CN1286918A - Improved food utensils and their coding system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a multi-purpose food utensil comprising a set of hard components common to a plurality of single-purpose food utensils. The set of hardware components is controlled by a microcontroller that executes a program from a program instruction system stored in the general-purpose food appliance. The appliance has stored therein a plurality of different processing programs, each of which is assigned a code and is selectable from the control panel. The program may in turn be parametrically modified by a set of process parameters. The ingredients used in each program may be in pre-mixed form in groups with codes having selectable indicia thereon. The program instruction system is updatable by the user.

Description

Improved food utensils and their coding system

This application is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 08/915,654, filed August 21, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 08/346,432, filed November 29, 1994 (now U.S. Patent No. 5,704,277) Apply.

The present invention relates to an improved food utensil and more particularly to a universal food utensil having a coding system for program control and including features for program updates implementable by the end user.

An example of a food utensil in the form of a bread maker with a coding system is disclosed in US Patent No. 5,704,277. According to one of the designated multiple programs provided, the program-controlled device accepts the materials required in the designated program (stores ingredients such as the selected type of bread to be baked), and then starts to operate.

The following type of bread-making machine including an oven is currently known, and it comprises: an electric heater located at the bottom; a baking pan as a container for containing ingredients inside the oven; an agitator for kneading the ingredients in the baking pan; and an electric motor for driving the agitator in a specified pattern.

Bread makers are also known which are capable of storing several programs and allowing the user to select one of these programs in order to bake a desired type of bread. These procedures generally include many complex steps, such as mixing selected ingredients and controlling the baking temperature. With these prior art bread makers, the user is required to read the recipe carefully to determine the necessary steps before setting the proper program.

Some breadmaking machines are pre-programmed so that the user simply identifies the desired type of bread to be baked and the breadmaking machine automatically executes the program associated with the specified type of bread.

In order to allow the user to be able to specify the type of bread to be baked, some breadmakers are designed to display the type of bread that can be specified when powered on. First, an indicator is displayed at a default position (for example, next to the name of the most frequently selected bread type), and the indicator moves one position at a time when the user operates the "SELECT (selection)" button until finally reaching the desired bread. next to the type.

Additionally, some existing bread makers have as many push buttons as there are different types of bread that can be baked through them, and require the user to press the button corresponding to the desired type of bread. However, with the prior art bread making machines, the number of programs from which the user can choose is limited because the screen of the display device is not large and the control panel of the machine cannot accommodate too many buttons.

Also, when using existing bread makers, the user has to carefully add the required ingredients (such as flour, sugar, salt, yeast). In other words, prior art breadmakers are not energy efficient, are inconvenient to use, and do not significantly increase the selection of different bread types that they are capable of baking.

Existing bread making machines and other program-controlled devices have only limited preset programs that can be operated by the machine. That is to say, all programs executable by a bread maker or other similar appliance are factory loaded. If a new recipe requires a different process, the user can best approach this process by selecting the closest existing preset program. In many cases, the user will have to purchase a new type of machine in order to have the newer features and processes.

Furthermore, prior art food cooking appliances tend to be task-specific and single-purpose. For example, a bread maker is dedicated to making bread, a rice cooker is dedicated to cooking rice, an oven is dedicated to grilling, and a conventional oven, microwave or convection oven is used for general or specific types of roasting, roasting, roasting, etc.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose food utensil with updateable program control in place of multiple dedicated utensils.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a food utensil with a coding system in which new recipes or premixed ingredient compositions can be associated with predetermined programs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a repertoire with a program repertoire that can be updated in the field by the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new coding system for programming devices such as bread makers or other food utensils, which allows the user to select one of a large number of different types of products and make the machine according to the corresponding The appropriate program for the selected product is automatically operated.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a coding system with which the user is less likely to make mistakes in supplying ingredients for a particular product.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose food appliance capable of operating as a breadmaker or other specialized machine and incorporating the improved coding system described above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a food utensil capable of efficiently storing a large number of programs.

The above and other objects can be achieved An improved bread-making machine of the present invention is similar to prior art bread-making machines, and is characterized in that it includes an oven with a heater therein; a pan; an agitator to stir and knead the ingredients in the pan; and an electric motor to turn the agitator in a specific pattern. And also includes air circulation means, such as centrifugal fans, for causing the air in the oven to move upwards through the fans and circulate downwards around the baking tray.

