Patent Publication Number: US-2021164662-A1

Title: User interface for a hob

Description:
The present invention is directed to a user interface for a hob that comprises at least two cooking zones, as well as to a hob comprising such a user interface. 
     While in many conventional hobs, such as solid plate hobs, ceramic electric hobs, or induction hobs, there either is provided one control knob for each of the cooking zones, or there is provided a touch sensitive region having dedicated switching zones for each of the cooking zones, there is room for improvement of the controllability and user-friendliness of the control elements that are employed for the input, and similarly for the display elements provided for the output, of the operating parameters involved. 
     In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a user interface for a hob, particularly an induction hob, that comprises at least two cooking zones, wherein the user interface provides for more user-friendliness than conventional devices and thus facilitates operation of the hob. 
     In accordance with the present invention this object is solved by a user interface for a hob that comprises at least two cooking zones, the user interface comprising a touchscreen interface for presenting operating parameters and input elements for adjusting such operating parameters, wherein the touchscreen interface is configured to display for each of the cooking zones an input element for selection of the respective cooking zone, wherein in a first interface mode the input elements for selection of the cooking zones are represented in a normal display mode that is simultaneously applied to the input elements for all cooking zones, and wherein in a second interface mode the input element for a selected cooking zone is represented in a highlighted display mode different from the display mode applied to the input elements for the remaining cooking zones. 
     Preferably the hob of the present invention comprises at least two cooking zones, however, more preferably the hob comprises at least three cooking zones, further preferably at least four cooking zones and most preferably more than four cooking zones. When such user interface is operated in a first interface mode, such as upon switching on the hob, the input elements for selection of the cooking zones are displayed all in a similar manner, such as by symbols of similar size and color, which may be displayed at a location of the touchscreen interface that corresponds to the physical orientation of the respective cooking zone. When upon selection of a cooking zone which shall be used for a cooking process, the user interface is operated in a second interface mode, the selected cooking zone is represented in a highlighted display mode so as to provide for a clear and well visible differentiation from the input elements for the other cooking zones. Such a highlighted display mode can be provided by displaying the respective input element, and possibly any further input element for adjusting an operating parameter of the selected cooking zone, in an enlarged size, in bold characters, in a different color, and/or at a prominent location, such as centered in the middle of the touchscreen interface, whereas the input elements for the remaining cooking zones are shifted to a peripheral region of the touchscreen interface. 
     In this manner not only the process of operating the respective cooking zone is facilitated, but also the risk of inadvertently activating another cooking zone, different from the one to be selected, is reduced. 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims. 
     Preferably, in the second interface mode the input element for the selected cooking zone is represented together with at least one further input element for adjusting an operating parameter of the selected cooking zone, such as a power level for setting the temperature of the selected cooking zone, or a temperature progress for conducting a preset cooking program in which different temperatures are employed over time. Thus, for example, there can be provided for a cooking program in which in an initial boiling phase the cooking zone is heated to a higher level so as to provide for a boiling operation, which is followed by a subsequent heating phase in which the cooking zone is heated to a lower level so as to provide for a simmering operation. 
     The input element for the selected cooking zone further can be represented together with an input element for selecting various timer functions, such as auto-on or auto-off for switching on or off the heating elements at a selected time or after a selected duration. Thus, the input element can be configured for the input and display of time values, such as a delay, a selected finishing time, a duration and the like which may be displayed during the cooking operation as a stop watch or count-down. 
     The input element for the selected cooking zone also can be represented together with one or more input elements for adjusting the size and shape of the area to be heated within the respective cooking zone, such as by activating or deactivating individual heating elements that are provided within the cooking zone. 
     The user interface further can be configured to provide for an indication when any of the cooking zones has been heated and thus still is hot or warm, which indication can be represented in a highlighted display when the user interface is in the second interface mode. 
