Patent Application
20230388145
The present disclosure relates to control systems in general and more particularly to methods and systems for controlling grilling appliances via mobile devices.
Grilling appliances, such as any of a wide range of indoor or outdoor grilling, griddle, and smokers, are well-known in the art and have been used for decades in food preparation. Such grilling appliances were originally provided with manual controls that allowed the user to control various aspects of the grilling appliance, most commonly temperature, although other systems, such as rotisserie systems, could also be manually controlled.
More recently, grilling appliances have been produced with electronic control systems that provide convenient electronic control of the various grilling systems. Grilling appliances with electronic control systems were eventually produced that allowed a user to control them remotely from a portable electronic device, such a cellular phone or other type of mobile device, typically via a short-range data link, such as Bluetooth. However, such remote control of the grilling appliance required the mobile device to be within signal range of the grilling appliance, typically a few meters. While grilling appliances were later developed that allowed the mobile device to communicate with the grilling appliance via the Internet, the latency or time-delay associated with control via the Internet often made remote control of the grilling appliance a frustrating experience for the user. Moreover, the data bandwidth requirements of such Internet-enabled control systems would often introduce additional latency, particularly of the Internet connection with either the grilling appliance and/or mobile device was of limited bandwidth.
One embodiment of a method of operating a grilling appliance may include: Connecting a communications interface of the grilling appliance with a first server operatively associated with an edge computing platform and operating a mobile application provided on a mobile device to select at least one function from among the plurality of functions of the grilling appliance, the mobile application operating the mobile device to transmit to the first server of the edge computing platform a signal relating to the selected function, the mobile device transmitting the signal in a native language format, the first server translating the native language format signal into a translated data signal formatted to operate a control system of the grilling appliance to implement the selected function, the first server of the edge computing platform transmitting the translated data signal to the communication interface of the grilling appliance, the control system of the grilling appliance operating the grilling appliance to implement the selected function.
Also disclosed is a method of interfacing with a grilling appliance that may include the steps of: Establishing a first data communications link between a control system of the grilling appliance and a mobile API server via a first edge server of an edge computing platform; establishing a second data communications link between a mobile application of a mobile device and the mobile API server via the first edge server or a second edge server of the edge computing platform; and operating the control system of the grilling appliance to transmit to the mobile application via the mobile API server data relating to the grilling appliance in the absence of polling the mobile API server.
A grilling appliance according to the disclosures provided herein may include a plurality of grilling appliance systems for controlling functions of the grilling appliance as well as a control system operatively connected to each of the plurality of grilling appliance systems. A communications interface operatively associated with the control system connects the control system with a first server operatively associated with an edge computing platform, the control system being operable by a mobile device having a mobile application provided thereon that is operable to select at least one function from among the plurality of functions of the grilling appliance, the mobile application operating the mobile device to transmit to the first server a signal relating to the selected function, the mobile device transmitting the signal in a native language format, the first server translating the native language format signal into a translated data signal formatted to operate the control system of the grilling appliance to implement the selected function, the first server transmitting the translated data signal to the communication interface of the grilling appliance, the control system of the grilling appliance operating the grilling appliance to implement the selected function.
Another embodiment of a method of controlling a grilling appliance is disclosed that may involve: Receiving at a server operatively associated with an edge computing platform a signal from a mobile device relating to a function of the grilling appliance; using the server to translate the signal from the mobile device into translated data formatted to operate the grilling appliance; and transmitting the translated data to the grilling appliance.
Yet another embodiment of a method of controlling a grilling appliance may involve: Receiving at a server operatively associated with the edge computing platform a signal from the grilling appliance relating to a functional error; using the server to translate the signal from the grilling appliance into a message relating to the functional error; and using the server to transmit the message relating to the functional error to the mobile device.
Still yet another embodiment of a method of controlling a grilling appliance may involve: Receiving at a mobile API server a signal from the mobile device relating to a recipe request; using the mobile API server to obtain the requested recipe from a database server operatively associated with the API server, the requested recipe including data relating to at least one of a cooking time and a cooking temperature; using the mobile API server to send data relating to the obtained recipe to the server operatively associated with the edge computing platform; using the server to translate the data relating to the obtained recipe from the mobile API server into translated data formatted to operate the grilling appliance; and transmitting the translated data to the grilling appliance.
