WO2021239231A1 - Procédé et système pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes - Google Patents

Procédé et système pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021239231A1
WO2021239231A1 PCT/EP2020/064857 EP2020064857W WO2021239231A1 WO 2021239231 A1 WO2021239231 A1 WO 2021239231A1 EP 2020064857 W EP2020064857 W EP 2020064857W WO 2021239231 A1 WO2021239231 A1 WO 2021239231A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heating
heating chamber
user
time period
microwave oven
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2020/064857
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kristian LINDBERG-POULSEN
Henrik Schneider
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Senserna AS
Original Assignee
Senserna AS
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 AS filed Critical Senserna AS
Priority to PCT/EP2020/064857 priority Critical patent/WO2021239231A1/fr
Publication of WO2021239231A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021239231A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H05B6/6435—Aspects relating to the user interface of the microwave heating apparatus
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a microwave oven, a system comprising a microwave oven, and a corresponding method.
  • 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 of the present invention have realized a need for providing a method for, and a system configured for, improving user experience of a microwave oven.
  • the inventors have realized that operation of a microwave oven may depend on whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Accordingly, it may be desired to provide a user interface configured for presenting one or more appropriate options dependent on whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • the inventors have realized that operation of a microwave oven may depend on not only whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, but also which type of sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Accordingly, it may be desired to provide a user interface configured for presenting one or more appropriate options dependent on which sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • the inventors have realized a need for handling safety events, such as wherein communication from a sensor assembly within the heating chamber is incomplete, is lost, or appears unexpectedly. This may in particular be relevant and/or critical to handle during a heating phase. Accordingly, it may be desired to present a user of the microwave oven with information relating to a safety event that has occurred, such that the user is prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • 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 method, a microwave oven, and a system configured for prompting a user of a microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • a method comprising: attempting to receive data wirelessly from within a heating chamber of a microwave oven; providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly; and outputting the first information to a user of the microwave oven.
  • the first information may be configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the first information may be configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven upon presentation of the first information to the user.
  • the method may be for prompting the user of the microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven and/or for operation of the microwave oven.
  • steps of a method according to the present invention are only feasible to be carried out in a presented order, the steps may be carried out in another order than the presented order. Steps of a method according to the present invention may be carried out in any feasible order. Accordingly, a method according to the present invention comprising a plurality of steps is not necessarily limited to having the plurality of steps being carried out in the presented order.
  • a system comprising a microwave oven, wherein the microwave oven may constitute the system, i.e. the system may consist of the microwave oven.
  • the microwave oven of the system comprises: a heating chamber; a second communication module; and a second controller module.
  • the system comprises at least one user interface.
  • the second communication module is configured for attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the second controller module is configured for providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of a step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber using the second communication module.
  • the first information is configured for prompting a user of the microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the at least one user interface is configured for outputting the first information to the user.
  • a microwave oven comprising: a heating chamber; a second communication module; a second controller module; and at least one user interface comprising a second user interface.
  • the second communication module is configured for attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the second controller module is configured for providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of a step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber using the second communication module.
  • the first information is configured for prompting a user of the microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the second user interface is configured for outputting the first information to the user.
  • the system and/or the microwave oven according to any of the aspects of the present invention may be configured for carrying out the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to various aspects including the microwave oven and/or the system described above and in the following and to corresponding methods, such as described above and in the following.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a system according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a system according to the present invention.
  • FIGs. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate a third embodiment of a system according to the present invention.
  • 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 part of a method according to the present invention.
  • Figs. 8-25 schematically illustrate various examples of respective sequences of events handled according to embodiments of the present invention along with schematically illustrations of respective phases and time periods.
  • Fig. 26 schematically illustrates an embodiment of at least a part of a user interface of a microwave oven according to the present invention.
  • 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.
  • first”, “second”, and “third”, as well as the terms: “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” as well as any combination hereof does not necessarily indicate any timing and/or prioritizing of the respective events, steps, or features.
  • first feature of a device does not imply that there is a second feature, such as a second feature of the device, and vice versa.
  • the method according to the present invention may comprise use of the microwave oven 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.
  • the system 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 according to the present invention 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.
  • the method according to the present invention may comprise providing microwave radiation 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.
  • the lid 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 is not necessarily suitable for heating and is not necessarily suitable for provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber.
  • heating may be understood as provision of energy, such as: microwave radiation, infrared radiation, heat energy, etc., to within the heating chamber by the at least one heating module of the microwave oven.
  • energy such as: microwave radiation, infrared radiation, heat energy, etc.
  • provision of energy to within the heating chamber may be referred to as heating even if the temperature of an item within the heating chamber does not increase and/or if no item is present within the heating chamber and/or if the temperature within the heating chamber does not increase.
  • 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.
  • the term "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 first information may comprise a heating option, such as one heating option of a plurality of heating options.
  • 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 system according to the present invention may comprise a sensor assembly.
  • 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 sensor assembly may comprise a sensor module, such as a temperature sensor module, configured for measuring an aspect, such as temperature, within the heating chamber.
  • the method may comprise measuring temperature within the heating chamber.
  • the sensor assembly may comprise a first controller module.
  • 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.
  • 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 wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber in response to detecting microwave radiation by the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 upon request. Accordingly, such embodiments may transmit data immediately upon being activated by microwave energy.
  • Attempting to receive data wirelessly from within a heating chamber of the microwave oven may comprise attempting to receive data wirelessly from a sensor assembly that may, at least from time to time, be located within the heating chamber of the microwave oven.
  • 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
  • the second controller module 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 step of providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise using the second 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 the at least one user interface.
  • the microwave oven may comprise a/the second communication module.
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within a heating chamber of the microwave oven may comprise use of the second communication module.
  • the second communication module may be configured for receiving data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the microwave oven may be configured for attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber using the second communication module and for providing a first outcome hereof.
  • Embodiments comprising the second communication module do not necessarily comprise the/a first communication module.
  • the microwave oven may comprise a secondary communication module.
  • the secondary communication module may be configured for wireless communication with a device outside the microwave oven such as an auxiliary device.
  • 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 the 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
  • the step of outputting the first information to the user may comprise use of at least one user interface configured for presenting the first information to the user.
  • the system according to the present invention may comprise the at least one user interface.
  • the microwave oven according to the present invention may comprise the at least one user interface.
  • the at least one user interface may comprise a second user interface and/or a third user interface.
  • 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 may be configured for outputting information, such as information including the first information, to the user of the microwave oven.
  • 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 and enables outputting the first information to the user.
  • 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.
  • the step of outputting the first information may comprise outputting data comprising the first information electronically and/or digitally and/or wirelessly, e.g. using the secondary communication module, to an external device, such as the auxiliary device, which external device may be configured for presenting the first information to the user of the microwave oven, e.g. visually and/or aurally.
  • an external device such as the auxiliary device, which external device may be configured for presenting the first information to the user of the microwave oven, e.g. visually and/or aurally.
  • such external device does not form part of the system according to the present invention.
  • such external device does form part of the system according to the present invention.
  • the step of outputting the first information may be understood as and/or may comprise presenting the first information to the user.
  • the step of outputting the first information may be understood as carried out and/or completed irrespectively of whether the user has observed the first information.
  • 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 first information is presented to the user by means of such one or more displays and/or one or more touchscreens.
  • the system is configured for presenting the first information to the user by means of one or more displays and/or one or more touchscreens.
  • the step of outputting the first information may be understood as carried out and/or completed once the first information is displayed and/or has been outputted. This may be irrespectively of for how long the first information is displayed / being outputted. Accordingly, another step of the method according to the present invention may be subsequent to the step of outputting the first information even if the first information is still being displayed / being outputted while the another step is initiated and/or is being carried out.
  • the at least one user interface may utilize and/or comprise a speaker.
  • Outputting the first information to the user may comprise presenting the first information to the user visually and/or aurally.
  • the first information may be presented in speech or and/or text and/or other optical and/or visual means.
  • 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.
  • 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 system may be configured for displaying, e.g. interchangeably, e.g. using the first output field, a first heating condition of a first heating option or a second heating condition of a second heating option.
  • the system may be configured such that the first heating condition is displayed in response to a presence estimation comprising information indicating that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • the system may be configured such that the second heating condition is displayed in response to a presence estimation comprising information indicating that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • the first heating condition may be relating to a target temperature and the the second heating condition may be relating to a target duration of a heating phase.
  • the at least one user interface such as the second user interface, may be configured for being, e.g. interchangeably, in one of a plurality of states comprising a first state and a second state.
  • the second controller may be configured for controlling the state of the second user interface.
  • the state of the second user interface may be independence of the presence estimation. Accordingly, the microwave oven may be configured for entering the second user interface into: the first state in response to the presence estimation comprising information indicating that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber; and the second state in response to the presence estimation comprising information indicating that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • 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.
  • the step of providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise selecting and/or obtaining the first information, e.g. from one or more lists and/or databases of stored information, e.g. using the second controller module.
  • the stored information may e.g. be provided within a data storage module of the microwave oven and/or a data storage module being external of the microwave oven.
  • 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 of or relating to the first 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 of or relating to the first 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.
  • the user may be considered as being prompted by being presented with the first information. Prompting may be understood as serving as the inciting cause.
  • Deciding upon user operation of the microwave oven may comprise deliberating upon user operation of the microwave oven. Deciding upon user operation of the microwave oven may comprise deciding whether and/or how to operate 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.
  • Attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may imply that at least one receiver of the microwave oven, such as at least one receiver of the second communication module, is configured and open for receipt of data from within the heating chamber. Attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may imply that the second communication module is open for receipt of data from within the heating chamber.
  • the second communication module which is configured for attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber, may be defined as being configured for receiving data wirelessly from 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.
  • the step of attempting to receive data may comprise attempting to receive data 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 step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may be carried out over a main time period.
  • the second communication module may be continuously open for receipt of data transmitted from within the heating chamber while attempting to receive data and/or during the main time period.
  • the main time period may comprise any one or more of: a first time period; a second time period; a third time period; a fourth time period; a fifth time period; and a sixth time period as respectively defined within the present disclosure.
  • the main time period may comprise any one or more of: an initial phase; an intermediate phase; and a heating phase as respectively defined within the present disclosure.
  • the attempt to receive data wireless may be described as a step
  • the attempt to receive data wirelessly may comprise one or more failed attempts to receive data and/or one or more successful attempts to receive data as described within the present disclosure. These one or more failed and/or successful attempts to receive data may occur within the main time period.
  • a failed and/or successful attempt to receive data does not necessarily imply that the step of attempting to receive data is terminated.
  • the step of attempting to receive data may comprise attempting to receive data continuously during a sequence of phases (cf. definition below) and may comprise one or more failed and/or successful attempts to receive data.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise a first result of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise received data.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise an indication of received data or an indication of lack of received data.
  • the step of providing first information may comprise selecting and/or obtaining the first information by the second controller module.
  • Provision of information in dependence of an outcome may imply that a variation, at least to a certain degree, in outcome may result in different information being provided. Provision of information in dependence of an outcome may imply that the information is provided as a function of the outcome. According to the present invention certain outcome or certain ranges of outcome may result in that certain information is provided. According to the present invention there may be a systematic relationship between the first outcome and the first information being provided. According to the present invention the first information may be provided, at least in part, by retrieving information from one or more lists or databases, wherein the retrieval of the information may be carried out as a function of the first outcome.
  • the first information may be presented as a part of the at least one user interface.
  • the first information may be presented using the at least one user interface.
  • the first information may relate to and/or may comprise information and/or at least one option intended to be presented by means of the at least one user interface.
  • the at least one option may comprise at least one option out of a plurality of options presented, or intended to be presented, by means of the at least one user interface.
  • the at least one option may comprise at least one heating option.
