WO2021239233A1 - Dispositif, système et procédé de commande d'un four à micro-ondes - Google Patents

Dispositif, système et procédé de commande d'un four à micro-ondes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021239233A1
WO2021239233A1 PCT/EP2020/064859 EP2020064859W WO2021239233A1 WO 2021239233 A1 WO2021239233 A1 WO 2021239233A1 EP 2020064859 W EP2020064859 W EP 2020064859W WO 2021239233 A1 WO2021239233 A1 WO 2021239233A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
sensor assembly
microwave oven
dependence
heating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/064859
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kristian LINDBERG-POULSEN
Henrik Schneider
Original Assignee
Senserna A/S
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 Senserna A/S filed Critical Senserna A/S
Priority to PCT/EP2020/064859 priority Critical patent/WO2021239233A1/fr
Publication of WO2021239233A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021239233A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/6447—Method of operation or details of the microwave heating apparatus related to the use of detectors or sensors
    • H05B6/6467—Method of operation or details of the microwave heating apparatus related to the use of detectors or sensors using detectors with R.F. transmitters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/6447—Method of operation or details of the microwave heating apparatus related to the use of detectors or sensors
    • H05B6/645—Method of operation or details of the microwave heating apparatus related to the use of detectors or sensors using temperature sensors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to microwave ovens, sensor assemblies, systems comprising a microwave oven and a sensor assembly, and corresponding methods.
  • WO2016162498, WO2016162499, and WO2018069395 each disclose a microwave oven and a sensor assembly powered by microwave radiation, wherein the sensor assembly is configured for harvesting energy from microwave radiation emitted within a heating chamber of the microwave oven and energize the sensor assembly by means of the harvested microwave energy.
  • the microwave powered sensor assembly is configured for measuring temperature within the heating chamber and for transmitting the measured temperature values outside the heating chamber.
  • the inventors have realized a need to overcome the abovementioned and other shortcomings of the prior art.
  • the inventors have realized a need for providing a microwave oven, a sensor assembly, a system, and a corresponding method for controlling a microwave oven, such as for improving control of a microwave oven.
  • the inventors have realized that operation of a microwave oven may depend on the sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber and/of may depend on information of such sensor assembly. Accordingly, it may be desired to provide control of a microwave oven being dependent on the sensor assembly present within the heating chamber.
  • a method for controlling a microwave oven comprises: providing first data in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature using a sensor assembly within a heating chamber of a microwave oven; accessing second data stored by the sensor assembly; providing control data in dependence of the first data and the second data; and controlling the microwave oven in dependence of the control data.
  • the method according to the first aspect comprises communicating sensor assembly data wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber to the microwave oven, wherein the sensor assembly data comprises the control data or comprises the first data and the second data.
  • a microwave oven comprising: a heating chamber; a second communication module; and a second controller module.
  • the second communication module is configured for receiving sensor assembly data wirelessly from a sensor assembly within the heating chamber, wherein the sensor assembly data comprises first data and second data, or wherein the sensor assembly data comprises first control data provided in dependence of the first data and the second data, wherein the first data is provided in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature within the heating chamber using the sensor assembly, and wherein the second data is provided by accessing the second data stored by the sensor assembly.
  • the second controller module is configured for controlling the microwave oven in dependence of the first control data or in dependence of second control data, wherein the second controller module is configured for providing the second control data in dependence of the first data and the second data of the sensor assembly data.
  • a sensor assembly for a heating chamber of a microwave oven.
  • the sensor assembly comprises: a temperature sensor module; a first data storage module; a first controller module; and a first communication module.
  • the temperature sensor module is configured for measuring temperature within the heating chamber.
  • the first data storage module is storing and/or is configured for storing second data.
  • the first controller module is configured for: providing first data in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature using the temperature sensor module; and accessing second data stored by the first data storage module.
  • the first controller module may be configured for providing first control data in dependence of the first data and the second data.
  • the first communication module is configured for transmitting sensor assembly data wirelessly to the microwave oven from within the heating chamber, wherein the sensor assembly data comprises the first data and the second data, or wherein the sensor assembly data comprises the first control data.
  • a microwave oven such as a microwave oven according to the second aspect of the present invention
  • a sensor assembly such as a sensor assembly according to the third aspect of the present invention.
  • the microwave oven of the system comprises: a heating chamber; a second communication module; and a second controller module.
  • the second communication module is configured for receiving sensor assembly data wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the second controller module is configured for controlling the microwave oven in dependence of control data comprising first control data or second control data.
  • the second controller module may be configured for providing the second control data in dependence of first data and second data of sensor assembly data.
  • the sensor assembly of the system comprises: a temperature sensor module; a first data storage module; a first controller module; and a first communication module.
  • the sensor assembly of the system is configured for being within the heating chamber of the microwave oven during heating.
  • the temperature sensor module is configured for measuring temperature within the heating chamber.
  • the first data storage module is storing and/or is configured for storing second data.
  • the first controller module is configured for: providing first data in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature using the temperature sensor module; and accessing second data stored by the data storage module.
  • the first controller module may be configured for providing first control data in dependence of the first data and the second data.
  • the first communication module is configured for transmitting the sensor assembly data wirelessly to the microwave oven, wherein the sensor assembly data comprises the first data and the second data, or wherein the sensor assembly data comprises the first control data. Any one or more of the following may be configured for carrying out the method according to the present invention: the microwave oven; the sensor assembly; and the system.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a microwave oven according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a sensor assembly according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a system according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 3 during an exemplary use of the embodiment.
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a first embodiment of a method according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a second embodiment of a method according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a third embodiment of a method according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a method according to the present invention.
  • the method may comprise measuring temperature using a temperature sensor module of the sensor assembly. Measuring temperature may be carried out repeatedly and/or continuously.
  • the temperature sensor module may comprise at least one temperature sensor unit, such as a plurality of temperature sensor units for measuring temperature at various locations of the sensor assembly such as along an extension of the sensor assembly. Each temperature sensor unit may be for measuring temperature of an item and/or of the sensor assembly as such. Accordingly, temperature may be measured by a single temperature sensor unit or by a plurality of temperature sensor units.
  • a plurality of temperature sensor units is provided and utilized, a plurality, such as a corresponding plurality, of measurement data values, or a set of such data values, may be provided.
  • the temperature sensor module may be provided such that data from the plurality of sensor units are aggregated into a single measurement value, such as an average or an average deducting any outlying values.
  • the first data may be referred to as and/or may comprise temperature measurement data.
  • the step of providing the first data may be carried out using the first controller module of the sensor assembly.
  • the first data may comprise any one or more of: raw temperature measurement data from each temperature sensor unit; and aggregated data, such as an average, of several temperature measurements.
  • First data may be provided repeatedly and/or continuously, e.g. dependent on a change in the outcome of measuring temperature.
  • the first controller module of the sensor assembly may be utilized for accessing the second data stored by the sensor assembly. Accessing second data stored by the sensor assembly may be understood as retrieving the second data and/or providing the second data as disposal, e.g. for disposal for the first controller module.
  • the second data may be stored by a first data storage module of the sensor assembly.
  • Control data may be provided repeatedly and/or continuously, e.g. dependent on a change of the first data. Provision of the control data in dependence of the first data and the second data may imply that the control data is provided as a function of the first data and the second data, e.g. as a function of data, wherein at least some of the data is provided in dependence of the first data and wherein at least some of the data is provided in dependence of the second data.
  • the control data may comprise information indicating whether heating is required and possibly at which level.
