other operation modes are made available in order of descending priority rank.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein a user response to a user request from a quick start mode is detected and functional parts of the kitchen appliance system are controlled in accordance with the quick start mode in dependence on the detected user response, or wherein, simultaneously with the provision of the quick start mode, execution of a preparation operation is automatically started in accordance with the quick start mode and functional parts of the kitchen appliance system are controlled in dependence on indications from the quick start mode.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the provided quick start mode is saved as a favourite, and wherein the quick start mode stored as a favourite is made available separately in the event of a subsequent, renewed detection of the same identifier.

17. A computer program comprising instructions, the execution of which on at least one processor of a controller of a kitchen appliance system causes a method according to claim 11 to be carried out.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of examples of embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawing.

[0068] In the drawing show

[0069] FIG. 1 a first example of a kitchen appliance system,

[0070] FIG. 2 Another example of a kitchen appliance system,

[0071] FIGS. 3a and 3b further example of a kitchen appliance system and

[0072] FIG. 4 Another example of a kitchen appliance system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a kitchen appliance system 102 comprising a base appliance 104, a first accessory 106 configured as a cooking vessel, and a second accessory 108 configured as a blade cover.

[0074] The accessories 106, 108 each have a data carrier 110, 112 in the form of an RFID label on which an identifier is stored as machine-readable information. Thus, a first identification number is stored on the data carrier 110 of the first accessory 106 and a further identification number is stored on the data carrier 112 of the second accessory 108. In the illustrated condition, the second accessory 108 is received in the first accessory 106 and the first accessory 106 is in turn assembled with the base unit 104. Thus, the first accessory 106 is assembled directly and the second accessory 108 is assembled indirectly, i.e. via the first accessory 106, on the base unit 104.

[0075] The base unit 104 comprises a housing 114, an electric motor 116, a control element 118 for a heating element of the first accessory 106, a detector 120, a storage medium 122 for a database, a controller 124 and a communication interface 126. The controller 124 is connected to the sensing device 120, to the storage medium 122, to the communication interface 126, to the control element 118 and to the electric motor 116 respectively via a communication link 128, 130, 132, 134, 136. The communication interface 126 has a screen 138 and a multifunction button 140 and is connectable to a smartphone 142 via a wireless communication link 144 for data exchange.

[0076] The detector 120 is arranged at the base unit 104 and is designed as an RFID reader. Thus, the detector 120 is configured to detect identifiers from the data carriers 110, 112 of the accessories 106, 108. In addition, the storage medium 122 for a database is integrated in the base unit 104. The database comprises a plurality of identifiers and operation modes associated therewith. Each operation mode includes at least one indication of a recommended accessory, preset target values for operating parameters of the kitchen appliance system 102, ingredient types, and the like.

[0077] The kitchen appliance system 102, in particular the controller 124 is configured to perform the following method.

[0078] As soon as the accessories 106, 108 are assembled with the base unit 104, their data carriers 110, 112 are located in the detection field of the detector 120. The detector 120 then detects the identification numbers of the respective accessories 106, 108 and forwards them to the controller 124. The controller 124 then compares the respective detected identification numbers with the identification numbers stored in the database.

[0079] Here, the comparison results in a match in each case. Several operation modes are associated with the identification number from the database that matches the identification number detected for the first accessory 106. These operation modes each correspond to a preparation process wherein ingredients are stirred, cooked, heated, cut or cooked. For the identification number of the second accessory 108, only one operation mode is applicable, namely an operation mode corresponding to a food preparation of the “sous-vide” type. A check by the controller 124 reveals that one of the operation modes applicable to the identification number of the first accessory 106 matches the operation mode applicable to the identification number of the second accessory 108. For example, the sous vide mode of operation is applicable to both the first accessory 106 and the second accessory 108.

[0080] The controller 124 assigns a priority rank to each of the operation modes associated with the matching identification numbers from the database, with the priority rank of the sous vide operation mode being the highest. Further, the controller 124 causes the communication interface 126 to display the operation modes in order of priority ranks.

[0081] Because the “Sous-Vide” operation mode, i.e. the operation mode applicable to both accessories 106, 108, has the highest priority rank, the communication interface 126 displays it first. This means that this operation mode is easier and quicker to access than the other operation modes and is therefore also available as a quick start mode.

[0082] The display by the communication interface 126 is performed on the display screen 138 and, in parallel, on the smartphone 142. The display of the operation mode provided as a quick start mode on the smartphone 142 comprises a first user request corresponding to a confirmation to perform a sous vide preparation operation and a second user request corresponding to a duration for which a food is to be sous vide treated. The smartphone 142 acquires a first user response corresponding to a confirmation and a second user response corresponding to a duration of 2 hours. The smartphone 142 forwards both pieces of information to the controller 124 via the communication interface 126.

[0083] The controller 124 then controls the control element 118, the electric motor 116 and, if necessary, other relevant components of the kitchen appliance system 102 in such a way that a preparation process of the “sous-vide” type is carried out for a duration of 2 hours at a set temperature specified in the “sous-vide” quick start mode.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a kitchen appliance system 202 with a base unit 204 and with an accessory 206.