     As mentioned above, in order to provide in the second interface mode for a highlighted display of the input elements for the selected cooking zone, the input elements for the selected cooking zone can be displayed in a central region of the touchscreen interface, whereas the input elements for the remaining cooking zones are displayed in a peripheral region of the touchscreen interface. Thus, for example in a hob of rectangular layout having four cooking zones that are located in four quarters of the hob area, wherein in the first interface mode the input elements for selection of the cooking zones are displayed at a location of the touchscreen interface that corresponds to the physical location of the respective cooking zone, when selecting one of the cooking zones and thus operating the touchscreen interface in a second interface mode, the input elements of the selected cooking zone can be displayed in the central area of the touchscreen interface, whereas those for selecting any of the other three cooking zones are shifted towards a peripheral region of the touchscreen interface. 
     The input element for adjusting operating parameters of the selected cooking zone can be formed by displaying a representation of possible values for the operating parameter, such as a selection of possible values for the parameter which for the power level can be a series of numerical values from which the user can select, or a graphical representation of the possible range, which can be displayed for example as a bar of constant or increasing height. Particularly when more complex input choices are to be offered, such as different cooking programs, the input element for adjusting operating parameters of the selected cooking zone also can be configured to be displayed as a scroll-down menu which indicates the available options in text form. 
     In the alternative, rather than displaying a pool of possible values or a selection to choose from, the actual parameter value can be displayed together with input means, such as “+” and “−” buttons, for selectively increasing or decreasing the parameter. 
     In case that certain functions shall always be available, such as an on/off button for activating or deactivating the touchscreen interface, a menu button, a pause button, a lock button, or the like, there can be provided at least one touch sensitive key element next to the touchscreen interface. Thus, in order to facilitate the manufacturing of such designated single-purpose input elements, rather than providing such input elements on the touchscreen interface, there can be provided additional key elements next to the touchscreen interface which can be designed as touch sensitive elements that are located underneath a printed and backlit region of a glass element which is located adjacent or around the touchscreen interface. In this manner there can be implemented in a cost-effective manner input elements for functions which either shall be always available, such as an on/off button, or which shall remain available during operation or during a certain operation period, such as a menu button, a lock button and a pause button, which can be switched on and thus made visible on power-up of the hob, so as to remain active for the entire length of a cooking process. 
     In preferred embodiments the touchscreen interface comprises a polychromatic display, so as to provide for the ability to display certain elements in different colors. Thus, for example a symbol or the power level of cooking zone can be displayed in a different color, such as in red, as soon as the cooking zone is turned on, so as to provide for a warning function. 
     In further embodiments the touchscreen interface can be configured to display input elements and parameters that relate to temporarily disabled functions in a semitransparent or faded fashion. While thus it immediately can be made visible to a user that certain functions are presently not available or cannot be changed, such as during a state when an operation is paused or when the user interface has been set into a child-safe mode, the value of the parameter or the selected function nevertheless still is displayed. 
     In further preferred embodiments the touchscreen interface can be configured for operation of at least two adjacent cooking zones as a single combined cooking zone by displaying the respective input elements and parameter indications as a single element that applies to all the cooking zones which constitute the combined cooking zone. For example in a hob comprising four cooking zones, the interface can be configured such that the two cooking zones located in the left half of the hob can be combined to constitute a combined cooking zone of lengthy shape, such as for the heating of a casserole or the warming of platters, wherein any settings that are made, such as a setting of the power level, the conduction of a cooking program with varying temperatures, or timer functions, are applied simultaneously for both the cooking zones. When implementing such a combined cooking zone operation, it also can be advantageous to restrict the combined cooking operation to only individual functions, such as cooking programs and timer functions, but to nevertheless allow for an independent setting of the power levels that are applied in the individual cooking zones which in combination constitute the combined cooking zone. In this manner, certain areas of the combined cooking zone may be heated to a different temperature than other regions of the combined cooking zone, so as to provide for a temperature gradient within the combined cooking zone, for example when heating a casserole in which there is to be prepared in one region a roast and in a further region a side dish, such as vegetables. 
