Method and System for Acquiring Cooking Information

Abstract

An electronic cooking assistant and systems and methods to enhance cooking through use technology to assist in monitoring, controlling and/or socializing with respect to cooking. In one embodiment, an apparatus can include a display for displaying the cooking information, a housing, a camera within or retained by the housing and configured to acquire the at least one image of an item inside or on a cooking device. The apparatus can also include a controller that can be configured to display cooking information on the display, and at least a portion of the cooking information can be dynamic based on a variable.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/273,897, filed on Dec. 31, 2015 and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACQUIRING COOKING INFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/273,879, filed on Dec. 31, 2015 and entitled “ELECTRONIC COOKING ASSISTANT,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cooking provides a way for cooks (e.g. chefs) to prepare healthy foods in a creative way. As a chef, cooking puts you in control of what yourself and others are able to eat. Cooking provides a way for those with dietary restrictions to cook foods that are safe for them to eat.

In today's busy society, cooking provides a way for family to get together and socialize with one another. Socializing with family stabilizes family relationships, builds bonds between family members, and allows time to unwind with each other after a long day of school or work. Items such a pottery and shrink art can be cooked to make arts and crafts. Arts and crafts can help promote a creative lifestyle.

While technology, such as ovens, mixers and the like, are gradually becoming infused with more technology, ordinary users are often without the benefit of technology in their cooking endeavors. Sometime technology can assist with better or more efficient cooking results. Technology is today also a means to a social connection with others. Regardless, today, technology does not readily assist ordinary users with cooking and socializing about cooking. Thus, there is need to facilitate cooking though use of technology that can allow for not only better cooking results but also socializing with respect to cooking.

OVERVIEW

An electronic cooking assistant and systems and methods are described herein to enhance cooking through use technology to assist in monitoring, controlling and/or socializing with respect to cooking.

As a method for acquiring cooking information, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: receiving, at a server, a request for instructions pertaining to cooking an item, the request including at least one criteria, the request being from a remote device via at least one network; identifying at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one criteria, the at least one adaptable cooking instruction includes at least a first recipe description and at least one first image; forming a response to the request, the response including at least the first recipe description and the at least one first image associated with the at least one cooking instruction; transmitting the response to the requesting remote device; receiving a selection of one of the at least one adaptable cooking instruction; determining if a modification request is received, the modification request including at least one variable to modify the first recipe description; modifying the selected cooking instruction based on the at least one variable; and subsequently transmitting the modified selected cooking instruction to the requesting remote device.

As a method for managing cooking information, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: receiving, by a remote device, at least one cooking instruction; presenting the at least one cooking instruction on a display of the remote device, the at least one cooking instruction including at least one recipe description; displaying a sequence of user tasks associated with the at least one cooking instruction and each of the at least one recipe description, the sequence of user tasks resulting in an item to be cooked; receiving an indication that cooking of the item to be cooked is initiated; monitoring the item being cooked in accordance with at least one predefined monitor point or condition; and submitting product data to a server, the product data including at least one image or video acquired during the monitoring of the item being cooked.

As a system for acquiring cooking information, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: receive, at a server, a request for instructions to cook an item, wherein the request for instructions to cook an item comprises at least one criteria; identify at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one criteria; transmit the at least one adaptable cooking instruction to a remote device for display on a display of the remote device, the at least one adaptable cooking instruction including at least one variable; receive a request to customize at least one of the at least one variable; and dynamically modify the at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one variable to be customized.

An apparatus for displaying cooking information, one embodiment includes at least: a display for displaying the cooking information; a housing having a front surface, back surface, and an interior; a camera positioned at least partially within the interior of the housing, the camera configured to acquire the at least one image of an item inside or on a cooking device; and a controller. The controller is configured to: display at least one cooking instruction on the display, the at least one cooking instruction having at least one variable; transmit a request to customize at least one of the at least one variable; receive a dynamic cooking instruction based on the at least one variable to customize, wherein the dynamic cooking instruction is received in real-time; and display the dynamic cooking instruction on the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more example embodiments and, together with the description of example embodiments, serve to explain the principles and implementations.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system for acquiring cooking information.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a cooking information presentation according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate example embodiments of a method for acquiring cooking information.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of page links.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a title page for providing cooking instructions.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a gathering ingredients page 600 for providing ingredients information.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate example embodiments of a cooking device setup page.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of a cooking device mixture preparation page.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment of a cooking instruction page.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of a monitor cooking process page.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example embodiment of a cooking complete/preview page.

