EP3977017A1 - Method and device for providing information regarding a gas hob - Google Patents

Method and device for providing information regarding a gas hob

Info

Publication number
EP3977017A1
EP3977017A1 EP20727332.7A EP20727332A EP3977017A1 EP 3977017 A1 EP3977017 A1 EP 3977017A1 EP 20727332 A EP20727332 A EP 20727332A EP 3977017 A1 EP3977017 A1 EP 3977017A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
image
gas hob
enhancement
hob
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20727332.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pablo ARROYO ARENAS
Carlos Pelayo Alonso
Emilio Placer Maruri
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Original Assignee
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BSH Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Publication of EP3977017A1 publication Critical patent/EP3977017A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C3/00—Stoves or ranges for gaseous fuels
    • F24C3/12—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T19/00—Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
    • G06T19/006—Mixed reality
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T15/00—3D [Three Dimensional] image rendering
    • G06T15/10—Geometric effects
    • G06T15/20—Perspective computation
    • G06T15/205—Image-based rendering
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T5/00—Image enhancement or restoration
    • G06T5/50—Image enhancement or restoration using two or more images, e.g. averaging or subtraction
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
    • G09B19/0092—Nutrition
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T2207/00—Indexing scheme for image analysis or image enhancement
    • G06T2207/20—Special algorithmic details
    • G06T2207/20212—Image combination
    • G06T2207/20221—Image fusion; Image merging

Definitions

  • the present document relates to a gas hob which may be used for cooking.
  • the present document relates to the provision of information regarding a gas hob.
  • a gas hob requires access to a gas supply in order to provide a flame for heating a cooking pot or a frying pan.
  • a gas supply may not always be available, notably within a sales point for gas hobs. Even if a gas supply is available, handling a gas hob may be dangerous, if the gas hob is operated by a person who does not have the skills required for handing the gas hob.
  • the present document addresses the technical problem of enabling a user of a gas hob to become accustomed with the operation and/or with features of the gas hob, in a comfortable and secure manner.
  • the technical problem is solved by each of the independent claims. Preferred examples are described in the dependent claims.
  • a (handheld) user device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC
  • the user device comprises a camera, a display and a control unit.
  • the user device may exhibit a housing (e.g. having the shape of a cuboid).
  • a user may hold the user device such that a frontside of the user device faces the user, and such that an opposite backside of the user device is turned away from the user.
  • the display e.g. implemented as a touch screen
  • the camera may be located at the backside of the user device.
  • the control unit (e.g. a microprocessor) of the user device may be configured to capture image data of a gas hob and/or of cookware (such as a frying pan or a pot) which is used in conjunction with the gas hob.
  • the image data may be captured using the camera of the device.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob.
  • the enhancement information may be determined directly based on the image data (e.g. by performing image processing).
  • the enhancement information may be determined based on (received and/or stored) data regarding the gas hob (such as the type or model of the gas hob, and/or such as the status of the gas hob, and/or such as technical data about the gas hob).
  • control unit may be configured to render a mixed reality image on the display.
  • the mixed reality image may comprise a base image of the gas hob and/or the cookware, wherein the base image typically corresponds to the captured image data.
  • the base image may be a copy of the image data that is captured by the camera of the user device.
  • the mixed reality image further comprises an enhancement image which is overlaid with the base image, wherein the enhancement image is indicative of the enhancement information.
  • the enhancement image may represent enhancement information regarding the operation of the gas hob (even though the gas hob may not be operated using gas).
  • the user is enabled to virtually operate the gas hob in a secure and comfortable manner (without the need of actually providing gas to the gas hob).
  • the gas hob typically comprises at least one burner, and the base image and/or the image data may show or may be indicative of the burner of the gas hob.
  • the gas hob may comprise a plurality of burners (e.g. two or more, four or more, or six or more burners).
  • the base image and/or the image data may show or may be indicative of at least one of the burners of the gas hob.
  • the enhancement information may comprise information regarding a flame (notably the size of the flame) that is generated by the burner, when the gas hob is operated using gas.
  • the information regarding the flame may be determined based on the type or model of the gas hob, and/or based on the status, i.e. position, of the valve knob of the gas hob, and/or based on technical data regarding the gas hob.
  • the enhancement image may show a (virtual) flame that is rendered in an overlaid manner with the burner of the gas hob shown within the base image.
  • the enhancement image may be such that for a viewer of the display, the burner of the gas hob appears to be operated using gas (even though no gas is supplied to the burner).
  • the enhancement image may be such that for a viewer of the display, the burner of the gas hob appears to generate a flame, even though in reality the burner does not generate a flame.
  • the enhancement image may be such that for a viewer of the display, the burner of the gas hob appears to generate a flame according to a size that corresponds to a particular position of the valve knob of the gas hob.
  • the control unit of the user device may be configured to determine status information regarding the position of the valve knob of the gas hob.
  • the valve knob is configured to modify the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner of the gas hob.
  • the position of the valve knob may indicate how much gas would flow through the burner, in case the burner was supplied with gas.
  • the amount of gas flowing through the burner corresponds to the size of the flame which is generated by the burner (when being operated with gas).
  • the enhancement image and/or the enhancement information may be determined in dependence of the status information.
  • the size of a (virtual) flame shown within the enhancement image may be determined in dependence of the status information.
  • the enhancement image may be generated in a precise manner.
  • the control unit may be configured to adapt the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image in dependence of the status information.
  • the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image may be increased, if the status information indicates that the position of the valve knob has been changed, such that during operation of the gas hob with gas, the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner of the gas hob, would increase.
  • the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image may be decreased, if the status information indicates that the position of the valve knob has been changed, such that during operation of the gas hob with gas, the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner of the gas hob, would decrease.
  • the enhancement image may be adapted in dependence of changing status information, notably in dependence of a changing position of the valve knob. As a result of this, the user experience when simulating operation of a gas hob may be increased.
  • the captured image data may be indicative of the valve knob.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine the status information by performing image processing of the image data. As a result of this, the user device may be operated in an efficient and autonomous manner.
  • control unit may be configured to determine status data regarding the status information, wherein the status data has been sent by the gas hob over a (wireless) communication network.
  • the user device may be configured to communicate with the gas hob (either directly or via a backend server) to obtain status data from the gas hob.
  • the status information (notably the position of the valve knob) may then be determined in a precise manner based on the (received) status data.
  • the user device may comprise input means (such as a touch screen) enabling a user to provide a user input to the user device.