  • the control data may comprise information indicating whether an increase or decrease of applied heating level, such as power level of applied microwave radiation within the heating chamber, is required.
  • the control data may comprise information indicating whether a measured temperature of the sensor assembly has reached, such as exceeded, a temperature limit value.
  • the step of communicating sensor assembly data may comprise transmitting the data and receiving the data.
  • Sensor assembly data may be communicated repeatedly and/or continuously, e.g. independently on any change in the control data and/or the first data. Repeated and/or continuous communication of sensor assembly data comprising the second data or comprising the control data being dependent on the second data may be advantageously even if the second data remains unchanged.
  • any of these aspects may be advantageous, in particular in case the communication between the sensor assembly and the microwave oven is one-way communication and/or if the sensor assembly does not receive any feedback regarding whether or when the sensor assembly data is received.
  • the microwave oven may be controlled repeatedly and/or continuously in dependence of the control data, e.g. independently on any change in the control data. Controlling the microwave oven may comprise controlling a setting or output thereof. Controlling the microwave oven may comprise using the second controller module of the microwave oven.
  • the control data may comprise and/or consist of first control data.
  • the step of providing control data may comprise providing the first control data in dependence of the first data and the second data.
  • the sensor assembly data may comprise and/or consist of the first control data.
  • the step of controlling the microwave oven may comprise controlling the microwave oven in dependence of the first control data. Provision of the first control data may be carried out by the sensor assembly, such as by means of the first controller module of the sensor assembly. The first control data may be provided prior to communicating the sensor assembly data comprising the first control data.
  • Provision of the first control data and/or communication of the sensor assembly data comprising the first control data may comprise one or more of the following advantages: the amount of data needed to be communicated and/or the amount of energy needed for the communication of the sensor assembly data may be lower; provision of the microwave oven being configured for receiving the first control data and for controlling the microwave oven in dependence of the first control data may be less complex and/or more cost effective, e.g. since there may be no need for carrying out a step of providing control data based on the first data and the second data by means of the microwave oven.
  • the control data may comprise and/or consist of second control data.
  • the sensor assembly data may comprise and/or consist of the first data and the second data.
  • the first data and the second data may be communicated together. Alternatively, or additionally, the first data and the second data may be communicated separately.
  • the step of providing control data may comprise providing the second control data in dependence of the first data and the second data of the sensor assembly data.
  • the step of controlling the microwave oven may comprise controlling the microwave oven in dependence of the second control data.
  • Provision of the second control data may be carried out by the microwave oven, such as by means of the second controller module of the microwave oven.
  • Provision of the second control data may be carried out subsequent to communicating the sensor assembly data comprising the first data and the second data.
  • Having the first data and the second data being included in the sensor assembly data may comprise one or more of the following advantages: provision of the sensor assembly may be more cost effective and/or more simple, e.g. in terms of needed hardware and/or software; less energy and/or processing power may be needed for processing data by the sensor assembly.
  • Provision of the second control data by means of the microwave oven may comprise one or more of the following advantages: the processing power and/or the available resources, such as available information, may be at a higher level for the microwave oven than for the sensor assembly. Accordingly, more complex control and/or improved error-handling may be carried out by the microwave oven.
  • the second data may comprise identification data relating to the sensor assembly.
  • the identification data may comprise any one or more of the following: an ID or serial code of the sensor assembly; information about an item associated with and/or intended to be heated with the sensor assembly.
  • Such information about an item associated with and/or intended to be heated with the sensor assembly may comprise any of: an ID or serial code hereof; a name; an origin; content, such as ingredients; a best-by-date; a production date; etc.
  • Second data comprising identification data may advantageously be included in the sensor assembly data.
  • the microwave oven may be configured for handling the identification data for providing an appropriate control of the microwave oven. For instance, if the identification data comprises a best-by-date, and this date is reached, such as exceeded, an alarm may be outputted, e.g. displayed, to the user via a user interface, such as a user interface of the microwave oven.
  • identification data may thus be utilized for controlling temperature and/or heating time of the item to be heated, if such control is desired.
  • the method may comprise obtaining, e.g. using the second controller module, third data from a data storage module using the identification data.
  • the data storage module may comprise a second data storage module and/or an external data storage module. Provision of the third data may in particular be advantageous if the identification data comprises an ID or serial code of the sensor assembly or of the item associated with the sensor assembly.
  • the step of providing control data such as the second control data, may comprise providing the control data in dependence of the third data. Accordingly, the step of providing control data may be considered as comprising providing the control data in dependence of the first data and the third data since, since the third data is provided using, and thus in dependence of, the second data.
  • the second data and/or the third data may comprise one or more limit temperature values of one or more temperature sensor units of the temperature sensor module of the sensor assembly. Accordingly, heating by the microwave oven may be controlled such that a limit temperature value is not exceeded and/or such that heating is reduced or turned off in case such limit temperature value is exceeded. This may be to avoid malfunction of the sensor assembly caused by excess heat.
  • a limit temperature value may be referred to as a critical temperature.
  • the second data and/or the third data may comprise heat profile data.
  • Such heat profile data of the third data may be provided in dependence of an ID or serial code of the second data.
  • the heat profile data may comprise information, e.g. pre-set information, of a desired heating procedure, such as a desired heating/power profile and/or a desired end-temperature of an item associated with and/or intended to be heated with the sensor assembly. Accordingly, control of heating may be carried out such in accordance with a desired heating. For instance, gentle and/or soft and/or slow heating may be applied to any delicate matter to be heated.
  • the method may comprise storing log data within the sensor assembly, such as within the first data storage module.
  • the log data may be stored using the first controller module.
  • the log data may comprise data provided in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature by the sensor assembly, such as comprising the first data.
  • the log data may comprise data provided in dependence of the sensor assembly measuring another aspect within the heating chamber, e.g. regarding activation of the sensor assembly, e.g. using an optional energy harvesting module of the sensor assembly.
  • the stored log data may be associated with a time and/or date and/or counter stamp.
  • the accessed second data may comprise previously stored log data, such as log data stored during a previous heating phase and/or a previous sequence of phases (cf. definition hereof below).
  • the log data may for instance be utilized for logging, and thus consequently optionally for warning, e.g. regarding mal-use, such as excessive heating, and/or regarding number of use cycles, e.g. for keeping a track of whether a set number of use cycles has been or is close to being exceed and/or to warn if a previous heating or activation has occurred if such is preferred to be avoided.
  • the microwave oven may comprise a secondary communication module configured for wireless communication externally of the microwave oven.
  • the method may comprise communication between the secondary communication module and a device or system being externally of the microwave oven, such as an auxiliary device.
  • the method may comprise communication between the microwave oven and an external data storage system or module, i.e. a data storage being external of the microwave oven, using the secondary communication module.
  • the external data storage system or module may e.g. be provided using a cloud service.
  • Communication between the microwave oven and the external data storage system may be provided via an internet connection and/or via an access point such as by use of a smartphone or an internet router.
  • the step of obtaining third data may comprise obtaining the third data from the external data storage system via the secondary communication module.
  • the method may comprise communicating the sensor assembly data, or data provided in dependence of the sensor assembly data, from the microwave oven to the external data storage system via the secondary communication module.
  • Controlling the microwave oven may comprise controlling a heating condition and/or a heating level of the microwave oven, such as a heating level of a heating module of the microwave oven. Controlling a heating condition and/or heating level may be in dependence of a first target temperature.
  • a heating level may refer to a power level of a heating module, such as a microwave module, of the microwave oven. For instance, when approaching the first target temperature and/or if a fast temperature change is detected, the heating level may be controlled such that the applied power level is lowered.