  • the first information may comprise information regarding an encouragement for inspection within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may be configured for prompting the user to decide upon inspection within the heating chamber.
  • Inspection within the heating chamber may comprise operating the lid of the heating chamber.
  • Inspection within the heating chamber may comprise inspection of any device, such as the sensor assembly and/or inspection of any item to be heated within the heating chamber.
  • Inspection within the heating chamber may for instance comprise one or more of the following: inspection of whether a/the sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber; inspection of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber; removal of the sensor assembly from within the heating chamber; un-obscuring wireless transmission of data from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber, e.g.
  • the first information may comprise information of a sensor assembly state of the system, referred to as "sensor assembly state".
  • sensor assembly state The user may advantageously be informed about the sensor assembly state, such that the user may decide upon operation of the microwave oven accordingly.
  • the sensor assembly state may comprise, such as being selected from the group of, any of: a result of a presence estimation, i.e. an indication of whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber; an indication that a sensor assembly is unexpectedly detected within the heating chamber; an indication that communication from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber is lost unexpectedly.
  • the sensor assembly state may be presented to the user without explicitly stating an operation that the user may choose to select or carry out. It may be assumed that the user will react if the sensor assembly state, as presented to the user, represents a situation that the user would like to change and/or if the user is of the understanding that the presented sensor assembly state does not correspond with one or more respective assumptions the user has regarding user expectation of sensor assembly state.
  • the sensor assembly state may for instance comprise an indication of "signal lost” if a signal is lost, i.e. e.g. if no signal is received when a signal is expected to be received.
  • a communication from the sensor assembly may be understood as a signal in this context.
  • the sensor assembly state may be configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the first information may comprise an explicit suggestion or request, e.g. explicitly stating an operation that the user is requested to and/or may choose to carry out.
  • An example of such explicit suggestion or request may be: "inspect sensor assembly within heating chamber", or "remove sensor assembly”.
  • the method according to the present invention may comprise receiving user input from the user subsequent to the step of outputting the first information to the user.
  • the system according to the present invention may be configured for receiving user input from the user subsequent to outputting the first information to the user.
  • User input which is received after the first information has been presented to the user, may be assumed to be provided by the user in response to the first information and/or in consideration of the first information.
  • 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 user subsequent to outputting the first information to the user. Accordingly, the user input may be provided by the user in response to being presented with the first information.
  • An output and/or setting of the microwave oven may comprise an output and/or setting of a heating module of the microwave oven.
  • the system according to the present invention may comprise a microwave oven, wherein the second controller module is configured for providing first information in dependence of the first outcome, wherein the first outcome comprises a presence estimation comprising information indicating whether any sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, and wherein the first information comprises a heating option relating to one of a plurality of heating conditions comprising a first heating condition and a second heating condition, and wherein the heating option is provided in dependence of the presence estimation.
  • the first outcome comprises a presence estimation comprising information indicating whether any sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber
  • the first information comprises a heating option relating to one of a plurality of heating conditions comprising a first heating condition and a second heating condition, and wherein the heating option is provided in dependence of the presence estimation.
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise receiving valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • Valid data may for instance be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a first time period and/or during a third time period and/or during a fifth time period.
  • Valid data that is received wirelessly from within the heating chamber, such as received during the first time period or during the third time period or during the fifth time period, may be referred to as received valid data.
  • Valid data may be received wirelessly from the sensor assembly.
  • Valid data may be understood as data that is complete and/or data that is, or that may be, verified as not corrupt, e.g. verified using an error check, such as cyclic redundancy check (CRC).
  • Valid data may be understood as data provided in a format corresponding to an expected format. Data, which is not valid and/or cannot be validated, may be denoted invalid data.
  • Received valid data may for instance comprise any one or more of: an indication that the sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber; an ID code and/or serial code of the sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber; and temperature measurement data from the sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber.
  • Receiving data during a time period, such as the first time period, does not necessarily imply that the receipt of the data occupies the entire time period.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise provision, e.g. by the second controller module, of the received valid data, such as the valid data received during the first time period, the third time period, or the fifth time period. Provision of the received valid data may comprise possession and/or handling of the received valid data e.g. by the second controller module and/or by a data storage module accessible by the second controller module, such as the second data storage module and/or the external data storage module.
  • the first information may be configured for prompting the user of the microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven based on, e.g. by outputting, the received valid data provided by the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise the received valid data or one or more parts thereof. Alternatively, or additionally, the first information may comprise a deduction derived from the received valid data.
  • the first information may comprise one or more heating options compatible with and optionally utilizing the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • Use of a grill module may for instance be incompatible with the sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber. Accordingly, the one or more heating options of the first information may leave out any use of the grill module, if such is provided by the microwave oven and if such is incompatible with the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • Use of a grill module may be undesirable if the sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber since the sensor assembly may overheat from exposure of radiation from the grill module.
  • the first information may comprise one or more heating options wherein a heating condition hereof is compatible with the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber. For instance, selection of a heating condition relating to a target temperature of an item to be heated within the heating chamber may require that the temperature of the item to be heated is measured during the respective heating phase. Accordingly, provision of a heating option, which enables the user to choose a target temperature for the item to be heated, may only be relevant to present to the user if such temperature control is facilitated by the system.
  • the first information may comprise an indication that the sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Accordingly, the user may be considered as being prompted to react if the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber was unexpected for and/or unintentional by the user. Accordingly, the user may for instance react by removal of the sensor assembly from the heating chamber. Accordingly, the user may be considered as being prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the first information may comprise one or more heating options that may be particularly frequently used with the respective sensor assembly. If for instance the sensor assembly is configured for being used for heating a liquid to be provided to an infant, the first information may comprise a suggested target temperature suitable for the infant, such as 37°C. If for instance the sensor assembly is configured for being used for melting chocolate, the first information may comprise a suggested target temperature suitable for melting chocolate, such as of 35°C, and/or the first information may comprise a reminder to user to add water to a water bath if such is to be utilized for melting the chocolate. In accordance with the present invention, the first information may comprise various specific heating conditions and/or instructions to the user specifically suited for the use of the respective sensor assembly for heating an item within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise information that may prompt the user to react if for instance: a goal has been reached; a goal is expected to be reached soon; of an error has occurred.
  • the first information may for instance comprise an alert if a measured temperature and/or a rate of change in measured temperature is outside an expected or intended or accepted range.
  • the first information may comprise information different from or in addition to mere temperature measurement values.
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise failing to receive valid data and/or failing to receive any data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a second time period and/or during a sixth time period.
  • the step of failing to receive valid data and/or failing to receive any data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a second time period and/or during a sixth time period may be denoted and/or may be referred to as a failed attempt, such as a failed attempt during the second time period or the sixth time period, respectively.
  • a failed attempt during the second time period may for instance be caused by one or more of the following: lack of presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber during the second time period; a device, such as the sensor assembly, capable of transmitting data is present within the heating chamber during the second time period, but does not transmit any data during the second time period; a device, such as the sensor assembly, capable of transmitting data is present within the heating chamber during the second time period, but a transmission of data during the second time period is not complete, is not received, or is not received in its entirety during the second time period, e.g. by having the wireless communication being obstructed.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise provision of an indication of the failed attempt during the second time period.
  • the indication may be provided by the second controller module.
  • the first information may be configured for prompting the user of the microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven based on the failed attempt during the second time period.
  • the first information may comprise the indication of the failed attempt during the second time period. If the failed attempt during the second time period comprises failing to receive any data, and thus comprises failing to receive valid data, it may be assumed that a sensor assembly is not present, or is probably not present, within the heating chamber. Accordingly, the first information may be configured for indicating that a sensor assembly is not present, or is probably not present, within the heating chamber.
  • the user may be considered as being prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven since the user is assumed to react based on being presented with such information by operation of the microwave oven if for instance the user knows that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Likewise, the user is assumed to decide not to react based on being presented with such information by operation of the microwave oven if for instance the user knows that a sensor assembly is not present within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise one or more heating options provided in light of the lack of presence, or assumed lack of presence, of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber. Use of a grill module may for instance be compatible with a lack of presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the one or more heating options may comprise use of the grill module, if such is provided by the microwave oven.
  • the first information may comprise one or more heating options comprising a heating condition being compatible with the lack of presence, or assumed lack of presence, of any sensor assembly within the heating chamber. For instance, selection of a heating option relating to a target temperature of an item to be heated within the heating chamber may require that the temperature of the item to be heated is measured during the respective heating phase. Lack of presence or assumed lack of presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber may indicate that it is not possible to measure temperature of an item to be heated within the heating chamber.
  • provision of a heating option that enables a user to select a target temperature for the item to be heated, may only be relevant to present to the user if such temperature control is facilitated by the system. Accordingly, such heating option may not form part of the first information for the present example.
  • the first information may be configured for prompting the user to inspect within the heating chamber and/or to inspect any sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may indicate that a/the sensor assembly may be present within the heating chamber, but that the sensor assembly is not operating as intended.
  • the first information may accordingly prompt the user to clean the sensor assembly and/or to perform anther act.
  • 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 the step of attempting to receive data.
  • the initial phase may co- exist with the step of attempting to receive data. Such co-existence may be during the entire 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 initial phase may be concluded by arrival at a presence estimation.
  • a presence estimation may comprise information indicating whether any sensor assembly is estimated to be present within the heating chamber. Such estimation of presence may be based on receipt of data, or a lack of receipt of data, during the initial phase.
  • a conclusion of the initial phase may be referred to as an initial conclusion. Accordingly, the initial phase may comprise and/or may be terminated by provision of a/the presence estimation.
  • the initial phase may comprise estimating whether any sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. For instance, it may be concluded that a sensor assembly is or is not present within the heating chamber.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise a presence estimation.
  • the method according to the present invention may comprise estimating presence comprising estimating whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • the step of estimating presence may comprise the step of attempting to receive data.
  • the initial phase may result in a presence estimation.
  • an initial phase may be terminated without arriving at a presence estimation.
  • a presence estimation may be changed or arrived at during a sequence of phase prior to an initial phase or during a sequence of phases without an initial phase.
  • the presence estimation may comprise identification information provided in dependence of the received valid data, such as the valid data received during the first time period and/or the fifth time period, or provided in dependence of the data received during the third time period.
  • the identification information may comprise information identifying the sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber.
  • Received valid data may comprise information relating to a suggested heating mode and/or suggested heating condition.
  • received valid data may comprise limit values for temperature measurements.
  • the first information may comprise a heating option e.g. provided in dependence of the presence estimation. For instance, if a sensor assembly is estimated to be present within the heating chamber, it may be desired that a grill mode is not available, but that a temperature/time mode may be available, and vice versa if no sensor assembly is estimated to be present within the heating chamber. If the presence estimation does not merely consist of information indicating whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, but does also comprise information identifying the sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber and/or information regarding heating mode and/or heating option, such as a preferred and/or suggested heating mode and/or heating option, then the first information may comprise a corresponding heating option, e.g. including a suggested target temperature, e.g. adjustable by the user.
  • a heating option e.g. provided in dependence of the presence estimation. For instance, if a sensor assembly is estimated to be present within the heating chamber, it may be desired that a grill mode is not available, but that a temperature/time mode may be available,
  • Embodiments may be configured for handling one or more safety events.
  • One or more safety events may be relating to data communication.
  • One or more safety events may be relating to content of received valid data.
  • a safety event, which relate to data communication may be understood as comprising one or more of the following: expected transmission of data from within the heating chamber is not received; data is unexpectedly received from within the heating chamber; and data received from within the heating chamber is invalid. Accordingly, such safety events may refer to a situation, wherein receipt of data or any lack of receipt of valid data is not according to expectations.
  • a safety event which relate to content of received valid data, may comprise receipt of valid data relating to a critical temperature measurement, such as a critically high value or a critically high rate of change of temperature, e.g. as received during a heating phase.