  • input means such as a touch screen
  • a virtual valve knob may be displayed on the touch-sensitive display and the user may select as a user input a position of the virtual valve knob on the touch-sensitive display.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine the status information based on the user input of the user of the user device, thereby enabling a comfortable and autonomous virtual operation of the gas hob.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine a power and/or gas consumption that the gas hob would exhibit, if the has hob was operated using gas with the position of the valve knob indicated by the status information. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to render an enhancement image indicative of the power and/or gas consumption (e.g. as text and/or as a graph shown on the display). By providing additional information on the power and/or gas consumption, the user experience may be further improved (notably in the context of a sales point).
  • the control unit may be configured to determine a temperature of a flame that the gas hob would exhibit, if the has hob was operated using gas with the position of the valve knob indicated by the status information.
  • the enhancement image may be indicative of the temperature of the flame (e.g. as text and/or as a graph shown on the display). By providing additional information on the flame temperature, the user experience may be further improved (notably in preparation of a cooking process).
  • the control unit may be configured to determine type information regarding the type or the model of the gas hob.
  • the enhancement information and/or the enhancement image may be determined in a precise manner based on the type information.
  • the type information may e.g. be determined by performing image processing of the captured image data. Image processing may be performed for identifying a label with the type or model of the gas hob within the image data (wherein the label is attached to the gas hob). Furthermore, image processing may be used for identifying the geometry and/or shape of the gas hob. In other words, geometric data describing the geometry and/or shape of the gas hob may be determined by using image processing of the image data.
  • the geometric data may be used for identifying a particular type or model of the gas hob within a database, wherein the database comprises geometric data for a plurality of different types or models of gas hobs.
  • the type information may be determined in a robust and flexible manner.
  • the type information may be determined based on a user input.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine technical data for the gas hob (notably for the particular type or model of gas hobs).
  • the technical data may indicate a functional relationship between the position of the valve knob and the flame which is generated by the burner of the gas hob, and/or the amount of gas which is provided to the burner of the gas hob.
  • the technical data may indicate the energy consumption and/or the temperature of the flame of the gas hob as a function of the position of the valve knob.
  • the technical data may be indicative of a relationship between the position of the valve knob of the gas hob and one or more characteristics (e.g. the size, the energy consumption, the volume flow of gas and/or the temperature) of the flame which is generated by the burner of the gas hob, if the gas hob is operated using gas.
  • the technical data may be stored on a storage unit of the user device. Alternatively, or in addition, the technical data may be downloaded by the user device from an external server and/or directly from the gas hob. The technical data may be identified using the type information of the gas hob.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine the enhancement information and/or the enhancement image based on the technical data, thereby enabling a user experience which is particularly close to a real operation of the gas hob.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine, based on the image data, operational information on how the gas hob should be operated in conjunction with the cookware that is represented within the image data.
  • the image data may be analyzed in order to identify the type of cookware (e.g. the size and/or the form of a frying pan or a pot).
  • the control unit may then determine how the cookware should be operated on the gas hob (e.g. based on data stored on the user device and/or downloaded from an external server).
  • the operational information may indicate the position of the valve knob that should be used in conjunction with the identified cookware (e.g. in order to ensure that a relatively high fraction of the energy provided by the flame of the gas hob is used for heating the identified cookware).
  • the control unit may then render an enhancement image which is indicative of the operational information (e.g. as text and/or as a graph on the display). As a result of this, the comfort of use of a gas hob can be further increased.
  • the operational information may be determined in dependence of a recipe which is to be prepared using the gas hob.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine a recipe for a dish that is to be prepared using the gas hob (e.g. based on a user input).
  • the control unit may be configured to determine the position of the valve knob that should be used during execution of the recipe (e.g. in order to ensure that the right flame temperature is set for execution of the recipe).
  • enhancement information may be provided, which further increases the comfort of use of the gas hob.
  • the control unit may be configured to update the base image and/or the enhancement image at an image rate which is greater than 10 images/second, or 20 images/second.
  • the base image may be part of a base video
  • the enhancement image may be part of an enhancement video that is overlaid with the base video.
  • the enhancement video may be indicative of a (moving) flame.
  • a method for enabling a user of a gas hob to at least virtually operate the gas hob is described.
  • the method may be implemented and/or executed on a computing device (such as a user device).
  • the method may be provided and/or implemented as software (e.g. as an app) which is executed on a computing device.
  • the method comprises capturing image data of the gas hob and/or cookware used in conjunction with the gas hob. Furthermore, the method comprises determining enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob. In addition, the method comprises rendering a mixed reality image on a display.
  • the mixed reality image comprises a base image of the gas hob and/or the cookware and an enhancement image which is overlaid with the base image, wherein the enhancement image is indicative of the enhancement information.
  • a software program is described.
  • the software program may be adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
  • the storage medium may comprise a software program adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
  • a computer program product may comprise executable instructions for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when executed on a computer.
  • the computer program may comprise executable instructions for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when executed on a computer.
  • the methods and systems including its preferred embodiments as outlined in the present document may be used stand-alone or in combination with the other methods and systems disclosed in this document.
  • the features outlined in the context of a system are also applicable to a corresponding method.
  • all aspects of the methods and systems outlined in the present document may be arbitrarily combined.
  • the features of the claims may be combined with one another in an arbitrary manner.
  • Figure 1 shows an example system for enabling a user of a gas hob to become accustomed with the gas hob
  • Figure 2a shows an example mixed reality image of a gas hob
  • Figure 2b shows an example mixed reality image of a cookware used in conjunction with a gas hob
  • Figure 3 shows a flow chart of an example method for enabling a user to use a gas hob.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example system 100 for enabling a user to make use of a gas hob 110.
  • the system 100 comprises a gas hob 110 which comprises at least one burner 114 configured to provide a flame 115 for heating cookware (such as a frying pan or a pot).
  • the gas hob 110 comprises a control panel with one or more valve knobs 113 for the one or more burners 114.
  • a user may turn a valve know 113 to open a corresponding valve (not shown), in order to provide gas from a gas supply (not shown) to the burner 114.
  • the amount of gas which is provided to the burner 114 may be set by changing the position of the knob 113.
  • the gas may be ignited (e.g. using an electric ignition) to provide the flame 115.
  • the gas hob 110 may optionally comprise a control unit 111 which is configured to determine status information regarding the gas hob 110 and to provide the status information as status data 116 via a communication unit 112 of the gas hob 110 to a recipient outside of the gas hob 110.