Also disclosed is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by at least one computer processor cause the computer processor to: Transmit to a server operatively associated with an edge computing platform a signal from a mobile device relating to a function of a grilling appliance; instruct the server to translate the signal from the mobile device into translated data formatted to operate the grilling appliance; and instruct the server to transmit the translated data to the grilling appliance.
Another embodiment of the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may further include computer-executable instructions that cause the computer processor to: Transmit to a server operatively associated with the edge computing platform a signal from the grilling appliance relating to a functional error; instruct the server to translate the signal from the grilling appliance into a message relating to the functional error; and instruct the server to transmit the message relating to the functional error to the mobile device.
Still yet another embodiment of the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may further include computer-executable instructions that cause the computer processor to: Transmit to a mobile API server a signal from the mobile device relating to a recipe request; instruct the mobile API server to obtain the requested recipe from a database server operatively associated with the API server, the requested recipe including data relating to at least one of a cooking time and a cooking temperature; instruct the mobile API server to send data relating to the obtained recipe to an edge server operatively associated with an edge computing platform; instruct the edge server to translate the data relating to the obtained recipe from the mobile API server into translated data formatted to operate the grilling appliance; and instruct the edge server to transmit the translated data to the grilling appliance.
A system for controlling a grilling appliance is also disclosed that may include a processor and a memory operatively associated with the processor. A grilling appliance control program stored in the memory is provided with instructions executable by the processor that cause the processor to: Transmit to a server operatively associated with an edge computing platform a signal from a mobile device relating to a function of a grilling appliance; instruct the server to translate the signal from the mobile device into translated data formatted to operate the grilling appliance; and instruct the server to transmit the translated data to the grilling appliance.
In another embodiment of the system, the grilling appliance control program stored in the memory further comprises program instructions that cause the processor to: Transmit to the server operatively associated with the edge computing platform a signal from the grilling appliance relating to a functional error; instruct the server operatively associated with the content delivery network to translate the signal from the grilling appliance into a message relating to the functional error; and instruct the server operatively associated with the content delivery network to transmit the message relating to the functional error to the mobile device.
In still yet another embodiment of the system, the grilling appliance control program stored in the memory further comprises instructions that cause the processor to: Transmit to a mobile API server a signal from the mobile device relating to a recipe request; instruct the mobile API server to obtain the requested recipe from a database server operatively associated with the API server, the requested recipe including data relating to at least one of a cooking time and a cooking temperature; instruct the mobile API server to send data relating to the obtained recipe to an edge server operatively associated with the edge computing platform; instruct the edge server to translate the data relating to the obtained recipe from the mobile API server into translated data formatted to operate the grilling appliance; and instruct the edge server operatively associated with the content delivery network to transmit the translated data to the grilling appliance.
Illustrative and presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which:
One embodiment of a system 10 for controlling/interfacing with a grilling appliance 12 via an edge computing platform 14 is illustrated in
Briefly, grilling appliance 12 may comprise any of a wide range of outdoor or indoor grilling, griddle, or smoking devices used in food preparation. Grilling appliance 12 may be provided with any of a wide range of grilling appliance systems 20 that may be required or desired for the operation of grilling appliance 12. For example, such grilling appliance systems 20 may include, without limitation, one or more fuel control systems (e.g., for controlling the feed rate of gas, wood pellets, or electrical power to a heating element), fuel ignition systems, temperature sensing systems, temperature control systems, cooking cycle control systems, and rotisserie systems. Grilling appliance 12 may also include one or more control systems 22 to control the functions and operations of the various grilling appliance systems 20. In some embodiments, control system(s) 22 may also receive information and data from the various grilling appliance systems 20.
Control system(s) 22 also may be operatively associated with one or more memory systems 24 and one or more communication interface systems 26. Memory system(s) 24 may contain instructions for control system(s) 22 and may also provide storage for information and data collected by control system(s) 24 during operation of grilling appliance 12. Communication interface system(s) 26 allows control system 22 to communicate with the edge computing platform 14, either directly or via a suitable access point 28. In some embodiments, the communication interface system(s) 26 may also allow control system 22 to communicate directly with mobile device 18, such as, for example, via a short-range wireless communications protocol, such as a Bluetooth communications protocol.