FIG. 11B illustrates another example embodiment of a cooking complete/preview page.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of a publish recipe page.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments are described herein in the context of an electronic cooking assistant. The following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one person to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

An electronic cooking assistant and systems and methods are described herein to enhance cooking through use technology to assist in monitoring, controlling and/or socializing with respect to cooking.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-12. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system for acquiring cooking information. The system 100 may include a third party server 108. The third party server 108 may receive a request for instructions to cook an item from a remote device 106 via a network 102. The third party server 108 may communicate to the remote device 106 over the network 102 through any wireless means. The instructions to cook an item may be used to cook an item using a cooking device 104. The cooking device 104 may be any device configured to cook or bake such as an oven, a barbeque grill, a fryer, a broiler, a smoker, a stove, a microwave oven, or any other similar device. The third party server 108 may identify cooking instructions based on filtering criteria. The filtering criteria may include the type of cooking method being used, the item being cooked, the types of recipes being used, the added ingredients, the eliminated ingredients, or any other similar criteria. In one embodiment, the filtering criteria can pertain to search criteria.

The type of cooking method being used can be baking, grilling, smoking, steaming or other similar cooking methods. The items being cooked may be foods such as cakes, lasagna, chicken, seafood, meats, vegetables, and any other foods. Other non-food items may be cooked such as clay, plastic (e.g. shrink plastic), crayons, other arts and craft materials, and the like. Added or eliminated ingredients can include cheese, tomatoes, onions, peanuts, frosting, or other similar ingredients. Other filtering criteria can include a food being fat free, low-fat, lactose free, gluten free, organic, or other similar criteria. The filtering criteria may be selected from a filter “search” box. Keywords may be typed into to the search box for the server to find potential matches. The third party server 108 may find matches to the keywords based on past events that have occurred, such as prior geographical locations, prior items cooked, prior recipes and ingredients used, prior ratings, and other similar past events. The third party server 108 may also find matches to the keywords based on current events, such as current geographical location detected by a locator function, customized geographical location, search field limited by the name of a chef or recipe contributor, search field limited by an origin or culture influential to the dish, and any similar current events. If a match is found, then those cooking instructions may be transmitted to the remote device 106 via the network 102.

The cooking instructions may be displayed on the display of the remote device 106. A sequence of user tasks including a list of variants to choose from may also be displayed on the remote device 106. The variants may include low-fat or fat-free options, different recipes, different ingredients, different ways of cooking the item, or any other similar variants. The variants may be chosen on the remote device 106 to modify the prior cooking instructions. Past recipes posted on social media may also be displayed on the display of the remote device 106. The names of the users who posted the recipes may also be displayed. The types of social media used may be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or other similar social media. In the alternative, customizing a recipe may be chosen instead of picking from a list of variants of existing recipes. Customizing a recipe may be chosen by pressing a “customize” button on a webpage, then the user may customize by selecting or adding alternative ingredients to a standard recipe or type in a standard recipe and then use a function set up to suggest alternative ingredients, substitute ingredients, the suggested replacement amounts, and any other similar information. Customizing a recipe may also be done by manually entering in a desired amount for any ingredient, bypassing the suggested replacement amount.

The third party server 108 may determine the location, temperature, and pressure of the remote device 106. The third party server 108 may be capable of automatically adapting to environmental conditions, user preferences, or alternative materials. The third party server 108 may also identify images and/or video associated with the cooking instructions. The images and/or video may be of past cooking methods used, past recipes used, past ingredients used, or any other similar cooking instructions.

The third party server 108 may receive from the remote device 106 a request to modify the cooking instructions displayed on the remote device 106. The third party server 108 may modify the cooking instructions based on the request to modify the cooking instructions from the remote device 106. The modified cooking instructions may include a modified response. The modified response may include variants much as additional recipe descriptions and additional images and/or video of the recipe descriptions. The modified response may also contain variants such as low fat or fat free options, different recipes, different ingredients, different ways of cooking the item, or any other similar variants. The third party server 108 may transmit the modified response back to the remote device 106 via the network 102 for the user to view on the display of the remote device 106. The cooking instructions may be modified multiple times.