  • the status information may e.g. be indicative of the position of the valve knob 113 of the gas hob 110.
  • the communication unit 112 may be configured to send the status data 116 via a (wireless) communication network 102 (such as WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.).
  • the status data 116 may be sent directly to a user device 120 and/or via a backend server 101.
  • the system 100 further comprises a user device 120 (such as a smartphone or a tablet PC).
  • the user device 120 comprises a camera 123 which is configured to capture image data.
  • the user device 120 comprises a display 124 which is configured to display a base image that corresponds to the image data which has been captured using the camera 123.
  • the camera 123 may be configured to capture image data regarding the surrounding area of the backside of the user device 120, wherein the display 124 may be positioned on the frontside of the user device 120.
  • image data regarding the surrounding area of the backside of the user device 120 may be rendered (with any significant delay) on the display 124 of the user device 120.
  • a base image or base video showing the surrounding area of the backside of the user device 120 may be rendered on the display 124 of the user device 120.
  • the user device 120 comprises input means 125 which enable a user to provide user inputs to the user device 120.
  • the input means 125 may be implemented using a touch sensitive display 124.
  • the user device 120 may comprise a control unit 121 for controlling operation of the user device 120 and/or a communication unit 122 configured to receive and/or send data over the communication network 102.
  • a user may position the user device 120 such that the image data which is captured by the camera 123 of the user device 120 is indicative of a gas hob 110.
  • the control unit 121 of the user device 120 may be configured to use the image data for rendering a base image 210 which is indicative of the gas hob 110 on the display 124 of the device 120 (see Fig. 2a).
  • the control unit 121 may be configured to determine status information regarding the status of the gas hob 110.
  • the status information may be indicative of the position 201 of the valve knob 113 of the gas hob 110.
  • the status information may be received as status data 116 over the communication network 102. Alternatively, or in addition, the status information may be determined based on the captured image data.
  • control unit 121 may be configured to detect the position 201 of the valve know 113 by performing image processing on the captured image data.
  • the control unit 121 may be configured to determine enhancement information regarding the gas hob 110 based on the captured image data and/or based on the status information.
  • the enhancement information may comprise
  • the control unit 121 may be configured to determine type information regarding the type and/or the model of the gas hob 110.
  • the type information may be received via the communication network 102 directly from the gas hob 110 or via a backend server 101. Alternatively, or in addition, the type information may be determined based on the captured image data (e.g. based on the model number 202 displayed on the gas hob 110). The type information may be taken into account when determining the enhancement information, thereby increasing the precision of the enhancement information.
  • control unit 121 may be configured to determine an enhancement image 211 , 212, 213 based on the enhancement information.
  • the one or more enhancement images 211 , 212, 213 may be rendered on the display 124 of the user device 120 in an overlaid manner with the base image 210.
  • the base image 210 may be enhanced or augmented using one or more additional enhancement images 211 , 212, 213 which represent enhancement information.
  • Fig. 2a shows different example enhancement images 211 , 213, 214.
  • Fig. 2a shows an enhancement image 211 which represents a virtual flame.
  • the virtual flame may be rendered such that the virtual flame is overlaid with the burner 114 shown within the base image 210.
  • an enhancement image 211 may be rendered which gives the viewer of the display 124 the impression that the burner 114 of the gas hob 110 is lit and exhibits a flame 115.
  • the size of the virtual flame may depend on the position 201 of the valve knob 113.
  • the size of the virtual flame may be adapted repeatedly (e.g. with a picture rate of 20 images/second or more, or 30 images/second or more) depending on a modification of the position 201 of the knob 113.
  • a user may be enabled to visualize and/or to test the operation of a gas hob 110 using the user device 120, even if the gas hob 110 is not coupled with a gas supply.
  • the enhancement image 212 may comprise enhancement information regarding the energy consumption and/or the volume flow of gas of the gas hob 110 (depending on the position 201 of the valve knob 113) and/or regarding the temperature that a flame 115 of the burner 114 would exhibit (depending on the position 201 of the valve knob 113).
  • the enhancement image 212 may e.g. comprise text and/or a graph, which are overlaid with the base image 210 and which may be displayed in a partially transparent manner.
  • an enhancement image 213 which is indicative of the position 201 of the valve knob 113 may be rendered on the display 124 (e.g. to provide a virtual valve knob as an input means 125).
  • the control unit 121 may be configured to detect cookware 220 which is used in conjunction with the gas hob 110, based on the captured image data. Furthermore, the control unit 121 may be configured to determine enhancement information regarding the detected cookware 220 and/or regarding the use of the detected cookware 220 in conjunction with the gas hob 110.
  • the enhancement information may comprise information regarding the position 201 of the valve know 113 and/or regarding the power setting which should be used in conjunction with the detected cookware 220. As shown in Fig. 2b a base image 230 indicative of the cookware 220 may be displayed in conjunction and/or overlaid with an enhancement image 231 indicative of the enhancement information.
  • a user device 120 may be enabled (e.g. using a software application which may be downloaded from an app store) to provide a user of a gas hob 110 with an operational experience of the gas gob 110, which simulates and/or mimics the real operation of the gas hob 110 (however without the need for providing gas to the gas hob 110).
  • the user device 120 may determine the knob position 201 of the gas hob 110.
  • the user may be enabled (via the input means 125 of the user device 120) to set the knob position 201 of the gas hob 110 virtually on the user device 120.
  • An enhancement image 211 may be overlaid with the base image 210, thereby giving the viewer of the display 124 the impression that the burner 114 of the gas hob 110 exhibits a flame 115 with a size corresponding to the knob position 201.
  • enhancement information regarding the energy consumption and/or the flame temperature and/or the volume flow of gas may be displayed.
  • a user can experience the operation of a gas hob 110 (e.g. at a sales point) by mimicking the real use of the appliance. This can be achieved without the need of providing gas to the gas hob 110, thereby providing a safe operation of the gas hob 110.
  • the user may point with the camera 123 of the user device 120 to the gas hob 120 and at the same time a base image 210 of the gas hob 110 may be rendered on the display 124 of the user device 120.
  • the base image 210 may be enhanced by rendering one or more additional enhancement images 211 , 212, 213 with extra information (e.g. a burning flame, the energy consumption, the power level, cooking steps, etc.).
  • a virtual flame corresponding to different possible knob positions 201 may be rendered as an enhancement image 211.