Grilling appliance 12 may also include a user interface system 30 that is operatively associated with control system 22. User interface system 30 may allow the user to view information and data provided by control system 22 and/or provide control commands to control system 22.
Edge computing platform 14 may comprise one or more ‘edge’ servers 32 and related data centers 34. Grilling appliance 12 may be operatively connected to at least one edge server 32, typically via an access point 28. Mobile device 18 may be connected to the same edge server 32 or to a different edge server 32 depending on the particular physical location of mobile device 18 or other factors.
System 10 may also comprise at least one mobile API server 36, at least one database server 38, and at least one data warehouse server 40. The various servers 36, 38, and 40 may be operatively connected with one another and with edge computing platform 14 to allow information and data to be exchanged between the various servers, devices, and systems. In some embodiments, and as will be described in further detail below, mobile API server 36 may comprise a user service module 42, an e-commerce/advertising module 44, and a recipe management module 46. Database server 38 may comprise a relational database 48 in order to implement the various functions and operations of database server 38, as will be further described herein.
Referring now to
A next step 60 of method 50 may involve connecting the mobile application 16 provided on mobile device 18 with at least one edge server 32 comprising edge computing platform 14. The particular edge server 32 that may be connected to the mobile application 16 may be the same edge server 32 that is operatively connected to grilling appliance 12. Alternatively, if mobile device 18 is located at a different geographic location, then mobile application 16 may be operatively connected to a different edge server 32 of edge computing platform 14. In any event, and regardless of the particular server 32 that is connected to mobile application 16, the connection step 60 may be accomplished by a user interface 62 provided on mobile device 18 by mobile application 16. The connection process or step 60 results in the formation or establishment of a two-way communication link 64 between the mobile application 16 and edge server 32. The two-way communication link 64 established between mobile device 18 and edge computing platform 14 may be via a cellular network 66 or a suitable access point 68. Similar to connection step 52, connection step 60 may utilize an authentication process 70 or ‘handshake’ to authenticate the particular user and/or mobile application 16. The connection and authentication processes 60 and 70 used to establish two-way communication link 64 also may be accomplished via websocket API 58 provided on server 32. Once the handshake authentication process 70 is complete, mobile application 16 may send data to mobile API server 36, which may then transfer the data to grilling appliance 12, all without the need to poll mobile API server 36.
Once the communication links 54 and 64 have been established, the user may operate and/or interface with grilling appliance 12 at step 72 to perform any of a wide range of actions. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, control and/or operation of grilling appliance 12, data exchange with grilling appliance 12, and interactions with mobile API server 36.
For example, and with reference now to
In any event, once the desired selection or change has been authorized at step 76, mobile application 16 will cause mobile device 18 to transmit, e.g., at step 78, a signal to edge server 32. The signal may be transmitted to edge server 32 via communication link 64. In some embodiments, the signal may be transmitted in a native language format, e.g., Java Script, of mobile application 16. A translator/formatting module 80 operatively associated with edge server 32 may then translate, e.g., at step 82, the native language format signal into a translated signal suitable for causing control system 22 of grilling appliance 12 to perform the selected function. In some embodiments, the translated signal may be in a hexadecimal data format, although other data formats may be used as well. In many embodiments, the translated signal may then be formatted into one or more data packets suitable for transmission to grilling appliance 12 via communication link 54. Once the data packets have been created, e.g., by translation/formatting step 82, edge server 32 may then transmit, e.g., at step 84, the data packets to the control system 22 of grilling appliance 12. Thereafter control system 22 of grilling appliance 12 may operate the various appliance system 20 to implement the selected function.
The system 10 may also configured to perform a wide range of other operations/interfaces (e.g., via step 72) related to grilling appliance 12 and/or the operation thereof. For example, the system 10 may also be used to deliver to the user and/or grilling appliance 12 a wide range of external content, such as recipes and software updates. The systems and methods described herein may also be used for product registration and remote troubleshooting of grilling appliance 12. E-commerce functionalities may also be provided, allowing users to readily access related goods and services or other types of goods or services that may be of interest to the user of grilling appliance 12. Information relating to local dealers may also be provided to the user. Still further in some embodiments, control system 22 of grilling appliance 12 may periodically transmit to edge server 32 information and data relating the function and/or operation of grilling appliance 12. Edge server 32 may then transmit that collected data to data warehouse server 40, where it may be used to assess the use and performance of grilling appliance 12, e.g., for implementing product improvements or changes.
