DE102009000652A1 - Portable console for e.g. stove in kitchenette, has wireless communication interface and wired communication interface for bidirectional communication of console with household appliance, where console is attached to docking station - Google Patents

Abstract

The console (14) has a wireless communication interface (19) e.g. Bluetoothtransceiver and infrared transceiver, and a wired communication interface (20) for bidirectional communication of the console with a household appliance i.e. stove, where the console is attached to a docking station (13). A touch screen (15) is provided at a side for hand input, and a control unit i.e. microcontroller, reads and/or writes media content e.g. purchase lists, in a memory, where the media content is transmitted to a mobile communication device e.g. mobile phone. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a console.

Description

The The invention relates to a portable media-compatible console with at least a display unit and at least one control element and a Method for operating the same.

Cooking appliances will be nowadays usually Cookbooks and instructions for use mainly enclosed in paper form. There are also some devices that have this content (eg. T. also with additional Video sequences) on DVD. Both information carriers is common that they do not respect the content of their production are more updatable. Furthermore, above all, instructions for use in paper form often "misplaced" as they after receiving the device read, but then put away and rarely used again. The DVD is used very little, because to play a DVD player (laptop, PC) is necessary, which is often not in the kitchen. Interactive cooking and cooking is not possible with these media formats.

From The LG Group is an oven LG BSP 1900E known in the cooking recipes (including baking, Roasting and cooking recipes) are stored and by means of a display element of the oven. Also, the process parameters associated with the recipe deposited, by means of which a user after preparation of the recipe and insert a food in the oven to start this can.

Regarding the topic "cooking lessons" is one Software (cooking class) that runs on the Nintendo DS. The Software contains Recipes, instructions for implementation individual operating steps, shopping lists and video sequences. One Go through the cooking program is possible in two ways: to one by clicking on a touchscreen on the Nintendo DS, to others via voice command input coupled with a voice output is. The cooking software is independent of household appliances and gives only vague cooking instructions for the household appliances to be used.

It The object of the present invention is a possibility for particularly user-friendly use of a household appliance, in particular cooking appliance, to provide, in particular a possibility for interactive Koch learning.

These Task is by means of a console and a method of operation solved the console according to the respective independent claim. preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent ones claims removable.

The portable media capable Console is with at least one display unit and at least one Control element equipped. Under a media ability especially the ability understood to display digital media, such as text, images and / or Video sequences. The media ability also includes a multimedia capability. The portability or Portability in particular includes the ability to operate the console in one hand ("handheld console"). Under A console is understood to mean a general electronic device. The console has at least one communication interface to Communication with at least one household appliance. The communication interface can be wireless or wired. A household appliance can advantageously a cooking appliance be, especially an oven. This console has the advantage on that not only can media be displayed, such as a cookbook, and / or can be generated like a shopping list, but also implemented on the at least one household appliance can be z. B. by presetting and activating a cooking appliance for preparation a previously selected one Recipe. Simplifies this user experience with just one device a cooking lesson, a meal preparation and a specific operation of the household appliance considerably. The console is also often needed because of its high utility so that the risk of laying the console is reduced.

The Console can advantageously have at least one communication interface for communication with at least one home appliance non-specific device. This interface can be one of the communication interface for a household appliance be separate interface, for. B. via another technique and / or communicate another protocol, or the same interface be. So the console may communicate with a home appliance via an IR interface and with a non-household appliance, z. A computer (such as a desktop or laptop) or a mobile computer communication device (eg mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, etc.) via a Bluetooth interface. Alternatively like both the home appliance as well as the non-home appliance over the same Bluetooth interface can be addressed. This allows the console For example, functions and / or peripherals of the computer, such as a printer or a bigger screen, use. Overall, you can so the usability and the range of functions are extended.

The console can advantageously also be set up for connection to a docking station. This firstly ensures a simple power supply and secondly, the console is less likely to be misplaced because it is plugged into the docking station when not in use. The docking station may be attached to a home appliance be present, z. B. as a top unit or permanently installed, or may be arranged separately from a household appliance, eg. B. on or in a countertop of a kitchen. The docking station can advantageously communicate with all those household appliances with which the console can communicate, so that the console in the inserted state can communicate with the household appliances via the docking station and requires no wireless connection.