The third party sever 108 may contain a user information database 110. The user information database 110 may be used by the third party server 108 when identifying and modifying the cooking instructions requested by the remote device 106. The user information database 110 may have prior information regarding what the user has previously cooked. The prior information may include prior methods of cooking, prior types of items cooked, prior recipes, prior ingredients used and/or eliminated, and other similar information. The user information database 110 may also have personal information about the user. The personal information may include the user's age, location, education, interests, and other similar information.

The third party server 108 may contain an instruction database 112. The instruction database 112 may be used by the third party server 108 when identifying and modifying the cooking instructions requested by the remote device 106. The instruction database 112 may have instructions on how to prepare a certain item to be cooked. The instructions to prepare the item may include pre-cooking instructions. The pre-cooking instructions may include gathering instructions, how to setup the cooking device 104, how to mix the ingredients being used, and other similar pre-cooking instructions. The instructions to prepare the item may also include mid-cooking instructions. The mid-cooking instructions may include how to use the cooking device 104 when cooking the item, how to monitor the item being cooked, and other similar mid-cooking instructions. The instruction database 112 may have instructions on how to present an item when it is finished cooking. The instructions to present an item may include instructions on how to post pictures, videos, or comments, how to post the cooked item to social media, and other similar presenting instructions.

The third party server 108 may contain a video/picture database 114. The video/picture database 114 may be used by the third party server 108 when identifying and modifying the cooking instructions requested by the remote device 106. The video/picture database 114 may include pictures and videos of prior items that have been cooked. The pictures and videos may be before the item is cooked. The pictures and videos before cooking can be of the cooking device 104 used, the item to be cooked before it is prepared, the ingredients used before they are mixed, and other similar pictures and videos. The pictures and video may be during the item is cooked. The pictures and videos during cooking can be of the item being cooked inside the cooking device 104 from various angles or other similar pictures and videos. The pictures and video may also be after the item is cooked. The pictures and videos after the item is cooked may be the cooked item outside the cooking device 104 in the kitchen, a user taking the item out of the cooking device 104, user(s) eating the cooked item, or other similar pictures and videos.

The third party server 108 may contain a rating and review database 116. The rating and review database 116 may be used by the third party server 108 when identifying and modifying the cooking instructions requested by the remote device 106. The rating and review database 116 may contain a rating system where a user can rate the item they just cooked. The rating system may be a number system (1-5, 1-10, etc.), a star system (1-5 stars) or other similar rating systems. Other users may reply to ratings posted by the user who just cooked any item. The user may also post a comment about why they rated the item the way they did and other users may post replies. Users may view this database before cooking similar items to view others' opinions before cooking the item themselves. The rating system may contain ratings done on other social media sites. The other social media sites may be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or other similar sites. Users may also enter any of their own customized recipes, variants of other recipes, or any recipe in the database into recipe contests.

The third party server 108 may contain a dynamic rules database 118. The dynamic rules database 118 may be used by the third party server 108 when identifying and modifying the cooking instructions requested by the remote device 106. The dynamic rules database 118 contains may contain ways that cooking instructions can be modified. The ways cooking instructions can be modified are to include additional recipe descriptions, add or eliminate ingredients, add additional images and/or video of the recipe descriptions, change the user tasks, change the cooking methods, or any other similar modifications. After the cooking instructions are modified, the third party server 108 may transmit the modified response back to the remote device 106 via the network 102. The cooking instructions may be modified multiple times.