[0085] The accessory 206 is a boiling vessel 208 configured for the “boiling water” function and having a lid 210, and has a data carrier 212 in the form of a barcode corresponding to a serial number of the accessory 206.

[0086] Similar to FIG. 1, the basic device 204 comprises a housing 214, a control element 216 for a heating element of the accessory 206, a detector 218, a storage medium 220 for a database, a controller 222 and a communication interface 224. In contrast to the embodiment example from FIG. 1, the detector 218 is designed as an optical reader for detecting machine-readable information from barcodes. Furthermore, a position sensing device 226 is additionally provided on the base unit 204 to cooperate with an element (not shown) arranged at the accessory 206 to detect an assembly or removal of the accessory 206 on the base unit 204. The communication interface 224 is a touch-sensitive screen 228.

[0087] The controller 222 is connected to the sensing device 218, to the storage medium 220, to the communication interface 224, to the position sensing device 226 and to the control element 216 respectively via a bidirectional communication link 230, 232, 234, 236, 238.

[0088] The kitchen appliance system 202, in particular the controller 222 is configured to perform the following method.

[0089] The position detector 226 detects an assembly of an accessory 206 and outputs a corresponding signal to the controller 222. After evaluation of this signal and corresponding detection of the assembly, the controller 222 causes the detector 218 to perform a detection process for identifying the assembled accessory 206. In this case, the detector 218 detects the serial number from the data carrier 212 of the accessory 206 and forwards corresponding information to the controller 222.

[0090] By comparing the captured serial number with serial numbers stored in the database, the controller 222 identifies the assembled accessory 206 as a cooking vessel 208 suitable for the “water boiling” function. Further, a “water boiling” operation mode is associated with the serial number of the accessory 206 in the database. Based on the detection of an assembly of this accessory 206, the controller 222 sets the set temperature for the control element 216 of the kitchen appliance system 202 to 100° C., which has not yet been set in the operation mode.

[0091] Subsequently, the controller 222 commands the communication interface 224 to individually display the operation mode thus changed. The “boiling water” operating mode is made available as a quick start mode by the automatic setting of the set temperature and the individual display. Simultaneously with the command to the communication interface 224, the controller 222 controls the control element 216 in such a way that a preparation process with a set temperature of 100° C. is started.

[0092] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a further embodiment of a kitchen appliance system 202, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The same reference signs are used for the explanation of FIGS. 3a and 3b as in FIG. 2.

[0093] In the left part of FIG. 3a, the accessory 206 has been removed from the base unit 204 and the communication interface 224 is in an idle state and does not display an image. In the right part of FIG. 3a, the accessory 206 has been assembled with the base unit 204. The controller 222 has detected the assembly and identified the accessory 206. Accordingly, the controller 222 has activated the communication interface 224 and controlled it to display the quick start mode “boiling water” when it becomes active.

[0094] FIG. 3b shows the case where a quick start mode is already provided and accessory 206 is removed from base unit 204. Thus, in the left part of FIG. 3b, the accessory 206 is assembled with the base unit 204 and the communication interface 224 indicates the quick start mode “Boiling water”. After removal of the accessory 206, the kitchen appliance system 202 is in a state corresponding to the right part of FIG. 3b: as a result of detecting the removal, the controller 222 has stopped performing a “boiling water” preparation operation and the communication interface 224 has changed to a sleep mode.

[0095] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a kitchen appliance system 402 with a base unit 404 and with an accessory 406.

[0096] The accessory 406 is designed as a cooking vessel that can be used for a wide variety of preparation processes. The accessory 406 has a data carrier 408 with an identifier stored as machine-readable information, which in this case is an identification number assigned uniquely and only for this specific accessory 406. The accessory 406 further has a visible unique feature 410 to facilitate recognition by the user, shown here as a star.

[0097] The base unit 404 comprises a housing 412, an electric motor 414, a detector 416, a controller 418, a storage medium 420 for a database and a communication interface 422. The controller 418 is connected to the acquisition device 416, to the storage medium 420, to the communication interface 422 and to the electric motor 414 via a communication link 424, 426, 428, 430 respectively. The communication interface 422 is designed as a screen 432 and as a multifunction button 434.

[0098] The kitchen appliance system 402 is configured to perform the following process.

[0099] When using this accessory 406 in connection with the base unit 404 for the first time, the controller 418 has, in accordance with a user input, linked a specific operation mode as a quick start mode in the database with the specific identifier of this specific accessory 406 and has additionally stored this quick start mode as a favourite.

[0100] In the case shown here, the accessory 406 is assembled a further time at the base unit 404. The controller 418 automatically compares the unique identification number captured by the capture device 416 with identification numbers from the database. Based on the earlier storage of the quick start mode as a “favourite” and the association with the identification number of the accessory 406 in the database, the controller 418 automatically provides this quick start mode 436 by displaying it on the communication interface 422. In doing so, the communication interface 422 displays an indication that it is a quick start mode 436 stored as a “favourite”.

[0101] At the same time, the controller 418 causes a preparation process to start according to the quick start mode by controlling the relevant functional parts of the kitchen appliance system 402 accordingly.