  • the method may comprise receiving, e.g. by means of the second controller module, user input, e.g. via a user interface, such as a user interface of the microwave oven.
  • the first target temperature may be provided in dependence of the user input.
  • the user input may for instance comprise the first target temperature.
  • the first target temperature may be provided in dependence of the second data, e.g. by means of the third data.
  • the first target temperature may for instance initially be provided in dependence of the second data.
  • the first target temperature e.g. as provided in dependence of the second data, may be presented to the user, e.g. via a user interface, such as a user interface of the microwave oven. Subsequently, the first target temperature may be adjusted by the user by means of the user input.
  • full power may be applied by a heating module until the first target temperature has been reached, and the control data may comprise an indication that full power is to be applied. Once the first target temperature has been reached, the control data may comprise an indication that zero power is to be applied.
  • Controlling the microwave oven may comprise controlling the heating level of the microwave oven in dependence of a first low threshold temperature.
  • Controlling the heating level of the microwave oven in dependence of the first low threshold temperature may comprise application of heating whenever a measured temperature, such as according to the first data, is or falls below the first low threshold temperature.
  • Controlling the heating level of the microwave oven in dependence of the first low threshold temperature may be for a pre-set time window, such as for less than 24 hours.
  • Controlling the heating level of the microwave oven in dependence of the first low threshold temperature may be applied subsequently to reaching the first target temperature.
  • the first low threshold temperature may be provided by the user input and/or by the the second data or the third data.
  • the step of controlling the heating level of the microwave oven in dependence of a first low threshold temperature may be applied during a first time-window.
  • the first time-window may be initiated by reaching the first target temperature.
  • the first time-window may have a max duration from reaching the first target temperature.
  • the max duration may be provided in dependence of the second data and/or in dependence of the user input.
  • the method may comprise controlling the heating level, e.g. output power level of the microwave generator, such that the temperature of an item being heated within the heating chamber reaches the target temperature and subsequently is heated whenever the temperature hereof drops below the first low threshold temperature. Accordingly, subsequently to reaching the target temperature, the temperature should remain within a first temperature range, i.e. around the first low threshold temperature for a pre-set time window.
  • Communicating sensor assembly data wirelessly may comprise communicating the sensor assembly data optically from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber to the microwave oven.
  • the first communication module of the sensor assembly may comprise a first optical communication module configured for transmitting the sensor assembly data.
  • the second communication module of the microwave oven may comprise a second optical communication module configured for receiving the sensor assembly data.
  • the first optical communication module may comprise one or more photodiodes including a first photodiode.
  • the second optical communication module may comprise one or more photodetectors including a first photodetector.
  • the step of communication sensor assembly data optically may utilize infrared communication.
  • the one or more photodiodes and the one or more photodetectors may be configured for infrared communication.
  • the microwave oven may comprise shielding of the second communication module from microwave radiation, such as shielding of the one or more photodetectors.
  • the one or more photodetectors may be located outside of the heating chamber. At least one hole in a shielding layer being smaller than 10% smaller than wavelength of the applied microwave radiation may be provided between any optical receiver and the interior of the heating chamber. This may allow optical wavelengths to pass through the at least one hole while blocking the respective microwave radiation.
  • the microwave oven may comprise thermal shielding, such as insulation, of the second communication module from the heating chamber.
  • Controlling the microwave oven may comprise controlling a user interface of the microwave oven.
  • the user interface of the microwave oven may for instance be controlled by outputting, e.g. displaying, information, such as information relating to a measured temperature according to the first data and relating to remaining time such as an estimated remaining time.
  • the remaining time may be presented to the user in form of a time value, a percentage value, or a symbol, such as percentage illustrated by a bar.
  • An estimate remaining time may be based on the first data, such as comprising measured temperature values, and the second data, such as comprising a target temperature.
  • the user interface of the microwave oven may be controlled by outputting one or more options, e.g. heating options, that the user may select.
  • the method may comprise providing microwave radiation within the heating chamber. Such may be provided, e.g. in one or more bursts prior to accessing the second data stored by the sensor assembly and/or prior to measuring temperature and/or prior to providing the first data and/or prior to transmitting the sensor assembly data.
  • no microwave radiation is provided within the heating chamber subsequent to the sensor assembly data being received by the microwave oven and until a heating phase is started.
  • module may be understood as a component.
  • phrase “one or more of” may be understood as “one or more of, such as all of”.
  • the term “embodiment” or “embodiments” is used, the term may be understood as a reference to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
  • the method according to the present invention may comprise use of the microwave oven according to the present invention and/or use of the sensor assembly according to the present invention and/or use of the system according to the present invention.
  • the system according to the present invention may comprise the microwave oven according to the present invention and/or the sensor assembly according to the present invention.
  • the system according to the present invention and/or the sensor assembly according to the present invention and/or the microwave oven according to the present invention may be configured for carrying out the method according to the present invention.
  • microwave oven may be understood as any oven capable of providing microwave radiation within the heating chamber thereof wherein the microwave radiation is sufficient and/or intended for heating an item to be heated within the heating chamber.
  • the microwave oven comprises a microwave module comprising a microwave generator, such as comprising a magnetron, configured for provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber.
  • the microwave module may comprise a waveguide configured for guiding microwave radiation, e.g. from the microwave generator, to within the heating chamber.
  • Microwave radiation within the heating chamber may be provided using the microwave generator of the microwave module of the microwave oven.
  • the microwave oven comprises at least one heating module configured for heating an item within the heating chamber.
  • the at least one heating module comprises the microwave module. Additionally, the at least one heating module may comprise one or more of the following: a convection module, a grill module, a heating element module, and a steam module.
  • the heating chamber may be known as a cooking chamber or an oven chamber, such as a microwave oven chamber.
  • the heating chamber may be understood as a cavity within which microwave radiation generated by the microwave module may be confined.
  • the heating chamber may be configured for containing an item, such as a food item, a drink item, or a medical item, to be heated by the microwave oven utilizing the at least one heating module.
  • a food or drink item may commonly be denoted an aliment item.
  • the microwave oven may comprise a lid configured for being in either a closed state or in an open state. When the lid is in the closed state, the lid may contribute in defining the heating chamber.
  • the heating chamber When the lid is in the open state, the heating chamber may be referred to as being open and may be referred to as a heating chamber even if the heating chamber is not suitable for confining microwave radiation when the lid is in the open state.
  • the microwave oven When the heating chamber is open, the microwave oven is not necessarily suitable for heating and is not necessarily suitable for provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber.
  • heating e.g. denoted “active heating”
  • energy such as: microwave radiation, infrared radiation, heat energy, etc.
  • heating may be defined by at least one of the at least one heating module actively providing energy to within the heating chamber.
  • An active heating module may be understood as a heating module that is converting electric energy to another form of energy, such as microwave radiation, infrared radiation, heat energy, etc., configured for heating an item within the heating chamber. If a heating module transfers energy to an item within the heating chamber for a period after being deactivated, such transfer of energy is not necessarily understood as heating within the present disclosure.
  • a heating element module and/or a grill module may for instance transfer energy to an item within the heating chamber for a period, such as several seconds, after being deactivated.
  • heating phase may be understood as a state of the system, such as a state of the microwave oven, during which heating occurs, e.g. intermittently, using the at least one heating module.
  • a heating phase may thus cover one or more periods wherein no heating occurs, e.g. wherein no heating occurs by at least one or more heating modules. Accordingly, during a heating phase heating may be intermittent with periods with no heating. Such situation may for instance occur during use of a microwave module being operated at less than 100% power, wherein the module may be operated at 100% power at less than 100% of the operation time according to an appropriate duty cycle.