  • a critical temperature measurement such as a critically high value or a critically high rate of change of temperature, e.g. as received during a heating phase.
  • Such critical temperature measurement may be of an item to be heated and/or of the sensor assembly itself.
  • Safety events which relate to content of received valid data, may comprise receipt of valid data relating to damaged of the sensor assembly.
  • the sensor assembly may have assigned a critical temperature utilized for protecting the sensor assembly from being destroyed. 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.
  • the first information may comprise information depending on the respective safety event.
  • a safety event may result in a premature termination of an ongoing sequence of phases. This may in particular be of relevance during a heating phase, wherein a safety event may be more critical than during a phase prior to the heating phase.
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise failing to receive valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a fourth time period, e.g. denoted a secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise provision of an indication of the step of failing to receive valid data during the fourth time period.
  • Valid data may be expected to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the fourth time period.
  • the sensor assembly may "die", e.g. during a heating phase, or communication may have been blocked for too long. Accordingly, one or more precautionary measures may be taken, such as turning off or changing application of heat in addition to prompting the user of the microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise receiving data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a third time period.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise provision of the data received during the third time period.
  • data is not expected to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the third time period.
  • an appropriate heating mode e.g. no grill mode
  • the user may initially be presented with first information provided in light of the assumed lack of presence. Subsequently, the user may be presented with information provided in light of the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the user may be presented with information indicating that the sensor assembly is detected within the heating chamber, where after the user may be presented with information relating to one or more heating options and/or heating phases provided in light of the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • Received valid data such as the valid data received during the first time period and/or the valid data received during the fifth time period and/or the valid data received during the third time period may comprise data provided in dependence of one or more temperature measurements from within the heating chamber.
  • the one or more temperature measurement from within the heating chamber may be provided by the sensor assembly.
  • the one or more temperature measurements from within the heating chamber may have reached a limit value, such as a temperature value and/or a rate of change.
  • a limit value being exceed is understood as being reached.
  • the first information may comprise information indicating that a limit value, such as the limit value, is reached by one or more temperature measurements from within the heating chamber, such as by the one or more temperature measurements from within the heating chamber.
  • 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.
  • 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 such as the method according to the present invention, may be carried out during and/or may comprise one or more of the following phases: an initial phase 197; an intermediate phase 198; and a heating phase 199.
  • 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 197; an intermediate phase 198; and a heating phase 199 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 197 followed by an intermediate phase 198 followed by a heating phase 199; (2) an initial phase 197 followed by an intermediate phase 198; (3) an initial phase 197 followed by a heating phase 199; (4) an initial phase 197; or (5) a heating phase 199.
  • 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 197 or an intermediate phase 198; or (2) pausing the sequence of phases if occurring during a heating phase 199. 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 197 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.
  • the presence estimation may be utilized for presenting information, i.e. e.g. first information, to the user.
  • the first information may be regarding one or more heating options e.g. in dependence of whether and/or which sensor assembly/assemblies are deemed present within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise the presence estimation. Accordingly, the user may react if the user notices an error in the first information. Accordingly, the first information may be considered as being configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • Microwave radiation may be provided within the heating chamber during the initial phase 197. Provision of microwave radiation within the heating chamber, such as provided during the initial phase 197, 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 transmit 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 197 and/or during a potential subsequent heating phase 199.
  • 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.
  • the microwave oven may be configured for receiving data transmitted from within the heating chamber, e.g. during the entire initial phase 197, such as at least during the entire initial phase 197, such as including a time subsequent to the initial phase 197.
  • the initial phase 197 may be from event 180 to event 182. However, if event 181 occurs, which may imply that event 182 does not occur, then the initial phase 197 may be from event 180 to event 181. If receipt of invalid data occurs during the initial phase 197, which receipt may be denoted event 179, then the initial phase 197 may continue until event 181 or 182 occurs. Alternatively, the initial phase 197 and the sequence of phases may be terminated if event 179 occurs. In any case, the user may be informed of the occurrence of event 179, e.g. by means of the at least one user interface. Accordingly, the first information may comprise information relating to the occurrence of the event 179.
  • Occurrence of the event 183 while the initial phase 197 is ongoing may terminate the initial phase 197 immediately and start a heating phase 199.
  • Data may be, e.g. continuously, attempted to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber of the microwave oven during the initial phase 197, such as at least during the initial phase 197.
  • the intermediate phase 198 may be defined as a phase being subsequent to the initial phase 197. Additionally, the intermediate phase 198 may occupy time in between the initial phase 197 and the heating phase 199. However, the intermediate phase 198 is not necessarily succeeded by the heating phase 199, e.g. if the sequence of phases is terminated during the intermediate phase 198, e.g. in case an error occurs or in case a user is required to start the heating phase 199, but does not start the heating phase 199 before a time limit has passed.
  • a sequence of phases may be void of an intermediate phase 198. This may for instance be in case of one or more of the following situations: (1) a heating phase 199 is started automatically after an initial phase 197 upon detection of a sensor assembly, i.e. the initial phase 197 is succeeded by the heating phase 199; (2) the heating phase 199 is started without a prior initial phase 197, such as by user activation; or (3) the heating phase 199 is started, such as by user activation, before the initial phase 197 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 199, e.g. by activation of an appropriate button of the at least one user interface of the system comprising the microwave oven.
  • the intermediate phase 198 is automatically initiated once the initial phase 197 is terminated by having arrived at a presence estimation.
  • the intermediate phase 198 may be terminated once an intermediate phase termination event has occurred.
  • Examples of the intermediate phase termination event may comprise one or more of the events: 183, 186, 187, 188, and 189.
  • the occurrence of one or more of the events: 186, 188, and 189 may not necessarily terminate the intermediate phase 198, but may depend on other factors as well, such as a tolerance for errors.
  • Input from the user relating to a start of the heating phase 199 e.g. referred to as event 183, may be awaited during the intermediate phase 198. Such input may terminate the intermediate phase 198.
  • a safety event occurring before event 183 occurs may terminate the sequence of phases and thus the intermediate phase 198.
  • the sequence of phases and thus the intermediate phase 198 may be terminated if a threshold time for the event 183 to occur expires. Such threshold time may be set by the initiation of the intermediate phase 198.
  • the intermediate phase 198 may be terminated by initiation of the heating phase 199 if such occurs.
  • the heating phase 199 may be initiated by event 183. According to embodiments, the heating phase 199 may be initiated by event 181 A .
  • the heating phase 199 is terminated by event 184. Termination of the heating phase 199 may imply termination of the sequence of phases. Event 184 may be caused by the occurrence of event 186, event 187, or event 188. However, occurrence of event 186 and/or event 188 during the heating phase 199 does not necessarily result in event 184. This is explained further in connection with Figs. 14B, 15B, and 18B - 23B. According to embodiments the heating phase 199 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 199. A safety event may automatically terminate the heating phase 199 and thus terminate the sequence of phases.
  • Data may be, e.g. continuously, attempted to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber of the microwave oven during the heating phase 199.
  • a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber for a heating phase to be initiated.
  • the system comprising the microwave oven may comprise a setting enabling a requirement that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber for a heating phase to be initiated.
  • the present invention may be carried out during and/or may comprise one or more of the following time periods: a first time period 191; a second time period 192; a third time period 193; a fourth time period 194; a fifth time period 195; a sixth time period 196.
  • 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 time periods listed in the previous sentence.
  • the time periods may be defined retrospectively as respective state of time of the microwave oven or the system comprising the microwave oven.
  • the respective time periods are defined further in the following.
  • the present invention may comprise and/or may be configured for receiving valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a first time period 191.
  • the first time period 191 may be within the initial phase 197.
  • the first time period 191 may be terminated by a termination of the initial phase 197 and/or vice versa.
  • the first time period 191 may be defined by the period during which data is being received and validated. Accordingly, the first time period may be terminated upon validation of data received wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • Such termination event may be denoted event 181, primary receipt of valid data, or event 181 A , primary receipt of valid data followed by automatic start of heating phase 199.
  • the first time period 191 is defined by receipt of valid data.
  • the respective period of time is not a first time period 191, but may constitute or may form part of a second time period 192.
  • the present invention may comprise and/or may be configured for handling a situation of failing to receive valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a second time period 192.
  • the second time period 192 may be within the initial phase 197.
  • the second time period 192 may be terminated by a termination of the initial phase 197 and/or vice versa.
  • the second time period 192 may be initiated by an initiation of the initial phase 197 and/or vice versa.
  • the second time period 192 may be defined by and/or e.g. correspond to a primary threshold time for receipt of valid data, the expiry of which may be denoted event 182. There may be no expectations regarding potential receipt of valid data during the second time period 192.
  • the present invention may comprise and/or may be configured for receiving data, such as valid data and/or invalid data, wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a third time period 193. It may be expected that no data, e.g. neither valid nor invalid data, is received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the third time period 193. Such expectation may be caused by a prior presence estimation, e.g. derived during a prior initial phase 197 and/or during a prior second time period 192.
  • the third time period 193 may be within the intermediate phase 198 and/or within the heating phase 199.
  • the third time period 193 may be subsequent to the second time period 192. However, the third time period 193 is not necessarily succeeding the second time period 192.
  • the sixth time period 196 may be in between the second time period 192 and the third time period 193.
  • the third time period 193 may be terminated by and/or coincide and/or coexist with event 186.
  • the present invention may comprise and/or may be configured for handling a situation of failing to receive valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a fourth time period 194.
  • Valid data may be expected to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the fourth time period 194.
  • the fourth time period 194 may be defined by and/or correspond to a secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data, the expiry of which may be dented event 187.
  • the fourth time period 194 may be within the intermediate phase 198 and/or within the heating phase 199 any of which may be terminated by the event 187.
  • An ongoing heating phase 199 or intermediate phase 198 may be terminated immediately or shortly after the event 187, e.g. unless a tertiary threshold time for receipt of valid data is applied.
  • the present invention may comprise and/or may be configured for receiving valid data wirelessly and repeatedly, e.g. regularly, from within the heating chamber during a fifth time period 195.
  • Valid data may be expected to be received repeatedly and/or regularly during the fifth time period 195.
  • Such expectation may for instance be caused by a prior estimation of a sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber, e.g. estimated initially during a prior initial phase 197 and/or during a prior first time period 191.
  • the fifth time period 195 may be within a heating phase 199.
  • the fifth time period 195 may be within an intermediate phase 198.
  • the fifth time period 195 it may be required that receipt of valid data is not lacking for more than a predetermined time, such as corresponding to the secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data. If such predetermined time is exceeded, the respective fifth time period 195 may be considered as having ended at the time of the latest receipt of valid data. Any time span from such latest receipt of valid data and until the expiry of the predetermined time may be denoted a fourth time period 194.
  • the present invention may comprise and/or may be configured for failing to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a sixth time period 196.
  • the sixth time period 196 may be within the intermediate phase 198 and/or within the heating phase 199. It may be expected that no data, e.g. neither valid nor invalid data, is received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the sixth time period 196. Accordingly, failing to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the sixth time period 196 may be expected.
  • the sixth time period 196 may be succeeding the second time period 192, e.g. wherein event 183 occurs during the sixth time period 196.
  • the sixth time period 196 may be succeeding an initial phase 197 being concluded by a presence estimation comprising an indication that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • the sixth time period 196 may be succeeding an initial phase 197 being terminated by event 183, wherein no initial conclusion regarding a presence estimation is reached during the intermediate phase 198.
  • the sixth time period 196 may be initiated by event 183 wherein no initial phase 197 has occurred. In any case, an event 185 may occur during the sixth time period 196.
