GB2508198A

GB2508198A - Cooking apparatus, controller and method for controlling a cooker

Info

Publication number: GB2508198A
Application number: GB1221108.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Roberts; James Meddick; Michael James; Glyn Hauser
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Current assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-23
Filing date: 2012-11-23
Publication date: 2014-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-23
Also published as: GB2508198B; GB201221108D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a cooking apparatus, a controller and a method for controlling a cooker such as an induction hob. The method includes reading a time of day cooking completion request value provided by a user interface of a controller unit that controls the cooker. An earliest cooking start time value is assigned with a current time of day value provided by the clock of the controller unit and the controller unit determines a maximum cooking time value based on the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value. The controller unit then processes the maximum cooking time value and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from a controller unit memory to determine a required cooking profile instruction set. The required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a load driver of the cooker.

Description

COOKING APPARATUS, CONTROLLER AND

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUCH AN APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking apparatus, controller and method for controlling a cooking apparatus. The invention is suitable for, but not necessarily limited to, controlling a cooking apparatus such as an induction hob.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Induction hobs are well known for domestic cooking. An induction hob works by having an electromagnetic coil which generates an electromagnetic field which permeates above a cooking surface, for example a glass or ceramic hob, to interact with a ferrous element of a cooking vessel, for example a sauce pan, frying pan or the like placed on the hob. The electromagnetic radiation induces eddy currents within the ferrous material, which leads to heating of the material and therefore heating of the pan or other cooking vessel.

[0003] Induction hobs are highly controllable, and more energy efficient than conventional electric hobs which rely on an electric heating element and thermal conduction from the electric heating element to a cooking vessel.

[0004] Using a typical known induction hob, cooking temperatures can be set similarly to a known electric cooking hob, for example on a scale of 1 to 5 there are heating levels of 0 (off), 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with 5 being the highest heat level. Using a conventional induction hob or electric hob, in order to cook a food item slowly, it is placed in a pan or other cooking vessel on the hob and a lowest heat level is applied. The slow cooking of food items is often desirable to many people as such slow cooking has been claimed to enhance flavour and tenderize meat. It would therefore be beneficial if hobs and other cooking apparatU could automatically determine a cooking profile with a maximum or relatively long cook time.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a cooking apparatus, the method being performed by a cooking apparatus controller unit having a clock, a user interface, a memory, and a controller with a connection interface connectable to a load driver of the cooking apparatus, the method comprising: reading a time of day cooking completion request value provided by the user interface; assigning an earliest cooking start time value with a current time of day value provided by the clock, the assigning being performed by the controller; determining a maximum cooking time value based on the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value; and processing the maximum cooking time value and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from the memory to determine a required cooking profile instruction set to be sent the connection interface, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver.

[0006] Suitably, the method further includes controlling a power output of the load driver with the driver output instructions.

[0007] Preferably, the maximum cooking time value is the time duration between the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value.

[0008] Suitably, the processing includes modifying at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.

[0009] Preferably, the processing includes modifying all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.

[0010] The elected cooking profile instruction set may have a pre-defined time duration for completion thereof, and the time multiplication factor is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value divided by the pre-defined time duration.

[0011] Suitably, the processing includes modifying at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.

[0012] Preferably, the processing includes modifying all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.

[0013] The temperature multiplication coefficient can be dependent on the time multiplication factor.

[0014] Suitably, the temperature multiplication coefficient decreases as the time multiplication factor increases.

[0015] Preferably, the temperature multiplication coefficient is obtained from a table in the memory.

[0016] The selected cooking profile instruction set may be selected by a user interacting with the user interface.

[0017] Suitably, the required cooking profile instruction set includes time dependent load drive power output instructions for controlling output power of the load driver.

[0018] Preferably, the time dependent load drive power output instructions are time indexed load driver instructions and wherein the controlling the power output of the load driver includes: determining a lapsed time value from the earliest cooking start time value; multiplying the lapsed time value by the time multiplication factor to find an instruction set time index value; selecting at least one of the load driver instructions corresponding to the instruction set time index value; and sending the selected load driver instructions to the connection interface.

[0019] Preferably, the load driver is coupled to the connection interface and the load driver is coupled to a load of the cooking apparatus, and wherein the selected load driver instructions control a power output of the driver.

[0020] Suitably, the the load is at least one coil of an induction hob.

[0021] Preferably, the method further includes: providing an appliance temperature signal indicative of a temperature of an appliance heated by the load; and adjusting the power output of the driver so that the appliance temperature signal corresponds to a desired temperature associated with the selected load driver instructions.

[0022] Suitably, the required cooking profile instruction set has time values that cannot exceed a maximum time duration threshold value.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cooking apparatus controller unit comprising: a controller with a connection interface connectable to a load driver of a cooking apparatus; a clock coupled to the controller; a user interface coupled to the controller; and a memory coupled to the controller, the memory storing at least one cooking profile control instruction set, wherein in use when a time of day cooking completion request value is sent to the controller from the user interface, the controller determines a maximum cooking time value based on a current time of day value provided by the clock and the time of day cooking completion request value, and wherein the maximum cooking time value and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from the memory are processed by the controller to determine a required cooking profile instruction set to be sent to the connection interface.

[0024] Suitably, the maximum cooking time value is the time duration between the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value.

[0025] Preferably, in use the controller modifies at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.

[0026] Suitably, in use the controller modifies all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.

[0027] The selected cooking profile instruction set may have a pre-defined time duration for completion thereof, and the time multiplication factor is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value divided by the pre-defined time duration.

[0028] Suitably, the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver and in use the controller modifies at least pad of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.

[0029] Preferably, the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver and in use the controller modifies all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.

[0030] The the temperature multiplication coefficient can be dependent on the time multiplication factor.

[0031] Suitably, the temperature multiplication coefficient decreases as the time multiplication factor increases.

[0032] Preferably, the temperature multiplication coefficient is obtained from a table in the memory.

[0033] Suitably, in use the user interface provides for selection of the cooking profiles instruction sets.

