Abstract: A method for identifying cookware on an induction cooktop having coils, includes the steps: (a) acquire a coverage factor matrix; (b) set a present level at a maximum value of the matrix; (c) count closed iso-level curves corresponding to the present level and save the result; (d) decrease the level by an amount; (e) count closed curves corresponding to the decreased level; (f) when the number of closed curves at the present level is not lower than that from the previous level, update the saved result with the present level; (g) when the number of closed curves at the present level is lower than that from the previous level, keep the previously saved result; (h) repeat steps (d) to (h), until the number decreases; (i) assign coils inside the curve to a distinct cluster; and (j) use the clustering to estimate a position, shape, size, and orientation of the cookware.

Abstract: A method for controlling an induction heating device includes supplying current from a D.C. power supply into a resonant load and emitting the current from the resonant load. The current is directionally conducted from the output node of the resonant load to a switching node downstream from the output node. The current conducted through the resonant load is controlled with a switching device.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a kitchen utensil and a cooking hob, wherein the kitchen utensil is provided with one or more sensors arranged on the kitchen utensil. The sensors include acceleration sensors, gyroscopic sensors, and inclination sensors. The cooking appliance is provided with a control unit configured to receive data from the sensors and to elaborate information on how the kitchen utensil is being used, and to control the cooking appliance accordingly.

Abstract: A control circuit for an induction heating device includes a D.C. power supply, referenced to a ground connection and configured to supply power to the induction heating device. A switching device is configured to be selectively activated to control the induction heating device. The switching device is connected on one end to the ground connection. A resonant load is disposed between the D.C. power supply and the switching device, the resonant load including a capacitor and an inductor connected in a parallel configuration. At least one rectifying device is disposed in series with the resonant load and the switching device. The switching device is configured to control current from the D.C. power supply through the resonant load.

Abstract: An automatic oven having a controller and a sensor assembly for automatically determining a food type for a food item placed in a cooking chamber of the automatic oven, and cooks the automatically determined food item according to a cooking profile selected based on the determined food type, while optionally accommodating a user input on the determining of the food type, and the cooking profile, including an optional degree of doneness.

Abstract: A solid state radio frequency generation system is provided for an electromagnetic cooking device having an enclosed cavity. The radio frequency generation system includes: an RF feed for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the cavity to heat a food load; a high-power RF amplifier coupled to the RF feed, the amplifier comprising at least one amplifying stage configured to output a signal that is amplified in power with respect to an input RF signal; a small signal generator for supplying the input RF signal to the amplifier; and a switching power supply unit including a single DC-DC converter that converts AC mains power to low voltage DC for supply to the amplifier, and a controller configured to adapt an input current from the AC mains power to form a predefined periodic waveform with the same frequency as the AC mains power for supply to the small signal generator.

Abstract: An automatic oven having a controller and a sensor assembly for automatically determining a food type for a food item placed in a cooking chamber of the automatic oven, and cooks the automatically determined food item according to a cooking profile selected based on the determined food type, while optionally accommodating a user input on the determining of the food type, and the cooking profile, including an optional degree of doneness.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating operation of an induction cooktop includes generating a direct current (DC) power from an alternating current (AC) power source. The DC power is supplied to a first resonant inverter and a second resonant inverter via a power supply bus. A switching frequency of each of the first resonant inverter and the second resonant inverter is controlled and in response to the switching frequency supplied to a plurality of induction coils of the resonant inverters, an electromagnetic field is generated. A selective tuning operation of the first resonant inverter or the second resonant inverter includes controlling a connection of a capacitor to either the first resonant inverter or the second resonant inverter.

Abstract: A cooking appliance can include a cooking chamber and an imaging device for capturing an image of a food item inside the chamber. The appliance can include a transparent, touchscreen display for displaying the interior contents of the cooking appliance to a user without requiring the user to open the cooking appliance, as well as providing for the user controlling, operating, and interacting with the cooking appliance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an induction cooktop. The induction cooktop comprises a ceramic cooking surface in connection with a housing. A plurality of inductors is disposed in the housing and each of the inductors is in communication with an automatic control system. The automatic control system is configured to check for the presence of a cooking pan on the cooktop in order to prevent the inductors from activating in the absence of the cooking pan. The automatic control system is activated upon receiving an activation command.

Abstract: A method for operating an induction cooking hob including a plurality of inductors in association with induction resonant inverters operating in load-dependent frequency ranges includes a simultaneous activation of inductors, in at least one phase of the control period, independently from their association to one or more overlying cooking utensils but only according to at least partial overlapping of associated operating frequency ranges.

Abstract: A cooking assistance appliance can include a body, at least one camera, at least one sensor, and an imaging device for capturing an image of a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance can provide for monitoring use of the cooking appliance, as well as assisting the user in operating the cooking appliance. Additionally, the cooking assistance appliance can be integrated into a hood or a microwave oven and vent combination above a stovetop.

Abstract: A method for calculating the humidity level in a cooking apparatus is disclosed. The method includes heating a food load in a cooking cavity of the cooking apparatus and selectively activating a convection fan in the cooking cavity. The method further includes monitoring a humidity signal detected by a humidity sensing apparatus in response to the activation of the convection fan. As a result of the activation of the convection fan, the method may determine an actual humidity level from a plurality of humidity levels based on a change in the humidity signal.

Abstract: A temperature probe is configured to be used in a domestic oven and comprises a sensing portion for inserting into food during cooking and a cable for coupling the sensing portion to a control unit of the oven. The cable is semi-rigid so that it is configured for self-supporting the sensing portion of the probe.

Abstract: In at least another aspect, a method for calculating a humidity level in a cooking apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises heating a food load in a cooking cavity of the cooking apparatus and selectively activating a convection fan in the cooking cavity. The method further comprises monitoring a humidity signal detected by a humidity sensing apparatus in response to the activation of the convection fan. As a result of the activation of the convection fan, the method may determine an actual humidity level from a plurality of humidity levels based on a change in the humidity signal.

Abstract: A cooking appliance can include a cooking chamber and an imaging device for capturing an image of a food item inside the chamber. The appliance can include a transparent, touchscreen display for displaying the interior contents of the cooking appliance to a user without requiring the user to open the cooking appliance, as well as providing for the user controlling, operating, and interacting with the cooking appliance.

Abstract: An automatic oven having a controller and a sensor assembly for automatically determining a food type for a food item placed in a cooking chamber of the automatic oven, and cooks the automatically determined food item according to a cooking profile selected based on the determined food type, while optionally accommodating a user input on the determining of the food type, and the cooking profile, including an optional degree of doneness.

Abstract: A cooking appliance can include a cooking chamber and an imaging device for capturing an image of a food item inside the chamber. The appliance can include a transparent, touchscreen display for displaying the interior contents of the cooking appliance to a user without requiring the user to open the cooking appliance, as well as providing for the user controlling, operating, and interacting with the cooking appliance.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided that includes a casing defining a cooking cavity. The casing includes a top wall defining an aperture. A supporting member has an inner surface and defines an air channel and a sealed chamber with a first opening and a second opening. The second opening is aligned with the aperture of the top wall of the casing. A fan is coupled to the casing and is configured to selectively supply airflow along the inner surface. An imaging device assembly is positioned within the air channel of the supporting member and is aligned with the first opening of the chamber to view the cavity. The imaging device assembly is configured to seal the first opening. A transparent member is positioned proximate the second opening and is configured to seal the second opening.