An encoding system for carrying out the present invention capable of achieving the above and other objects is characterized in that it is associated with a machine and is adapted to selectively perform any of a plurality of tasks according to a program, and uses a specific s material. An example of such a machine is a bread maker that is programmed to make different types of bread by using different ingredients mixed together. Each product obtainable by such a machine is assigned a different code, and a table is provided as indicating means to show what code has been assigned to each product capable of being made or processed by the machine, and the user enters the The corresponding code specifies the product to be obtained or processed. A material used by a machine to make a specific type of product or to perform a specific process, and may be supplied in pre-mixed sets using corresponding codes clearly printed on the machine, such that the user is relieved of the need to mix the required ingredients himself/herself Trouble. The user may form the code directly on the numeric or alphanumeric keys, or by causing the available codes to appear sequentially one by one on the display device, and pressing the process ( process) launch button while specifying the code corresponding to the desired product.

A feature of the present invention is to allow new programs to be added to the food utensil to run beyond its existing program repertoire. This is accomplished by providing the user with the facility to transfer new programs to the food utensil.

In one embodiment of the invention, new or updated programs are transferred through a standard data port such as a parallel port, serial port or infrared port mounted on the food utensil.

In another embodiment, new or updated programs are transferred through a memory port capable of installing a removable memory card.

Another feature of the present invention is the integration of multiple functions into a multi-purpose appliance operating under the control of an updatable program. In this way, one multipurpose machine or appliance can replace several dedicated machines. This is achieved by combining hard components common to several dedicated food machines in one multi-purpose appliance.

A certain degree of economy can be achieved because the different dedicated food makers have many common components. Duplication can only be avoided when only the common features of these components are included in the multipurpose food utensil.

An additional advantage is that the use of the versatility of food utensils allows for optimal fit and handling improvements not possible with traditional purpose-built utensils. Since the multi-purpose food utensil is rich in the ability to set various functional characteristics, it is particularly suitable for providing users with a device that can perform program updates even after the food utensil leaves the factory.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a food utensil running a program, a portion of which allows modification through a set of parameters. This is accomplished by having program execution respond to a set of process parameters. In this way, the versatility of the food appliance can be greatly increased without the inefficiency of storing many similar programs that may differ only in some minor respects.

In one embodiment of the invention, a code from the encoding system described above is used to identify a given program operating with a given set of values assigned to an associated set of process parameters.

In another embodiment, an array of repertoires of predetermined values of process parameters, ie set repertoires of process parameters, are encoded. In this way, the user only needs to enter the program code to call up the desired program and enter the parameter code from the predetermined repertoire to specify the desired process parameter settings.

In another embodiment, the set of process parameters can be specified by a user entering desired values for each process parameter. For example, all things being equal, the user is able to modify the duration or temperature of one or more cycles of the program.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a bread making machine implementing the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the encoding system for implementing the present invention incorporated in a bread maker;

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the coding system of Fig. 2 by the control device;

Fig. 4 is a display situation after the display device of Fig. 2 is reset;

Figure 5A shows an embodiment of a multi-purpose food appliance with a removable memory;

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5A;

Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a multi-purpose food utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a multi-purpose food utensil with removable storage;

Figure 8 schematically shows an example of a look-up table for process parameter settings; and

Fig. 9 shows a table in which a code represents a combination of parameterization procedures and process parameter settings, according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a breadmaker 15 embodying the invention comprising components known to reference prior art breadmakers of a similar type. A baking cavity 50 including an electric heater positioned near the bottom is disposed inside the housing structure 54 . The housing structure 54 is provided with an openable cover door 56 so that a baking tray 58 for containing bread ingredients therein can be detachably arranged inside the baking cavity 50 . Adjacent to the baking cavity 50 in the shell structure 54, but separated from it by the cavity partition wall 80, there is a motor cavity 60 containing a stirring motor 62, and its drive shaft and the stirring drive shaft 64 are kinematically connected by a belt 66 Relationship. By energizing the stirring motor 62 in a controlled manner, the stirring blades (not shown) mounted on the stirring drive shaft 64 for stirring, kneading, and mixing the contents of the bakeware 58 can be moved in a specified manner, such as alternately clockwise. and counterclockwise) is driven.