The Advantageously, the console can be internet-capable, thereby providing media content or console programs are updated or supplemented can. The Internet connection can be made directly through the console be, for. B. by means of a WLAN module, or via an intermediate station, such as a Computer or a mobile communication device (mobile phone, PDA, smartphone etc.), which are first connected to the Internet. Also, then can Media content or programs on the console as a data stream or Applet, etc. are displayed without previously stored in the console to have to which saves storage space.

The Console may advantageously be the at least one display unit and having at least one control element separately. Alternatively or additionally but the console can also display unit (s) and control element (s) in a touch screen, giving a particularly large screen and intuitive operation.

to fast and intuitive input of texts (comments, deletions, Supplements, etc.) For example, in one embodiment, the touch screen may include a handwriting input enable.

to Enrichment of texts (recipes, shopping lists, etc.) or others Media content with self-created images or video sequences the console can advantageously have a camera, z. B. similar to on a mobile phone.

The Method is used to operate such a console, by means of At least one media content is displayed on the console, with the Media content in particular a food preparation (eg cooking learning, recipe selection, purchasing, preparation, device control, Assessment, etc.). As a result, use of the household appliance in the farthest Senses supported and be simplified. An operator can assist with all aspects of cooking become.

advantageously, can Media content also from a user via the console or a so communicatively coupled device be generated and stored, for. B. media content, then a part of a cookbook (new or changed recipes) or one Can represent shopping list. Especially the at least one media content may include a shopping list, automatically from at least one previously selected and / or from User generated recipe was generated, the shopping list advantageously user modifiable (eg, by deleting, adding or changing Positions).

advantageously, the at least one media content may include a shopping list, automatically from at least one previously selected and / or generated by the user recipe, wherein at least one Position of the shopping list is provided with a quantity specification.

At least a media content, in particular a shopping list, can advantageously be transferred to a mobile communication device, for. B. over a Bluetooth or an IR interface. This can, for example the shopping list simply stored in the communication device and retrievable to be taken for purchase.

to Adjusting the media content and / or programs can be beneficial be when different media content is displayed depending on whether an expert mode or no expert mode ("non-expert mode") is set is. In the expert mode can Especially shortened media content displayed or partially not displayed.

advantageously, can be operated by means of the console at least one home appliance become. The console can conveniently also be operated as a pure control panel, and remotely from the household appliance or plugged into the docking station.

Especially like the at least one home appliance via the console by means of a be operated interactive cooking program. The interactive cooking program can advantageously be previously entered parameters for operation like a preselected recipe.

to Operation of a household appliance This can be fully automatic or user-registered at the console be, for. B. similar for connecting devices in a network (eg Piconet). For this purpose, the console can be a household appliance advantageously automatically recognize.

In the following figures, the invention using an embodiment / of embodiments described in more detail schematically. It can for better clarity identical or equivalent elements with the same reference numerals be provided.

1 shows a kitchenette with a portable console inserted into a docking station;

2 shows the portable console when attached to a counter;

3 shows a sketch with communication channels between the console and other devices;

4 shows a flowchart for a possible use of the console.

1 shows a kitchenette 1 into which a stove 2 is installed. The stove 2 has a hob 3 and an oven 4 on. The oven 4 has a front door oven door 5 and a control panel 6 on, with the control panel operating or actuating elements 7 (such as knobs, switches, buttons, etc.) and a display panel 8th (LED display, liquid crystal display, etc.) for operating the oven 4 is arranged. The stove top 3 can, for example, by means of touch button 9 and a display field 10 be served, which are arranged here on a hob plate made of glass or glass ceramic. The stove top 3 here has five different cooking zones 11 on, of which the two in this view right arranged cooking zones 11 can serve as a common warming zone. In a neighboring worktop 12 is a connection station or docking station 13 embedded, which for receiving a portable and media-compatible console 14 serves. By means of the docking station 13 can the console 14 be powered and exchange data. The console 14 is on one side with a touch screen 15 equipped. By means of the console 14 can the stove 2 be operated, or the console 14 can be used to represent media content, such as cooking learning and / or creating a shopping list, as will be explained in more detail below.

2 shows a food 16 , which at their front 17 as an alternative "docking station" a mounting box 18 for fastening the console 14 has, for example by a magnetic or mechanical fastening means. Furthermore, through the attachment box 18 also data with the console 14 be exchanged, or the console 14 can over the attachment box 18 be powered, for example wirelessly.