  • the event 183 as initiating the sixth time period 196 or as occurring during the sixth time period 196, or the event 185 occurring during the sixth time period 196, may relate to initiation of a heating phase 199 or adjustment of heating, respectively, wherein a sensor assembly is not allowed and/or expected and/or needed present within the heating chamber.
  • the sixth time period 196 may be terminated or is possibly not initiated. Instead, the fifth time period 195 and/or fourth time period 194 may follow.
  • the present invention such as the method according to the present invention, may be carried out during and/or may comprise one or more of the events explained in the following.
  • the present invention such as the system and/or the microwave oven according to the present invention, may be configured for handling one or more of the events explained in the following.
  • the initialization event 180 of the initial phase 197 may comprise a registration of a closing action or a closed state of the lid of the heating chamber and/or receipt of user input comprising an indication to initiate the initial phase 197.
  • the user input may be provided by the user via the at least one user interface, e.g. by activation of a respective button of the at least one user interface.
  • the user input comprising an indication to initiate the initial phase 197 may be received while the lid of the heating chamber is closed.
  • the lid of the heating chamber is closed for the initialization event 180 to occur, i.e. e.g. for the initial phase 197 to start. Fulfilment of such requirement, i.e. that the lid of the heating chamber is closed, may be facilitated by provision of information hereof to the user, e.g. by means of the at least one user interface.
  • the present invention may comprise an event 183 of receipt of user input comprising an indication to initiate the heating phase 199.
  • indication to start the heating phase 199 may be handled by initiating or continuing the initial phase 197. This may for instance apply if the heating phase 199 does not comprise heating by means of microwave radiation.
  • an occurrence of event 183 e.g. in a situation wherein no initial phase 197 has been started or wherein an initial phase 197 is underway but not yet concluded, may implicitly comprise an indication to initiate the heating phase 199 immediately, i.e. without a prior initial phase 197 or by terminating an ongoing initial phase 197, irrespectively of whether an initial conclusion, such as a presence estimation, of the ongoing initial phase 197 has been reached.
  • the event 183 may comprise initiating the heating phase 199.
  • the event 181, primary receipt of valid data, or the similar event 181 A may be defined as occurring at the point of time where data has been received and validated.
  • the receipt of the data which may be validated immediately upon receipt, and which validation may trigger the event 181 or 181 A , may occur during the initial phase 197.
  • the event 181 may be followed by an automatic start of the heating phase 199.
  • the event 181 may be denoted 181 A .
  • An automatic start of the heating phase 199 may for instance be carried out if an appropriate sensor assembly, such as a sensor assembly configured for automatic initiation of the heating phase 199, is detected as being present within the heating chamber, such as detected during the initial phase 197. It may be required that the user has indicated that the heating is to be started once a sensor is detected within the heating chamber.
  • a sensor assembly may be pre-set for indicating to the microwave oven to start a heating phase 199 once the sensor assembly is detected by the microwave oven as being present within the heating chamber thereof.
  • the microwave oven may be pre-set for automatically starting a heating phase 199 once a particular sensor assembly, e.g. taken from a group of sensor assemblies, is detected as being present within the heating chamber.
  • a setting of a primary threshold time for receipt of valid data may be for initially concluding whether a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Furthermore, if a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, it may be estimated which sensor assembly is present and/or whether more than one sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber and/or which one or more sensor assemblies are present.
  • the primary threshold time may be initiated by the initialization event 180 of the initial phase 197.
  • the primary threshold time for receipt of valid data may correspond to the second time period 192.
  • the primary threshold time may for instance be at least 2 seconds, such as at least 5 seconds, such as at least 7 seconds, such as at least 10 seconds. According to embodiments, the primary threshold time may be at most 15 seconds.
  • the desired length of the primary threshold time may be considered a compromise. It may be desired to set the primary threshold time to a small value since it may be desired to provide a communication of a failed attempt to receive valid data to the user swiftly.
  • Receipt of user input for initiating the heating phase 199 i.e. e.g. denoted event
  • the event 183 may result in an initiation of a heating phase 199, e.g. based on a selection or a setting of heating mode and/or heating condition.
  • the event 183 may indicate the user has selected a heating option of the first information.
  • the user may have adjusted a heating condition of the heating option prior to or after selecting the respective heating option.
  • Termination of the heating phase 199 may be due to a heating termination condition having been reached.
  • a heating termination condition may comprise: 1) a heating condition having been reached, such as caused by a measured temperature having reached a target value or the lapse of a target time period for the heating phase; or 2) that a safety event has occurred.
  • a target according to option 1) may have been set or chosen by the user via the at least one user interface. Alternatively, or additionally, a target according to option 1) may have been pre-set or pre-suggested based on information from the sensor assembly.
  • Event 184 may imply termination of the sequence of phases.
  • Receipt of user input for adjusting heating may comprise an adjustment of a heating mode and/or a heating condition.
  • Event 185 may occur during a heating phase 199.
  • Receipt of data such as valid data or invalid data, during a period wherein no data is expected to be received may e.g. be denoted event 186.
  • a subscript comprising the letter V or I may be utilized, such as in 186v or 186i, wherein the letter V refers to valid data, and the letter I refers to invalid data.
  • a situation wherein no data is expected to be received may e.g. be due to previous presence estimation indicating that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, e.g. due to that a threshold time, such as the primary threshold time 182 for receipt of valid data, has been reached previously without receipt of any data.
  • Expiry of a secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data may be denoted event 187.
  • the event 187 may be considered an unexpected lack of receipt of valid data.
  • a setting of a secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data may be due to that receipt of valid data is not allowed to be absent for longer than a target time, i.e. the secondary threshold time. This is under the condition that a sensor assembly is assumed present within the heating chamber and e.g. also that a heating phase 199 is ongoing.
  • the secondary threshold time may be initiated by the latest occurrence of the following two: (1) the most recent receipt of valid data, e.g. during a respective heating phase 199, or an intermediate phase 198, or an initial phase 197; and (2) the starting time of the respective heating phase 199.
  • the starting time of the secondary threshold time may be reset, such as being reset to the time of receipt of the valid data.
  • a secondary threshold time may be considered as having expired if no valid data is received during the secondary threshold time. Accordingly, any valid data received before a respective secondary threshold time is initiated, such as received during a previous secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data, is of no relevance for the decision of whether valid data is received before expiry of the respective secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data.
  • the secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data may correspond to the fourth time period 194.
  • Receipt of invalid data during a period wherein valid data is expected to be received may be denoted event 188.
  • Valid data may be expected to be received if valid data has previously been received from within the heating chamber during a sequence of phases. This expectancy may merely apply during a heating phase.
  • valid data may be expected to be received if the user has initiated a heating phase with a heating mode and/or heating condition requiring presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber for transmitting data to the microwave oven irrespectively of whether or not such sensor assembly was previously detected within the heating chamber.
  • Receipt of invalid data may be denoted event 189 if received during a period wherein there are no expectations regarding receipt of valid data, i.e. wherein neither receipt nor lack of receipt of valid data is unexpected. There may be no expectations regarding receipt of valid data from a termination of the initial phase 197, if terminated by the initial conclusion that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, and e.g. until a potential heating phase 199 is started, i.e. during the intermediate phase 198. The reason may be due to a sensor assembly, which is powered by microwave radiation may lack power during the intermediate phase.
  • a registration of a closing action of the lid of the heating chamber may comprise, or may form a prerequisite part of, the initialization event 180 of the initial phase 197.
  • Receipt of invalid data occurring during the initial phase 197 may be denoted event 179.
  • the event 179 may be triggered by the event 182 since a data stream may be underway when reaching the expiry of the primary threshold time for receipt of valid data.
  • receipt of invalid data such as according to the event 179, may be due to an incomplete data stream from one or more sensor assemblies within the heating chamber. This may indicate that more microwave power is needed to power a respective sensor assembly being power by microwave radiation.
  • One, more, or all the events 186, 187, 188, and 189 may be relating to a safety event, e.g. denoted a safety event relating to data communication.
  • any receipt of data during the intermediate phase 198 or a subsequent heating phase 199 may be regarded as an unexpected receipt of data.
  • unexpected receipt of valid data during the intermediate phase 198 or the heating phase 199 may not necessarily give rise to a termination of the sequence of phases in such situation as exemplified e.g. by means of Figs. 16, 18, 19, 20, and 22.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a system 100 according to the present invention.
  • the system 100 comprises a microwave oven 102.
  • the microwave oven 102 comprises: a heating chamber 104; a second communication module 106; a second controller module 108; and a microwave module 112.
  • the system 100 comprises at least one user interface.
  • the at least one user interface of the system 100 comprises a second user interface 110 of the microwave oven 102.
  • the second communication module 106 is configured for attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber 104.
  • the second controller module 108 is configured for providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of a step of attempting to receive data wirelessly using the second communication module 106.
  • the first information is configured for prompting a user of the system 100, i.e.
  • the second user interface 110 is configured for outputting the first information to the user of the system 100.
  • the second controller module 108 is configured for communication with: the second communication module 106; the second user interface 110; and the microwave module 112. This is illustrated by means of three lines connecting the respective boxes 106, 110, and 112 with the box 108.
  • the second communication module 106 and the microwave module 112 are bordering the heating chamber 104. This bordering illustrates that the respective parts are configured for a type of communication, i.e. not necessarily limited to communication of data, with the heating chamber 104.
  • the microwave module 112 is configured for communicating, i.e.
  • the second user interface 110 is bordering the exterior of the microwave oven 102. This bordering illustrates that the second user interface 110 is configured for communication with the exterior of the microwave oven 102, i.e. communication with the user of the microwave oven 102, by being configured for receiving input from the user and/or outputting information to the user.
  • the system 100 is configured for having a sensor assembly (not illustrated in Fig. 1) according to the present disclosure placed within the heating chamber 104 by a user.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a system 200 according to the present invention. The second embodiment 200 is similar to the first embodiment 100.
  • the second embodiment 200 differs from the first embodiment 100 by the microwave oven 202 having a secondary communication module 114 connected to the respective second controller module 208 instead of having the second user interface 110 connected to the second controller module 108 of the microwave oven 102 of the first embodiment 100. Accordingly, the second controller module 208 is configured for communication with the secondary communication module 114.
  • embodiments such as embodiments otherwise identical to the first embodiment 100 or the second embodiment 200, may comprise both a secondary communication module and a second user interface both connected to a common second controller module of a respective microwave oven.
  • the second embodiment 200 furthermore differs by comprising an auxiliary device 126.
  • the auxiliary device 126 comprises: a third controller module 128; a third communication module 130; and a third user interface 132.
  • the third controller module 128 is configured for communication with the third communication module 130 and the third user interface 132.
  • the second embodiment 200 is configured for transmitting the first information provided by the second controller module 208 wirelessly via the secondary communication module 114 to the auxiliary device 126.
  • the auxiliary device 126 is configured for receiving the first information via the third communication module 130 and outputting the first information to the user via the third user interface 132.
  • the described functionality of the auxiliary device 126 may, alternatively or additionally, be provided by a computer program, such as being provided as an app for a smartphone, wherein the box 130 may represent one or more respective handles for receiving the first information, and wherein the box 132 may represent one or more respective handles for outputting the first information.
  • Embodiments of a system according to the present invention may comprise a microwave oven as described in the present disclosure, such as any of the microwave ovens 102, 202, or 302 (cf. Figs. 3 and 4) and a computer program, such as an app for a smartphone, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer system, such as a smartphone, causes the computer system to carry out at least part of a method according to the present invention, which part may comprise the step of outputting the first information to the user.
  • Figs. 3 and 4 schematically illustrates different views of a third embodiment of a system 300 according to the present invention.
  • the third embodiment 300 is similar to the second embodiment 200 as well as to the first embodiment 100. Accordingly, merely the differences are described in the following.
  • the third embodiment 300 differs from the second embodiment 200 by the microwave oven 302 having the second user interface 110 connected to the respective second controller module 308, i.e. similarly as for the microwave oven 102 of the first embodiment 100.