  • heating mode may be understood as an indication of which one or more of the at least one heating module are to be utilized during a heating phase. Accordingly, if the microwave oven comprises merely a single heating module, consequently a microwave module, the heating mode will necessarily be a microwave mode, i.e. utilization of the microwave module. In such case, an indication of heating mode may be redundant since only one heating mode is available.
  • a heating mode may comprise a desired one or a desired combination of the plurality of heating modules.
  • a heating mode may for instance comprise a grill mode, i.e. utilization of the grill module, which may be in combination with one or more other heating modes.
  • a heating mode may, for such case, comprise de-activation of the grill module while activating one or more of the other heating modules.
  • heating condition may refer to one or more settings and/or constrains and/or targets under which one or more heating modules are operated, such as the one or more heating modules to be active during a respective heating phase according to a respective heating mode.
  • a heating condition may be related to any one or more of: a power level of a heating module, such as of the microwave module; a target temperature to be reached, such as a target temperature to be reached by an item to be heated within the heating chamber; and a target duration of a heating phase.
  • a heating condition may comprise a defined power level in combination with a target duration of a heating phase.
  • heating option may refer to a heating condition and/or heating mode, which is presented to or intended to be presented to the user, and which the user may choose to select and/or adjust, such as by adjusting a heating condition hereof.
  • a heating option may be relating to one of a plurality of heating conditions comprising a first heating condition and a second heating condition.
  • a heating option may be relating to one of a plurality of heating options comprising a first heating option and a second heating option.
  • the first heating option may comprise the first heating condition.
  • the second heating option may comprise the second heating condition.
  • the microwave oven according to the present invention may comprise a turntable and/or a stirrer, such as a rotatable metal fan, for enabling an improved exposure of microwave radiation over time for an item subject to microwave radiation within the heating chamber.
  • a turntable and/or a stirrer such as a rotatable metal fan
  • the sensor assembly according to the present invention may form part of and/or may be included in, such as being embedded in, a receptacle configured for holding an item to be heated in the microwave oven such as disclosed in any of WO2016162498, WO2016162499, or WO2018069395.
  • the first controller module may be configured for controlling other modules of the sensor assembly.
  • the sensor assembly may comprise a first communication module configured for transmitting data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • Embodiments may comprise and/or may be configured for transmitting data wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber, e.g. using the first communication module and/or the first controller module of the sensor assembly.
  • Wireless transmission by the first communication module may comprise optical and/or RF transmission.
  • RF transmission by the first communication module may utilize an antenna of the sensor assembly.
  • the sensor assembly may be configured for and/or the method may comprise detecting, e.g. by means of a microwave detection module of the sensor assembly, microwave radiation within the heating chamber of the microwave oven.
  • the sensor assembly may be configured for and/or the method may comprise harvesting energy, e.g. by means of a microwave harvest module of the sensor assembly, from microwave radiation emitted within the heating chamber of the microwave.
  • the sensor assembly may be configured for and/or the method may comprise energizing the sensor assembly by means of the harvested energy.
  • the microwave harvest module may comprise the microwave detection module.
  • the sensor assembly may be configured for and/or the method may comprise utilizing an antenna of the sensor assembly for detecting microwave radiation and/or harvesting energy from microwave radiation. Accordingly, the sensor assembly may be activable by microwave radiation e.g. by means of the microwave detection module. Accordingly, the method may comprise activating the sensor assembly by microwave radiation.
  • the sensor assembly may be configured for and/or the method may comprise harvesting energy from microwave radiation emitted by the microwave oven and energize the sensor by the harvested microwave energy similarly as disclosed in any of WO2016162498, WO2016162499, or WO2018069395.
  • Embodiments may comprise and/or may be configured for transmitting data, such as the sensor assembly data, wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber in response to detecting microwave radiation by the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • data such as the sensor assembly data
  • Transmission of data carried out by the sensor assembly in response to detecting microwave radiation may for instance comprise that the microwave harvesting module is harvesting energy from microwave radiation and thus energize the sensor assembly. Once the sensor assembly is adequately energized, transmission of data may be carried out automatically by the sensor assembly by means of the first controller module. Transmission of data, such as the sensor assembly data, may require that the second data is accessed an that the first data is provided prior to the transmission and possibly subsequently to the sensor assembly being adequately energized as described.
  • the sensor assembly comprises an energy storage, such as a battery that is not configured for being charged by microwave energy and which battery has enough energy for transmitting data sensor assembly data and other possible prerequisite steps, such as accessing the second data and providing the first data, upon request. Accordingly, such embodiments may transmit data immediately upon being activated by microwave energy.
  • an energy storage such as a battery that is not configured for being charged by microwave energy and which battery has enough energy for transmitting data sensor assembly data and other possible prerequisite steps, such as accessing the second data and providing the first data, upon request. Accordingly, such embodiments may transmit data immediately upon being activated by microwave energy.
  • the sensor assembly may comprise a first data storage module, e.g. comprising a non-volatile memory circuit.
  • the first data storage module may be accessible by the first controller module.
  • the first data storage module may store an ID code and/or a serial code of the sensor assembly. Accordingly, sensor type and/or optionally other auxiliary data may be deduced, e.g. by the microwave oven, based on knowledge of the ID code and/or the serial code.
  • An ID code of the sensor assembly may refer to a unique code amongst all manufactured sensor assemblies.
  • a serial code of the sensor assembly may refer to a non-unique code indicating a particular type or variant of the sensor assembly.
  • Information of an ID code and/or a serial code of a sensor assembly may be referred to as identification information of the sensor assembly, which identification information identifies the sensor assembly by identifying the particular type or variant of the sensor assembly or by uniquely identifying the sensor assembly.
  • the second controller module i.e. a controller module of the microwave oven, may be configured for controlling and/or communication with one or more other modules of the microwave oven, such as the second communication module and/or the microwave module. Communication with another module of the microwave oven may comprise receiving input from and/or transmitting output to the another module. Embodiments comprising the second controller module do not necessarily comprise a/the first controller module.
  • the second controller module may be configured for controlling the microwave oven, such as the heating module hereof, in dependence of user input, such as user input received via a user interface, such as a user interface of the microwave oven.
  • Embodiments comprising the second communication module do not necessarily comprise the/a first communication module.
  • the first communication module and the second communication module may be configured for communication with each other, such as at least one-way communication from the first communication module to the second communication module.
  • the first communication module and the second communication module may be configured for communication with each other by means of optical communication or RF communication.
  • RF communication between the first communication module and the second communication module may utilize an antenna of the sensor assembly and an internal antenna of the microwave oven.
  • the secondary communication module and a third communication module may be configured for communication with each other, such as at least one-way communication or two-way communication.
  • the third communication module may be configured for RF communication.
  • the secondary communication module may be configured for RF communication.
  • the third communication module and the secondary communication module may be configured for communication with each other by means of RF communication utilizing an antenna of the auxiliary device and an external antenna of the microwave oven.
  • a communication module such as any one or more of: the first communication module, the second communication module, the secondary communication module, and the third communication module as described throughout the present disclosure, may be understood as a module configured for wireless communication, e.g. by means of RF communication or optical communication.
  • RF communication may e.g. be utilizing a wireless connection, e.g. utilizing Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi.
  • Optical communication may be utilizing one or more respective optical transmitters and one or more respective optical receivers.
  • the first communication module may comprise one or more optical transmitters.