Significant advantages of the systems and methods described herein stem from the use of the edge computing platform 14, rather than a cloud computing methodology, to allow the user control and/or interface with grilling appliance 12. An edge computing platform is a distributed computing paradigm that positions computational and data storage assets closer to sources of data. This significantly improves response times and reduces bandwidth requirements. However, edge computing platforms and the so-called “internet of things” (IoT) are not synonymous. An edge computing platform is a topology and location-sensitive form of distributed computing, while the IoT is a use-case instantiation of edge computing. As used herein, the terms “edge computing” and “edge computing platform” therefore refer to an architecture rather than a specific technology.
By connecting the grilling appliance 12 and mobile device 18 to one or more edge servers 32 comprising edge computing platform 14, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide the user with near real-time control of the grilling appliance 12, without the high latency and bandwidth requirements associated with cloud computing methodologies. For example, the latency associated with typical cloud computing methodologies may delay implementation of the control signals by 30 seconds or more, making remote user control of the grilling appliance 12 a difficult and frustrating experience for the user. The reduced bandwidth requirements may further reduce latency, particularly in instances wherein the communications links, e.g., 54 and 64, between the edge server (s) 32, grilling appliance 12, and mobile device 18 may be subject to bandwidth limitations.
Still other advantages are associated with the use of the websocket API 58 to establish the two-way communication links 54, 64 provided between the edge server(s) 32, grilling appliance 12, and mobile application 16, e.g., via mobile device 18. The two-way communication links provides for duplex communication between the various devices. That is, the logical relationship between the various devices is that of a peer-to-peer network, rather than client-server network. This logical relationship further speeds communications and reduces latency.
Still yet other advantages are associated with the process used to authenticate the various devices and systems. For example, once the authentication process or handshake has been completed, the established two-way communication link allows grilling appliance 12 and mobile application 16 to exchange data with mobile API server 36 without having to poll API server 36, thereby further reducing communications latency and bandwidth requirements. The substantially reduced latency made possible by the methods and systems disclosed herein means that in most instances, the user will perceive near instantaneous control of and/or data exchange with grilling appliance 12. This is so regardless of the respective geographic locations of grilling appliance 12 and mobile device 18. The systems and methods disclosed herein therefore represent a significant improvement in the technology of grilling appliance control systems.
Having briefly described certain embodiments of the systems and methods of controlling and/or interfacing with grilling appliances, as well as some of their more significant features and advantages, various embodiments and alternative configurations of the systems and methods will now be described in detail. However, before proceeding with the description, it should be noted that while the systems and methods are shown and described herein as they could be used in conjunction with ‘generic’ grilling appliances and mobile devices, persons having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the systems and methods disclosed herein could be used in conjunction with any of a wide range of grilling appliances and mobile devices that are now known in the art or that may be developed in the future. Therefore, the systems and methods disclosed herein should not be regarded as limited to the particular applications, systems, devices, and instrumentalities shown and described herein.
Referring back now to
As already briefly described, grilling appliance 12 may comprise any of a wide range of indoor or outdoor grilling, cooking, griddle, or smoking devices now known in the art or that may be developed in the future. The fuel used to provide the heat for cooking, smoking, and/or grilling may be provided by any of a wide range of sources, such as propane, natural gas, wood chips, wood pellets, charcoal, electricity, or combinations thereof. Grilling appliance 12 may be provided with any of a wide range of grilling appliance systems 20 to implement any of a wide range of cooking, grilling, or smoking functions. By way of example, such cooking control systems 20 may comprise fuel control systems, e.g., for controlling the feed rate of gas, solid fuels, or electrical power, fuel ignition systems, cooking cycle control systems, and rotisserie systems, that may be required or desired for the operation of grilling appliance 12. However, since systems suitable for controlling various aspects of grilling appliances are well-known in the art and could be readily provided by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the particular cooking or grilling systems 20 that may be utilized in grilling appliance 12 will not be described in further detail herein.