  • the Microwave oven 302 furthermore optionally comprises a second data storage module 116.
  • the second data storage module 116 comprises one or more lists and/or databases of stored information of or relating to the first information.
  • the second data storage module 116 is accessible by the second controller module 308.
  • the microwave oven 302 optionally comprises a turntable 118.
  • the third embodiment 300 furthermore differs from the second embodiment 200 by comprising a sensor assembly 124.
  • the sensor assembly 124 comprises: a temperature sensor module 134; a first controller module 136; a first data storage module 138; a first communication module 140; a microwave detection module 142.
  • the first controller module 136 is configured for communication with: the temperature sensor module 134; the first data storage module 138; the first communication module 140; and the microwave detection module 142.
  • a receptacle 120 holding an item 122 to be heated is illustrated in Fig. 4. Neither the receptacle 120 nor the item 122 to be heated are considered as being a part of the system 300.
  • the sensor assembly 124 is having an end thereof being submerged in the item 122 to be heated, such that at least a first temperature sensor unit (not illustrated in Figs. 3 or 4) of the temperature sensor module 134 is submerged in the item 122 to be heated.
  • One or more features of the system 300 are optionally included in embodiments of a system according to the present invention. Such one or more features may be denoted optional features.
  • Features, which are optionally included may comprise any one or more of the following non-exhaustive list: the turntable 118; the auxiliary device 126, the sensor assembly 124, the second data storage module 116, one of the second user interface 110 and the secondary communication module 114.
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a method 150 according to the present invention for prompting a user of a microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the method 150 comprises: a step 154 of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within a heating chamber of the microwave oven; a step 156 of providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of the step 154, wherein the first information is configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven; and a step 158 of outputting the first information to the user.
  • the step 154 is not necessarily terminated for processing the step 156, but a first outcome of the step 154 is utilized for processing the step 156. Furthermore, provision of the first information according to step 156 is needed for step 156.
  • Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a method 250 according to the present invention for prompting a user of a microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the method 250 comprises an initiating event or step 152, e.g. comprising closing a lid of the heating chamber, and resulting steps or events.
  • the initiating event 152 initiates: a step 160 of providing microwave radiation within a heating chamber of the microwave oven by a microwave module of the microwave oven; a step 254 of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber; and a step 162 of utilizing a timer setting a primary threshold time for receipt of valid data.
  • the step 160 is a prerequisite for and a cause of 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 step 166 is a prerequisite for and a cause of a step 168 of transmitting data wirelessly from the sensor assembly within the heating chamber, e.g. by means of a first communication module of the sensor assembly.
  • the data transmitted according to step 168 may for instance comprise an ID of the sensor assembly.
  • the step 254 comprises a step 170 of receiving valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a first time period.
  • the step 168 is a prerequisite for and a cause of the step 170.
  • the instance of the step 170 causes a termination of the step 162. If the step 170 had not happened within the primary threshold time for receipt of valid data, the step 162 would otherwise have caused a first outcome of the step 254, which first outcome would have comprised that the primary threshold time for receipt of valid data had expired without receipt of valid data during that period. However, due to the instance of the step 170, the step 254 has a first outcome comprising provision of the valid data received during the first time period. Furthermore, the step 170 results in the step 156 resulting in the step 158, as described in connection with Fig. 5. Furthermore, the step 170 results in a step 164 of automatic start of a heating phase. According to some embodiments different from the second embodiment 250, the step 164 is not present.
  • the method 250 comprises a step 172 of receiving a user selection from the user.
  • the user selection may for instance comprise a selection of a heating option of the first information presented to the user.
  • the method 250 comprises a step 174 of controlling the microwave oven in dependence of the user selection received according to step 172.
  • Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a variant of a part of the second embodiment of a method 250 comprising a step 176 and a step 178 occurring subsequent to step 166 and prior to step 168.
  • Step 176 is a step of measuring temperature within the heating chamber by a sensor assembly.
  • Step 178 is a step of providing data in dependence of the step of measuring temperature.
  • the step 166 is a prerequisite for and a cause of the step 176, which is a prerequisite for and a cause of the step 178, which is a prerequisite for and a cause of the step 170.
  • Figs. 8A-25A schematically illustrate various examples of respective sequences of events handled according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the respective sequences of events are schematically illustrated on respective timelines.
  • Figs. 8B-25B schematically illustrate various examples of respective phases according to embodiments of the present invention, which phases may be defined in light of events of the respective sequences of events illustrated in Figs. 8A-25A.
  • the phases illustrated in any one of Figs. 8B-25B may be referred to as a sequence of phases. This definition of a sequence of phases as well as the use of the plural form of the word phase may apply even if only a single phase is present.
  • Figs. 8C-25C schematically illustrate various examples of respective time periods according to embodiments of the present invention, which time periods may be defined in light of the respective sequences of events illustrated in Figs. 8A-25A.
  • Figs. 8-25 are not drawn to scale. Accordingly, for example of these figures a first time period 191 and/or a third time period 193 may have an extension being considerably smaller than other time periods, such as a second time period 192 and/or a fourth time period 194 and/or a fifth time period 195 and/or a sixth time period 196.
  • Fig. X where X is any of the numbers 8-25, may refer to any of Figs. XA, XB or XC, where X is the same number 8-25.
  • the term “example” may imply an embodiment of the present invention, such as an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 i.e. including Figs. 8A-C, schematically illustrates an example according to the present invention, wherein event 180, i.e. initialization of an initial phase 197, is followed by event 182, i.e. expiry a primary threshold time for receipt of valid data.
  • the event 180 may correspond to the initiating step or event 152 of Fig. 6.
  • An initial phase 197i, cf. Fig. 8B, is initiated by the event 180 and terminated by the event 182.
  • the initial phase 197i data is attempted to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber of the microwave oven.
  • no data neither valid data nor invalid data, is received from event 180 to event 182, i.e.
  • a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may comprise a presence estimation comprising information indicating that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber and/or that no sensor assembly is detected present within the heating chamber.
  • a second time period 192i is illustrated by means of Fig. 8C.
  • the second time period 192i corresponds to the primary threshold time for receipt of valid data extending from event 180 to event 182.
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly which occurs during the second time period 192i, comprises failing to receive any data, and thus neither valid data, wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the second time period 192i.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise provision of an indication of the step of failing to receive any data during the second time period 192i.
  • first information may be provided in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise information relating to an initial conclusion that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber and/or that no sensor assembly is detected present within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may be provided in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the initial conclusion i.e. that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber and/or that no sensor assembly is detected present within the heating chamber, may be outputted to the user of the microwave oven.
  • the user may be regarded as being prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven by being presented with the initial conclusion, i.e. the first information. Accordingly, the first information is outputted to the user.
  • the first information is regarded as being configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven. If the user for instance has knowledge of a sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber, e.g. due to the user having placed the sensor assembly within the heating chamber, the user may react upon being presented with first information indicating that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber by inspection within the heating chamber. If the user for instance does not have knowledge of a sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber, e.g. due to the user not recalling having placed a sensor assembly within the heating chamber, the user may react upon being presented with first information indicating that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber by inspection within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise a first heating option, wherein execution of the first heating option requires that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber and/or wherein it is advisable or required that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber during execution of the first heating option.
  • the first heating option is provided in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • a heating option such as the first heating option, is considered as being configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the user is prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, e.g. by selecting and/or adjusting the first heating option or by selection from a group of options, e.g.
  • Fig. 9, i.e. including Figs. 9A-C schematically illustrates an example according to the present invention, wherein event 180 is followed by event 181, i.e. primary receipt of valid data.
  • An initial phase 197 2 cf. Fig. 9B, is initiated by the event 180 and terminated by the event 181.
  • data is attempted to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber of the microwave oven.
  • valid data is received from within the heating chamber during the initial phase 197i and receipt of valid data is indicated by event 181.
  • a primary threshold time for receipt of valid data is set by the event 180, however, the expiry hereof, i.e. the event 182, does not occur and is thus illustrated by means of a dashed vertical line.
  • a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may comprise a presence estimation comprising information indicating which, e.g. which type, and/or that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • a first time period 191i is illustrated by means of Fig. 9C. The first time period 191i extends from after event 180 to event 181. Accordingly, the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly, which occurs during the first time period 191i, comprises receiving valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the first time period 191i.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise provision of the valid data received during the first time period 191i.
  • the first time period 191i is not started by event 180. Instead, the first time period 191i is considered as being started by the initiation of receipt of data, which data is subsequently validated and denoted valid data.
  • a first time period may have a start coinciding with the event 180.
  • an occurrence of the event 181 i.e. an occurrence of the situation that valid data is received wirelessly from within the heating chamber prior to the expiry of the primary threshold time, i.e. during the primary threshold time, may constitute or may be part of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • an occurrence of the situation that valid data is received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during an initial phase 197 such as the initial phase 197 2 , may constitute or may be part of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • an occurrence of a situation, wherein valid data is received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a first time period 191, such as the first time period 191i, may constitute or may be part of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • first information may be provided in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise information relating to an initial conclusion relating to which and/or that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber. Accordingly, the first information may be provided in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the initial conclusion i.e. relating to which and/or that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, may be outputted to the user of the microwave oven. Accordingly, the user may be regarded as being prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven by being presented with the initial conclusion, i.e. the first information. Accordingly, the first information is outputted to the user.
  • the first information is regarded as being configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven. If the user for instance has knowledge of a sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber, e.g. due to the user having placed the sensor assembly within the heating chamber, the user may react upon being presented with first information indicating that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber by inspection within the heating chamber.
  • the user may react upon being presented with first information indicating that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber by inspection within the heating chamber. If the user for instance is of the understanding that a particular sensor assembly should be present within the heating chamber, the user may react upon being presented with first information indicating that another sensor or that no assembly is present within the heating chamber by inspection within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise a first heating option, wherein execution of the first heating option requires presence of a sensor assembly, such as presence of a particular sensor assembly or a particular type of sensor assembly, within the heating chamber, i.e. in accordance with information of a detected sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the first heating option is provided in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • a heating option, such as the first heating option is considered as being configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven. Upon output of such first information to the user, the user is prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, e.g.
  • the user may be regarded as having been prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven based on the first information.
  • Fig. 10 i.e. including Figs. 10A-C, schematically illustrates various events, phases, and time periods according to two examples according to the present invention.
  • events which occur in each example of a figure, are generally illustrated by solid vertical lines on the respective timeline.
  • Events are generally best visible on Fig. XA, where X refers to the respective figure.
  • Events which are illustrated by dashed vertical lines on the timeline, generally means that these events are optional and/or that they do not apply for both.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part, i.e. the part above the timeline, of Fig. 10B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 10.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part, i.e. the part below the timeline, of Fig. 10B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 10.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. IOC relate to the first example of Fig. 10.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. IOC relate to the second example of Fig. 10.
  • the first example of Fig. 10, i.e. including Figs. 10A-C, comprises the events, phase, and time period as illustrated in connection with the example of Fig. 8.
  • the second example of Fig. 10 comprises the events, phase, and time period as illustrated in connection with the example of Fig. 9.
  • an intermediate phase 198i succeeds the initial phase 197i.
  • an intermediate phase 198 2 succeeds the initial phase 197 2 .
  • a respective intermediate phase 198i, 198 2 receipt of input from a user for initiating a respective heating phase 199i, 199 2 is awaited. Receipt of such user input for initiating a heating phase is illustrated by means of event 183i. Event is 183i defined as occurring during an intermediate phase 198.
  • a sequence of phases is terminated if a threshold time for event 183i to occur expires.
  • the respective intermediate phase 198i, 198 2 is terminated and the respective heating phase 199i, 199 2 is initiated.