  • the second communication module may comprise one or more optical receivers.
  • the system according to the present invention may comprise at least one user interface comprising a second user interface of the microwave oven.
  • the term "second user interface” refers to a user interface of the microwave oven. Accordingly, the microwave oven may comprise the second user interface.
  • the second user interface may be controllable by the second controller module. Use of the term “second user interface” does not necessitate existence of a first user interface and/or of a third user interface.
  • the at least one user interface of the system may comprise a third user interface.
  • the third user interface does not necessitate existence of a first user interface and/or of a/the second user interface.
  • the third user interface may be configured for being provided by an auxiliary device and/or by a computer program, such as an app for a smartphone, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer system, such as the auxiliary device, causes the computer system to present the third user interface.
  • the system of the present invention comprises the auxiliary device and/or the computer program.
  • the auxiliary device may comprise or form part of a smartphone.
  • the auxiliary device may comprise a third communication module.
  • the auxiliary device and/or the computer program and/or the third user interface may be configured for communication with the microwave oven, e.g. by means of the third communication module of the auxiliary device and the secondary communication module of the microwave oven.
  • the auxiliary device may be wirelessly connected with the microwave oven, e.g. by means of the secondary communication module and the third communication module.
  • One or more of the at least one user interface may utilize and/or comprise one or more displays and/or one or more touchscreens.
  • the at least one user interface may utilize and/or comprise a speaker.
  • the at least one user interface may be configured for receiving input from the user of the microwave oven. Input received from the user may be denoted "user input".
  • the at least one user interface may be configured for registering user operation of the microwave oven. A registration of a user operation may correspond to receiving user input. Registering user operation and/or receiving user input, may be carried out and/or may be enabled by means of at least one user interface comprising at least one touchscreen and/or at least one push-button and/or at least one soft key. Accordingly, the user may select and/or perform a desired operation of the microwave oven using the at least one user interface.
  • the microwave oven according to the present invention may comprise a control panel.
  • the control panel may comprise or form part of the at least one user interface, such as the second user interface, i.e. a user interface of the microwave oven.
  • the at least one user interface may comprise a first output field.
  • the first output field may comprise at least a part of a display of the second user interface.
  • the first output field may be configured for displaying a heating option.
  • the first output field may comprise a plurality of sub-fields comprising a first primary output field and a second primary output field.
  • the first primary output field may be configured for displaying a value of a heating condition of the heating option displayed by the first output field.
  • the first secondary output field may be configured for displaying an exemplary symbol related to the heating option displayed by the first output field.
  • the at least one user interface may comprise a first input element, e.g. comprising a control knob.
  • the first input element may be configured for receiving user input for setting a value of a heating condition of a heating option displayed by the first output field.
  • the at least one user interface may comprise a second input field, e.g. a second primary and a second secondary input field.
  • the second input field may be configured for receiving user input for changing and/or selecting between states of the second user interface.
  • a data storage module of the microwave oven may be denoted a second data storage module.
  • the second data storage module may comprise one or more lists and/or databases of stored information.
  • the second data storage module may be accessible by the second controller module.
  • the second data storage module may comprise a non-volatile memory circuit.
  • a data storage module being external of the microwave oven may be denoted an external data storage module.
  • the external data storage module may comprise one or more lists and/or databases of stored information.
  • the external data storage module may be accessible by the second controller module via the secondary communication module.
  • the external data storage module may comprise a non volatile memory circuit.
  • the user of the microwave oven may be defined as anyone operating or intended to operate: the microwave oven; or a user interface of the system comprising the microwave oven.
  • User operation of the microwave oven may be understood as any operation of and/or within the microwave oven carried out by the user of the microwave oven.
  • User operation of the microwave oven may comprise operating the at least one user interface and/or operating, such as opening or closing, the lid of the heating chamber.
  • User operation of the microwave oven may comprise operation, such as by inspection, of any device, such as the sensor assembly and/or any item to be heated within the heating chamber.
  • User operation of the microwave oven may comprise inspection within the heating chamber.
  • User operation of the microwave oven may comprise controlling a heating phase of the microwave oven.
  • User operation of the microwave oven may comprise provision of user input, such as a user selection, via the at least one user interface.
  • a user operation of the microwave oven may for instance comprise any one or more of: selecting and/or changing a heating option; and starting or stopping a heating phase.
  • Changing a heating option may comprise changing a value of a heating condition hereof.
  • Receiving data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may comprise utilization of a wireless protocol for receipt of data.
  • Receiving data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may comprise utilization of at least one receiver configured for optical and/or RF communication. Such at least one receiver may form part of the second communication module of the microwave oven.
  • Receiving data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may imply that the data being received is transmitted from within the heating chamber, such as being transmitted from the sensor assembly being within the heating chamber.
  • the microwave oven may be configured for receiving data transmitted from within the heating chamber whenever: the microwave oven is in an active state, and the lid of the heating chamber is in a closed state.
  • a microwave oven may be considered as being in an active state whenever being powered, such as by mains electricity. According to embodiments, being powered is a prerequisite, but not confirmation for the microwave oven being in an active state. Accordingly, the microwave oven may be in stand-by mode or state while being powered as an alternative to being in an active state while being powered.
  • the method according to the present invention may comprise and/or the system and/or the microwave oven according to the present invention may be configured for controlling the microwave oven, such as controlling an output and/or setting thereof, in dependence of user input, such as user input received from the.
  • An output and/or setting of the microwave oven may comprise an output and/or setting of a heating module of the microwave oven.
  • Operation of the microwave oven and/or the system according to the present invention may comprise an initial phase.
  • the method according to the present invention or a part of the method may be carried out during an initial phase.
  • the initial phase may be prior to a subsequent heating phase, e.g. with an intermediate phase in between.
  • the initial phase may be initiated by an initialization event, such as comprising closing of the lid of the microwave oven and/or receipt of user input provided by the user via the at least one user interface, wherein the user input may comprise an indication to initiate the initial phase.
  • Starting of the initial phase may initiate and or may comprise starting provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber, such as provided by the microwave module. Provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber during the initial phase may comprise provision of one or more bursts of microwave radiation.
  • the one or more bursts may each have a relatively short duration and/or a relatively low duty cycle and/or the number of bursts may be relatively low. If a plurality of bursts is provided, the bursts may be provided regularly at a relatively high frequency. Accordingly, the average power applied during the initial phase may be relatively low. This may be in order to have a relatively low heating impact on any item within the heating chamber.
  • the term "relatively”, as stated in the present paragraph, may be understood in comparison to a heating phase, such as a possible subsequent heating phase, wherein a microwave module provides microwave energy to within the heating chamber, wherein the microwave energy is intended for heating an item within the heating chamber.
  • the heating impact provided during the initial phase may be relatively low by having a relatively low average energy being provided during the initial phase and/or by providing that the initial phase as a relatively short duration, such as a relatively short maximum duration.
  • Microwave radiation provided in one or more bursts, e.g. during the initial phase may each have an extension of at most 5 seconds, such as at most 3 seconds, such as between 0.1 and 0.5 seconds.
  • a burst, such as one or more or all bursts, of microwave radiation, such as provided during the initial phase may have an extension of at least 0.1 seconds, such as at least 1 second. It may be desired that a burst of microwave radiation is of low intensity/power, such that an optional cooling fan of the microwave module does not need to turn on. Accordingly, a burst may be indiscernible by the user.
  • Provision of microwave radiation during the initial phase may be carried out in an attempt to activate, e.g. powering, any sensor assembly within the heating chamber and/or to incite any sensor assembly within the heating chamber to transmit data.
  • Provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber during the initial phase may be terminated by termination of the initial phase.
  • one or more bursts of microwave e.g. such as described in connection with the initial phase, may be provided intermittently during the intermediate phase and/or even during the heating phase if the microwave module is not utilized for heating, e.g. such as for convection/grill modes. This may be in order to check for presence of a microwave activable sensor assembly - even after a potential prior initial phase.
  • the sensor assembly may have assigned a critical temperature utilized for protecting the sensor assembly from being destroyed.
  • Information of such critical temperature may be derived from the second data, e.g. directly from the second data and/or by retrieving third data by means of the second data.
  • Such critical temperature may be reached even before a target temperature is reached by an item to be heated. This may require that the sensor assembly has a plurality of temperature sensor units. Accordingly, one sensor unit could reach a critical temperature before the temperature as measured and/or as calculated of the item to be heated reaches a target temperature. Reaching a critical temperature may result in a premature termination of an ongoing sequence of phases. This may in particular be of relevance during a heating phase, wherein termination of the sequence of phases may be more critical than during a phase prior to the heating phase.
  • the method according to the present invention may comprise changing application of heat within the heating chamber.
  • Changing application of heat within the heating chamber may be understood as changing a heating phase, such as changing an ongoing heating phase.
  • Changing application of heat within the heating chamber may be understood as changing a heating mode and/or changing a heating condition, such as an ongoing heating mode and/or ongoing heating condition.
  • Changing application of heat within the heating chamber may comprise one or more of: turning off heating within the heating chamber; reducing heating within the heating chamber; and changing a heating mode within the heating chamber.
  • Application of heat may be changed in response to reaching a critical temperature.
  • the method according to the present invention may be or may comprise a computer- implemented method.
  • the method according to the present invention may be executed, and/or may be configured for being executed, by means of a computer system.
  • a computer system may for instance include any one or any combination of: a server, a client, and a cloud-computing service.
  • the system according to the present invention may be provided by means of any one or any combination of: a computer program, a computer-readable medium, and a computer program product.
  • the present invention may comprise any one or any combination of: a computer program, a computer-readable medium, and a computer program product, which may comprise means for carrying out the method according to the present invention.
  • the present invention may comprise a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer system, causes the computer system to carry out the method according to the present invention.
  • the computer program product according to the present invention may be embodied by means of a computer readable medium.
  • the present invention may comprise a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program according to the present invention.
  • the present invention may comprise a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to carry out the method according to the present invention.
  • Any of the computer program, the computer-readable medium, and the computer program product according to the present invention may be distributed, e.g. over a plurality of physical entities and/or computational entities.
  • the present invention may be realized by means of a distributed computing system, which may be denoted "a distributed computing environment", such as using or comprising a computer network.
  • a distributed computing environment such as using or comprising a computer network.
  • the method according to the present invention may be carried out by one, more, or all of a plurality of entities, such as any combination of: one or more client computers, one or more server computers, and one or more cloud computers.
  • the present invention may be carried out during and/or may comprise one or more of the following phases: an initial phase; an intermediate phase; and a heating phase.
  • the present invention such as the system and/or the microwave oven according to the present invention, may be configured for being operated during one or more of the phases listed in the previous sentence.
  • a sequence of phases may refer to one or more of: an initial phase; an intermediate phase; and a heating phase occurring in the mentioned order if more than one phase occurs.
  • An initial phase may be prerequisite for an intermediate phase to occur.
  • a sequence of phases may comprise one of the following: (1) an initial phase followed by an intermediate phase followed by a heating phase; (2) an initial phase followed by an intermediate phase; (3) an initial phase followed by a heating phase; (4) an initial phase; or (5) a heating phase.
  • a sequence of phases may be terminated or paused immediately if an opening of a lid of the heating chamber is registered. Such termination or pausing may be irrespectively of which phase is ongoing. According to embodiments an opening of a lid of the heating chamber is handled by: (1) terminating the sequence of phases if occurring during an initial phase or an intermediate phase; or (2) pausing the sequence of phases if occurring during a heating phase. If the sequence of phases is merely paused the sequence may continue automatically upon registering a subsequent closing of the lid of the heating chamber. Alternatively, such continuation may require an activation hereof by the user, e.g. via the one or more user interface, in addition to registering a closing of the lid of the heating chamber.
  • the initial phase may be defined as a phase wherein an initial conclusion, i.e. e.g. an estimation, is reached or may be attempted to be reached regarding whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Furthermore, an initial conclusion, i.e. e.g. an estimation, is reached or may be attempted to be reached regarding which one or more sensor assemblies, if any, is present within the heating chamber.
  • Such initial conclusion of whether and/or which sensor assembly/assemblies are present within the heating chamber may be denoted a presence estimation and/or it may be denoted that the initial phase is concluded, i.e. terminated by reaching an initial conclusion. Reaching a presence estimation may be in dependence of the sensor assembly data, such as in dependence of the second data.
  • Microwave radiation may be provided within the heating chamber during the initial phase. Provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber, such as provided during the initial phase, may be in order to attempt to activate any sensor assembly present within the heating chamber and/or in order to trigger any sensor assembly present within the heating chamber to: measuring temperature and/or accessing the second data and/or transmitting data, such as the sensor assembly data, which data may be receivable and/or received by the microwave oven, such as by the second communication module of the microwave oven.
  • the sensor assembly may be configured for transmitting data in response to being activated by microwave radiation, such as during the initial phase and/or during a potential subsequent heating phase.
  • Data transmitted by the sensor assembly in response to being activated by microwave radiation may comprise information identifying the sensor assembly and/or temperature measurement data and/or information indicating that the sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Such information may be included in and/or derivable from the second data.
  • the microwave oven may be configured for receiving data transmitted from within the heating chamber, e.g. during the entire initial phase, such as at least during the entire initial phase, such as including a time subsequent to the initial phase.
  • the intermediate phase may be defined as a phase being subsequent to the initial phase. Additionally, the intermediate phase may occupy time in between the initial phase and the heating phase.
  • the intermediate phase is not necessarily succeeded by the heating phase, e.g. if the sequence of phases is terminated during the intermediate phase, e.g. in case an error occurs or in case a user is required to start the heating phase, but does not start the heating phase before a time limit has passed.
  • a sequence of phases may be void of an intermediate phase. This may for instance be in case of one or more of the following situations:
  • a heating phase is started automatically after an initial phase upon detection of a sensor assembly, i.e. the initial phase is succeeded by the heating phase; (2) the heating phase is started without a prior initial phase, such as by user activation; or (3) the heating phase is started, such as by user activation, before the initial phase is concluded, i.e. e.g. before a presence estimation is reached.
  • One or both of the latter two cases, i.e. (2) or (3), may be due to the user starting the heating phase, e.g. by activation of an appropriate button of the at least one user interface of the system comprising the microwave oven.
  • Termination of the heating phase may imply termination of the sequence of phases.
  • the heating phase may be terminated or paused by the user at any time, e.g. by opening the lid of the heating chamber or by provision of user input comprising an indication for termination or pausing of the heating phase.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a microwave oven 102 according to the present invention.
  • the microwave oven 102 comprises a heating chamber 104, a second communication module 106, a second controller module 108, a microwave module 112, and a second user interface 110.
  • the second communication module 106 is configured for receiving sensor assembly data wirelessly from a sensor assembly, within the heating chamber 104, such as the sensor assembly 124 of Fig. 2, wherein the sensor assembly data comprises first data and second data, or wherein the sensor assembly data comprises first control data provided in dependence of the first data and the second data, wherein the first data is provided in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature within the heating chamber 104 using the sensor assembly, and wherein the second data is provided by accessing the second data stored by the sensor assembly.