Grilling appliance 12 may also comprise one or more control systems 22 operatively connected to the grilling or cooking systems 20. Control system(s) 22 may be used to control the functions and operations of the various systems 20. Control system(s) 22 may also receive information and data from the various systems 20. Such information and data may include, for example, information and data required by any feedback control systems (not shown) utilized by control system(s) 22 as well as information and data related to the functioning or ‘health’ of the various systems 20. Grilling appliance 12 may also include one or more memory systems 24 operatively associated with control system(s) 22. Memory system(s) 24 allow control system(s) 22 to operate the various grilling systems 20 and to perform the various functions and operations described herein. Memory system(s) 24 may also store information and data collected by control system(s) 22.
Control system(s) 22 may comprise one or more general purpose programmable controllers (e.g., electronic computers or processors) and associated systems (e.g., cache memory systems, I/O systems, etc.) of the type that are well-known in the art or that may be available in the future that are, or would be, suitable for performing the functions and operations described herein. Similarly, memory system(s) 24 may comprise any of a wide range of memory systems of the type that are well-known in the art that would be suitable for use with control system(s) 22. Consequently, the particular control system(s) 22 and memory system(s) 24 that may be used in conjunction with grilling appliance 12 will not be described in further detail herein.
Regardless of the particular control system(s) 22 and associated memory system(s) 24 that may be provided, control system(s) 22 may be programmed or configured to operate in accordance with the methods described herein. The methods may be embodied in software or firmware provided on non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory system(s) 24) accessible by control system 22. The software or firmware may comprise computer-executable instructions that, when performed by control system 22, cause control system 22 to operate the various systems and implement the various methods and functionalities in accordance with the teachings provided herein.
Control system 22 may also be operatively connected to one or more communication interface systems 26. Communication interface system(s) 26 allows control system 22 to communicate with one or more edge servers 32 of edge computing platform 14 as well as mobile device 18. As such, communication interface system(s) 26 may comprise one or more wireless radio systems (not separately shown) for communicating with such external systems and devices either directly or indirectly, e.g., via access point 28. By way of example, in the particular embodiments shown and described herein, the communication interface system 26 may comprise an intermediate-range radio configured to communicate with various external devices and systems via one or more intermediate-range wireless communications protocols, such any of the IEEE 802.11x communications protocols, commonly referred to as “Wi-Fi.” In some embodiments, communication interface system 26 may also comprise a short-range radio configured to communicate with various external devices and systems via one or more short-range wireless communications protocols, such as any of a wide range of Bluetooth wireless communications protocols. Alternatively, other types of wireless communications systems and communications protocols may be used as well. Therefore, the disclosed systems, methods, and instrumentalities should not be regarded as limited to use with any particular type of communication interface system(s) 26.
Grilling appliance 12 may also be provided with one or more user interface systems 30 operatively connected to control system(s) 22. User interface system(s) 30 may allow the user to view information and data provided by control system 22 and/or to provide commands to control system 22. User interface system 30 may comprise any of a wide range of user interface systems, such as one or more touch screens (not separately shown). Alternatively, user interface system 30 may comprise one or more separate display screens and associated keypads and/or pointer devices (also not separately shown), that well-known in the art or that may be developed in the future. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to any particular type of user interface system(s) 30.
Mobile device 18 may comprise any of a wide range of devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable devices, etc., that are now known or that may be developed in the future that allow users to wirelessly connect to other systems and devices via any of a wide range of wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks) that are now known In the art or that may be developed in the future. Therefore, the systems and methods disclosed herein should not be regarded as limited to use with any particular type of mobile device 18.
The system 10 may also comprise a software or mobile application 16 provided on mobile device 18. As briefly described above, mobile application 16 allows the user to control grilling appliance 12 via a user interface 62 provided on mobile device 18. In addition, mobile application 16 also allows the user to interact with various other elements and devices comprising system 10, including edge computing platform 14 and mobile API server 36. For example, API server 36 may be used to deliver external content to the user of mobile device 18. Such external content may include, but is not limited to, recipes and other e-commerce functionalities. External content may also include and software updates for the grilling appliance 12. Such information and data may be exchanged with the mobile device 16 from any geographical location where the edge computing platform 14 is accessible. The software application 16 provided on mobile device 18 may also be used for product registration and remote troubleshooting of the grilling appliance 12.