  • the respective heating phase 199i, 199 2 is terminated once a respective heating termination condition is met, as commonly illustrated by event 184i, i.e. automatic termination of a heating phase.
  • the specific instance 184i of the more general event 184 is related to an automatic termination of the heating phase caused by a heating condition being reached, such as by reaching a set temperature.
  • event 185 for adjusting the respective heating phase may be received at any time.
  • a sixth time period 196i extends from event 182 to event 184i.
  • the sixth time period 196i coexists with the intermediate phase 198i and the heating phase 199i combined.
  • the line indicating the event 183i in Fig. IOC is shown with a dashed line in the upper part of the figure in order not to create confusion as to the extent of the sixth time period 196i. Accordingly, event 183i occurs while the sixth time period 196i is ongoing.
  • a fifth time period 195i extends from event 183i to event 184i.
  • the fifth time period 195i coexists with the heating phase 199 2 .
  • data is attempted to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber, e.g. continuously, and valid data is repeatedly received wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • the intermediate phase 198 2 data may be attempted to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber, e.g. continuously.
  • there are no expectations regarding receipt of valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the intermediate phase 198 2 i.e. from event 181 to event 183i.
  • Such lack of expectations with respect to receipt of valid data may e.g. be at least in part caused by a potential lack of provision of microwave radiation with the heating chamber during the intermediate phase 198 2 , which in turn has the consequence that the sensor assembly, which was deemed present during the subsequent initial phase 197i, is unable to be powered by microwave radiation from within the heating chamber during the intermediate phase 198 2 .
  • Fig. 11 i.e. including Figs. 11A-C, schematically illustrates an example according to the present invention being similar to the second example of Fig. 10.
  • the example of Fig. 11 comprises the events, phase, and time period as illustrated in connection with the example of Fig. 9.
  • the example of Fig. 11 differs from the second example of Figs.
  • the event 180 is an event 181A, i.e. primary receipt of valid data followed by automatic start of a heating phase.
  • the heating phase 199 3 of Fig. 11, cf. Fig. 11B is started immediately and automatically after the initial phase 197 2 , i.e. without an intermediate phase in between.
  • the event 183i of Fig. 10 is not present in the example of Fig. 11 since the event 183i of Fig. 10 is not needed for the heating phase 199 3 to be initiated due to the event 181A.
  • the event 185 receipt of user input for adjusting heating, may occur at any time during the respective heating phase 199 3 - Further, similar to the second example of Fig. 10, the respective fifth time period 195 2 of Fig. 11, cf. Fig. 11C, coexists with the respective heating phase 199 3 of Fig. 11.
  • the first information may comprise information being outputted to the user upon termination of the respective initial phase.
  • the first information as provided in connection with the example of Fig. 11, may comprise information of and/or relating to the initial conclusion, i.e. which and/or that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • the first information as provided in connection with the example of Fig. 11, may comprise a first heating option, e.g. comprising an alternative to the heating mode and/or the one or more heating conditions of the heating phase 199 3 , wherein execution of the first heating option requires presence of a sensor assembly, such as presence of a particular sensor assembly or a particular type of sensor assembly, within the heating chamber.
  • the first information may comprise information relating to the heating phase 199 3 being executed, e.g. by comprising information relating to a heating mode and/or relating to one or more heating conditions being employed by the heating phase 199 3 - Accordingly, based on this information provided to the user, the user may choose to adjust the heating mode and/or one or more heating conditions, e.g. by event 185.
  • Fig. 12 i.e. including Figs. 12A-C, schematically illustrates two examples according to the present invention, both being similar to the second example of Fig. 10.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 12B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 12.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 12B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 12.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 12C relate to the first example of Fig. 12.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 12C relate to the second example of Fig. 12.
  • the main difference between the second example of Fig. 10 and any of the two examples of Fig. 12 is the occurrence of event 189 and the consequence hereof.
  • the event 189 relates to receipt of invalid data during a period wherein there are no expectations regarding receipt of valid data, which applies for both examples of Fig. 12. Accordingly, the occurrence of event 189 results in two subsequent respective deviations with respect to the second example of Fig. 10 and mutually with respect to each of the two examples of Fig. 12.
  • the event 189 occurs subsequent to the initial phase 197 2 and while a respective intermediate phase 198 3 , 198 4 is ongoing.
  • the line indicating the event 189 in Fig. 12B is shown with a dashed line in the upper part of the figure merely in order not to create confusion as to the extent of the intermediate phase 198 3 , which is from event 181 to event 183i.
  • the sequence of phases is terminated immediately upon the occurrence of the event 189 by termination of the intermediate phase 198 4 , cf. Fig. 12B.
  • the user is informed of the receipt of invalid data and/or of the termination of the sequence of phases.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may be considered as comprising a registration of the event 189.
  • the first information provided in dependence of the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise an indication of the receipt of invalid data and/or of the termination of the sequence of phases.
  • the first information is considered as prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven. For instance, the user may choose to inspect within the heating chamber, i.e. inspect any item and/or sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the intermediate phase 198 3 cf. Fig. 12B
  • the first example of Fig. 12 is almost identical to the second example of Fig. 10.
  • the user may potentially be informed of the receipt of invalid data or the user may not be informed hereof. If the user is informed of receipt of invalid data, the user may still be informed that input for initiating a heating phase is awaited. Accordingly, the user may choose to provide such input for initiating a heating phase even if being informed of receipt of invalid data. In any event, the user may be prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, e.g.
  • Fig. 13 schematically illustrates two examples according to the present invention.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 13B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 13.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 13B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 13.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 13C relate to the first example of Fig. 13.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 13C relate to the second example of Fig. 13.
  • the examples of Fig. 13 are similar to the examples of Fig. 12, i.e. the second example of Fig.
  • Fig. 13 is similar to the second example of Fig. 12, and the first example of Fig. 13 is similar to the first example of Fig. 12. The main difference being that for the examples of Fig. 13 a secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data applies in the period from the occurrence of event 181 and until event 183i potentially occurs, and wherein the secondary threshold time is exceeded for the first example of Fig.
  • both examples of Fig. 13 comprise a fifth time period 195 7 during which valid data is received wirelessly and repeatedly from within the heating chamber.
  • the fifth time period 195 7 occurs during the respective intermediate phase 198 5 , 198 6 -
  • receipt of invalid data occurs subsequent to event 181 and before the event 183i has occurred, which corresponds to the examples of Fig. 12.
  • the receipt of invalid data occurs during a period wherein valid data is expected to be received.
  • the receipt of invalid data is given the reference event 188i.
  • Event 188i occurs subsequent to the initial phase 197 2 and while a respective intermediate phase 198s, 198e is ongoing.
  • the line indicating the event 188i in Figs. 13B and 13C is shown with a dashed line in the upper part of the respective figures merely in order not to create confusion as to the extent of the respective intermediate phase 198s, which extend from event 181 to event 187i, and the fourth time period 194i, which extend from the end of the fifth time period 195 7 to event 187i.
  • the intermediate phase 198 6 cf. Fig.
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may be considered as comprising a registration of the event 188i.
  • the first information provided in dependence of the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise an indication of the occurrence of receipt of invalid data and/or of the termination of the sequence of phases. Accordingly, the first information is considered as prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven. For instance, the user may choose to inspect within the heating chamber, i.e. inspect any item and/or sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the intermediate phase 198 5 is continued despite occurrence of the event 188i.
  • the user may potentially be informed of the receipt of invalid data or the user may not be informed hereof. If the user is informed of receipt of invalid data, the user may still be informed that input for initiating a heating phase is awaited. Accordingly, the user may choose to provide such input for initiating a heating phase even if being informed of the occurrence of receipt of invalid data.
  • event 187i is reached, i.e.
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly comprises failing to receive valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a fourth time period 194i, cf. Fig. 13C
  • a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly comprises provision of an indication of the step of failing to receive valid data during the fourth time period, wherein valid data is expected to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the fourth time period 194i.
  • the first information is considered as prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the user may choose to inspect within the heating chamber, i.e. inspect any item and/or sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the user input for initiation of a heating phase i.e. event 183i
  • the event 183i indicated by a vertical dashed line in Fig. 13, is not reached in any of the examples of Fig. 13.
  • event 187 occurs without event 188 having occurred previously.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 14B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 14.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 14B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 14.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 14C relate to the first example of Fig. 14.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 14C relate to the second example of Fig. 14.
  • Fig. 14 are similar to the examples of Fig. 13, i.e. the second example of Fig. 14 is similar to the second example of Fig. 13, and the first example of Fig. 14 is similar to the first example of Fig. 13.
  • event 181 of Fig. 14 is the occurrence 181 A , i.e. automatic start of a heating phase as explained e.g. in connection with Fig. 11.
  • a respective heating phase 199 4 , 199 5 is initiated automatically upon termination of the respective initial phase without receipt of user input for initiating the respective heating phase.
  • event 188i occurs for both examples of Fig. 14 and event 187i occurs for only the first example of Fig. 14.
  • both examples of Fig. 14 comprise a fifth time period 195s during which valid data is received wirelessly and repeatedly from within the heating chamber.
  • the fifth time period 195s occurs during the respective heating phase 199 4 , 199 5 -
  • the event 188i causes a termination of the sequence of phases by event 184 2 , i.e. a termination of the respective heating phase 199 5 -
  • the event 188i does not cause a termination of the respective heating phase 199 4
  • the event 187i causes a termination of the sequence of phases by event 184 3 , i.e. a termination of the respective heating phase 199 4 .
  • Fig. 14 illustrates a method for prompting a user of a microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, the method comprising: attempting to receive data wirelessly from within a heating chamber of the microwave oven; providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly, wherein the first information is configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven; and outputting the first information to the user.
  • step of attempting to receive data wirelessly comprises failing to receive valid data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a fourth time period 194 2
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly comprises provision of an indication of the step of failing to receive valid data during the fourth time period 194 2 , wherein valid data is expected to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the fourth time period 194 2 .
  • Fig. 15, i.e. including Figs. 15A-C schematically illustrates two examples according to the present invention.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 15B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 15.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 15B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 15.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 15C relate to the first example of Fig. 15.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 15C relate to the second example of Fig. 15.
  • Fig. 15 are similar to the examples of Fig. 14, i.e. the second example of Fig. 15 is similar to the second example of Fig. 14, and the first example of Fig. 15 is similar to the first example of Fig. 14.
  • the respective heating phases 199e,199 7 are initiated by event 183i, i.e. by user input, instead of being initiated by event 181 A .
  • event 183i i.e. by user input
  • Figs. 16-18 schematically illustrates various examples, having similarities with the first example of Fig. 10. The examples of Figs. 16-18 differ by various examples of receipt of data from within the heating chamber occurring subsequent to the event 182 and the consequence hereof.
  • Fig. 16 i.e. including Figs. 16A-C, schematically illustrates two examples according to the present invention.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 16B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 16.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 16B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 16.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 16C relate to the first example of Fig. 16.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 16C relate to the second example of Fig. 16.
  • Both examples of Fig. 16 correspond initially to the first example of Fig. 10.
  • the examples of Fig. 16 differ from the first example of Fig. 10 starting from the third time period 193i, which leads to event 186i,v, i.e. receipt of valid data during a period wherein no data is expected to be received. No data is expected to be received at the occurrence of event 186i,v due to the previous occurrence of 182, according to which an initial conclusion is reached that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, or at least that no sensor assembly is detected present within the heating chamber.
  • the illustration of the examples in Fig. 16C show that the second time period 192i is succeeded by a sixth time period 196 2 , as expected due to the occurrence of event 182.
  • the sixth time period 196i is expected to extend until termination of the sequence of phases by event 184i.
  • the sixth time period 196 2 is succeeded by the third time period 193i, during which data is received within a period wherein no data is expected to be received. This corresponds to an unexpected detection of data and more particularly an unexpected detection of valid data, which is denoted event 186i,v.