[0034] The required cooking profile instruction set may include time dependent load drive power output instructions for controlling output power of the load driver.

[0035] Preferably, the time dependent load drive power output instructions are time indexed load driver instructions stored in the memory and the controller in use determines a lapsed time value from the earliest cooking start time value, multiplies the lapsed time value by the time multiplication factor to find an instruction set time index value and thereafter sends the selected load driver instructions to the connection interface.

[0036] Suitably, the required cooking profile instruction set has time values that cannot exceed a maximum time duration threshold value.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cooking apparatus including the cooking apparatus controller unit of the second aspect of the present invention, the cooking apparatus including: a load driver coupled to the connection interface; and at least one load coupled to an output of the load driver.

[0038] Preferably, the load is load is at least one coil of an induction hob.

[0039] Suitably, there is a temperature sensor associated with the load.

[0040] Preferably, in use the temperature sensor provides the controller with an appliance temperature signal indicative of a temperature of an appliance heated by the load, the controller adjusts a power output of the driver so that the appliance temperature signal corresponds to a desired temperature associated with the selected load driver instructions.

[0041] Further aspects of the present invention are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically in perspective view an induction cooking set comprising an induction hob unit, a controller unit and a plurality of induction cooking appliances; Figure 2 illustrates schematically in view from above components of the induction hob unit and controller shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates schematically the induction hob unit and controller unit of Figure 1 immediately prior to engagement with each other; Figure 4 illustrates schematically the induction hob unit of Figure 1 in an assembled storage form, presenting a worktop surface; Figure 5 illustrates schematically a hob base unit, a work top unit and a tray unit of the induction hob unit of Figure 1, when the tray unit contains the controller unit of Figure 1 and a temperature sensor device and a; Figure 6 illustrates schematically an oven that is one of the of induction cooking appliances of Figure 1 placed on the hob base unit of Figure 5 which is coupled to the controller unit of Figure 1; Figure 7 illustrates schematically, in exploded view, components of the oven of Figure 6; Figure 8 illustrates schematically in view from above, the oven of Figure 6 with its cover removed; Figure 9 illustrate schematically in perspective view, a grill that is one of the of induction cooking appliances of Figure 1; Figure 10 illustrates schematically in exploded view, components of the grill of Figure 9; Figure 11 illustrates schematically in perspective view the grill of Figure 9 placed on the hob base unit of Figure 5 which is coupled to the controller unit of Figurel; Figure 12 illustrates schematically in perspective view the grill of Figure 9 set up for performing a grill function; Figure 13 illustrates schematically in perspective view the grill of Figure 9 set up as a griddle; Figure 14 illustrates schematically in exploded view of a rice steamer that is one of the of induction cooking appliances of Figure 1; Figure 15 illustrates schematically the rice steamer in use on the hob base unit of Figure 5 that is coupled to and controlled by the controller unit of Figure 5; Figure 16 illustrates schematically in perspective view, a slow cooker that is one of the of induction cooking appliances of Figure 1 placed on the hob base unit of Figure 5 which is coupled to the controller unit of Figure 1; Figure 17 illustrates schematically, in exploded view, components of the slow cooker; Figure 18 illustrates schematically, in exploded view, components of the steamer that is one of the of induction cooking appliances of Figure 1; Figure 19 illustrates schematically the steamer of Figure 18 in use on the top of the hob base unit of Figure 5 which is coupled to the controller unit of Figure 1; Figure 20 illustrates schematically the steamer of Figure 18 with first and second steamer compartment covers covering respective first and second steamer compartments; Figure 21 illustrates schematically a soup cauldron that is one of the of induction cooking appliances of Figure 1, in use on the top of the hob base unit of Figure 5 which is coupled to the controller unit of Figure 1; Figure 22 is a schematic block diagram illustrating circuitry of the hob base unit of Figure 5 and the cooking apparatus controller unit of Figure 1 when operatively coupled or engaged together in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is an example of a first cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 is an example of a first required cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 25 is an example of a second required cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 26 is an example of a second cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 27 is an example of a third required cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 28 is an example of a fourth required cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 29 is an example of a third cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 30 is an example of a fifth required cooking profile in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 31 illustrated a graphical representation of a look up table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 32 is a flow diagram of a method for controlling a cooking apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0043] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view, an induction cooking set comprising an induction hob 100, together with a set of induction powered cooking appliances 101 -106, and a cooking apparatus controller unit 107.

[0045] The induction hob unit 100 comprises one or a plurality of induction coils, positioned underneath an upper surface onto which the cooking appliances 101 -106 can be placed. Numerous types of cooking appliances may be placed used on the induction hob unit 100 and by way of example only the cooking appliances 101 -106 include: -aslowcookerlol; -a rice steamer 102; -a steamer 103; -agrilllO4; -a soup cauldron 105; and -anoven 106.

[0046] The cooking apparatus controller unit 107 can plug directly into the induction hob unit 100, for example by means of a USB connector or other similar or equivalent convenient electronic connector, or can communicate with the hob wirelessly using a known wireless protocol, for example Bluetooth or equivalent.

The cooking apparatus controller unit 107 may alternatively be integrated with the induction hob unit 100. The induction hob unit 100 can be controlled remotely from an application (app) on a mobile phone or hand held device, to set or program cooking parameters of the hob as hereinafter described. The induction hob unit 100 can also be controlled by directly entering commands into the cooking apparatus controller unit 107 using an interface provided on the controller, for setting cooking times and selecting pre-stored cooking programs or menus.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically in view from above components of the hob unit 100 and a cooking apparatus controller unit 107 shown in Figure 1.

[0048] The induction hob unit 100 comprises a hob base unit 200 which includes electrical circuitry and an associated electrical connector for connecting the circuitry to the controller unit 107; a molded plastics tray unit 201, having recesses suitable for holding the controller unit 107, and a temperature sensor device 202; and a work top unit 203, which can be either of wood, molded plastics material made to look like wood, granite, marble or other suitable worktop surface, which can be used as a cutting board.