     In one particular embodiment of the present invention a cooking zone is associated with one heating zone corresponding to one heat transferring element, e.g. a radiant heating element or an induction coil, which is arranged below the cooking panel, e.g. the glass ceramic plate. 
     Such hob, preferably induction hob, according to the present invention preferably comprises at least one energy power unit for transferring heating power to at least one heating zone. 
     A cooking zone thus comprises preferably at least one heating zone, more preferably at least two, still more preferably at least three heating zones. Additionally, or alternatively, the hob may be configured such that the number of heating zones associated with one cooking zone may vary dependent on the needs of the cook and/or the size, form or kind of cookware placed on the cooking surface. 
     The energy power unit comprises preferably at least one generator for providing heating power to the at least one heating zone. The heating power may be provided, particularly by heat, more particularly heat radiation. Alternatively or additionally, the heating power may be provided by heat generating power, particularly a heat generating magnetic field, more particularly an induction field. Accordingly, the inventive cooking hob, preferably is an induction hob. 
     A heating zone preferably is associated with one heating transfer element. The heating transfer element particularly may comprise a heating coil, preferably an induction coil. Preferably, a heating zone may be associated with more than one heating transfer element. Particularly, a heating zone may be associated with 2, 3 or 4, or more than 4 heating transfer elements. 
     The energy power unit, and particularly the associated power circuit unit may be configured to be connected to at least one, preferably two phases of a mains supply. There by the energy power unit may particularly be provided in the form of a half-bridge configuration and/or a quasi-resonant configuration. 
     In order to avoid an unwanted or inappropriate operation of the hob, the touchscreen interface can be configured for operation in a child-safe mode in which all input elements are deactivated until a predetermined unlock procedure is performed. Such unlock procedure can be, for example, an input of a passkey at a single input element, such as a multi-digit number. In other embodiments the unlock procedure may consist in the activation of several input elements in a predetermined unlock sequence, wherein for example a plurality of labeled keys have to be activated in a certain order, such as keys with letters which have to be pressed in an ascending or descending order. In this manner, a potentially dangerous operation of the hob by not qualified persons, such as by an unattended child, can be avoided. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the above objects are solved by a hob which comprises a plurality of cooking zones each having at least one heating element for heating the respective cooking zone, a user interface as it has been described above, and a controller coupled to the user interface and the heating elements for controlling the heating elements based on inputs received at the user interface. Such hob can be any hob that comprises a plurality of cooking zones, irrespective of how the cooking zones are heated, and thus can be a hob having solid plates, a ceramic electric hob, an induction hob, a gas fired hob, or a combination hob in which at least one heating zone is heated in a different manner than at least one of the other heating zones. 
     In embodiments, the hob can comprise means for detecting the presence or absence of cooking ware in a cooking zone, wherein the user interface is configured to display input elements of the respective cooking zone when cooking ware is detected in such cooking zone, i.e. to automatically switch on or display the respective input elements when a user places a pot within the cooking zone, Alternatively or additionally the controller can be configured to deactivate the heating element of the respective cooking zone when an absence of cooking ware in such cooking zone is detected, such as to switch off the heating element of a cooking zone when a pot that has been heated in such zone is removed. In order to allow a user to remove the pot for a short period of time without switching off the heating element, so as to allow for example to briefly take a pot to a kitchen sink so as add or remove liquid, after which the cooking procedure shall be continued, the function of deactivating the heating element of the respective cooking zone when an absence of cooking ware in is detected, can be implemented with a predetermined or adjustable delay, wherein the operation is continued if it is detected that the cooking pot is returned to the cooking zone within the delay period. 
     In preferred embodiments, the hob can comprise means for detecting the temperature of a cooking zone, of cooking ware present in said cooking zone and/or of a food item being processed in said cooking zone, via direct measurement such as by means of fixedly installed temperature sensors or by mobile wireless or wire-bound probes that are to be placed in contact with the cooking ware or the food item being processed. In addition or alternatively to such direct measurement, in certain types of hobs, for example in induction hobs, it also is possible to estimate the temperature of the cooking ware or of the food item being processed by evaluation of the electric power that is supplied to the respective cooking zone. In any such embodiments, the controller further preferably is configured to adapt the operation of the heating elements based on data received from the temperature detecting means, so that the amount of power that is supplied to the respective heating zone can be effectively adapted to the temperature actually achieved. 