Also included in the motor cavity 60 is a fan motor 68 for a centrifugal fan 70 which is within the baking cavity 50 but separated from the baking tray 58 by a dividing wall 72 . The partition wall 72 has an upper window 82 provided above the centrifugal fan 70 and a lower inlet 84 provided below the centrifugal fan 70 . When the fan motor 68 drives the centrifugal fan 70, the air heated by the heater 52 is forced to pass through the dividing wall 72 and separate the baking cavity 50 from the motor cavity 60 as shown by the upwardly directed arrow in Fig. 1 . Divide the space between walls. The hot air that is forced upwards is directed towards the bakeware 58 through the upper window 82, flows down around the bakeware 58 as shown by the downward arrow in FIG. . In this way, heated air within the baking cavity 50 is caused to circulate therein around the baking tray 58 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1 , rather than being released from the baking cavity 50 as is the case with prior art breadmakers of this type. As a result, the convection achieved by the breadmaker of the present invention utilizes thermal energy more efficiently so that up to 2.0 pounds of wheat bread and 2.5 pounds of white bread. Furthermore, since the forced air circulation according to the invention has the good effect of homogenizing the temperature distribution through the baking tray 58, a tastier bread with an improved texture can be obtained.

The code system according to the invention will be described below for a bread maker such as that described with reference to Figure 1, but it is equally well applicable to many other types of programmed machines adapted to operate according to any one of a number of programs. Each such program can be associated with a different type of product such as bread, by loading the ingredients and other materials required for the selected program.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a bread maker 15 equipped with a coding system according to the invention comprising a table 16; A part of the central processing unit 18 of the control device; also includes a control panel 25, the control panel is equipped with a display device 30 such as a liquid crystal display and many switches and buttons as input devices, including a "STOP/RESET" button 31 for A "COLOR" button 32 to choose between a light and light bread color, and a "START" button 33 for starting the cycle of baking operations according to the selected program. An important feature of the invention is that the types of bread that can be baked or the processes that can be performed by the bread maker 15 are each assigned a code, preferably numerical, but also alphanumeric. As a practical example, the numerical codes "10," "20," and "60" are assigned not only to the "basic," "whole wheat," and "kneaded" processes, respectively, but also to the processes stored in memory device 17. And the corresponding programs to be invoked by the control device 18, so as to control the operation of the bread making machine 15, are used to respectively bake basic bread, bake whole wheat bread and perform predetermined kneading processes.

Table 16 is used to show the user what codes have been assigned to each type of bread or process that can be selected. For example, list all assignable codes in one column and breads and processes corresponding to the codes in the first column in another column.

According to a preferred method using the above coding system, the ingredients for each type of bread listed in Table 16 are made available as a pre-mixed set shown schematically at 19. Each group is clearly marked with a code indicating the bread that can be baked or the type of process that can be performed (ie the program to be followed by the control means 18). This approach is advantageous because it reduces the possibility of error by the user when pouring ingredients into the baking pan 58 of the bread maker 15 and saves the user the trouble of preparing the desired ingredient mix.

Referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 2 and the flowchart of FIG. 3, the process of selecting the type of bread to be baked or to be executed and specified to the control device 18 by code will be described.

According to the most practical embodiment of the present invention, the most frequently used program or the program considered to be the most frequently used program is treated as the default program. Since the basic type with common color bread is usually selected most frequently, the program for baking the basic bread is defined as the default program so that when the STOP/RESET button 31 is pressed to reset the control means 18 (YES in step S1) , the code "10" corresponding to BASICBREAD is automatically selected. Thus, after the reset, the display on the display device 30 will be as shown in FIG. 4 (step S2).

The control panel is provided with an UP button 34 and a DOWN button 35 for changing a given program. The codes assigned to the different bread types and processes are arranged sequentially (for example, in ascending order if the codes are numerical), so that whenever the UP button 34 or the DOWN button 35 is pressed (YES in step S3 or S5) ), the control unit 18 selects the program corresponding to the next code sequentially forward or backward respectively, and makes the new code corresponding to the newly selected program and the name of the selected corresponding bread or process type displayed on the display device 30 (step S4 or S6). Similarly, if the COLOR button is pressed (YES in step S7), the selected color changes from normal to slight, or from slight to common, and the display on the display device 30 also changes from NORMAL to LIGHT, or From LIGHT to NORMAL (step S8). One of the codes or bread color (common or slight) has been selected at that time, and the START button is pushed (YES in step S9), then the control device 18 starts to operate the bread making machine 15 according to one of the selected stored programs (step S10).