[0049] Since the amount of kitchen worktop space is at a premium in a normal residential home, the hob unit is designed so that when not being used for cooking, it can be used as a chopping board, with the work top unit 203 presenting an upper surface suitable for use as a chopping board or general food preparation surface.

[0050] When the induction hob unit 100 is to be used for cooking, the work top unit 203 and tray unit 201 are lifted off the hob base unit 200, and the cooking apparatus controller unit 107 is removed from the tray unit 201 and plugged into the hob base unit 200, as shown in Figure 3.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically the hob base unit 200 and cooking apparatus controller unit 107 immediately prior to engagement with each other. The cooking apparatus controller unit 107 comprises a computer connector 301, for example a USB, connector which plugs into a corresponding socket in the hob base unit 200, so as to pass control signals between the controller unit 107 and the hob base unit 200.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4 herein, there is illustrated schematically the induction hob unit 100 in assembled form in which the work top unit 203 is placed on top of the hob base unit 200. The tray unit 201 stores the controller unit 107 and the temperature sensor device 202 (an electronic thermometer) can be placed underneath the work top unit 203, or can be stored separately, for example in a kitchen drawer. When the work top unit 203 is placed on top of the hob base unit 200, a kitchen cutting block of work surface is provided that makes the induction hob unit 100 less intrusive into kitchen worktop space when not in use.

[0053] Referring to Figure 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically the hob base unit 200, the worktop unit 203 and the tray unit 201, containing both the cooking apparatus controller unit 107 and the temperature sensor device 202.

This illustration shows how the tray unit 201 fits on top of the hob base unit 200 before it is covered by the worktop unit 203.

[0054] Referring to Figure 6 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view the oven 106, placed upon the hob base unit 200 which is coupled to the controller 107.

[0055] Referring to Figure 7 herein, there are shown in exploded view components of the oven 106. The oven 106 comprises a vessel 600, having handle portions 601, 602 at respective opposite ends of the vessel 600; a removable perforated plate 603 which fits inside the vessel 600 and rests upon a floor of the vessel 600; and a glass or ceramic lid or cover 604 having a handle 605 which fits snugly on top of the upper rim of the vessel 600.

[0056] Referring to Figure 8 herein, there is illustrated schematically in view from above, the oven 106 having the cover 604 removed. In use, the oven 106 is placed upon the hob base unit 200, which can be controlled by the controller 107. As shown, within the vessel 600 is placed the perforated plate 603, upon which food to be cooked can be placed. The vessel 600 comprises a ferrous material, which heats up by induction, when exposed to an alternating magnetic field created by the hob base unit 200. Heat generated by the ferrous material convects up through the perforated plate 603 in order to defrost food items placed within the cooking vessel on top of the perforated plate.

[0057] Referring to Figure 9 herein, there is shown in perspective view the grill 104, and referring to Figure 10 herein, there is illustrated schematically in exploded view components of the grill 104. The grill 104 comprises a grill base 900 having first and second handle portions 901, 902 respectively at opposite sides of the grill base 900; a grill platform 903 comprising a substantive rectangular outer rim portion 904 having respective first and second handle portions 905, 906 positioned at opposite ends of the outer rim portion 904, and extending between apposite sides of the outer rim portion 904, a plurality of cross members 907 (bars), with a plurality of elongate apertures or spaces therebetween, through which fat or juices can pass during cooking, onto the base member 900 below; a substantially flat plate griddle member 908 comprising a substantially flat plate 909 shaped to fit within the grill base 900, the flat plate griddle member 908 being provided with first and second handle portions 910, 911 at opposite sides of the flat plate 909; an upstanding overhead gantry 912 comprising a flat metal plate 913 having a plurality of elongate apertures for drainage of fat or cooking juices, and first and second substantially upright portions 914, 915, arranged to locate adjacent the handle portions 901, 902 so that the gantry 912 is raised above the base 900 with an air gap underneath; and a glass or ceramic hood or cover 916 having a circular handle 917.

[0058] For storage, the grill platform 903, griddle member 908 and gantry 912 all fit within the base unit 900 and are covered by the glass or ceramic cover 916.

[0059] Referring to Figure 11 herein, there is illustrated schematically the grill placed on the hob base unit 200 which is coupled to the controller unit 107.

As the hob base unit 200 is activated, it heats up the ferrous material of the grill 104 to provide heat thereby heating any food items placed on top of the grill platform, griddle member 908 or gantry 912. Juices or fats in the drip down and are collected in a reservoir formed on the upper surface of the grill base 900.

Cooking smells and heat can be contained within the immediate cooking area by placing the cover 916 over the grill base 900, the edges of which fit closely within an upright rim perimeter of the grill base 900.

[0060] Referring to Figure 12 herein, there is illustrated schematically the grill 104 set up for performing a grill function with the cover 916 removed.

[0061] Referring to Figure 13 herein, there is illustrated schematically in use, the grill device 104 set up as a griddle, using the griddle member 908 instead of the grill platform 903. The griddle member 907 fits closely within the upper peripheral outer rim of the grill base 900 to present an upper griddle surface 1301 for frying bacon, burgers, eggs, tomatoes or other food items. The cover 916 can be placed over the griddle to prevent spitting or splashing of fat when cooking, and to contain heat within the cooking area to promote improved cooking, and also to contain cooking vapors and cooking smells.

[0062] Referring to Figure 14 herein, there is illustrated schematically the rice steamer 102. The rice steamer 102 comprises a rice bowl 1400; a sieve compartment 1401 that fits within the rice bowl 1400; and a lid or cover 1402, that has a handle 1403.

[0063] The rice bowl 1400 may be made from a range of suitable materials, but has at its base, a ferrous material to enable it to be inductively heated. In use, water is placed into the rice bowl 1400, which is heated inductively by placing the rice bowl 1400 on the induction hob base unit 200.