     In preferred embodiments of the hob suggested herein, the touchscreen interface is configured for input and output of timer data for at least one of the cooking zones, and the controller further is configured to adapt the operation of the heating elements based on the said timer data. Thus, for example auto-on, auto-off, and delay functions for switching on or off the heating elements at a selected time or after a selected duration can be implemented. Furthermore, the cooking zones can be operated in accordance with predetermined cooking programs in which the temperature in the cooking zone is varied over time, such as providing for a boiling period at a higher power level, followed by a simmering period that is conducted at a lower power level. 
     In further embodiments, the hob comprises means for generating audio signals coupled to the controller, wherein the controller further is configured to activate the means for generating audio signals in dependency of sensor data, user inputs and/or a selected operation function. By providing for such audio signaling feature, various warning or information messages can be output to a user, which messages may be based, amongst others, on:
         generating sensor data, such as temperature data, a detection of the placement of cooking ware in, or the removal of cooking ware from, any of the cooking zones, and/or a detection of spilling, such as fluids,   operation functions, such as a cooking program that reminds the user of the certain activities to be taken, such as an addition of ingredients to be added after a certain preparation time,   timer data, such as the begin or end of a preset cooking period, or a selected cooking duration,   a user input, so as to provide for example for a confirmation tone to indicate that an input has been received,   a warning after a power outage, so as to alert the user that a cooking operation may have been interrupted or untimely terminated, and/or clock adjustments should be checked and possibly corrected, or   the exceeding of a power demand, such as by simultaneously setting all cooking zones to a maximum level.       

    
    
     
       Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below by reference to the drawings, in which 
         FIG. 1  shows a user interface for a hob made in accordance with the present invention upon power-up of the hob, with the interface being set in a first interface mode; 
         FIG. 2  shows the user interface of  FIG. 1  in a second interface mode; 
         FIG. 3  shows the user interface of  FIG. 1  in a first interface mode while one of the cooking zones operative; 
         FIG. 4  shows the user interface of  FIG. 1  in a second first interface mode pertaining to the operation of a combined cooking zone; 
         FIG. 5  shows the user interface of  FIG. 1  in a second interface mode for setting timer functions; 
         FIG. 6  shows the user interface of  FIG. 1  in a first interface mode while one of the cooking zones is operated in a timer mode; 
         FIG. 7  shows the user interface of  FIG. 1  when in a locked interface mode; 
         FIG. 8  shows the user interface of  FIG. 1  when in a second interface mode for selected a cooking; 
     
    
    
     In the following the present invention will be described by reference to exemplary embodiments of a user interface that are designed for an induction hob or electric glass ceramic hob having four cooking zones, wherein two of the cooking zones can be operated in a combined mode. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the user interface comprises a panel  10  in which there are provided several switch elements  12 ,  14 ,  16  of designated function and a touchscreen interface  18 . To provide for a smooth surface of uniform appearance, panel  10  is a glass panel that is designed to form an integral part of a glass ceramic plate in which there are provided the cooking zones. While the switch elements  12 ,  14  and  16  each comprise a touch sensitive element arranged below the glass panel, a symbol for indicating the function of the switch is formed by a printing provided at the bottom side of the glass plate, which printing is made visible by activation of a backlight that also is provided at the bottom side of the glass plate. While thus in the switched-off state of the hob, the switch elements  14  and  16  and the touchscreen interface  18  are virtually invisible and merge into the overall appearance of the glass plate, switch element  12  which constitutes the On/Off button for the hob, preferably comprises a permanently discernible marking, such as a printing that always is visible, or a haptic marking in the smooth surface of the glass plate. 