Generally a docking station can be located on a household appliance, like the eater, or away from it, like in the countertop. A Docking station can also be present as a separate item.

3 Outlines communication paths between the console 14 and other devices indicated by the arrows in the corresponding direction. In detail, the console 14 in this embodiment, two communication interfaces 19 . 20 have, of which the first communication interface 19 is wireless and the second communication interface 20 is wired. These two interfaces 19 . 20 serve a bidirectional communication with the stove 2 and / or another household appliance. The wired interface 20 For example, for use in the docking station 13 be provided. The wireless interface 19 serves to communicate with the stove 2 especially in the case of the portable console 14 from the docking station 13 was removed. The wireless communication interface 19 can be any suitable wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth transceiver or an IR transceiver. The console 14 has another (wireless or wired) interface 21 for communication with a device 22 on which is not a household appliance. Such a device 22 may be, for example, a personal computer, in particular with a printer connected to it, or even a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, etc. The console 14 has yet another (wireless or wired) interface 23 for unidirectional data transfer to yet another device 24 on. The other device 24 In particular, it may be another screen, which may also be larger or provided with a higher resolution than the touch screen 15 the console 14 , This screen may be attached to a household appliance, e.g. B. on a front of a refrigerator, or be independent of a household appliance, z. As a TV or a tablet PC. The stove 2 For example, it may be equipped to work with the device 22 and / or the device 24 can communicate directly. Also, the device likes 22 with the device 24 communicate directly. The communication of the console 14 with several external devices 2 . 22 . 24 can also be done via a number of interfaces, which differ from the number of communicatively coupled devices 2 . 22 . 24 distinguishes, in extreme cases, only one particular wireless interface for communication with one or more devices 2 . 22 . 24 present or needed, for example, a Bluetooth interface. Generally, wireless or wired communication channels may be provided or used as needed.

The console 14 also has a control unit 25 and a memory 26 on, with the memory 26 from the control unit 25 , For example, a microcontroller, read and / or can be described. In the store 26 For example, media content stored on the touch screen may be stored 15 are displayed. In the storage unit 26 can also programs for Control of the stove 2 be saved. The programs can represent media content. For user-friendly presentation, a content of the touch screen 15 via the communication interface 23 on a device 24 represented as a larger screen, or on a monitor of a device configured as a personal computer 22 , The personal computer can also input analogous to an input on the touch screen 15 be done so that the personal computer 22 - z. B. a Tablet PC - the console 14 functionally replace. The contents of the touch screen 15 but also on a screen of the household appliance 2 be transmitted, possibly also on the household appliance 2 Inputs analogous to an entry on the touch screen 15 can be performed.

In the storage room 26 Among other things, general texts, information, assistance, recipes, cookbooks, video sequences or other food preparation content may be stored. Also in the memory instructions for use, including cleaning instructions, be stored for operated by the console or not operable home appliances, such. B. for the stove 2 , A user can view this media content on the screen 15 consider. In particular, via the interface 21 likes the console 14 those in the store 26 update stored media content. This can be done, for example, by using the console 14 with a personal computer or a mobile phone 22 is communicatively coupled, which in turn provides an Internet access, so that media content via the Internet (or another network) can be updated. Alternatively, the console 14 even be internet-enabled and z. B. have a web browser functionality and a WLan- and / or WiMax module.

To operate the stove 2 can the touch screen 15 work as a remote ("remote") control panel, so for example the controls 7 or 9 and display fields 8th or 10 functionally imitate. In particular, via the console 14 to run interactively a food preparation program (automatic cooking or similar). In one embodiment, the console 14 both for selecting recipes, for assembling shopping lists based thereon, and for subsequent assistance in preparing the recipes, as with reference to the following 4 will now be explained in more detail.

4 shows a possible course of a food preparation using the console 14 from the 1 to 3 , It is from a console 14 gone out, are already stored in the recipes for food preparation. In a first step S1, new recipes in the console 14 getting charged. Loading new recipes can, for example, via the interface 21 to the Internet via the device 24 happen. The device 24 can z. As an Internet-enabled PC, a standalone modem such as a wireless box or serving as a modem mobile phone o. Ä. Be. Alternatively or additionally, new recipes can be made available by connecting a storage medium, such as a memory card (SD card, etc.) or a USB stick. Recipes can also be from other consoles 14 be received and transmitted to them. For example, storage media may include thematically restricted food preparations, for example, in collaboration with certain publishers or organizations.