Rice is placed within the removable sieve compartment 1401. The sieve compartment 1401 comprises an outer upright rim wall 1405, having first and second handles 1406, 1407 at opposing respective first and second sides. In use, rice is deposited into the sieve compartment l4olwhich is then placed into hot or boiling water in the rice bowl 1400. The sieve compartment 1401 can be lifted out of the rice bowl 1400 using the two handles 1406, 1407 which are designed to nest within the pair of handles of the rice bowl 1400.

[0064] Referring to Figure 15 herein, there is illustrated schematically the rice steamer 102 in use on the induction hob base unit 200 that is coupled to and controlled by the controller 107.

[0065] Referring to Figure 16 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view the slow cooker 101, placed upon top of the hob base unit 200, under control of the controller 107.

[0066] Referring to Figure 17 herein, there is illustrated, in exploded view, components of the slow cooker 101. The components of the slow cooker 101 includes a high walled hollow cooker vessel 1600 which can be of a ceramic, metal or high temperature resistant plastics material, having a ferrous base suitable for heating by induction; a steamer tray 1601 which fits inside the cooking vessel 1600 and is suspended by first and second handles 1602, 1603 on respective opposite ends of the tray 1601; and a glass or ceramic cover or lid 1604 shaped so as to close off an upper aperture of the vessel. The lid 1604 is provided with a circular handle 1605 having a circular recess, into which can be placed a wooden or plastics insert 1606. The wooden or plastics insert 1606 has a pair of groves for holding a spoon 1607 or other cooking utensil on top of the slow cooker, without the utensil becoming too hot to handle.

[0067] Referring to Figure 18 herein, there are illustrated schematically components of the steamer 103.

[0068] The steamer 103 comprises a steamer base unit 1800; a first steamer compartment 1801, a first steamer lid 1802; and a first steamer compartment cover 1803; a second steamer compartment 1804; a second steamer lid 1805; and a second steamer compartment cover 1806.

[0069] The steamer base unit 1800 comprises a water reservoir, which is heated by a ferrous material through induction from the hob base unit 200. Over the reservoir is provided a platform having first and second perforated regions 1808, 1809 respectively. Over each perforated region, the respective first or second steamer compartment 1801, 1804 can be placed. Water is heated up in the reservoir via a ferrous material which is inductively heated, to create steam.

Steam permeates through the apertures in the upper surface of the base unit 1800 and through a set of apertures floors of the steamer compartments 1801, 1804 and into the steamer compartments 1801, 1804 to cook food placed there within.

[0070] In the embodiments shown, there are two steamer compartments 1801, 1804 that can be heated separately from steam from the corresponding respective first or second perforated regions 1808, 1809. If only one steamer compartment is to be used, one of the perforated regions 1808, 1809 can be blocked off using a corresponding sliding shutter mechanism that is selectively operated by respective sliding handles 1810, 1811.

[0071] In the embodiments shown, there are two perforated regions 1808, 1809 on the base unit 1800, which supply steam to two steam compartments 1801, 1804. However, in other embodiments, there may be a single perforated region (providing a steam outlet area) and a single steamer compartment, or in yet further embodiments, there may be either 3 or 4 separate steamer compartments, each having a separate steam feeding region on which it is placed on the steamer base unit 1800, with corresponding steam outlet control shutters.

[0072] Referring to Figure 19 herein, there is illustrated schematically the steamer 103 in use on top of the bob base unit 200 which is coupled to the controller unit 107.

[0073] Referring to Figure 20 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view, the steamer 103 with first and second steamer compartment covers 1803, 1804 covering respective first and second steamer compartments 1801, 1804. The first and second steamer compartment covers 1803, 1804 can offer a work top surface for food preparation when food preparation space is limited.

[0074] Referring to Figure 21 herein, there is illustrated schematically a soup cauldron 105 in use on the top of the hob base unit 200 which is coupled to the controller unit 107. The soup cauldron 105 comprises a frusto-conically shaped transparent vessel 2101 having a base with an inductively heated ferrous heating element 2102, a pair of handles 2103, 2104 attached at an upper end of the transparent vessel 2102; and a transparent lid 2105 which rests on top and forms a closure for the vessel 2101. There is also a circular handle 2106 centrally disposed on the transparent lid 2105.

[0075] Referring to Figure 22 herein, there is shown a schematic block diagram illustrating circuitry 2200 of the hob base unit 200 and the cooking apparatus controller unit 107 when operatively coupled or engaged together in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cooking apparatus controller unit 107 includes a controller 2205 with a connection interface 2210 connectable to a load driver 2215 of a cooking apparatus which is in this embodiment is the hob base unit 200. The connection interface 2210 is typically the USB connector or other similar or equivalent convenient electronic connector and can even be a wireless connector. In another embodiment, as mentioned above, the cooking apparatus controller unit 107 and hob base unit (cooking apparatus) may be integrated into a single unit.

[0076] There is a clock 2220 coupled to the controller 2205 and a user interface 2225 is also coupled to the controller 2205. The user interface 2225 has a visual display 2230 and user controls 2235 for allowing a user to view and select: menus; time settings; cooking profiles; hob region (cooking ring) selection; temperature settings; and other cooking requests and data associated with the cooking apparatus or hob base unit 200. In this regard, the user controls 2235 may be a touch screen and both the user controls 2235 and visual display 2230 can be integrated into a single touch screen region. There is a memory 2240 coupled to the controller 2205 and the memory stores cooking profile control instruction sets IS that are described later herein.

[0077] The hob base unit 200 (cooking apparatus) includes a two loads 2245 and 2250 coupled to drive outputs of the driver 2215. The loads 2245 and 2250 in this embodiment are induction hob coils as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Associated with each of the loads 2245 and 2250 are respective temperature sensors 2255 and 2260 that are positioned proximal (typically at central location) to their respective load 2245, 2250. The temperature sensors 2255 and 2260 are typically flush with an appliance support surface of the hob base unit 200 so that the temperature sensors 2255 and 2260 can monitor temperatures of, for instance, any of the cooking appliances 101 to 106 heated by magnetic fields generated by pulses applied to the loads 2245, 2250 from the load driver 2215.