The software or mobile application 16 allows the mobile device 18 to be operated in accordance with the methods described herein, either alone or in conjunction with other components and devices of system 10, including grilling appliance 12. Accordingly, mobile application 16 may be provided on non-transitory computer-readable storage media (not separately shown) accessible by mobile device 18 and may comprise computer-executable instructions that, when performed by mobile device 18, cause mobile device 18 to operate the various systems and devices and implement the various functionalities in accordance with the teachings provided herein.
Edge computing platform 14 may comprise one or more edge servers 32 and related data centers 34. Each edge server 32 may be provided with a websocket API 56 as well as a translator/formatting module 80. Websocket API 56 may be used to facilitate the establishment of the two-way communication links 54 and 64 between server(s) 32 and grilling appliance 12 (e.g., via link 54), and server(s) 32 and mobile device 18 (e.g., via link 64). Translator/formatting module 80 may be used to translate signals from the mobile device 18, which may be provided in a native language format (e.g., Java Script), into translated data (e.g., hexadecimal data) suitable for operating control system 22 of grilling appliance 12. Translator/formatting module 80 may also format the translated data into one or more data packets suitable for transmission via communication link 54. Translator/formatting module 80 may also be used to translate data from control system 22 into the native language format (e.g., Java Script) used by mobile application 16.
System 10 may also comprise at least one mobile API server 36, at least one database server 38, and at least one data warehouse server 40. The various servers 36, 28, and 40 may be operatively connected to one another and to edge computing platform 14 to allow data to be exchanged between the various systems and devices. Mobile API server 36 may comprise a user service module 42, an e-commerce/advertising module 44, and a recipe management module 46. In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, mobile API server 36 is primarily responsible for handling user requests, recipe requests, and e-commerce functionalities. These requests and functionalities will typically be provided via mobile device 18. In some embodiments, mobile API server 36 may also be configured to authenticate users, obtain recipes, identify dealers, and interact with e-commerce services, such as Shopify.
Database server 38 may comprise a relational database 48 to implement the various functions and operations of database server 38. Database 38 server may be configured to implement any of a wide range of database systems, such as MySQL, using any of a wide range of data objects, such as PHP data objects. Database server 38 may be used to receive and store information and sent by grilling appliance 12 via edge server 32. Database server 38 may also receive and store information and data sent by mobile application 16 provided on mobile device 18. The collected and stored information and data received from the grilling appliance 12 and mobile application 16 may be periodically exported to data warehouse server 40, which may comprise a portion of a data cloud service, for subsequent analysis.
With reference back now to
In any event, and regardless of whether the connection process 52 is accomplished via the user interface 30 provided on grilling appliance 12 or the user interface 62 provided on mobile device 18, the connection process or step 52 results in the formation or establishment of the two-way communication link 54 between grilling appliance 12 and edge server 32. In most embodiments, the two-way communication link 54 between grilling appliance 12 and edge server 32 may be established via access point 28.
In some embodiments, connection step 52 may utilize an authentication process 56 or handshake to authenticate the particular user and/or grilling appliance 12. In some embodiments, the connection and authentication processes 52 and 56 used to establish two-way communication link 54 may be accomplished via websocket API 58 provided on edge server 32. As described earlier, once the handshake or authentication process 56 is complete, grilling appliance 12 may send data to mobile API server 36, which may then transfer the data to mobile application 16, all without the need to poll mobile API server 36.
Step 60 of method 50 may involve connecting the mobile application 16 provided on mobile device 18 with at least one edge server 32 comprising edge computing platform 14. As mentioned earlier, the particular edge server 32 that may be connected to the mobile application 16 may be the same edge server 32 that is operatively connected to grilling appliance 12. Alternatively, mobile application 16 may be operatively connected to a different edge server 32 of edge computing platform 14 if the mobile device 18 is located at a different geographic location, i.e., that is physically nearer to a different edge server 32. In any event, and regardless of the particular server 32 that is in range of mobile device 18, connection step 60 may be accomplished via user interface 62 generated by mobile application 16. The connection process 60 results in the formation or establishment of the two-way communication link 64 between the mobile application 16 and edge server 32. The two-way communication link 64 established between mobile device 18 and edge computing platform 14 may be via a cellular network 66 or a suitable access point 68.