As shown in Figure 2, the control panel 25 is also equipped with a timer button (TIMER) for entering the timer setting operation mode so as to set the timer (not shown); ) clock button (CLOCK); hour button (HR) and minute button (MIN) for setting the hour and minute in the timer and clock setting mode respectively; set button (SET) for setting the timer or clock; and LEDs labeled TIMER, OPERATION, and COMPLETE to indicate, respectively, that the control is in timer setting mode, that a bake operation is in progress, or that a bake operation has completed. These and similar buttons and diodes have been used in prior art panel making machines and their function is well known to users.

As such, they are shown in Figure 2, but will not be described in detail here.

The invention has been described above with reference to only a few examples. These examples are however illustrative and not restrictive. Many modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed examples. For example, the encoding system of the present invention does not have to be associated with a panel maker, or more generally with a food machine, but can be associated with any programming device that allows the user to select one of a number of programs and use the The relevant specific material is thus processed according to the selected program. Although the specific encoding method has been shown above, they are not necessarily arranged in order, so that they appear in the display device one by one in the order or forward or backward direction, allowing the user to decide whether to choose one of the displayed options . Control panels can be fitted with numeric or alphanumeric keys, allowing the user to form numeric or alphanumeric codes to directly invoke the desired program.

Multipurpose appliance with updatable programs

The encoding system described above allows individual programs to be efficiently identified and accessed from a program instruction system pre-installed in the machine. Another advantage is that when the premixed food ingredient set is labeled with the appropriate code, the user can conveniently invoke the correct process in the machine by simply entering the code.

However, even with a large repertoire pre-programmed into the machine at the time of manufacture, situations still arise when a user may wish to use a new recipe or a new pre-mixed way of food ingredients, requiring the use of an existing machine New programs not found in the program repertoire.

A feature of the present invention is to allow a machine or appliance to run new programs added to its existing program instruction repertoire. This is achieved by providing the user with means to transfer new programs to the appliance.

Another feature of the present invention is the incorporation of multiple functions into operating the multipurpose appliance under updatable program control. In this way, one multipurpose machine or appliance can replace several dedicated machines.

Figure 5A shows one embodiment of a multi-purpose food utensil 115 with a removable storage. This embodiment has an enclosure 154 with a front opening door 156 . The housing encloses a food processing chamber that is accessible through an open door. On the housing is a control panel 125 with a display through which the user can interact with the food utensil 115 . In this example, the multipurpose food appliance can function as an oven, microwave, and panel maker.

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5A. A cavity 150 is formed within a housing structure 154 . Inside the cavity are a pair of bottom and top electric heating elements 153,155. A stand or carriage 157 is removably mounted in the cavity to support the food being processed, the stand resting on a fulcrum 159 on the cavity wall. By selectively energizing the top heating element 153 or the bottom heating element 155 or both, the appliance can be made to function much like a grill.

Adjacent to cavity 150 within housing structure 154 but separated therefrom by cavity wall 180 is motor cavity 160 . The motor cavity contains a centrifugal fan 170 . The centrifugal fan 170 draws air out of the cavity through an inlet 182 near the bottom opening of the cavity wall 180 and blows it back into the cavity through an outlet 184 near the top opening of the cavity wall 180 . When centrifugal fan 170 operates in combination with heating element 152, the food appliance functions as a conventional oven.

Between the top wall 151 of the cavity and the housing structure is an optional magnetron 161 for providing a source of microwaves injected from the top wall 151 into the cavity through a port. The motor cavity 160 also includes a drive motor 162, the motor speed change wheel of the motor is kinematically connected with the drive shaft 164 extending to the cavity through the bottom wall of the cavity by means of a drive belt 166. A turntable is detachably mounted on the drive shaft so that by energizing the drive motor 162 in a controlled manner, food placed on the turntable can be driven in a defined manner. When the magnetron is operated in conjunction with the turntable, the food appliance functions as a microwave oven.

In addition, a bread pan 158 for containing ingredients therein is removably disposed within the cavity 150 , and a mixing blade within the bread pan is engaged with the drive transmission wheel 164 . In this way, the bread-making ingredients contained in the bread pan can be stirred, kneaded and mixed by the action of the mixing blade driven by the drive variable speed wheel. In this way, the food appliance functions as a bread maker.

It can be seen that the multifunctional food appliance can be operated like different dedicated food machines.

Fig. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a multifunctional food utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In general, the multi-function food appliance 115 includes a plurality of hard components controlled by the appliance controller 200 .