[0078] Referring to Figure 23 herein, there is illustrated an example of a first cooking profile 2300 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the first cooking profile 2300 is a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Id against time T and is representative of a first cooking profile instruction set IS1 stored in the memory 2240. The first cooking profile 2300 has four major distinguishable cooking periods Ii, T2, T3, and T4. During period Ti, after an initial temperature increase (from room temperature), the desired cooking appliance temperature Td remains substantially constant and then transitions during cooking period T2 into a rapid temperature increase during period 13. The desired cooking appliance temperature Td is at a maximum and constant cooking profile temperature during the final cooking period 14.

[0079] Referring to Figure 24 herein, there is illustrated an example of a first required cooking profile 2400 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the first required cooking profile 2400 is a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Td against time I and is representative of a first required cooking profile instruction set ISR1 determined or generated from the first cooking profile instruction set 151. The first required cooking profile instruction set ISR1 is determined by processing a maximum cooking time value TMAX and the first cocking profile instruction set 151. More specifically, the processing includes modifying all of the first cooking profile instruction set 151 by a time multiplication factor ME to thereby determine the first required cooking profile instruction set ISR1.

[0080] The first cooking profile instruction set 151 has a pre-defined time duration which is the sum of the cooking periods Ti to T4 and the time multiplication factor MF is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value TMA)( divided by the pre-defined time duration. Thus, if the pre-defined time duration of the first cooking profile instruction set IS1 is 2 hours and the maximum cooking time value is 2 hours 30 minutes then the time multiplication factor ME will be 1.15 and each cooking period Ti to T4 is increased by a factor of 1.15.

[0081] Referring to Figure 25 herein, there is illustrated an example of a second required cooking profile 2500 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the second required cooking profile 2500 is also a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Id against time T and is representative of a second required cooking profile instruction set ISR2 determined or generated from the first cooking profile instruction set IS1. The second required cooking profile instruction set ISR2 is determined by processing the maximum cooking time value TMAX and the first cooking profile instruction set 151. More specifically, the processing includes modifying part (cooking period Ti) of the first cooking profile instruction set IS1 by a time multiplication factor ME to thereby determine the second required cooking profile instruction set ISR2.

[0082] The time multiplication factor ME is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value TMAX divided by the pre-defined time duration.

Thus, if the pre-defined time duration of the first cooking profile instruction set ISi is 2 hours and the maximum cooking time value is 3 hours then the time multiplication factor ME will be i.5 and cooking period Ti for the second required cooking profile instruction set ISR2 becomes: 1.5 * (Ti + T2 + T3 + T4) -(12 + T3 + T4), and cooking periods 12 to T4 are unaltered.

[0083] Referring to Figure 26 herein, there is illustrated an example of a second cooking profile 2600 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the second cooking profile 2600 is a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Id against time T and is representative of a second cooking profile instruction set 1S2 stored in the memory 2240. The second cooking profile 2600 has three major distinguishable cooking periods Ti, T2,andT3.

[0084] Referring to Figure 27 herein, there is illustrated an example of a third required cooking profile 2700 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the third required cooking profile 2700 is a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Td against time I and is representative of a third required cooking profile instruction set ISR3 determined or generated from the second cooking profile instruction set 1S2. The third required cooking profile instruction set ISR3 is determined by processing the maximum cooking time value TMAX and the second cooking profile instruction set 152. More specifically, the processing includes modifying all of the second cooking profile instruction set 1S2 by a time multiplication factor ME to thereby determine the third required cooking profile instruction set ISR3. Thus, if the pre-defined time duration of the second cooking profile instruction set 1S2 is 2 hours and the maximum cooking time value is 5 hours then the time multiplication factor MF will be 2.5 and each cooking period Ti to T3 is increased by a factor of 2.5.

[0085] Referring to Figure 28 herein, there is illustrated an example of a fourth required cooking profile 2800 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the fourth required cooking profile 2800 is also a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Td against time I and is representative of a fourth required cooking profile instruction set ISR4 determined or generated from the second cooking profile instruction set 1S2. The fourth required cooking profile instruction set ISR4 is determined by processing the maximum cooking time value TMAX and the second cooking profile instruction set 1S2. More specifically, the processing includes modifying part (cooking period T2) of the second cooking profile instruction set 1S2 by a time multiplication factor ME to thereby determine the fourth required cooking profile instruction set ISR4.

[0086] Again, the time multiplication factor ME is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value divided by the pre-defined time duration. Thus, if the pre-defined time duration of the second cooking profile instruction set 1S2 is 2 hours and the maximum cooking time value is 6 hours then the time multiplication factor ME will be 3 and cooking period T2 becomes: 3 * (Ti + T2 + T3) -Ti, and cooking periods Ti and T3 are unaltered.

[0087] Referring to Figure 29 herein, there is illustrated an example of a third cooking profile 2900 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the third cooking profile 2900 is a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Id against time T and is representative of a third cooking profile instruction set 1S3 stored in the memory 2240. The third cooking profile 2900 has two major distinguishable cooking periods Ti and 12, wherein during period T2 the maximum temperature Ki is maintained constantly.

[0088] Referring to Figure 30 herein, there is illustrated an example of a fifth required cooking profile 3000 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the fifth required cooking profile 3000 is a graph of desired cooking appliance temperature Td against time I and is representative of a required cooking profile instruction set ISR5 determined or generated from the third cooking profile instruction set 1S3. The fifth required cooking profile instruction set ISR5 is determined by processing the maximum cooking time value IMAX and the third cooking profile instruction set 1S3. More specifically, the processing includes modifying all of the third cooking profile instruction set 1S3 by a time multiplication factor MF to thereby determine the required fifth cooking profile instruction set ISR5. Thus, if the pre-defined time duration of the third cooking profile instruction set 1S3 is 3 hours and the maximum cooking time value is 7.5 hours then the time multiplication factor ME will be 2.5 and the cooking period 12 for the fifth required cooking profile instruction set ISR5 becomes: 2.5 * (Ti + T2) -Ti, and cooking period Ti is unaltered.