     Upon powering up the hob by touching switch element  12  for a predetermined minimum duration, switch element  14  which is a “Menu” button and switch element  16  which in the illustrated embodiment is a “Lock” button are backlit and thus can be activated. The same also applies to touchscreen interface  18  which upon powering up the hob displays input elements  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26  that are assigned to the individual cooking zones of the hob, and a further input element  28  by which the upper left cooking zone and the lower left cooking zone can be operated as a combined cooking zone. 
     Whereas in the interface mode depicted in  FIG. 1 , referred to herein as the first interface mode, the input elements  20 ,  22 ,  44  and  26  for selection of the cooking zones all are represented in a normal display mode that is simultaneously applied to the input elements for all cooking zones, when selecting one of the cooking zones for use in a cooking process by touching the respective input element, such as input element  24  for the lower left cooking zone, the touchscreen interface is set into a second interface mode, as is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an example of operating the touchscreen interface in a second interface mode which is entered by selecting the lower left cooking zone by touching the respective input element  24 . In such second interface mode a power bar  30  indicating a choice of possible power levels and a further input element  32  depicted by a clock symbol for applying timer functions are displayed together with cooking zone input element  24  in a central region of the touchscreen interface. The user now can select a power level for the heating elements of the lower left cooking zone by touching the respective number in power bar  30 , either by tapping directly on the respective number or by touching the power bar at zero and then dragging until the respective number has been reached. During touching power bar  30 , the presently selected number is highlighted, such as in bold letters, in a different color, or is shown in a larger size. While input element  24  for selecting the lower left cooking zone as well as all further input elements for adjusting operating parameters for the lower left cooking zone thus are displayed in a highlighted fashion, the input elements  20 ,  22  and  26  for the other three cooking zones have been shifted into a peripheral region of the touchscreen interface, where they are displayed in a dimmed fashion. While in the second interface mode the focus thus is laid on the input elements that relate to a selected cooking zone or combined cooking zone, the user interface nevertheless always allows the user to switch to the inputs for another cooking zone simply by tapping on the respective cooking zone input element which although being displayed in dimmed fashion, still is visible. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , when in the second interface mode in which adjustments can be made in the operating parameters of the cooking zones, additional designated input elements can be activated, such as a “Pause” button  34  to the right of touchscreen interface  18 . 
     Upon finishing the user input, the touchscreen interface again is set into the first interface mode, wherein as shown in  FIG. 3  selected operating parameters are displayed aside the respective input element which designates the cooking zone. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the number “ 5 ” is displayed aside input element  24  for the lower left cooking zone, so as to indicate the power level that has been selected. Given that the other three cooking zones now as before are inactive, the spaces aside the respective cooking zone input elements  20 ,  22  and  26  remain blank. 
     In  FIG. 4  the user interface is illustrated in a state when the input element  28  for providing for a combined cooking zone has been activated. Rather than showing the input elements  20  and  24  for selecting the upper left and lower left cooking zones, there is displayed a combined element  36 , wherein when the touchscreen interface is in the second interface mode a power bar  38  is shown aside the combined element  36 . Similarly as was described above by reference to  FIG. 2 , the user can select a power level to be applied in the combined cooking zone by touching one of the number keys which range from 0 for power off to 9 for maximum power, or a key labeled “P” for power heating by which the cooking zone is operated for a limited duration at a steeper heating curve, i.e. is heated faster. 
       FIG. 5  shows the user interface when starting from the situation shown in  FIG. 2  the user activates the timer functions by touching input element  32 . Then a timer setting window  40  is displayed, in which the user can select various timer functions, such as a timer which starts and/or stops the heating within the selected cooking zone cooking zone at a time or after a duration the user selects in be selected. Additionally or alternatively to setting such timer, an alarm can be set so as to notify the user at a time or after a duration to be selected. When the respective settings have been made, these settings are applied upon the user confirming the selection by tapping in the touchscreen interface at an “ok” field  42 . In case the user wants to abort the setting of timer functions without saving any changes, this can be done by touching onto an escape field  44  which is marked by an “x”. 