  • the knob position 201 may be detected based on the image data captured by the camera 123 of the device 120.
  • the knob position 201 may be transferred via a communication network 102 to the user device 120.
  • the knob position 201 may be selected by a user directly on the user device 120 (e.g. by pressing a virtual button on the screen or display 124 of the user device 120).
  • the option of transferring the knob position 201 via a communication network 102 to the user device 120 may be provided specifically for a sales point (by adding a communication unit 112 to the gas hob 110).
  • the size of the flame which is displayed as an enhancement image 211 may be varied in dependence of the position 201 of the knob 113.
  • the flame may be provided as augmented reality on the screen 124 of the user device 120 on top of the base image 210 of the gas hob 110.
  • Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of an example method 300 for enabling a user of a gas hob 110 to at least virtually operate the gas hob 110.
  • the method 300 may be executed on a user device 120, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC.
  • the gas hob 110 may be decoupled from a gas supply (such that no gas is provided to the gas hob 110).
  • the method 300 may be used to give the user of the gas hob 110 an impression, on how the gas hob 110 would behave if the gas hob 110 was operated with gas.
  • the method 300 comprises capturing 301 image data of the gas hob 110 and/or cookware 220 used in conjunction with the gas hob 110.
  • the image data may be captured using a camera 123 of the user device 120, wherein the camera 123 may be positioned at a backside of the user device 120 (which is oriented away from a user using the user device 120).
  • the method 300 comprises determining 302 enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob 110.
  • the enhancement information may be determined based on the image data. Alternatively, or in addition, the enhancement information may be determined based on status information regarding a status (notably a position 201 of the valve knob 113 of the gas hob 110).
  • the enhancement information may indicate the size a flame 115 of the burner 114 of the gas hob 110 would have, if the gas hob 110 was operated using gas and/or if the gas hob 110 was coupled to a gas supply.
  • the method 300 further comprises rendering 303 a mixed reality image on a display 124 (of the user device 120).
  • the mixed reality image comprises a base image 210, 230 of the gas hob 110 and/or the cookware 220.
  • the base image 210, 230 may correspond to the image data captured by the camera 123 (of the user device 120).
  • the mixed reality image comprises an enhancement image 211 , 212, 213, 231 which is overlaid with the base image 210, 230, wherein the enhancement image 211 , 212, 213, 231 is indicative of the enhancement information.
  • the enhancement image 211 may represent a (virtual) flame 115 at the burner 114 of the gas hob 110, which is shown within the base image 210.
  • the size of the (virtual) flame 115 may correspond to the size of the (real) flame 115 at the burner 114, if the gas hob 110 was operated with gas.

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Abstract

A user device (120) comprising a camera (123), a display (124) and a control unit (121) is described. The control unit (121) is configured to capture image data of a gas hob (110) and/or cookware (220) used in conjunction with the gas hob (110) using the camera (123). Furthermore, the control unit (121) is configured to determine enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob (110). In addition, the control unit (121) is configured to render a mixed reality image on the display (124). The mixed reality image comprises a base image (210, 230) of the gas hob (110) and/or the cookware (220) and an enhancement image (211, 212, 213, 231) overlaid with the base image (210, 230), wherein the enhancement image (211, 212, 213, 231) is indicative of the enhancement information.

Description

Method and Device for Providing Information regarding a Gas
Hob
The present document relates to a gas hob which may be used for cooking. In particular, the present document relates to the provision of information regarding a gas hob.
A gas hob requires access to a gas supply in order to provide a flame for heating a cooking pot or a frying pan. A gas supply may not always be available, notably within a sales point for gas hobs. Even if a gas supply is available, handling a gas hob may be dangerous, if the gas hob is operated by a person who does not have the skills required for handing the gas hob.
The present document addresses the technical problem of enabling a user of a gas hob to become accustomed with the operation and/or with features of the gas hob, in a comfortable and secure manner. The technical problem is solved by each of the independent claims. Preferred examples are described in the dependent claims.
According to an aspect, a (handheld) user device (such as a smartphone or a tablet PC) is described. The user device comprises a camera, a display and a control unit. The user device may exhibit a housing (e.g. having the shape of a cuboid). During use, a user may hold the user device such that a frontside of the user device faces the user, and such that an opposite backside of the user device is turned away from the user. The display (e.g. implemented as a touch screen) of the user device may be located at the frontside of the user device and/or the camera may be located at the backside of the user device.
The control unit (e.g. a microprocessor) of the user device may be configured to capture image data of a gas hob and/or of cookware (such as a frying pan or a pot) which is used in conjunction with the gas hob. The image data may be captured using the camera of the device. For capturing the image data, the user of the user device may hold the user device in front of the gas hob and/or the cookware, such that the gas hob and/or cookware falls within the sensing area of the camera. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to determine enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob. The enhancement information may be determined directly based on the image data (e.g. by performing image processing). Alternatively, or in addition, the enhancement information may be determined based on (received and/or stored) data regarding the gas hob (such as the type or model of the gas hob, and/or such as the status of the gas hob, and/or such as technical data about the gas hob).
In addition, the control unit may be configured to render a mixed reality image on the display. The mixed reality image may comprise a base image of the gas hob and/or the cookware, wherein the base image typically corresponds to the captured image data. In particular, the base image may be a copy of the image data that is captured by the camera of the user device.
The mixed reality image further comprises an enhancement image which is overlaid with the base image, wherein the enhancement image is indicative of the enhancement information. In other words, the enhancement image may represent enhancement information regarding the operation of the gas hob (even though the gas hob may not be operated using gas). Hence, the user is enabled to virtually operate the gas hob in a secure and comfortable manner (without the need of actually providing gas to the gas hob).
The gas hob typically comprises at least one burner, and the base image and/or the image data may show or may be indicative of the burner of the gas hob. In particular, the gas hob may comprise a plurality of burners (e.g. two or more, four or more, or six or more burners). The base image and/or the image data may show or may be indicative of at least one of the burners of the gas hob. The enhancement information may comprise information regarding a flame (notably the size of the flame) that is generated by the burner, when the gas hob is operated using gas. The information regarding the flame may be determined based on the type or model of the gas hob, and/or based on the status, i.e. position, of the valve knob of the gas hob, and/or based on technical data regarding the gas hob.