[0089] It should be noted, as above both of the cooking periods Ti and T2 may be modified by the multiplication factor ME. Also, as well as the time cooking periods Ti and 12 being modified, the selected cooking profile instruction set 1S3 can be modified by a temperature multiplication coefficient Ic to thereby determine the fifth required cooking profile instruction set ISR5 or any required instruction set such as instruction sets ISRi To ISR4. More specifically, the temperature multiplication coefficient Tc adjusts/modifies the driver output instructions Doi in the selected cooking profile instruction set 1S3 and these driver output instructions Doi are used for controlling power provided at the drive outputs of the load driver 2215.

[0090] As shown, the fifth required cooking profile 3000 has been modified by the temperature multiplication coefficient Tc so that the maximum temperature has been reduced from Ki to K2. The temperature multiplication coefficient Tc is dependent on the time multiplication factor ME and it decreases as the time multiplication factor MF increases. Thus, the maximum temperature K2 is determined by multiplying the maximum temperature Ki by the appropriate temperature multiplication coefficient Tc.

[0091] Referring to Figure 31 herein, there is illustrated a graphical representation of a look up table 3100 stored in the memory 2240 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The look up table 3100 includes time multiplication factor MF values from MFmin to MFmax and temperature multiplication coefficients Tc from Tcmin to Tcmax. When the time multiplication factor MF is 1 then the temperature multiplication coefficient Tc is also 1, when the time multiplication factor MF is greater than 1 the temperature multiplication coefficient Tc is less than 1, and when the time multiplication factor MF is less than 1 then the temperature multiplication coefficient Tc is greater than 1. Although the graphical representation of a look up table 3100 illustrates a linear relationship, this may not necessarily be the case and non-linear relationships between multiplication factor MF is 1 and the temperature multiplication coefficients Tc are possible as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0092] Referring to Figure 32 herein, there is a flow diagram of a method 3200 for controlling a cooking apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The method 3200 is performed by a cooking apparatus controller unit such as the cooking apparatus controller unit 107 and the cooking apparatus is typically the hob base unit 200. The method 3200, at a reading block 3205, performs reading a time of day cooking completion request value Vcomp provided by the user interface 2225. This time of day cooking completion request value Vcomp is input by a user entering a time value at the user controls 2235, the time value being the time of day when the user requires food cooked in a cooking appliance (e.g. one of the appliances 101 to 106 seated on the hob base unit 200) to be ready for eating.

[0093] At an assigning block 3210, the controller 2205 assigns and stores in the memory 2240 an earliest cooking start time value Vearl with a current time of day value Vcur provided by the clock 2220. Then at a determining block 3215, a maximum cooking time value Vm is based on the earliest cooking start time value Vearl and the time of day cooking completion request value Vcomp. More specifically, the maximum cooking time value Vm is the time duration between the earliest cooking start time value Vearl and the time of day cooking completion request value Vcomp.

[0094] At a processing block 3220, the method 3200 processes the maximum cooking time value Vm and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from the memory 2240 to determine a required cooking profile instruction set to be sent the connection interface 2210. For instance the selected cooking profile instruction set can one of the cooking profile instruction sets IS1 to 153 as mentioned above and can be selected by actuation of the user controls 2235 or automatically by detection of the appliance situated on the hob base unit 200.

Also, the required cooking profile instruction set can be one of the required cooking profile instruction sets ISR1 to ISR5 as mentioned above and includes the driver output instructions Doi for controlling a power output of the load driver 2215. For ease of explanation, the selected cooking profile instruction set will considered to be the third cooking profile instruction set 153 and the required cooking profile instruction set is the fifth required cooking profile instruction set ISR5. Thus, the fifth required cooking profile instruction set ISR5 is the third cooking profile instruction set 153 with the cooking period T2 multiplied by the multiplication factor MF whilst cooking period Ti is unchanged. However, in other embodiments more than one or all of the cooking periods can be 12 multiplied by the multiplication factor MF as described above.

[0095] The processing block 3220 may also perform modifying at least part of or all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by the abovementioned temperature multiplication coefficient Tc to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set ISR5. In this regard, the temperature multiplication coefficient Tc adjusts/modifies the driver output instructions Doi in the selected cooking profile instruction set 1S3. It should be noted that a selected cooking profile instruction set 153 will have a minimum cooking time threshold requirement and if the maximum cooking time value Vm is below the minimum cooking time threshold requirement the method 3200 will inform a user via the user interface 2225. Also, a the method 3200 will calculate and display a revised time of day cooking completion time request value Vcomp so that the maximum cooking time value Vn meets the minimum cooking time threshold requirement. At a test block 3225 the user can either accept the revised time of day cooking completion time request value Vcomp or decide to terminate the method 3200 by entering a suitable command at the user interface 2225. If a termination command is entered at test block 3225 the method 3200 terminates at an end block 3260, otherwise the method 3200 continues by controlling a power output of the load driver 2215 with the driver output instructions Doi. This controlling includes the processes of blocks 3230 to 3255 as described below.

[0096] The required cooking profile instruction set ISR5 includes time dependent load drive power output instructions for controlling output power of the load driver 2215. These time dependent load drive power output instructions are time indexed load driver instructions and the method 3200, at the determining block 3230, determines a lapsed time value Vlapsed from the earliest cooking start time value Vearl and thereafter, at a multiplying block 3235, the controller 2205 selectively multiplies the lapsed time value Vlapsed by the time multiplication factor ME to find an instruction set time index value Vindx.

[0097] At a selecting block 3240, at least one of the load driver output instructions Doi corresponding to the instruction set time index value Vindx is selected and at a sending block 3245 the selected load driver output instructions Doi are sent to the load driver 2215 via the connection interface 2210 [0098] Since the selected load driver instructions Doi control the power output of the load driver 2215, the heat, directly or indirectly, generated by the load 2245 or 2250 can be controlled to cook food according to the required temperature profile. The cooking temperature may monitored by the respective temperature sensors 2255 and 2260 and the method 3200 may thereby provide at a providing block 3250, an appliance temperature signal indicative of a temperature of an appliance heated by the load 2245 or 2250, the appliance temperature signal being provided by a respective temperature sensor 2255 or 2260. At an adjusting block 3255 the power output of the load driver 2215 is adjusted, if required, so that the appliance temperature signal corresponds to a desired temperature associated with the selected load driver instructions Doi.