  • the second controller module 108 is configured for controlling the microwave oven 102 in dependence of the first control data or in dependence of second control data, wherein the second controller module 108 is configured for providing the second control data in dependence of the first data and the second data of the sensor assembly data received by means of the second communication module 106.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a sensor assembly 124 according to the present invention.
  • the sensor assembly 124 which is configured for a heating chamber of a microwave oven, such as the microwave oven 102 of Fig. 1, comprises a temperature sensor module 134, a first data storage module 138, a first controller module 136, a first communication module 140, and a microwave detection module 142.
  • the temperature sensor module 134 is configured for measuring temperature within the heating chamber.
  • the first controller module 136 is configured for providing first data in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature using the temperature sensor module 134.
  • the first controller module 136 is configured for accessing second data stored by the first data storage module 138.
  • the first communication module 140 is configured for transmitting sensor assembly data wirelessly to the microwave oven from within the heating chamber, wherein the sensor assembly data comprises the first data and the second data, or wherein the sensor assembly data comprises first control data, wherein the first controller module 136 is configured for providing the first control data in dependence of the first data and the second data.
  • Figs. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate a first embodiment of a system 100 according to the present invention.
  • the system 100 comprises the microwave oven 102 and the sensor assembly 124.
  • the microwave oven 102 may optionally comprise a secondary communication module 114 and/or a second data storage module 116.
  • Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the sensor assembly 124 within the heating chamber 104.
  • the sensor assembly 124 is provided within a receptacle 120 holding an item 122, such as a liquid, to be heated within the heating chamber 104.
  • the receptacle 120 is provided on a turntable 118 of the microwave oven 102.
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a first embodiment of a method 151 according to the present invention.
  • the dashed box enclosing all other parts of the figure indicates that the embodiment 151 comprises all the enclosed parts.
  • the method 151 which is for controlling a microwave oven, comprises: providing 178 first data; accessing 155 second data; providing 159 control data; communicating 161 sensor assembly data; and controlling 163 the microwave oven.
  • the respective connectors between respective boxes, which boxes are may be referred to as steps, indicate respective dependencies.
  • Providing 178 first data comprises providing the first data in dependence (not illustrated by a connector in Fig. 5) of an outcome of measuring temperature using a sensor assembly within a heating chamber of the microwave oven.
  • Accessing 155 second data comprises accessing second data stored by the sensor assembly, e.g. stored on a first data storage module of the sensor assembly.
  • Providing 159 control data comprises providing the control data in dependence of the first data provided according to step 178 and in dependence of the second data accessed according to step 155.
  • Communicating 161 sensor assembly data comprises communicating the sensor assembly data wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber to the microwave oven, wherein step 161 is carried out in dependence of step 159.
  • Controlling 163 the microwave oven comprises controlling the microwave oven in dependence of the control data, wherein step 162 is carried out in dependence of step 161.
  • Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a second embodiment of a method 251 according to the present invention.
  • the method 251 of Fig. 6 is similar to the method 151 of Fig. 5 and differs by having the order of the steps 159 and 161 being interchanged and differs by the consequences of this interchange, i.e. including the variations of the respective steps.
  • the sensor assembly data being communicated according to step 161 comprises the control data, e.g. referred to and/or comprising first control data, provided according to step 159.
  • the sensor assembly data being communicated according to step 161 comprises the first data provided according to step 178 and the second data accessed according to step 155.
  • the control data utilized for controlling the microwave oven according to step 163 comprises the control data of the sensor assembly data.
  • the step 159 comprises providing the control data in dependence of the first data and the second data of the sensor assembly data. Control data provided prior to and/or being utilized for step 161 may be referred to and/or may comprise first control data.
  • Control data provided subsequent to and/or in dependence of step 161 may be referred to and/or may comprise second control data.
  • the steps 178, 155, and 159 may be intended to be carried out by the sensor assembly.
  • the step 163 may be intended to be carried out by the microwave oven.
  • the step 161 may be intended to be carried out partly by the sensor assembly, i.e. regarding any parts of the communication relating to transmitting data, and partly by the microwave oven, i.e. regarding any parts of the communication relating to receiving data.
  • the steps 178, 159, 161, and 163 may be carried out repeatedly and/or continuously.
  • the step 155 may be carried out just once, e.g. just once with respect to a sequence of phases comprising a heating phase. Alternatively, the step 155 may be carried out prior to each time the step 159 is carried out.
  • First data may be provided 178 repeatedly and/or continuously in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature using a sensor assembly within a heating chamber of a microwave oven, wherein measuring temperature may be carried out repeatedly and/or continuously.
  • control data may be provided 159 repeatedly and/or continuously in dependence of the second data and the repeatedly and/or continuously provided first data.
  • sensor assembly data comprising the control data may be communicated 161 repeatedly and/or continuously wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber to the microwave oven.
  • the microwave oven may be controlled 163 repeatedly and/or continuously in dependence of the control data of the repeatedly and/or continuously communicated sensor assembly data.
  • the second data being accessed according to step 155 comprises information of a target temperature.
  • the control data as provided according to step 159, comprises information indicating a desire of heating.
  • the control data comprises information indicating a desire of no heating, such as discontinued heating.
  • the sensor assembly data comprising the control data according to step 159 is repeatedly transmitted, and thus possibly communicated 161, i.e. if correspondingly received. Such repeated transmission may be irrespectively of whether the control data has changed with respect to previously provided control data.
  • Control of the microwave oven according to step 163 is carried out continuously in dependence of the control data of the repeatedly received sensor assembly data.
  • the present invention such as disclosed in connection with Fig. 5, enables the sensor assembly to transmit control data, e.g. relatively simple data, enabling the receiving microwave oven to control heating, e.g. by a simple on/off function.
  • the present invention such as disclosed in connection with Fig. 5, enables the microwave oven to receive control data, e.g. relatively simple data, from a sensor assembly for controlling heating, e.g. controlling heating by a relatively simple on/off function.
  • the steps 178 and 155 may be intended to be carried out by the sensor assembly.
  • the steps 159 and 163 may be intended to be carried out by the microwave oven.
  • the step 161 may be intended to be carried out partly by the sensor assembly, i.e. regarding parts of the communication relating to transmitting data, and partly by the microwave oven, i.e. regarding parts of the communication relating to receiving data.
  • the steps 178, 161, 159, and 163 may be carried out repeatedly and/or continuously.
  • the step 155 may be carried out just once, e.g. just once with respect to a sequence of phases comprising a heating phase. Alternatively, the step 155 may be carried out prior to each time the step 161 is carried out.
  • First data may be provided 178 repeatedly and/or continuously in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature using a sensor assembly within a heating chamber of a microwave oven, wherein measuring temperature may be carried out repeatedly and/or continuously.
  • sensor assembly data comprising the first data and the second data may be communicated 161 repeatedly and/or continuously wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber to the microwave oven.
  • control data may be provided 159 repeatedly and/or continuously in dependence of the first data and the second data of the repeatedly and/or continuously provided sensor assembly data.
  • the microwave oven may be controlled 163 repeatedly and/or continuously in dependence of the repeatedly and/or continuously provided control data.
  • the second data being accessed according to step 155 comprises information of a target temperature and/or information such as an ID code that can be utilized for retrieving a target temperature.