The enhancement image may show a (virtual) flame that is rendered in an overlaid manner with the burner of the gas hob shown within the base image. The enhancement image may be such that for a viewer of the display, the burner of the gas hob appears to be operated using gas (even though no gas is supplied to the burner). Alternatively, or in addition, the enhancement image may be such that for a viewer of the display, the burner of the gas hob appears to generate a flame, even though in reality the burner does not generate a flame. Alternatively, or in addition, the enhancement image may be such that for a viewer of the display, the burner of the gas hob appears to generate a flame according to a size that corresponds to a particular position of the valve knob of the gas hob. Hence, a user of the user device may be provided with a detailed impression on how the gas hob is operated, without the need of actually lighting a flame and/or without the need of actually providing gas to the gas hob.
The control unit of the user device may be configured to determine status information regarding the position of the valve knob of the gas hob. During operation of the gas hob with gas, the valve knob is configured to modify the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner of the gas hob. Hence, the position of the valve knob may indicate how much gas would flow through the burner, in case the burner was supplied with gas. The amount of gas flowing through the burner corresponds to the size of the flame which is generated by the burner (when being operated with gas).
The enhancement image and/or the enhancement information may be determined in dependence of the status information. In particular, the size of a (virtual) flame shown within the enhancement image may be determined in dependence of the status information. By taking into account the status information, the enhancement image may be generated in a precise manner.
The control unit may be configured to adapt the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image in dependence of the status information. In particular, the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image may be increased, if the status information indicates that the position of the valve knob has been changed, such that during operation of the gas hob with gas, the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner of the gas hob, would increase. Alternatively, or in addition, the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image may be decreased, if the status information indicates that the position of the valve knob has been changed, such that during operation of the gas hob with gas, the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner of the gas hob, would decrease.
In other words, the enhancement image may be adapted in dependence of changing status information, notably in dependence of a changing position of the valve knob. As a result of this, the user experience when simulating operation of a gas hob may be increased.
The captured image data may be indicative of the valve knob. The control unit may be configured to determine the status information by performing image processing of the image data. As a result of this, the user device may be operated in an efficient and autonomous manner.
Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit may be configured to determine status data regarding the status information, wherein the status data has been sent by the gas hob over a (wireless) communication network. In other words, the user device may be configured to communicate with the gas hob (either directly or via a backend server) to obtain status data from the gas hob. The status information (notably the position of the valve knob) may then be determined in a precise manner based on the (received) status data.
Alternatively, or in addition, the user device may comprise input means (such as a touch screen) enabling a user to provide a user input to the user device. By way of example, a virtual valve knob may be displayed on the touch-sensitive display and the user may select as a user input a position of the virtual valve knob on the touch-sensitive display. The control unit may be configured to determine the status information based on the user input of the user of the user device, thereby enabling a comfortable and autonomous virtual operation of the gas hob.
The control unit may be configured to determine a power and/or gas consumption that the gas hob would exhibit, if the has hob was operated using gas with the position of the valve knob indicated by the status information. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to render an enhancement image indicative of the power and/or gas consumption (e.g. as text and/or as a graph shown on the display). By providing additional information on the power and/or gas consumption, the user experience may be further improved (notably in the context of a sales point).
The control unit may be configured to determine a temperature of a flame that the gas hob would exhibit, if the has hob was operated using gas with the position of the valve knob indicated by the status information. The enhancement image may be indicative of the temperature of the flame (e.g. as text and/or as a graph shown on the display). By providing additional information on the flame temperature, the user experience may be further improved (notably in preparation of a cooking process).
The control unit may be configured to determine type information regarding the type or the model of the gas hob. The enhancement information and/or the enhancement image may be determined in a precise manner based on the type information. The type information may e.g. be determined by performing image processing of the captured image data. Image processing may be performed for identifying a label with the type or model of the gas hob within the image data (wherein the label is attached to the gas hob). Furthermore, image processing may be used for identifying the geometry and/or shape of the gas hob. In other words, geometric data describing the geometry and/or shape of the gas hob may be determined by using image processing of the image data. The geometric data may be used for identifying a particular type or model of the gas hob within a database, wherein the database comprises geometric data for a plurality of different types or models of gas hobs. By doing this, the type information may be determined in a robust and flexible manner. Alternatively, or in addition, the type information may be determined based on a user input.
The control unit may be configured to determine technical data for the gas hob (notably for the particular type or model of gas hobs). The technical data may indicate a functional relationship between the position of the valve knob and the flame which is generated by the burner of the gas hob, and/or the amount of gas which is provided to the burner of the gas hob. Alternatively, or in addition, the technical data may indicate the energy consumption and/or the temperature of the flame of the gas hob as a function of the position of the valve knob. Alternatively, or in addition, the technical data may be indicative of a relationship between the position of the valve knob of the gas hob and one or more characteristics (e.g. the size, the energy consumption, the volume flow of gas and/or the temperature) of the flame which is generated by the burner of the gas hob, if the gas hob is operated using gas.
The technical data may be stored on a storage unit of the user device. Alternatively, or in addition, the technical data may be downloaded by the user device from an external server and/or directly from the gas hob. The technical data may be identified using the type information of the gas hob. The control unit may be configured to determine the enhancement information and/or the enhancement image based on the technical data, thereby enabling a user experience which is particularly close to a real operation of the gas hob.
The control unit may be configured to determine, based on the image data, operational information on how the gas hob should be operated in conjunction with the cookware that is represented within the image data. In particular, the image data may be analyzed in order to identify the type of cookware (e.g. the size and/or the form of a frying pan or a pot). The control unit may then determine how the cookware should be operated on the gas hob (e.g. based on data stored on the user device and/or downloaded from an external server). In particular, the operational information may indicate the position of the valve knob that should be used in conjunction with the identified cookware (e.g. in order to ensure that a relatively high fraction of the energy provided by the flame of the gas hob is used for heating the identified cookware). The control unit may then render an enhancement image which is indicative of the operational information (e.g. as text and/or as a graph on the display). As a result of this, the comfort of use of a gas hob can be further increased.
The operational information may be determined in dependence of a recipe which is to be prepared using the gas hob. In particular, the control unit may be configured to determine a recipe for a dish that is to be prepared using the gas hob (e.g. based on a user input). Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to determine the position of the valve knob that should be used during execution of the recipe (e.g. in order to ensure that the right flame temperature is set for execution of the recipe). By taking into account recipe data for a recipe which is to be prepared, enhancement information may be provided, which further increases the comfort of use of the gas hob. The control unit may be configured to update the base image and/or the enhancement image at an image rate which is greater than 10 images/second, or 20 images/second. In other words, the base image may be part of a base video, and the enhancement image may be part of an enhancement video that is overlaid with the base video. The enhancement video may be indicative of a (moving) flame. By providing mixed reality video data, the user experience in conjunction with a gas hob can be further increased.