The method 3260 then terminates at the end block 3260.

[0099] Advantageously, the present invention allows for automatically determining a maximum cooking time when the user inputs the time of day cooking completion request. Accordingly, the longest possible or maximum cooking time can be used to determine a required cooking profile instruction set for controlling a cooking apparatus (e.g. an induction hob) so that food being cooked by or in an appliance heated by the cooking apparatus can be slow cooked. For instance, if the slow cooker 101 cooking appliance is place on a cooking ring region adjacent load 2250 (induction coil) of the hob base unit 200, the user can select via the user interface the desired cooking profile (e.g. slow cooking of a 3Kg leg of lamb) selected at via the user interface 2225 and a desired cooking completion time (e.g. 7.3Opm) which is also selected at via the user interface 2225.

[0100] The desired cooking completion time is the time of day cooking completion request value Vcomp and the current time of day value Vcur is typically the time of day identified by the clock 2220 after the user has entered the desired cooking completion time and the required (desired) cooking profile is selected (by the user or automatically). The maximum cooking time value is then determined and thus if the desired cooking completion time was entered at 1pm, the maximum cooking time value Vrn is 7.3Opm -1pm = 6 hours 30 minutes.

The cooking profile instruction set for the required cooking profile is then processed in view of the maximum cooking time value Vm to determine the required instruction set for controlling load driver 2215 that drives the load 2250.

Thus, if the required cooking profile corresponds to a cooking time of 2 hours, the time multiplication factor ME is 6.5 hours! 2 hours = 3.25 and one or more cooking periods (Ti T2 etc.) of the required cooking profile will be increased as described above. It should also be noted that in certain circumstance the time multiplication factor MF may be excessively large, for instance if the desired cooking completion time was entered at 6am and the desired cooking completion time is 9pm then the time multiplication factor ME would be 15!2 = 7.5.