Depending on the configuration, multiple hardware components may include one or more motor drivers 210 . For example, when working in a microwave oven mode, a motor is used to drive the rotary table so that the supported food can be irradiated with microwaves more uniformly. When operating in oven mode, one of the drives of the motor is used to rotate the rack so that food rotating on it is heated more evenly on all sides as the food is exposed to the localized heating elements. In the breadmaking mode of operation, one of the motor drives is used to rotate the mixing and kneading blades within the baking pan, as described in the previous section.

Similarly, depending on the configuration, the plurality of hard components described above may include one or more heater elements 212, such as the heater elements 153, 155 shown in FIG. 5B. These heater elements can be rotated individually or in combination for grilling, roasting, roasting, self-cleaning, and the like.

When the food appliance includes a pan for containing food ingredients, the heater element enables it to operate in a slow cook mode similar to a pot. When the pan is partially filled with water and the food is supported above the water, then the food appliance can operate as a steamer.

Similarly, according to different configurations, the aforementioned plurality of hard components may include a magnetron 214, such as the magnetron 161 shown in FIG. 5B. In the microwave mode of operation, the magnetron is used to generate microwave heating within the cavity.

Similarly, depending on the configuration, the plurality of hardware components described above may include one or more fans 216, such as the centrifugal fan 170 shown in FIG. 5B. For example, in a normal oven or breadmaking mode of operation, a fan is used to circulate hot air in the cavity.

Similarly, the plurality of hard components described above may include one or more fan solenoids 218, depending on the configuration. Solenoids are commonly used to open or close valves or air ducts, and to actuate various mechanical devices.

Similarly, the plurality of hardware components described above may include other electromechanical transducers 220 depending on the configuration. U.S. Patent Application "Bread Making Machine With Improved Temperature and Humidity Control," by Simon K.C. Yung, filed on the same date as this patent application, is hereby incorporated by way of comparison. Improved temperature and humidity control is described in conjunction with the disclosure in which an ultrasonic hygrometer is a component within a breadmaking chamber.

A plurality of hardware components are controlled by the hardware control unit 240 . The power supply provides power to a plurality of hardware components under the control of the hardware control unit 240 . While FIG. 6 shows several specific hardware components, it should be understood that various hardware components could alternatively be implemented. Other hardware components not shown are also contemplated. On the other hand, not all shown hardware components must be implemented at the same time.

The intelligence of the appliance controller is provided by the microprocessor 250 executing code and programs stored in non-volatile memory (NVM) 252 and random access memory (RAM) 254 . The microprocessor, NVM and RAM communicate with each other through a bus (not shown). In one embodiment, NVM is in the form of read-only memory (ROM). The memory stores the firmware and pre-programmed instruction set originally shipped with the appliance. In another embodiment, the NVM is in the form of EEPROM or flash EEPROM memory that basically provides rewritable mass storage. RAM is typically used as scratch patch memory when the microprocessor is executing programs.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide updates to the program instruction system in the appliance. This is achieved through the function of exchanging data with the controller of the appliance.

In one embodiment, the new program is transferred through a memory port capable of mounting a removable memory card that the user can insert into the appliance.

The appliance optionally includes a non-volatile memory interface 260 that interfaces with the microprocessor 250 on the one hand and with a removable memory card 264 via a card connector 262 on the other hand. Memory card 264 is non-volatile memory (non-volatile), such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or preferably currently in other consumer products (such as in digital still cameras, digital voice recorders, and cellular phones and handheld devices) A standard flash memory card introduced in . Other possible non-volatile memories include magnetic and optical disks.

Since detachable memory cards are portable from host to host and are being standardized, they can be easily used to exchange data between various hosts. For example, new or updated programs for the appliance may be generated by the manufacturer or other developer and distributed to customers on ROM or flash memory cards. A new bread recipe implemented in a premixed ingredient set can be provided in a new bread making program stored on a flash memory card or on a floppy disk. In the latter case, the program on the floppy disk can be transferred to the flash card by means of a personal computer (PC). Alternatively, the program can be downloaded by the customer from the website and saved to a flash card inserted into the PC. The flash card is then transferred to the universal appliance to update or augment existing programs therein.

In another embodiment, updating of the program instruction system in the appliance is accomplished through a standard data port (such as a parallel port, serial port, or infrared port provided on the food appliance) 295 .