According to a further aspect, a method for enabling a user of a gas hob to at least virtually operate the gas hob is described. The method may be implemented and/or executed on a computing device (such as a user device). In particular, the method may be provided and/or implemented as software (e.g. as an app) which is executed on a computing device.
The method comprises capturing image data of the gas hob and/or cookware used in conjunction with the gas hob. Furthermore, the method comprises determining enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob. In addition, the method comprises rendering a mixed reality image on a display. The mixed reality image comprises a base image of the gas hob and/or the cookware and an enhancement image which is overlaid with the base image, wherein the enhancement image is indicative of the enhancement information.
According to a further aspect, a software program is described. The software program may be adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
According to another aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium may comprise a software program adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
According to a further aspect, a computer program product is described. The computer program may comprise executable instructions for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when executed on a computer. It should be noted that the methods and systems including its preferred embodiments as outlined in the present document may be used stand-alone or in combination with the other methods and systems disclosed in this document. In addition, the features outlined in the context of a system are also applicable to a corresponding method. Furthermore, all aspects of the methods and systems outlined in the present document may be arbitrarily combined. In particular, the features of the claims may be combined with one another in an arbitrary manner.
The invention is explained below in an exemplary manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
Figure 1 shows an example system for enabling a user of a gas hob to become accustomed with the gas hob;
Figure 2a shows an example mixed reality image of a gas hob;
Figure 2b shows an example mixed reality image of a cookware used in conjunction with a gas hob; and
Figure 3 shows a flow chart of an example method for enabling a user to use a gas hob.
As outlined above, the present document is directed at enabling a user to make use of a gas hob in a secure and comfortable manner, notably if the gas hob is not connected to a gas supply. In this context Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an example system 100 for enabling a user to make use of a gas hob 110. The system 100 comprises a gas hob 110 which comprises at least one burner 114 configured to provide a flame 115 for heating cookware (such as a frying pan or a pot). Furthermore, the gas hob 110 comprises a control panel with one or more valve knobs 113 for the one or more burners 114. A user may turn a valve know 113 to open a corresponding valve (not shown), in order to provide gas from a gas supply (not shown) to the burner 114. The amount of gas which is provided to the burner 114 may be set by changing the position of the knob 113. The gas may be ignited (e.g. using an electric ignition) to provide the flame 115.
Furthermore, the gas hob 110 may optionally comprise a control unit 111 which is configured to determine status information regarding the gas hob 110 and to provide the status information as status data 116 via a communication unit 112 of the gas hob 110 to a recipient outside of the gas hob 110. The status information may e.g. be indicative of the position of the valve knob 113 of the gas hob 110. The communication unit 112 may be configured to send the status data 116 via a (wireless) communication network 102 (such as WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.). The status data 116 may be sent directly to a user device 120 and/or via a backend server 101.
The system 100 further comprises a user device 120 (such as a smartphone or a tablet PC). The user device 120 comprises a camera 123 which is configured to capture image data. Furthermore, the user device 120 comprises a display 124 which is configured to display a base image that corresponds to the image data which has been captured using the camera 123. The camera 123 may be configured to capture image data regarding the surrounding area of the backside of the user device 120, wherein the display 124 may be positioned on the frontside of the user device 120. Hence, image data regarding the surrounding area of the backside of the user device 120 may be rendered (with any significant delay) on the display 124 of the user device 120. In other words, a base image or base video showing the surrounding area of the backside of the user device 120 may be rendered on the display 124 of the user device 120.
Furthermore, the user device 120 comprises input means 125 which enable a user to provide user inputs to the user device 120. The input means 125 may be implemented using a touch sensitive display 124. In addition, the user device 120 may comprise a control unit 121 for controlling operation of the user device 120 and/or a communication unit 122 configured to receive and/or send data over the communication network 102.
A user may position the user device 120 such that the image data which is captured by the camera 123 of the user device 120 is indicative of a gas hob 110. The control unit 121 of the user device 120 may be configured to use the image data for rendering a base image 210 which is indicative of the gas hob 110 on the display 124 of the device 120 (see Fig. 2a). Furthermore, the control unit 121 may be configured to determine status information regarding the status of the gas hob 110. The status information may be indicative of the position 201 of the valve knob 113 of the gas hob 110. The status information may be received as status data 116 over the communication network 102. Alternatively, or in addition, the status information may be determined based on the captured image data. By way of example, the control unit 121 may be configured to detect the position 201 of the valve know 113 by performing image processing on the captured image data. The control unit 121 may be configured to determine enhancement information regarding the gas hob 110 based on the captured image data and/or based on the status information. The enhancement information may comprise
• information on how much gas typically flows to the burner 114, when the valve knob 113 is positioned according to the status information;
• information on how big the flame 115 of the burner 114 is, when the valve knob 113 is positioned according to the status information;
• information on how much energy is consumed by the gas hob 110, when the valve knob 113 is positioned according to the status information; and/or
• information on the temperature of the flame 115 of the burner 114, when the valve knob 113 is positioned according to the status information.
The control unit 121 may be configured to determine type information regarding the type and/or the model of the gas hob 110. The type information may be received via the communication network 102 directly from the gas hob 110 or via a backend server 101. Alternatively, or in addition, the type information may be determined based on the captured image data (e.g. based on the model number 202 displayed on the gas hob 110). The type information may be taken into account when determining the enhancement information, thereby increasing the precision of the enhancement information.
Furthermore, the control unit 121 may be configured to determine an enhancement image 211 , 212, 213 based on the enhancement information. The one or more enhancement images 211 , 212, 213 may be rendered on the display 124 of the user device 120 in an overlaid manner with the base image 210. In particular, the base image 210 may be enhanced or augmented using one or more additional enhancement images 211 , 212, 213 which represent enhancement information.