Accordingly, each of the required cooking profile instruction sets have time values that cannot exceed a maximum time duration threshold value that is stored in the memory 2240 and thus an additional period TO may be inserted into the required instruction set for controlling load driver 2215, wherein this additional period TO represents a delay in the start of the cooking. Alternatively, the present invention may simply delay the start of the cooking profile by a period (equivalent to the period TO) as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for controlling a cooking apparatus, the method being performed by a cooking apparatus controller unit having a clock, a user interface, a memory, and a controller with a connection interface connectable to a load driver of the cooking apparatus, the method comprising: reading a time of day cooking completion request value provided by the user interface; assigning an earliest cooking start time value with a current time of day value provided by the clock, the assigning being performed by the controller; determining a maximum cooking time value based on the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value; and processing the maximum cooking time value and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from the memory to determine a required cooking profile instruction set to be sent the connection interface, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver.
2. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further including controlling a power output of the load driver with the driver output instructions.
3. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the maximum cooking time value is the time duration between the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value.
4. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the processing includes modifying at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.
5. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the processing includes modifying all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.
6. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the selected cooking profile instruction set has a pre-defined time duration for completion thereof, and the time multiplication factor is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value divided by the pre-defined time duration.
7. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim or claim 6, wherein the processing includes modifying at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.
8. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim or claim 6, wherein the processing includes modifying all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.
9. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is dependent on the time multiplication factor.
10. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient decreases as the time multiplication factor increases.
11. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is obtained from a table in the memory.
12. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the selected cooking profile instruction set is selected by a user interacting with the user interface.
13. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes time dependent load drive power output instructions for controlling output power of the load driver.
14. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the time dependent load drive power output instructions are time indexed load driver instructions and wherein the controlling the power output of the load driver includes: determining a lapsed time value from the earliest cooking start time value; multiplying the lapsed time value by the time multiplication factor to find an instruction set time index value; selecting at least one of the load driver instructions corresponding to the instruction set time index value; and sending the selected load driver instructions to the connection interface.
15. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the load driver is coupled to the connection interface and the load driver is coupled to a load of the cooking apparatus, and wherein the selected load driver instructions control a power output of the driver.
16. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the load is at least one coil of an induction hob.
17. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim l5or claim 16, further including: providing an appliance temperature signal indicative of a temperature of an appliance heated by the load; and adjusting the power output of the driver so that the appliance temperature signal corresponds to a desired temperature associated with the selected load driver instructions.
18. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, the required cooking profile instruction set has time values that cannot exceed a maximum time duration threshold value.
19. A cooking apparatus controller unit comprising: a controller with a connection interface connectable to a load driver of a cooking apparatus; a clock coupled to the controller; a user interface coupled to the controller; and a memory coupled to the controller, the memory storing at least one cooking profile control instruction set, wherein in use when a time of day cooking completion request value is sent to the controller from the user interface, the controller determines a maximum cooking time value based on a current time of day value provided by the clock and the time of day cooking completion request value, and wherein the maximum cooking time value and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from the memory are processed by the controller to determine a required cooking profile instruction set to be sent to the connection interface.
20. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 19, wherein the maximum cooking time value is the time duration between the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value.
21. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein in use the controller modifies at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.
22. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein in use the controller modifies all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.
23. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the selected cooking profile instruction set has a pre-defined time duration for completion thereof, and the time multiplication factor is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value divided by the pre-defined time duration.
24. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver and in use the controller modifies at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.
25. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver and in use the controller modifies all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.
26. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is dependent on the time multiplication factor.
27. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 26, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient decreases as the time multiplication factor increases.
28. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is obtained from atable in the memory.
29. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein in use the user interface provides for selection of the cooking profiles instruction sets.
30. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes time dependent load drive power output instructions for controlling output power of the load driver.
31. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 30, wherein the time dependent load drive power output instructions are time indexed load driver instructions stored in the memory and the controller in use determines a lapsed time value from the earliest cooking start time value, multiplies the the lapsed time value by the time multiplication factor to find an instruction set time index value and thereafter sends the selected load driver instructions to the connection interface.
32. The cooking apparatus controller, as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set has time values that cannot exceed a maximum time duration threshold value.
33. A cooking apparatus including the cooking apparatus controller unit as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 32, the cooking apparatus including: a load driver coupled to the connection interface; and at least one load coupled to an output of the load driver.
34. The cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 33, wherein the load is load is at least one coil of an induction hob.
35. The cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 33 or claim 34, further including a temperature sensor associated with the load.
36. The cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 35, wherein in use the temperature sensor provides the controller with an appliance temperature signal indicative of a temperature of an appliance heated by the load, the controller adjusts a power output of the driver so that the appliance temperature signal corresponds to a desired temperature associated with the selected load driver instructions.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims 1. A method for controlling a cooking apparatus, the method being performed by a cooking apparatus controller unit having a clock, a user interface, a memory, and a controller with a connection interface connectable to a load driver of the cooking apparatus, the method comprising: reading a time of day cooking completion request value provided by the user interface; assigning an earliest cooking start time value with a current time of day value provided by the clock, the assigning being performed by the controller; ::::. determining a maximum cooking time value based on the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value; and processing the maximum cooking time value and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from the memory to determine a required cooking profile instruction set to be sent to the connection interface, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver.2. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further including controlling a power output of the load driver with the driver output instructions.3. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the maximum cooking time value is the time duration between the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value.4. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the processing includes modifying at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.S5. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the processing includes modifying all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set. es6. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim * * 4 or claim 5, wherein the selected cooking profile instruction set has a pre- : *.* defined time duration for completion thereof, and the time multiplication factor is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value divided by the pre-defined time duration. * ** * * . ****7. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim or claim 6, wherein the processing includes modifying at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.8. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim or claim 6, wherein the processing includes modifying all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.9. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is dependent on the time multiplication factor.10. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim S or claim 9, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient decreases as the time multiplication factor increases.11. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is obtained from a table in the memory.* * 12. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the selected cooking profile instruction set is selected by a user interacting with the user interface.13. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes time dependent load drive power output instructions for controlling output power of the load driver.14. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the time dependent load drive power output instructions are time indexed load driver instructions and wherein the controlling the power output of the load driver includes: determining a lapsed time value from the earliest cooking start time value: multiplying the lapsed time value by the time multiplication factor to find an instruction set time index value; selecting at least one of the load driver instructions corresponding to the instruction set time index value; and sending the selected load driver instructions to the connection interface.S15. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the load driver is coupled to the connection interface and the load driver is coupled to a load of the cooking apparatus, and wherein the selected load driver instructions control a power output of the driver.:.. 16. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the load is at least one coil of an induction hob.17. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, further including: : *e* providing an appliance temperature signal indicative of a temperature of an 0*** appliance heated by the load; and adjusting the power output of the driver so that the appliance temperature signal corresponds to a desired temperature associated with the selected load driver instructions.16. The method for controlling a cooking apparatus, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set has time values that cannot exceed a maximum time duration threshold value.19. A cooking apparatus controller unit comprising: a controller with a connection interlace connectable to a load driver of a cooking apparatus; a clock coupled to the controller; a user interface coupled to the controller; and a memory coupled to the controller, the memory storing at least one cooking profile control instruction set, wherein in use when a time of day cooking completion request value is sent to the controller from the user interlace, the controller determines a maximum cooking time value based on a current time of day value provided by the clock and the time of day cooking completion request value, * . * * . and wherein the maximum cooking time value and a selected cooking profile instruction set read from the memory are processed by the controller to determine a required cooking profile instruction set to be sent to the connection interface. *.20. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 19, wherein the maximum cooking time value is the time duration between the earliest cooking start time value and the time of day cooking completion request value.21. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein in use the controller modifies at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.22. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein in use the controller modifies all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a time multiplication factor to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set.2& The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the selected cooking profile instruction set has a pre-defined time duration for completion thereof, and the time multiplication factor is calculated by a ratio of the maximum cooking time value divided by the pre-defined time duration.24. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver and in use the controller modifies at least part of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies * the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set. 4 * * 4 *25. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes driver output instructions for controlling a power output of the load driver and in use the controller modifies all of the selected cooking profile instruction set by a temperature multiplication coefficient to thereby determine the required cooking profile instruction set, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient modifies the driver output instructions in the selected cooking profile instruction set.26. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is dependent on the time multiplication factor.27. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 26, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient decreases as the time multiplication factor increases.28. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the temperature multiplication coefficient is obtained from atable in the memory.29. The cocking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein in use the user interface provides for selection of the cooking profiles instruction sets.30. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set includes time dependent load drive power output instructions for controlling output power of the load driver.31. The cooking apparatus controller unit, as claimed in claim 30, wherein the time dependent load drive power output instructions are time indexed load driver instructions stored in the memory and the controller in use determines * a lapsed time value from the earliest cooking start time value, multiplies the the : *. lapsed time value by the time multiplication factor to find an instruction set time index value and thereafter sends the selected load driver instructions to the connection interface. * S. *32. The cooking apparatus controller, as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the required cooking profile instruction set has time values that cannot exceed a maximum time duration threshold value.33. A cooking apparatus including the cooking apparatus controller unit as claimed in any one of daims 19 to 32, the cooking apparatus including: a load driver coupled to the connection interface; and at least one load coupled to an output of the load driver.34. The cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 33, wherein the load is load is at least one coil of an induction hob.35. The cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 33 or claim 34, further including a temperature sensor associated with the load.36. The cooking apparatus, as claimed in claim 35, wherein in use the temperature sensor provides the controller with an appliance temperature signal indicative of a temperature of an appliance heated by the load, the controller adjusts a power output of the driver so that the appliance temperature signal s corresponds to a desired temperature associated with the selected load driver instructions. S. *S * . . * . t *5e*S * * * .5 * . S fl. * ** S **.* S..