  • the event 186i,v is handled by an immediate termination of the sequence of phases. Accordingly, the intermediate phase 198s is terminated immediately by event 186i,v. Such termination of the sequence of phases may e.g. be due to a reasoning that the valid data is assumed to be received late, and thus, something may be wrong with the sensor and/or the placement of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber. Accordingly, the user may be prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, e.g. by inspection within the heating chamber.
  • the event 186i,v is handled similar to how the event 181 is handled for the second example of Fig. 10.
  • the user may for instance be presented with first information comprising a first heating option, wherein execution of the first heating option requires presence of a sensor assembly, such as presence of a particular sensor assembly or a particular type of sensor assembly, within the heating chamber, i.e. in accordance with information of a detected sensor assembly within the heating chamber, i.e. in accordance with the event 186i,v.
  • This presentation may be outputted to the user instead of, i.e. replacing, presenting the user with one or more heating options resulting from the event 182 as disclosed in connection with the first example of Fig. 10.
  • a first part of the intermediate phase 198 7 corresponds to the intermediate phase 198s and/or corresponds to a first part of the intermediate phase 198i, whereas a second part of the intermediate phase 198 7 corresponds to a second part of the intermediate phase 198 2 .
  • the first example of Fig. 16 is identical to the second example of Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 17, i.e. including Figs. 17A-C, schematically illustrates an example according to the present invention being similar to the second example of Fig. 16.
  • the example of Fig. 17 differs from the second example of Fig. 16 by having an occurrence of event 186 2,1 , i.e. receipt of invalid data during a period wherein no data is expected to be received, instead of the occurrence of the event 186i,v.
  • the event 186 2,1 is handled by an immediate termination of the sequence of phases. Accordingly, the intermediate phase 198g is terminated immediately by event 186 2,1 .
  • Such termination of the sequence of phases may e.g.
  • the heating chamber which initially, by event 182, was assumed void of any sensor assembly, is assumed to have a defect sensor assembly therein and/or another error with respect to a sensor assembly within the heating chamber. Accordingly, the user may be prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, e.g. by inspection within the heating chamber.
  • Fig. 18, i.e. including Figs. 18A-C schematically illustrates two examples according to the present invention.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 18B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 18.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 18B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 18.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 18C relate to the first example of Fig. 18.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 18C relate to the second example of Fig. 18.
  • both two examples of Fig. 18 are identical to the first example of Fig. 10.
  • Event 183i occurs in both examples of Fig. 18 even though the event is illustrated by means of a dashed line in Fig. 18C, which is merely in order not to create confusion re the extent of the respective sixth time periods 196 5 , 196 6 -
  • the main difference between the examples of Fig. 18 and the first example of Fig. 10 is the occurrence of event I86 3 , i.e. receipt of data during a period wherein no data is expected to be received, and the consequence hereof.
  • the event I86 3 occurs in both examples of Fig. 18 whereas the event 184b only occurs for the first example of Fig. 18.
  • respective heating phases 199s, 199g are initiated by event 183i for both examples of Fig. 18.
  • respective third time periods 193 3 , 193 4 within which unexpected data is received terminates the respective sixth time periods 196s, 196 6 -
  • the first example of Fig. 18 illustrates a situation wherein invalid data is received or wherein valid data is received, which valid data indicates presence of a sensor assembly that is not compatible with the heating mode or heating condition of the ongoing heating phase 199s, which heating phase 199s accordingly is terminated by event 184 6 and thus the sequence of phases is terminated.
  • the second example of Fig. 18 illustrates a situation wherein valid data is received, which valid data indicates presence of a sensor assembly that is compatible with the heating mode and heating condition of the ongoing heating phase 199g, which heating phase 199s accordingly is continued despite the occurrence of event I86 3 .
  • the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly comprises receiving data wirelessly from within the heating chamber during a third time period 193 3 , 193 4 , wherein data is not expected to be received wirelessly from within the heating chamber during the third time period 193 3 , 193 4 .
  • the first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may comprise a presence estimation comprising information indicating that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber, wherein the presence estimation may comprise identification information provided in dependence of the valid data received during the third time period, wherein the identification information may comprise information identifying the sensor assembly being present within the heating chamber.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 19B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 19.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 19B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 19.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 19C relate to the first example of Fig. 19.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 19C relate to the second example of Fig. 19.
  • the event 180 is succeeded by event 183 2 , receipt i.e. of user input for initiating a heating phase 199n, 199i 2 .
  • the event 183 2 occurs without a preceding initial conclusion of the initial phase 197 3 , such as by event 181 or 182 as exemplified in connection with other examples. Accordingly, no presence estimation is reached when the respective heating phase 199n, 199i 2 is initiated.
  • the user may however be able to provide input for choosing a heating mode and/or a heating condition, wherein presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber is required, or wherein presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber is not allowed.
  • a heating mode and/or a heating condition is chosen, wherein a sensor assembly is not expected within the heating chamber.
  • a sensor assembly is not allowed within the heating chamber since the chosen heating mode and/or heating condition is not compatible with presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • the examples of Fig. 19 is similar to the examples of Fig. 18 subsequent to event 183i. More specifically, the first example of Fig. 19 is similar to the second example of Fig. 18, and the second example of Fig. 19 is similar to the first example of Fig. 18. Similar to the examples of Fig. 18, i.e. subsequent to the event 183i thereof, the examples of Fig. 19, comprise a sixth time period 196 4 succeeding the event 183 2 , which sixth time period 196 4 is succeeded by a third time period 193s leading to an event 186 4, v of receipt of valid data during a period wherein no data is expected to be received. However, for the examples of Fig.
  • the event 186 4 ,v results in event 184 7 of a termination of the heating phase 199i 2 .
  • This termination 184 7 is due to the incompatibility of the heating phase 199i 2 with presence of a sensor assembly as detected by event 186 4 ,v. Accordingly, a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly may be given by the event 186 4 ,v.
  • first information which is provided in dependence of the first outcome, and which is configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, and which is outputted to the user, may comprise information of the detection of presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber, which sensor assembly is incompatible with the heating mode, which was ongoing.
  • the first information may comprise one or more alternative heating options, which are compatible with the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber. Accordingly, the user is considered as being prompted to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, e.g. by removal of the sensor assembly and subsequent continuation of heating or by leaving the sensor assembly within the heating chamber and choosing an alternative heating being compatible with the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber. According to the first example of Fig.
  • first information which is provided in dependence of the first outcome, and which is configured for prompting the user to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven, and which is outputted to the user, may comprise information of the detection of presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber, which sensor assembly is compatible with the ongoing heating phase 199n.
  • the first information may comprise one or more alternative heating options, which also are compatible with the presence of the sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • Fig. 20, i.e. including Figs. 20A-C schematically illustrates two examples according to the present invention.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 20B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 20.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 20B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 20.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 20C relate to the first example of Fig. 20.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 20C relate to the second example of Fig. 20.
  • Both examples of Fig. 20 correspond to the first example of Fig. 19 until an event I88 3 of receipt of invalid data occurs during a period wherein valid data is expected to be received.
  • the heating phase 199i 4 is immediately terminated by event 184g upon occurrence of the event I88 3 .
  • the respective heating phase 199i 3 is continued upon occurrence of the event I88 3 .
  • the heating phase 199i 3 is terminated by event 184io.
  • Fig. 21, i.e. including Figs. 21A-C schematically illustrates two examples according to the present invention.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 21B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 21.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 21B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 21.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 21C relate to the first example of Fig. 21.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 21C relate to the second example of Fig. 21.
  • the event 180 is succeeded by event 183 2 , receipt i.e. of user input for initiating a heating phase 199is, 199i 6 -
  • the event 183 2 occurs without a preceding initial conclusion of the initial phase 197 3 , such as by event 181 or 182 as exemplified in connection with other examples. Accordingly, no presence estimation is reached when the respective heating phase 199is, 199ie is initiated.
  • the user may however be able to provide input for choosing a heating mode and/or a heating condition, wherein presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber is required, or wherein presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber is not allowed.
  • a heating mode and/or a heating condition is chosen, wherein presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber is required.
  • the examples of Fig. 21 are similar to the examples of Fig. 15 subsequent to event 183i as well as to the examples Fig. 14 subsequent to event 181 A , wherein the first example of Fig. 21 is similar to the respective first example of Figs. 14 and 15, and the second example of Fig. 21 is similar to the respective second examples of Figs. 14 and 15.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 22B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 22.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 22B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 22.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 22C relate to the first example of Fig. 22.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 22C relate to the second example of Fig. 22.
  • the examples of Fig. 22 are similar to the examples of Fig. 20, i.e. the first example of Fig. 22 is similar to the first example of Fig. 20, and the second example of Fig. 22 is similar to the second example of Fig. 20.
  • the examples of Fig. 22 differ from the examples of Fig. 20 prior to the event 183 2 . Subsequent to the event 183 2 the respective examples of Fig. 22 and 20 are identical.
  • the examples of Fig. 22 do not comprise the event 180, and consequently do not comprise an initial phase prior to event 183 2 .
  • the examples of Fig. 22 merely comprise the event 190, i.e. closing of a lid of the heating chamber.
  • Phases illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 23B relate to a first example of the two examples of Fig. 23.
  • Phases illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 23B relate to a second example of the two examples of Fig. 23.
  • Time periods illustrated on the upper part of Fig. 23C relate to the first example of Fig. 23.
  • Time periods illustrated on the lower part of Fig. 23C relate to the second example of Fig. 23.
  • the examples of Fig. 23 are similar to the examples of Fig. 21, i.e. the first example of Fig. 23 is similar to the first example of Fig. 21, and the second example of Fig. 23 is similar to the second example of Fig. 21.
  • the examples of Fig. 23 differ from the examples of Fig. 21 prior to the event 183 2 . Subsequent to the event 183 2 the respective examples of Fig. 23 and 21 are identical.
  • the examples of Fig. 23 do not comprise the event 180, and consequently do not comprise an initial phase prior to event 183 2 .
  • the examples of Fig. 23 merely comprise the event 190, i.e. closing of a lid of the heating chamber.
  • Fig. 24, i.e. including Figs. 24A-C schematically illustrates an example corresponding to the example of Fig. 8, the only difference being the occurrence of event 179 and the resulting consequence.
  • Event 179 relates to primary receipt of invalid data during an initial phase 197 4 , cf. Fig. 24B, wherein the event 179 is indicated by a dashed line in the upper part of the figure merely in order not to create confusion as to the extent of the initial phase 197 4 , which is from event 180 to event 182.
  • a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber may comprise an indication of the occurrence of event 179 and/or may comprise a presence estimation comprising information indicating that one or more sensor assemblies may be present within the heating chamber, but that an error has occurred.
  • the first information may comprise information relating to the initial conclusion. Accordingly, the first information may be provided in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber.
  • Fig. 25, i.e. including Figs. 25A-C schematically illustrates an example corresponding to the example of Fig. 9, the only difference being the occurrence of event 179, i.e. primary receipt of invalid data during an initial phase 197s, cf. Fig. 25B, wherein the event 179 is indicated by a dashed line in the lower part of the figure merely in order not to create confusion as to the extent of the initial phase 197s, which is from event 180 to event 181.
  • the respective first outcome may comprise an indication of the occurrence of event 179. This may be alternative to or in addition to information disclosed in connection with Fig. 9, such as regarding presence of a sensor assembly within the heating chamber.
  • Fig. 26, i.e. including Figs. 26A and 26B, schematically illustrates an embodiment of a second user interface 210 of a microwave oven (not illustrated in Fig. 26) according to the present invention.
  • the second user interface 210 may replace the second user interface 110 of any of the microwave ovens 102, 202, 302 of Figs 1-4.