Fig. 2a shows different example enhancement images 211 , 213, 214. In particular, Fig. 2a shows an enhancement image 211 which represents a virtual flame. The virtual flame may be rendered such that the virtual flame is overlaid with the burner 114 shown within the base image 210. As such, an enhancement image 211 may be rendered which gives the viewer of the display 124 the impression that the burner 114 of the gas hob 110 is lit and exhibits a flame 115. The size of the virtual flame may depend on the position 201 of the valve knob 113. In particular, the size of the virtual flame may be adapted repeatedly (e.g. with a picture rate of 20 images/second or more, or 30 images/second or more) depending on a modification of the position 201 of the knob 113. Hence, a user may be enabled to visualize and/or to test the operation of a gas hob 110 using the user device 120, even if the gas hob 110 is not coupled with a gas supply.
Alternatively, or in addition, the enhancement image 212 may comprise enhancement information regarding the energy consumption and/or the volume flow of gas of the gas hob 110 (depending on the position 201 of the valve knob 113) and/or regarding the temperature that a flame 115 of the burner 114 would exhibit (depending on the position 201 of the valve knob 113). The enhancement image 212 may e.g. comprise text and/or a graph, which are overlaid with the base image 210 and which may be displayed in a partially transparent manner. Alternatively, or in addition, an enhancement image 213 which is indicative of the position 201 of the valve knob 113 may be rendered on the display 124 (e.g. to provide a virtual valve knob as an input means 125).
The control unit 121 may be configured to detect cookware 220 which is used in conjunction with the gas hob 110, based on the captured image data. Furthermore, the control unit 121 may be configured to determine enhancement information regarding the detected cookware 220 and/or regarding the use of the detected cookware 220 in conjunction with the gas hob 110. The enhancement information may comprise information regarding the position 201 of the valve know 113 and/or regarding the power setting which should be used in conjunction with the detected cookware 220. As shown in Fig. 2b a base image 230 indicative of the cookware 220 may be displayed in conjunction and/or overlaid with an enhancement image 231 indicative of the enhancement information.
Hence, a user device 120 may be enabled (e.g. using a software application which may be downloaded from an app store) to provide a user of a gas hob 110 with an operational experience of the gas gob 110, which simulates and/or mimics the real operation of the gas hob 110 (however without the need for providing gas to the gas hob 110). The user device 120 may determine the knob position 201 of the gas hob 110. Alternatively, or in addition, the user may be enabled (via the input means 125 of the user device 120) to set the knob position 201 of the gas hob 110 virtually on the user device 120. An enhancement image 211 may be overlaid with the base image 210, thereby giving the viewer of the display 124 the impression that the burner 114 of the gas hob 110 exhibits a flame 115 with a size corresponding to the knob position 201. Alternatively, or in addition, enhancement information regarding the energy consumption and/or the flame temperature and/or the volume flow of gas may be displayed.
By doing this, a user can experience the operation of a gas hob 110 (e.g. at a sales point) by mimicking the real use of the appliance. This can be achieved without the need of providing gas to the gas hob 110, thereby providing a safe operation of the gas hob 110.
The user may point with the camera 123 of the user device 120 to the gas hob 120 and at the same time a base image 210 of the gas hob 110 may be rendered on the display 124 of the user device 120. The base image 210 may be enhanced by rendering one or more additional enhancement images 211 , 212, 213 with extra information (e.g. a burning flame, the energy consumption, the power level, cooking steps, etc.).
A virtual flame corresponding to different possible knob positions 201 (which correspond to different power levels) may be rendered as an enhancement image 211. The knob position 201 may be detected based on the image data captured by the camera 123 of the device 120. Alternatively, or in addition, the knob position 201 may be transferred via a communication network 102 to the user device 120. Alternatively, or in addition, the knob position 201 may be selected by a user directly on the user device 120 (e.g. by pressing a virtual button on the screen or display 124 of the user device 120). The option of transferring the knob position 201 via a communication network 102 to the user device 120 may be provided specifically for a sales point (by adding a communication unit 112 to the gas hob 110).
As indicated above, the size of the flame which is displayed as an enhancement image 211 may be varied in dependence of the position 201 of the knob 113. In other words, the flame may be provided as augmented reality on the screen 124 of the user device 120 on top of the base image 210 of the gas hob 110.
Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of an example method 300 for enabling a user of a gas hob 110 to at least virtually operate the gas hob 110. The method 300 may be executed on a user device 120, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. The gas hob 110 may be decoupled from a gas supply (such that no gas is provided to the gas hob 110). The method 300 may be used to give the user of the gas hob 110 an impression, on how the gas hob 110 would behave if the gas hob 110 was operated with gas.
The method 300 comprises capturing 301 image data of the gas hob 110 and/or cookware 220 used in conjunction with the gas hob 110. The image data may be captured using a camera 123 of the user device 120, wherein the camera 123 may be positioned at a backside of the user device 120 (which is oriented away from a user using the user device 120).
Furthermore, the method 300 comprises determining 302 enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob 110. The enhancement information may be determined based on the image data. Alternatively, or in addition, the enhancement information may be determined based on status information regarding a status (notably a position 201 of the valve knob 113 of the gas hob 110). The enhancement information may indicate the size a flame 115 of the burner 114 of the gas hob 110 would have, if the gas hob 110 was operated using gas and/or if the gas hob 110 was coupled to a gas supply.
The method 300 further comprises rendering 303 a mixed reality image on a display 124 (of the user device 120). The mixed reality image comprises a base image 210, 230 of the gas hob 110 and/or the cookware 220. The base image 210, 230 may correspond to the image data captured by the camera 123 (of the user device 120). In addition, the mixed reality image comprises an enhancement image 211 , 212, 213, 231 which is overlaid with the base image 210, 230, wherein the enhancement image 211 , 212, 213, 231 is indicative of the enhancement information. In particular, the enhancement image 211 may represent a (virtual) flame 115 at the burner 114 of the gas hob 110, which is shown within the base image 210. The size of the (virtual) flame 115 may correspond to the size of the (real) flame 115 at the burner 114, if the gas hob 110 was operated with gas.
Hence, a user of a gas hob 110 is enabled to get accustomed to functionalities of a gas hob 110 in a secure and comfortable manner, without actually operating the gas hob 110 with gas. It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and embodiment outlined in the present document are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Furthermore, all statements herein providing principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Claims

1) A user device (120) comprising a camera (123), a display (124) and a control unit
(121); wherein the control unit (121) is configured to
- capture image data of a gas hob (110) and/or cookware (220) used in
conjunction with the gas hob (110) using the camera (123);
- determine enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob (110); and
- render a mixed reality image on the display (124); wherein the mixed reality image comprises a base image (210, 230) of the gas hob (110) and/or the cookware (220) and an enhancement image (211 , 212, 213, 231) overlaid with the base image (210, 230); wherein the enhancement image (211 ,
212, 213, 231) is indicative of the enhancement information.