In a following step S2, in the console 14 stored recipes are retrieved, and advantageously according to certain search criteria. Search criteria may include, for example: certain ingredients, a country of origin, a food category (roast, soup, etc.), an alphabetical sorting, a child-friendly food, various diets or seasons. It can be pointed to recipes, which on the stove 2 and / or another household appliance by means of a food preparation program ("automatic program") can be prepared. Of course, it is also possible to link different search categories. Also can be pointed at a recipe with which household appliance or with which household appliances or dishes the recipe can or must be prepared, for example, with a stove, a refrigerator, a food processor, a pan, a blender, etc.

In a following step S3 can be at the console 14 Additional functions can be selected for retrieved recipes. An additional function may be a "weekly planner" for selecting prescriptions for several days or weeks, which is particularly advantageous for selecting a diet plan, or adapting or incorporating prescription tags such as a certain score of a diet plan for a particular meal or recipe. Also, residual utilization may be given special consideration so that leftovers from a first meal or recipe may be used as ingredients for a subsequent meal or recipe. For example, in a recipe for boiled potatoes on a first day, a recipe for roast potatoes on a following day can be specifically pointed out.

In a following step S4 can by means of the console 14 from the called recipe or the called recipes - eg. B. from the weekly planner - a shopping list will be created. Quantity information can be used for the ingredients of the selected recipes if necessary taking into account the number of persons. Quantities of the same ingredients can be added via different recipes. The user may remove certain ingredients or items from the shopping list or change their quantity, for example, if a listed food already exists, such as flour or sugar. Also, positions can be freely added by the user, which positions may be foodstuffs but need not be, for example, dishwashing detergents. This allows you to create a shopping list that is complete for a purchase. The shopping list can be over with the device 22 connected printers. Alternatively or additionally, the console 14 to be taken for purchase. Alternatively or additionally, the shopping list can be transferred to a mobile communication device, for. B. a mobile phone or a PDA, which can then be taken for shopping.

In a step S5 you can use the console 14 Preparing steps for the food preparation process, for example, cooking process, are performed. These preparation steps may include, for example, an indication of accessories needed for food preparation (blender, salad bowl, frying pan, etc.). Also, individual preparatory actions (preheat, thawing, etc.) can be specified. Further, in preparation for the food preparation process, one or more video clips may be in the console 14 which show individual steps (for example, cutting an onion into pieces). In this case, a voice input and / or a voice output can also be used with regard to the work steps. Also, hints for preparing a cooking appliance 2 be given, if necessary, for example, an indication of preheating an oven 4 , In particular, when referring to a preheat oven can be through the console 14 the corresponding device 2 . 4 starting, optionally after setting operating parameters such as preheating temperature. Also, an indication of a slot height can be given in a stovepipe.

In a following step S6, by means of the console 14 the food preparation are carried out. The operation of the household appliance, in particular cooking appliance, can be done interactively or not interactively. As part of a preparation hints can be given to a device setting, possibly with a link or forwarding to a corresponding section of the instructions for use. Furthermore, a proposal for a specific household appliance for the preparation of the food can be given (hob, oven, microwave, etc.). Furthermore, default values for operating parameters can be given, such as default values for a temperature, a cooking stage and / or a process time. When using a baking oven z. B. be given an indication of a slot height. A type of heating (top heat, bottom heat, circulating air), a temperature, a power level and / or a process time may be automatic via the console 14 be selected and activated. Possibly. may again be given an indication of a slot height when using a baking oven. The food preparation procedure advantageously starts only after active confirmation of the user, for example from the console 14 out. About the console 14 For example, the operation of the selected home appliance or appliances may be controlled, for example via a previous or during operation adjustment of a temperature profile or power (cooking levels, etc.). In an interactive user guide to perform a food preparation program ("food automatic") can a user through the screen 15 the console 14 giving an indication or several indications of actions to be taken, for example, whether to add, stir or turn over a dish.