  • the sensor assembly data which comprises the first data provided according to step 178 and the second data accessed according to step 155, is repeatedly transmitted, and thus possibly communicated 161, irrespectively of whether the first data has changed compared to a previous transmission of the sensor assembly data.
  • the control data as provided according to step 159 comprises information indicating a desire of heating.
  • the control data as provided according to step 159 comprises information indicating a desire of no heating, such as discontinued heating. Control of the microwave oven according to step 163 is carried out continuously in dependence of the control data provided according to step 159.
  • the present invention may enable the sensor assembly to transmit sensor assembly data comprising raw and/or aggregated temperature measurement data along with the second data enabling the receiving microwave oven to control heating. Furthermore, the present invention, such as disclosed in connection with Fig. 6, may enable the microwave oven to receive sensor assembly data comprising raw and/or aggregated temperature measurement data along with the second data from the sensor assembly for controlling heating. Furthermore, the present invention, such as disclosed in connection with Fig. 6, may enable a more flexible control of the microwave oven e.g. by relying on the second data of the sensor assembly for retrieving e.g. more updated information from third data provided in dependence of the second data.
  • Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a third embodiment of a method 351 according to the present invention.
  • the method 351 of Fig. 7 comprises the method 151 of Fig. 5.
  • the step 159 of the method 351 comprises providing 159a first control data in dependence of the first data and the second data.
  • the step 161 of the method 351 comprises communicating 161a first control data wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber to the microwave oven.
  • the method 351 comprises measuring 176 temperature using a sensor assembly within a heating chamber of a microwave oven, wherein the step 176 precedes the step 178. Accordingly, an outcome of the step 176 is utilized by the step 178.
  • the method 351 comprises an initiating event 153 for initiating the respective steps 155 and 176.
  • the initiating event 153 may comprise and/or may be caused by the sensor assembly detecting and/or harvesting energy from microwave radiation provided by the microwave oven within the heating chamber.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates respective optional steps and corresponding respective optional dependencies with other steps, such as other optional steps.
  • the optional steps are illustrated by dotted boxes having one or more dotted connections to one or more other boxes, wherein the dotted connections illustrate optional relations between the respective boxes.
  • the dotted boxes are not to be confused with the dashed box 351 enclosing all other parts of the figure, which indicates that the embodiment 351 comprises all the enclosed parts including the optional steps.
  • the method 351 optionally comprises a step 160 of providing microwave radiation within the heating chamber by means of a microwave module of the microwave oven.
  • the step 153 optionally comprises a step 166 of detecting microwave radiation by the sensor assembly within the heating chamber, e.g. using a microwave detection module of the sensor assembly.
  • the method 351 optionally comprises a step 165 of storing log data within the sensor assembly, such as within a first data storage module of the sensor assembly.
  • the log data being stored according to step 165 may comprise data provided in dependence of an outcome of the step of measuring temperature, such as the first data, as illustrated by the respective optional connectors from the respective steps 176 and 178.
  • log data being stored according to step 165 may comprise information of an activation of the sensor assembly as illustrated by the optional connector from the step 153.
  • the step 163 optionally comprises a step 174 of controlling the microwave oven in dependence of received user input, such as received according to step 172, which optionally forms part of the method 351.
  • Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a method 451 according to the present invention.
  • the method 451 of Fig. 8 comprises the method 251 of Fig. 6.
  • the method 451 comprises parts of the method 351 of Fig. 7.
  • the step 161 of the method 451 comprises communicating 161b the first data and the second data wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber to the microwave oven.
  • the step 159 of the method 451 comprises providing 159b second control data in dependence of the sensor assembly data, i.e. in dependence of the first data and the second data of the sensor assembly data.
  • the step 159b optionally comprises a step 157 of providing the second control data in dependence of third data, wherein the third data may be obtained 167 from a second data storage using identification data from the sensor assembly, wherein the second data of the sensor assembly data comprises the identification data.
  • the method 451 optionally comprises the step 167.
  • the step 159 may be stated as comprising providing control data in dependence of the first data and the third data, wherein the third data may be provided in dependence of the second data.
  • the control data is provided in dependence of the first data and the second data.
  • Microwave module 114 Secondary communication module 116 Second data storage module 118 Turntable 120 Receptacle 122 Item to be heated
  • Detecting microwave radiation by the sensor assembly within the heating chamber e.g. using a microwave detection module of the sensor assembly 167: Obtaining third data from a second data storage using identification data from the sensor assembly, wherein the second data comprises the identification data
  • Controlling the microwave oven in dependence of received user input Measuring temperature using a sensor assembly within a heating chamber of a microwave oven : Providing first data in dependence of an outcome of measuring temperature using a sensor assembly within a heating chamber of a microwave oven

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Electric Ovens (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un four à micro-ondes (102), un ensemble capteur (124), un système (100) comprenant un four à micro-ondes (102) et un ensemble capteur (124), et un procédé correspondant pour commander un four à micro-ondes (102). Le procédé comprend : la mesure de la température ; la fourniture des premières données ; l'accès à des secondes données ; la fourniture des données de commande ; la communication des données d'ensemble capteur comprenant les données de commande ou comprenant les première et seconde données ; et la commande du four à micro-ondes en fonction des données de commande.
PCT/EP2020/064859 2020-05-28 2020-05-28 Dispositif, système et procédé de commande d'un four à micro-ondes WO2021239233A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2020/064859 WO2021239233A1 (fr) 2020-05-28 2020-05-28 Dispositif, système et procédé de commande d'un four à micro-ondes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2020/064859 WO2021239233A1 (fr) 2020-05-28 2020-05-28 Dispositif, système et procédé de commande d'un four à micro-ondes

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2435021A1 (fr) * 1978-08-31 1980-03-28 Sharp Kk Dispositif de detection de temperature sans fil de detection, destine notamment a un appareil de cuisson
US4475024A (en) * 1978-04-10 1984-10-02 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Wireless food temperature-sensing assembly
US4518839A (en) * 1982-03-03 1985-05-21 Hitachi Heating Appliances Co., Ltd. High frequency heating apparatus with wireless temperature probe
WO2016162498A1 (fr) 2015-04-10 2016-10-13 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Ensemble capteurs alimenté par micro-ondes pour fours à micro-ondes
WO2018069395A1 (fr) 2016-10-12 2018-04-19 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Ensemble capteur destiné à une chambre de cuisson d'un four à micro-ondes et procédé de commande de la consommation d'énergie d'un tel ensemble capteur
WO2018100245A1 (fr) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-07 Wiciot Oy Couvercle de protection et système de mesure

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4475024A (en) * 1978-04-10 1984-10-02 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Wireless food temperature-sensing assembly
FR2435021A1 (fr) * 1978-08-31 1980-03-28 Sharp Kk Dispositif de detection de temperature sans fil de detection, destine notamment a un appareil de cuisson
US4518839A (en) * 1982-03-03 1985-05-21 Hitachi Heating Appliances Co., Ltd. High frequency heating apparatus with wireless temperature probe
WO2016162498A1 (fr) 2015-04-10 2016-10-13 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Ensemble capteurs alimenté par micro-ondes pour fours à micro-ondes
WO2016162499A1 (fr) 2015-04-10 2016-10-13 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Récipient de préparation médicale comprenant un ensemble de capteurs alimentés par micro-ondes
WO2018069395A1 (fr) 2016-10-12 2018-04-19 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Ensemble capteur destiné à une chambre de cuisson d'un four à micro-ondes et procédé de commande de la consommation d'énergie d'un tel ensemble capteur
WO2018100245A1 (fr) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-07 Wiciot Oy Couvercle de protection et système de mesure

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