2) The user device (120) of claim 1 , wherein
- the gas hob (110) comprises at least one burner (114);
- the base image (210) shows the burner (114) of the gas hob (110);
- the enhancement information comprises information regarding a flame (115) that is generated by the burner (114), when the gas hob (110) is operated using gas; and
- the enhancement image (211) shows a flame that is rendered in an overlaid manner with the burner (114) of the gas hob (110) shown within the base image (210).
3) The user device (120) of claim 2, wherein
- the enhancement image (211) is such that for a viewer of the display (124) the burner (114) of the gas hob (110) appears to be operated using gas; and/or
- the enhancement image (211) is such that for a viewer of the display (124) the burner (114) of the gas hob (110) appears to generate a flame (115), even though in reality the burner (114) does not generate a flame (115); and/or - the enhancement image (211) is such that for a viewer of the display (124) the burner (114) of the gas hob (110) appears to generate a flame (115) according to a size that corresponds to a position (201) of a valve knob (113) of the gas hob (110).
4) The user device (120) of any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (121) is configured to
- determine status information regarding a position (201) of a valve knob (113) of the gas hob (110); wherein during operation of the gas hob (110) with gas, the valve knob (113) is configured to modify an amount of gas, which is supplied to a burner (114) of the gas hob (110); and
- determine the enhancement image (211) in dependence of the status
information.
5) The user device (120) of claim 4, the control unit (121) is configured to
- adapt a size of a flame shown within the enhancement image (211) in
dependence of the status information; and/or
- increase the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image (211), if the status information indicates that the position (201) of the valve knob (113) has been changed, such that during operation of the gas hob (110) with gas, the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner (114) of the gas hob (110), would increase; and/or
- decrease the size of the flame shown within the enhancement image (211), if the status information indicates that the position (201) of the valve knob (113) has been changed, such that during operation of the gas hob (110) with gas, the amount of gas, which is supplied to the burner (114) of the gas hob (110), would decrease.
6) The user device (120) of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein
- the image data is indicative of the valve knob (113); and
- the control unit (121) is configured to determine the status information by performing image processing of the image data. 7) The user device (120) of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the control unit (121) is configured to
- determine status data (116) regarding the status information; wherein the status data (116) has been sent by the gas hob (110) over a
communication network (102); and
- determine the status information based on the status data (116).
8) The user device (120) of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein
- the user device (120) comprises input means (125) enabling a user to
provide a user input to the user device (120); and
- the control unit (121) is configured to determine the status information
based on a user input of a user of the user device (120).
9) The user device (120) of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control unit (121) is
configured to
- determine a power and/or gas consumption that the gas hob (110) would exhibit, if the has hob (110) was operated using gas, with the position (201) of the valve knob (113) indicated by the status information; and
- render an enhancement image (212) indicative of the power and/or gas consumption.
10) The user device (120) of any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the control unit (121) is configured to
- determine a temperature of a flame (115) that the gas hob (110) would exhibit, if the has hob (110) was operated using gas, with the position (201) of the valve knob (113) indicated by the status information; and
- render an enhancement image (212) indicative of the temperature of the flame (115).
11) The user device (120) of any previous claims, wherein the control unit (121) is configured to
- determine type information regarding a type or a model of the gas hob (110); and - determine the enhancement information and/or the enhancement image (211 , 212, 213, 231) based on the type information.
12) The user device (120) of any previous claims, wherein the control unit (121) is configured to
- determine technical data regarding the gas hob (110); wherein the technical data is indicative of
-a relationship between a position (201) of a valve knob (113) of the gas hob (110) and an amount of gas which is provided to a burner (114) of the gas hob (110), if the gas hob (110) is operated using gas; and/or
-a relationship between a position (201) of a valve knob (113) of the gas hob (110) and one or more characteristics of a flame (115) which is generated by the burner (114) of the gas hob (110), if the gas hob (110) is operated using gas; and
- determine the enhancement information and/or the enhancement image (211 , 212, 213, 231) based on the technical data.
13) The user device (120) of any previous claims, wherein the control unit (121) is configured to
- determine, based on the image data, operational information on how the gas hob (110) should be operated in conjunction with the cookware (220) that is represented within the image data; and
- render an enhancement image (231) which is indicative of the operational information.
14) The user device (120) of any previous claims, wherein
- the control unit (121) is configured to update the base image (210, 230) and/or the enhancement image (211 , 212, 213, 231) at an image rate which is greater than 10 images/second, or 20 images/second; and/or
- the base image (210, 230) is part of a base video, and - the enhancement image (211 , 212, 213, 231) is part of an enhancement video that is overlaid with the base video.
15) A method (300) for enabling a user of a gas hob (110) to at least virtually operate the gas hob (110), wherein the method (300) comprises
- capturing (301) image data of the gas hob (110) and/or cookware (220) used in conjunction with the gas hob (110);
- determining (302) enhancement information regarding operation of the gas hob (110); and
rendering (303) a mixed reality image on a display (124); wherein the mixed reality image comprises a base image (210, 230) of the gas hob (110) and/or the cookware (220) and an enhancement image (211 , 212, 213, 231) overlaid with the base image (210, 230); wherein the enhancement image (211 , 212, 213, 231) is indicative of the enhancement information.
EP20727332.7A 2019-05-31 2020-05-27 Method and device for providing information regarding a gas hob Pending EP3977017A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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EP19382441 2019-05-31
PCT/EP2020/064692 WO2020239832A1 (en) 2019-05-31 2020-05-27 Method and device for providing information regarding a gas hob

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EP3977017A1 true EP3977017A1 (en) 2022-04-06

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CN116697414B (en) * 2023-05-17 2023-11-24 中关村科学城城市大脑股份有限公司 Intelligent security control method, intelligent security control device, electronic equipment and computer readable medium

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US9886162B2 (en) * 2014-06-02 2018-02-06 Qualcomm Incorporated Device-provided tracking data for augmented reality
US10007413B2 (en) * 2015-04-27 2018-06-26 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Mixed environment display of attached control elements
WO2017143224A1 (en) * 2016-02-18 2017-08-24 Meyer Intellectual Properties Limited Auxiliary button for a cooking system
US9791936B1 (en) * 2016-05-03 2017-10-17 Aram Kavach Audio and motion-based control of a personalized smart appliance, media, and methods of use

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