The microprocessor 250 communicates with the hardware control unit 240 through a digital interface 242 connected to an appliance controller internal bus 270 . The digital interface 242 provides conversion between analog and digital signals and enables the microprocessor to control the hardware control unit 240 .

One or more sensors 280 provide detection of various conditions related to appliance operation. The signals of these sensors on the furnace are received into the hardware control unit 240 . In one embodiment, the signal is fed to a local servo circuit that is used to directly control some of the various hardware components. In another embodiment, the signal is made available through a digital interface on internal bus 270 . The microprocessor 250 can then monitor the sensor's signal and take appropriate action accordingly.

Input/output (I/O) interface 290 also communicates with microprocessor 250 via internal bus 270 . The I/O interface allows one or more peripheral devices to interact with the appliance controller 200 and, more specifically, the microprocessor 250 . In a preferred embodiment, such peripheral arrangement is a display and input unit 292 (such as the control panel 190 shown in Figure 5B).

In another embodiment, peripheral devices are externally connectable to the appliance and include a television 294 that can be used to display multimedia information. For example a pre-mixed set of ingredients may include a memory card, giving enough memory to store the program for running the appliance with multimedia files added, such as a video folder giving cooking instructions for that particular set.

In another embodiment, peripherals externally connectable to the appliance include a personal computer 296, which is preferably connected to the I/O interface 290 through a standard port 295, either a parallel port or a serial port. This allows playback of multimedia files, and even more flexible exchange of data and control.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the universal food utensil with removable storage. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, except that it has a higher form factor. It has an enclosure with a face opening door 156 . The enclosure encloses a food processing cavity that is accessible by opening a door. On the housing is a control panel 125 with a display through which the user can interact with the food utensil 115 . The high form factor itself accommodates bakeware with a vertical long axis and engages the vertical drive gear wheel at the bottom of the cavity. When the appliance is operated in grill mode, the roasting tray is replaced by a grill rack that engages the vertically driven variable speed wheel. In this case, the heating elements are preferably wire elements running vertically along the chamber wall.

The improved food utensil can be a multi-purpose, multi-functional food machine according to its operating program. Its basic functions may include radiant heating, microwave heating, mechanical mixing and rotation, and combinations thereof. For example, the improved food appliance is programmable to function as any number of separate machines, such as breadmakers, various ovens, rice cookers, and the like. While food utensils are described with multiple optional hard components, not all components have to be implemented at the same time. Similarly, even if several peripheral devices are shown, not all peripheral connections have to be made simultaneously.

Coding system for process parameters

The invention Another feature of the invention is to provide food utensils which allow the process of their operation to be modified through a set of parameters. Many processes run by food appliances are similar and differ only in certain parts of the process, which variation can be defined by a set of process parameters. For example, two processes may differ only in the duration of one of their cycles or in the temperature.

This feature of the present invention is achieved by setting the program in the form of parameters, the parameterized program executes its process in response to the setting of process parameters, ie, values assigned to a predetermined set of process parameters. In this way, the program repertoire of food utensils is greatly increased without storing many similar programs.

In one embodiment of the invention, the process parameter settings can be specified by the user entering values for each parameter directly through the food appliance input means. For example, a user can modify the duration or temperature of one or more program cycles. The input values are stored in a set of registers in the appliance controller. When a program is executed by the food appliance, it refers to the settings corresponding to the program variables.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coding scheme described above for program identification and indication can also be used to do the same for identification and indication of any process parameter settings. A look-up table in memory stores a plurality of process parameter settings and their associated codes and instructions.

Figure 8 schematically shows an example look-up table 316 for process parameter setting. A set of process parameters can be given by (number of cycles, temperature, duration, ...). A process parameter setting is defined when certain values are assigned to all parameters in the group. A parameter code can be assigned to each predetermined process parameter set. For example, assign parameter code 520 to process parameter settings (5, 120, 20, . . . ), assign parameter code 540 to process parameter settings (5, 140, 20, . . . ), and so on. The parameter set look-up table 316 thus contains coded indicators of process parameter settings. Each item optionally contains supplemental information related to the setting, such as a description of the setting. Similar to the table 16 shown in FIG. 2, supplementary information can be conveniently displayed to the user on the display of the food utensil.

In this way, when the relevant parameterization program is called out according to its program code, and the process parameter setting related to the program is called out through its parameter code, the required process running on the food utensil has just been selected.

According to a preferred embodiment, Figure 9 shows a table 16' that uses a single code to represent a combination of parameterization procedures and process parameter settings. Table 16' is similar in structure to Table 16 shown in FIG. 2 . A single code can be formed by concatenating program codes and parameter codes.