     Upon having made selections in the timer section, these settings are displayed next to the input element  20 ,  22 ,  24  or  26  for the respective cooking zone, as it is shown in  FIG. 6 , where next to the power level there is provided for a numerical display  46  of the respective time. In  FIG. 6  there further is shown a bar display  48 , which either may be employed to indicate the selected power level, or which also can be used as a dynamic time bar display, the total length of which represents the total cooking time selected, and the colored length represents the elapsed cooking time. 
     Note that  FIGS. 5 to 7  further illustrate that the elements displayed in respect of a heated cooking zone can be displayed, fully or partially, in a different color, such as in red, so as to provide for an additional differentiation function and/or to provide for a warning that the respective cooking zone is hot. Similarly, also when the respective cooking zone has been switched off, but the cooking zone is still hot, the residual heat can be indicated to the user by displaying a certain warning sign, such as a symbol or text message, which may indicate the temperature level of the residual heat in several stages and which preferably also is displayed in color, so as to warn the user of the hot plate. 
       FIG. 7  shows the user interface, when the “lock” key  16  has been activated during a cooking process. While thus settings cannot be changed, a message is displayed in a central region of the touchscreen interface, and all symbols such as those of input elements  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26  for selecting a cooking zones, and displays, such as the power indication for power level “5” for the activated lower left cooking zone, are displayed in a dimmed fashion and thus fade into the background of the displayed message. 
       FIG. 8  shows the user interface in a state when the user has entered a choice of available cooking programs for the selected cooking zone by tapping on “Menu” button  14 . In the state depicted in  FIG. 8 , a “melting” program can be selected by which the selected cooking zone is slowly heated to a low temperature as it is particularly advantageous for the melting of chocolate. Various further options can be accessed via “Menu” button  14 , one example of which is the boiling mode referred to above wherein a selected cooking zone first is operated at a higher power level (such as to cause boiling of liquid), followed by a simmering stage during which the cooking zone is operated at a lower power level. 
     Note that  FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of the user interface in which upon selection of a cooking zone all the input elements for selecting a cooking zone have been shifted to the right of a central region in which the actually set operations are displayed, wherein the input element of the cooking zone for which the parameters in question, here the melting operation, can be selected is highlighted by coloring the respective input element. 
     In preferred embodiments, the hob is provided with means for detecting the presence or absence of cooking ware in a cooking zone, wherein the user interface is configured to display input elements of the respective cooking zone when cooking ware is detected in such cooking zone. While thus the user interface can be configured to automatically switch on or display the respective input elements when a user places a pot within the cooking zone, in preferred embodiments such pot detection may be used to select a power level for heating a pot by shifting the pot to and from preselected cooking zones. In particular, the user interface may be configured to operate the hob in a “Power slide mode”, in which the user assigns varying power levels to certain cooking zones, such as power level 2 for a first cooking zone, power level 5 for a second cooking zone, and power level 8 for a third cooking zone. When the pot is set for example on the second cooking zone and thus the pot is heated at power level 5, the user may select a different cooking temperature simply by shifting the pot to the first or third cooking zone. When it is detected that the pot has been shifted into another cooking zone, the initially used cooking zone is switched off, and the cooking zone to which the pot has been moved is switched on at the pre-selected power level. In this manner, the user can select different power levels for a cooking process in advance, wherein during the cooking process no adjustments have to be made at the user interface, but rather a power level can be selected simply by shifting the pot from one cooking zone to another. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS 
       10  panel 
       12  switch element “On/Off” 
       14  switch element “Menu” 
       16  switch elements “Lock” 
       18  touchscreen interface 
       20  input element “Upper left cooking zone” 
       22  input element “Upper right cooking zone” 
       24  input element “Lower left cooking zone” 
       26  input element “Lower right cooking zone” 
       28  input element “Combined cooking zone” 
       30  power bar 
       32  input element “timer functions” 
       34  input element “Pause” 
       36  combined element 
       38  power bar 
       40  timer setting window 
       42  “ok” field 
       44  escape field 
       46  numerical display 
       48  bar display