  • Fig. 26A illustrates the second user interface 210 in a first state.
  • Fig. 26B illustrates the second user interface 210 in a second state.
  • the microwave oven is configured for attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber (not illustrated in Fig. 26) using the second communication module (not illustrated in Fig.
  • the second controller module is configured for providing first information in dependence of the first outcome, wherein the first information is configured for prompting a user (not illustrated in Fig. 26) of the microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven.
  • the first information comprises a heating option relating to one of a plurality of heating conditions comprising a first heating condition and a second heating condition, wherein the heating option of the first information is provided in dependence of the presence estimation.
  • the first heating condition is relating to a target duration of a heating phase and the second heating condition is relating to a target temperature, i.e.
  • the second user interface 210 is configured for outputting the first information including the heating option to the user.
  • the second user interface 210 comprises a first output field 146 configured for displaying the heating option to the user.
  • the first output field 146 comprises a first primary output field 146a and a first secondary output field 146b.
  • the first primary output field 146a is configured for displaying a target value of the respective heating condition.
  • the first secondary output field 146b is configured for displaying a symbol relating to the respective heating condition.
  • the microwave oven is configured for displaying the first heating condition using the first output field 146 if the presence estimation comprises information indicating that a sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • This is illustrated by means of Fig. 26A, wherein the second user interface 210 is in the first state, wherein the first primary output field 146a illustrates the exemplary time "00:30", and wherein the first secondary output field 146b illustrates an exemplary symbol for time in form of an analogue clock.
  • the microwave oven is configured for displaying the second heating condition using the first output field 146 if the presence estimation comprises information indicating that no sensor assembly is present within the heating chamber.
  • This is illustrated by means of Fig. 26B, wherein the second user interface 210 is in the second state, wherein the first primary output field 146a illustrates the exemplary temperature "80", and wherein the first secondary output field 146b illustrates an exemplary symbol for temperature in form of a symbol for degrees Celsius, i.e. °C.
  • the second user interface 210 comprises a first input element 144 comprising a control knob configured for receiving user input for setting, e.g. by adjusting, a value of a heating condition of a heating option displayed by the first output field 146. Accordingly, when the second user interface 210 is in the first state, cf. Fig. 26A, user operation of the first input element 144 will result in an adjustment of the first heating condition, i.e. a target duration of a heating phase. When the second user interface 210 is in the second state, cf. Fig. 26B, user operation of the first input element 144 will result in an adjustment of the second heating condition, i.e. a target temperature.
  • the second user interface 210 optionally comprises a second input field 148 comprising a second primary input field 148a and a second secondary input field 148b.
  • the second input field 148 comprises a touch sensitive display.
  • respective push-buttons may for instance be utilized for the second primary input field 148a and the second secondary input field 148b, respectively.
  • the second input field 148 is configured for receiving user input for changing and/or selecting between the first state and the second state of the second user interface 210. If the second user interface 210 is in the first state or is in neither the first state nor the second state, the user may manually activate the second secondary input field 148b in order to force the second user interface 210 into entering the second state. Similarly, if the second user interface 210 is in the second state or is in neither the first state nor the second state, the user may manually activate the second primary input field 148a in order to force the second user interface 210 into entering the first state.
  • Embodiments are configured such that upon expiry of the secondary threshold time for receipt of valid data a termination of the sequence of phases is not carried out, but instead set a tertiary threshold time for receipt of valid data is set. This may for instance be the case of the first example of any of Figs. 13-15 or 20-23.
  • a heating condition may be reduced compared to a potential heating phase existing during the preceding secondary threshold time. Accordingly, if valid data is received during the tertiary threshold time for receipt of valid data, then the heating phase is continued as carried out prior to the start of the tertiary threshold time. Alternatively, if no valid data is received during the tertiary threshold time for receipt of valid data, then the heating phase and the sequence of phases is terminated.
  • a terminated sequence of phases may be continued. According to embodiments, such as variants of the above-described examples, it is required, e.g. merely required, that the lid of the heating chamber is opened and subsequently closed for a heating phase 199 to be continued subsequent to event 184. According to other embodiments it is required that the user reinitiate a heating phase 199 by means of the at least one user interface, e.g. preceding or succeeding to closing the lid of the heating chamber. According to embodiments a terminated sequence of phases may be continued only if terminated by event 184.
  • event 184i is related to an intermediate goal of the respective heating process, e.g. due to reaching a point in the heating process, wherein the user is required to stir the item being heated.
  • a heating phase 199 may be continued subsequent to termination of the respective sequence of phases, e.g. in case event 184i is related to an intermediate goal.
  • a heating phase 199 may be continued subsequent to termination of the respective sequence of phases in case the event 184 is caused by event 188 or 186v. Accordingly, the user may have a chance to remove a respective sensor assembly from the heating chamber and resume, i.e. continue, the respective heating phase.
  • a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber comprises information indicating that a plurality of sensor assemblies is present within the heating chamber. Furthermore, the first outcome may comprise information identifying the individual sensor assemblies of the plurality of sensor assemblies. It may be required that not more than one sensor assembly is detected within the heating chamber for a heating phase 199 to be initiated and/or continued. If a heating phase 199 is to be initiated and/or continued with a plurality of sensor assemblies detected within the heating chamber, it may be required that all detected sensor assemblies are compatible with each other and/or compatible with the heating mode of the heating phase 199.
  • Receipt of incomplete data may be caused by a plurality of sensor assemblies, such as a plurality of incompatible sensor assemblies, being present within the heating chamber, wherein the plurality of sensor assemblies communicate simultaneously e.g. over the same channel of communication.
  • a stream of data from one sensor assembly may be interfered by a stream of data from another sensor assembly and vice versa.
  • Method 150 Method for prompting a user of a microwave oven to decide upon user operation of the microwave oven 152: Initiating event 154: Attempting to receive data wirelessly from within the heating chamber 156: Providing first information in dependence of a first outcome of the step of attempting to receive data wirelessly from within a heating chamber 158: Outputting the first information to the user
  • Figs. 8-25 The following references relate to events, e.g. illustrated in Figs. 8-25. Any reference to Figs. 8-25 may be understood as a reference to Figs. 8A-25A and/or Figs. 8B-25B and/or and Figs. 8C-25C.
  • any of the references used within any of Figs. 8-25 may have a number included in a subscript.
  • Such number may refer to a respective instance of the respective event, time period, or phase.
  • the number 1 in a subscript may indicate a first instance of the respective event, time period, or phase.
  • the number 2 in a subscript may indicate a second instance of the respective event, time period, or phase.
  • a second instance of an event, time period, or phase does not necessarily necessitate a first instance of the respective event, time period, or phase.
  • the number 3 in a subscript may indicate a third instance of the respective event, time period, or phase.
  • a third instance of an event, time period, or phase does not necessarily necessitate a first and/or a second instance of the respective event, time period, or phase.
  • an X'th instance of an event, time period, or phase where X may be a number included in a subscript, does not necessarily necessitate another instance of the respective event, time period, or phase.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Electric Ovens (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un four à micro-ondes (302), un système (300) comprenant un four à micro-ondes (302), et un procédé correspondant pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes (302) à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes (302). Le procédé comprend les étapes consistant à : tenter de recevoir des données sans fil depuis l'intérieur d'une chambre de chauffage (104) du four à micro-ondes (302) ; fournir des premières informations en fonction d'un premier résultat de l'étape de tentative de réception sans fil de données, les premières informations étant configurées pour inviter l'utilisateur à décider de l'opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes (302) ; et délivrer les premières informations à l'utilisateur.
PCT/EP2020/064857 2020-05-28 2020-05-28 Procédé et système pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes Ceased WO2021239231A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2020/064857 WO2021239231A1 (fr) 2020-05-28 2020-05-28 Procédé et système pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2020/064857 WO2021239231A1 (fr) 2020-05-28 2020-05-28 Procédé et système pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021239231A1 true WO2021239231A1 (fr) 2021-12-02

Family

ID=70922037

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2020/064857 Ceased WO2021239231A1 (fr) 2020-05-28 2020-05-28 Procédé et système pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2021239231A1 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2119127A (en) * 1982-03-03 1983-11-09 Hitachi Heating Appl High-frequency heating apparatus with wireless temperature probe
EP1193584A1 (fr) * 2000-09-29 2002-04-03 Whirlpool Corporation System de cuisson et utilisation dans un four
US20150289324A1 (en) * 2014-04-07 2015-10-08 Mark Braxton Rober Microwave oven with thermal imaging temperature display and control
WO2016162499A1 (fr) 2015-04-10 2016-10-13 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Récipient de préparation médicale comprenant un ensemble de capteurs alimentés par micro-ondes
US20180063900A1 (en) * 2016-08-24 2018-03-01 Iceberg Luxembourg S.A.R.L. Calibration Of Dynamic Conditioning Systems
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 (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2119127A (en) * 1982-03-03 1983-11-09 Hitachi Heating Appl High-frequency heating apparatus with wireless temperature probe
EP1193584A1 (fr) * 2000-09-29 2002-04-03 Whirlpool Corporation System de cuisson et utilisation dans un four
US20150289324A1 (en) * 2014-04-07 2015-10-08 Mark Braxton Rober Microwave oven with thermal imaging temperature display and control
WO2016162499A1 (fr) 2015-04-10 2016-10-13 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Récipient de préparation médicale comprenant un ensemble de capteurs alimentés par micro-ondes
WO2016162498A1 (fr) 2015-04-10 2016-10-13 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Ensemble capteurs alimenté par micro-ondes pour fours à micro-ondes
US20180063900A1 (en) * 2016-08-24 2018-03-01 Iceberg Luxembourg S.A.R.L. Calibration Of Dynamic Conditioning Systems
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

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20200411001A1 (en) Method for controlling the operation of an appliance by a user through voice control
CN105581641A (zh) 电水壶及其控制方法和电水壶系统
US20090127248A1 (en) Heating cooker
CN111434989A (zh) 通信系统和外部终端
CN109237543B (zh) 防干烧的控制方法和防干烧系统
CN113841012B (zh) 包括感应式烹饪炉的烹饪系统
EP2302605A1 (fr) Assemblage et procédé pour la surveillance d'un ensemble d'appareils ménagers
JP4810889B2 (ja) 加熱調理器
WO2021239231A1 (fr) Procédé et système pour inviter un utilisateur d'un four à micro-ondes à décider d'une opération d'utilisateur du four à micro-ondes
CN109237527B (zh) 防干烧的控制方法和防干烧系统
EP3742053B1 (fr) Dispositif de cuisson
JP5494260B2 (ja) ジャー炊飯器
CN113812846B (zh) 一种蒸烤箱及启动控制方法
WO2021239233A1 (fr) Dispositif, système et procédé de commande d'un four à micro-ondes
KR102327801B1 (ko) 주방에서 사용하는 인덕션의 온도 과열 정보 제공 방법 및 시스템
JP2023143714A (ja) サーバ、電気ポット、及び家電製品
JP6995657B2 (ja) 加熱調理器
US20250129943A1 (en) Access control mode for an oven appliance
CN115451434A (zh) 用于智能燃气灶控制的方法及装置、智能燃气灶
JP4019831B2 (ja) 炊飯器
JP2004079216A (ja) 誘導加熱調理器
JP3054842B2 (ja) 誘導加熱調理器
JP4590768B2 (ja) ジャー炊飯器
US20250227817A1 (en) Wireless power control of resonant induction appliance systems
CN111045353B (zh) 基于烹饪设备的信息提示方法和终端设备

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20729704

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

32PN Ep: public notification in the ep bulletin as address of the adressee cannot be established

Free format text: NOTING OF LOSS OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO RULE 112(1) EPC (EPO FORM 1205A DATED 15/03/2023)

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 20729704

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1