In a system comprising food utensils and multiple combined ingredients, the appropriate code or code set can be marked on each combination of ingredients, similar to what was previously described, and the same code can then be entered into the food utensil , in order to call up the appropriate program and process parameter settings for processing the ingredients.

While embodiments of aspects of the invention have been described as preferred implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made. The apparatus and methods described herein are applicable to multi-purpose food appliances that can use updatable programming to operate the appliance in various modes that would normally be separately available through conventional dedicated food appliances. Accordingly, the invention is entitled to protection within the full scope of the appended claims.

Claims (45)

1. A food utensil comprising: cavities in which food is processed; one or more heaters disposed inside the cavity; one or more mechanical actuators disposed inside the cavity; a controller for controlling operation of the one or more heaters and one or more mechanical actuators; a first memory for storing a preprogrammed process repertoire; input means for inputting data into said food appliance, including data specifying a preprogrammed course in said preprogrammed course instruction system; control means for operating said controller according to a specified preprogrammed procedure; and Means for updating said repertoire of preprogrammed procedures with one or more complementary preprogrammed procedures. 2. The food utensil of claim 1, wherein said means for updating comprises: A port for externally receiving said one or more supplementary preprogrammed procedures. 3. The food appliance of claim 2, wherein said port comprises a port selected from the group consisting of a parallel port, a serial port, a universal serial port, and an infrared port. 4. The food appliance of claim 2, wherein said port is a memory port for externally mounting a second memory, said second memory being a removable memory for storing one or more supplemental preprogrammed procedures. 5. The food appliance of claim 4, wherein said removable memory comprises a read only memory. 6. The food appliance of claim 4, wherein said removable memory comprises EPROM. 7. The food appliance of claim 4, wherein said removable memory comprises EEPROM. 8. The food appliance of claim 4, wherein said removable memory comprises flash EEPROM. 9. The food appliance of claim 4, wherein said removable memory comprises a magnetic storage medium. 10. The food utensil of claim 4, wherein said removable memory comprises an optical storage medium. 11. The food utensil of claims 1-4, further comprising: A pan for containing ingredients within the cavity. 12. The food utensil of claims 1-4, further comprising: A shelf for supporting food to be processed is inside the cavity. 13. The food utensil of claims 1-4, further comprising: A magnetron for providing microwave heating in the cavity. 14. A food appliance as claimed in claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed process for operating said food appliance in a bake mode. 15. A food appliance as claimed in claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed procedure for operating said food appliance in a grilling mode. 16. A food appliance as claimed in claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed procedure for operating said food appliance in a toasting mode. 17. A food appliance as claimed in claims 1-4, comprising a pre-programmed procedure for operating said food appliance in a microwave heating mode. 18. A food appliance as claimed in claims 1-4 including a pre-programmed procedure for operating said food appliance as a grill. 19. A food appliance as claimed in claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed process for operating said food appliance as a breadmaker. 20. A food appliance as claimed in claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed process for operating said food appliance as a rice cooker. twenty one. The food appliance of claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed process for operating said food appliance as a slow cooker. twenty two. The food appliance of claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed process for operating the food appliance as a steamer. twenty three. The food utensil of claims 1-4, including a pre-programmed process for operating said food utensil in a high temperature self-cleaning mode. twenty four. A food utensil comprising: cavities in which food is processed; one or more heaters for heating the cavity; a controller for controlling operation of the one or more heaters; a first memory unit for storing a preprogrammed process repertoire; said preprogrammed process instruction set has at least one parameter dependent on a predetermined set of process parameters; a second memory unit for storing specific values for a predetermined set of process parameters; input means for entering data into said food utensil, said input data comprising data specifying a preprogrammed course in said preprogrammed course instruction system; and Control means for operating said controller in accordance with specified preprogrammed procedures in response to stored parameter values. 25． The food utensil of claim 24, further comprising: a first look-up table having a plurality of entries respectively associating program code with each of said preprogrammed process repertoires; and wherein The input data includes program code specifying entries in the first look-up table. 26． The food appliance of claim 24, wherein said input data includes specific values for a predetermined set of process parameters. 27． The food utensil of claim 25, wherein: a plurality of predetermined process parameter settings respectively given by predetermined values for each process parameter assigned to the predetermined process parameter set; said input data includes data specifying one of said plurality of predetermined process parameter settings; and A control means operates the controller according to a specified preprogrammed process in response to specified predetermined process parameter settings. 