In some embodiments, connection step 60 may utilize an authentication process 70 or handshake to authenticate the particular user and/or mobile application 16. In some embodiments, the connection and authentication processes 60 and 70 used to establish two-way communication link 64 may be accomplished via websocket API 58 provided on server 32. After the handshake authentication process 70 has been completed, mobile application 16 may send data to mobile API server 36, which may then transfer the data to grilling appliance 12, all without the need to poll mobile API server 36.
Once the communication links 54 and 64 have been established between one or more servers 32, grilling appliance 12, and mobile device 18, respectively, the user may operate and/or interface with grilling appliance 12 at step 72 to perform any of a wide range of actions (e.g., controls, operations, and functions) provided by system 10. For example, and with reference now to
Once the desired selection or change has been authorized at step 76, mobile application 16 will cause mobile device 18 to transmit at step 78 a signal to edge server 32. The signal may be transmitted to edge server 32 via communication link 64. See
As described earlier, some embodiments may permit short-range, two-way communication link 88 (e.g., a Bluetooth link) to established directly between the communication interface system 26 of grilling appliance 12 and mobile application 16 of mobile device 18. In such embodiments, the control/interface step 72 may be conducted without the need for edge computing platform 14. In such embodiments, either the mobile application 16 or the control system 22 of grilling appliance 12 may be provided with a suitable translator module (not shown) to translate signals from the native language format of mobile application 16 into a format that can be used to operate control system 22. Thereafter, control system 22 may operate grilling appliance 12 in accordance with the selected function.
As mentioned earlier, the disclosed systems and methods may also be operated to provide other functionalities besides the control functionalities described above and illustrated in
Alternatively, if it is determined at step 92 that there is no short-range communication link 88 with mobile device 18, control system 22 of grilling appliance 12 may transfer, at step 95, the information and data to edge server 32 via two-way communication link 54. Thereafter, edge server 32 may transmit, at step 97, the information and data to mobile application 16 via two-way communication link 64. Optionally, edge server 32 may transmit, at step 99, the information and data to mobile API server 36 and/or database server 38 for further analysis and/or storage. Steps in process 90 are accomplished without interfacing with any type of cloud computing service.
The disclosed systems may also be configured to provide still other functionalities. For example, and with reference now to
The disclosed systems may also be operated to provide still yet other functionalities. For example, and with reference now to
The systems, methods, and instrumentalities of the present invention may be more easily understood by considering examples of how they may be applied in various operational scenarios.
Alternatively, if the mobile device 18 is operatively connected to grilling appliance 12 directly, i.e., by short-range communication link 88, then the temperature change command will be transmitted directly to grilling appliance 12, i.e., without the need for edge computing platform 14. Mobile application 16 may translate the temperature command signal from a native language format signal into a translated signal suitable for use by control system 22 of grilling appliance 12. Thereafter, control system 22 of grilling appliance 12 executes the command.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice for testing of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including,” “having” and their derivatives. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. When referring to a measurable value, such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, these terms are meant to encompass variations of at least ±20% or 110%, more preferably ±5%, even more preferably ±1%, and still more preferably ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate and as would be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
As used herein, the terms “processor,” “computer,” or “computer processor” may include any device, system, or combination thereof capable of executing instructions provided to the processor. A processor may be distributed over a network and may include one or more constituent processors. The term “memory” may include any volatile or non-volatile memory system, or combinations thereof capable of storing instructions to be executed by a processor. Memory may be distributed or local.
Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in a range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.6, 3, 4, 5, 5.7, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent % to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adapted to another embodiment. It should be noted that while the present invention is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with a configuration of various components, it could be utilized with other configurations, either now known in the art or that may be developed in the future, so long as the objects and features of the invention are achieved, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to that shown and described herein. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention. The invention shall therefore only be construed in accordance with the following claims:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/345,797, filed on May 25, 2022, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63345797 | May 2022 | US |