In a following step S7, after completion of the food preparation process, an evaluation of the food via the console 14 be entered and saved. Furthermore, hints of the user about the food (scoring system, comments, etc.) or their preparation in the console 14 entered and stored there, for example, over a spice used in addition to the original recipe. Also images or video sequences of the food can be stored. This is indicated by the console 14 preferably a camera on. Also, recipe parameters such as ingredients, quantities or treatment parameters (temperature, time, etc.) can be changed. All modifications of recipes (adding, deleting, changing ingredients, changing cooking parameters or devices, etc.) can be stored in a recipe database.

Of course it is the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

So can For example, the steps generally associated with a cooking process be performed in a different order, or omitted become.

Generally, it may be advantageous if the console 14 offers a differentiation possibility between an "expert mode" and a "non-expert mode", wherein in the expert mode certain steps, in particular intermediate steps, are shortened or deactivated. Furthermore, preferably individual preparation steps of a prescription with food quantities. For easy entry of comments, cues, or changes, it is preferred if the touch screen also has handwriting recognition so that changes can be entered "handwritten," for example, by direct placement of a finger or by a stylus. Also, it may be advantageous that when certain ingredients are removed from an ingredient list of a recipe, hints are given as to which alternatives to the coated ingredients may be used. Alternatively or additionally, indications can be given that a certain ingredient, for example baking powder, is absolutely necessary. It is advantageous if own recipes can be entered and called up. Alternatively or in addition to a writing input via a handwriting mode or the touch screen, a voice input can generally also be used. As an alternative or in addition to a display on the (sensor) screen, a voice output can generally also be used.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if at a first use of the console 14 any home appliances to work with the console 14 can be prepared, for example, a food processor, a microwave, a trough, a refrigerator, etc. In particular, these household appliances can be taken into account in a food preparation. For example, instructions for using the food processor may appear (for example, "Mix to Level 3 ") Or it may be suggested a rapid cooling down of a jelly in a particular zone of the refrigerator. This cooperation function can also be extended to an accessory, for example a Roman pot. For this purpose, a photo of the accessories can be shot. Furthermore, an input of an accessory designation can be selected manually or via a preset accessory catalog. Furthermore, an indication can be given if a certain accessory is not present, so that corresponding recipes are either not proposed or displayed with a hint. The control panel 14 For example, it may also be communicatively coupled to a mobile phone, PDA, etc. to send a message as to when a meal is ready-made or when to start with a particular preparation. This can be done, for example, by sending an SMS. This can be done by the console 14 in particular, receive appropriate information from the respective household appliance.

1

kitchenette

2

stove

3

hob

4

oven

5

oven door

6

control panel

7

actuator

8th

display

9

Touch button

10

display

11

cooking zone

12

countertop

13

Docking station

14

portable console

15

touch screen

16

Eat

17

front the food

18

mounting pad

19

wireless Communication Interface

20

wired Communication Interface

21

Communication Interface

22

Device, in particular screen

23

Communication Interface

24

device

25

control unit

26

Storage

Claims (15)

Portable media-compatible console ( 14 ) with at least one display unit ( 15 ) and at least one control element ( 15 ), characterized in that the console ( 14 ) at least one communication interface ( 19 . 20 ) for communication with at least one household appliance ( 2 ) having. Console ( 14 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one communication interface ( 21 . 23 ) for communication with at least one household appliance-specific device ( 22 . 24 ) having. Console ( 14 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is for connection to a docking station ( 13 ) is set up. Console ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is internet-capable. Console ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a touch screen ( 15 ), in particular a touch screen that allows a handwriting input. Console ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a camera. Method for operating a console ( 14 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, since characterized in that on the console ( 14 ) at least one media content is displayed, wherein the media content relates in particular to a food preparation. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that that the media content is generated by a user and in particular at least a part of a cookbook represents. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized that the at least one media content comprises a shopping list, automatically from at least one previously selected and / or from User generated recipe was created, the shopping list in particular by the user is modifiable. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that that the at least one media content comprises a shopping list, automatically from at least one previously selected and / or generated by the user recipe, wherein at least one Position of the shopping list is provided with a quantity. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that at least one media content, in particular a shopping list, on a mobile communication device ( 22 ) is transmitted. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized that dependent from a setting of an expert mode 'different media content displayed become. Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that by means of the console ( 14 ) at least one household appliance ( 2 ) is served. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one domestic appliance ( 2 ), in particular cooking appliance, by means of an interactive program, in particular cooking program, is operated. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that for the operation of a household appliance ( 2 ) this is registered at the console.