28． The food utensil of claim 27, further comprising: a second look-up table having a plurality of entries that associates a process parameter code with one of said predetermined process parameter settings; and wherein The input data includes process parameter codes specifying entries in the second look-up table. 29． The food appliance of claim 28, wherein said plurality of entries of the look-up table further each include a descriptor associated with its predetermined course. 30． An automatic cooking system comprising: A set of ingredients used to cook ingredients from its set; A cooking appliance for processing said set of ingredients, said cooking appliance further comprising: a repertoire of preprogrammed processes, at least one of said repertoires of preprogrammed process repertoires being dependent on a predetermined set of process parameters; a container for containing said group of ingredients therein; an input device for entering a code to select an appropriate pre-programmed process in said pre-programmed process command system and to select an appropriate value for said predetermined set of process parameters; and a controller for executing a selected preprogrammed process for processing said set of ingredients within said container in response to selecting values for said set of predetermined process parameters; and wherein The set of ingredients also includes an indicia of the code. 31． A method of enabling food utensils to operate a preprogrammed course selectable from a preprogrammed course instruction system, the method comprising: associating a code with each preprogrammed procedure in the repertoire of adaptive programmed procedures; storing said preprogrammed procedures with their associated codes in memory; providing an input device on said food utensil for entering a code to call up an associated preprogrammed course in said preprogrammed course instruction system; and A control is provided on the food appliance for carrying out selected pre-programmed processes. 32． 31. The method of claim 31, wherein said code has a format comprising a numerical code. 33． 31. The method of claim 31, wherein said code has a format comprising an alphanumeric code. 34． The method of claims 31-33, further comprising: The input code and description of the associated pre-programmed procedures are displayed on a display. 35． A method of enabling a food appliance to process a set of ingredients according to a preprogrammed process selectable from a preprogrammed process instruction system, the method comprising: associating a code with each preprogrammed procedure in the repertoire of adaptive programmed procedures; storing said preprogrammed procedures with their associated codes in memory; assigning to said set of ingredients a code associated with said predetermined preprogrammed procedure; providing an input device on said food utensil for entering a code to call up a predetermined preprogrammed course in said preprogrammed course instruction system; and A controller is provided on the food appliance for carrying out a predetermined pre-programmed course of selection for the ingredients. 36． 35. The method of claim 35, wherein said code has a format comprising a numerical code. 37． 35. The method of claim 35, wherein said code has a format comprising an alphanumeric code. 38． The method of claims 35-37, further comprising: The input code and description of the associated pre-programmed procedures are displayed on a display. 39． The food utensil of any one of claims 24-29, further comprising: one or more mechanical actuators disposed within the cavity; and Wherein said controller also controls the operation of said one or more mechanical actuators. 40． A food utensil comprising: cavities in which food is processed; one or more mechanical actuators disposed within the cavity; a controller for controlling operation of the one or more mechanical actuators; a first memory unit for storing a preprogrammed process repertoire; said preprogrammed process instruction set has at least one parameter dependent on a predetermined set of process parameters; a second memory unit for storing specific values for a predetermined set of process parameters; input means for entering data into said food utensil, said input data comprising data specifying a preprogrammed course in said preprogrammed course instruction system; and Control means for operating said controller in accordance with specified preprogrammed procedures in response to stored parameter values. 41． The food utensil of claim 40, further comprising: a first look-up table having a plurality of entries respectively associating program code with each of said preprogrammed process repertoires; and wherein The input data includes program code specifying entries in the first look-up table. 42． The food appliance of claim 40, wherein said input data includes specific values for a predetermined set of process parameters. 43． The food utensil of claim 41, wherein: a plurality of predetermined process parameter settings respectively given by a predetermined value for each process parameter assigned to the predetermined process parameter group; said input data includes data specifying one of said plurality of predetermined process parameter settings; and A control means operates the controller according to a specified preprogrammed process in response to specified predetermined process parameter settings. 44． The food utensil of claim 43, further comprising: a second look-up table having a plurality of entries that associates a process parameter code with one of said predetermined process parameter settings; and wherein The input data includes process parameter codes specifying entries in the second look-up table. 45． The food appliance of claim 44, wherein said plurality of entries of the look-up table further each include a descriptor associated with its predetermined course.

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