The third party server 108 may also contain a monitor and condition rules database 120. The monitor and condition rules database 120 may be used by the third party server 108 when identifying and modifying the cooking instructions requested by the remote device 106. The monitor and condition rules database 120 may show how items being cooked have been monitored during the cooking process. The monitor and condition rules database 120 may contain predefined monitor points or conditions that are used to check whether the item is cooking properly. The predefined monitor points or conditions may be at certain times, when the item cooking has reached a certain temperature, when the cooking device 104 has reached a certain temperature, or other similar conditions. The remote device 106 can send an alert to the user when one of the predefined monitor points or conditions has been met. There can be multiple predefined monitor points or conditions during the cooking process.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a cooking information presentation 200 according to one embodiment. The cooking information presentation 200 can represent one or more display screens that can be presented on a display screen of a remote device. The cooking information presentation 200 can include a cooking information screen 202. The cooking information screen 200 can include an instruction section 204. The instruction section 204 can include recipe information 206. In one embodiment, the recipe information 206 can include information concerning a recipe, such as recipe name, type of food cooked, temperature cooked at, amount of time cooked, extra or sides. The cooking information presentation 200 can also include one or more links 208 that can be selected by a user to access additional information. Selection of link 208-1 can cause a user information screen 214 to be presented. The user information screen 214 can presented user information pertaining to the user of the remote device or a user that is the person associated with the recipe presented in the cooking information screen 202. Selection of link 208-2 can cause a ratings and reviews screen 218 to be presented. The ratings and reviews screen 218 can present a user interface to enable a user to provide a rating or review of the recipe being presented in the cooking information screen 202. Selection of link 208-3 can cause a media screen 210 to be presented. The media screen 210 can allow a user to post to a social media site. In one embodiment, the media screen 210 can include social media access points 212, such as Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, whereby the user can cause a post concerning the recipe (e.g., recipe being presented in the cooking information screen 202) to one or more of such social media sites.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate example embodiments of a method for acquiring cooking information. Referring now to FIG. 3A, an embodiment of a method for acquiring cooking information. The method 300 can begin at 302 with a third party sever receiving a request for cooking instructions to cook an item from a remote device. The third party server may communicate to the remote device over a network through any wireless means. The cooking information may be filtered from keywords entered into a search box, wherein the third party server may then find potential matches at 304. The third party server may find matches to the keywords based on past events that have occurred, such as prior geographical locations, prior items cooked, prior recipes and ingredients used, prior ratings, and other similar past events. The third party server may also find matches to the keywords based on current events, such as current geographical location detected by a locator function, customized geographical location, search field limited by the name of a chef or recipe contributor, search field limited by an origin or culture influential to the dish, and any similar current events.

If no match is found, then the method ends. If a match is found, then at 306 the cooking instructions may be transmitted to the remote device. The cooking instructions may be displayed on the display of the remote device. A sequence of user tasks including a list of variants to choose from may also be displayed on the remote device. The variants may include low-fat or fat-free options, different recipes, different ingredients, different ways of cooking the item, or any other similar variants. The variants may be chosen on the remote device to modify the prior cooking instructions. Past recipes posted on social media may also be displayed on the display of the remote device. The names of the users who posted the recipes may also be displayed. The types of social media used may be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or other similar social media. In the alternative, customizing a recipe may be chosen instead of picking from a list of variants of existing recipes. Customizing a recipe may be chosen by pressing a “customize” button on a webpage, then the user may customize by selecting or adding alternative ingredients to a standard recipe or type in a standard recipe and then use a function set up to suggest alternative ingredients, substitute ingredients, the suggested replacement amounts, and any other similar information. Customizing a recipe may also be done by manually entering in a desired amount for any ingredient, bypassing the suggested replacement amount.

At 308, the third party server may receive a modification request from the remote device. If no modification request is received, the method ends. If a request is received, the third party server may determine the dynamic rules based on the modification request received at 310. The dynamic rules may consist of ways that cooking instructions can be modified. The ways cooking instructions can be modified are to include additional recipe descriptions, add or eliminate ingredients, add additional images and/or video of the recipe descriptions, change the user tasks, change the cooking methods, or any other similar modifications. After the cooking instructions are modified, the third party server may transmit the modified response back to the remote device at 312. The modified response may include variants much as additional recipe descriptions and additional images and/or video of the recipe descriptions. The modified response may also contain variants such as low fat or fat free options, different recipes, different ingredients, different ways of cooking the item, or any other similar variants. The cooking instructions may be modified multiple times.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, another embodiment of a method for acquiring cooking information. The method 320 can begin at 322 with a remote device transmitting a request for cooking instructions to a third party server. The third party server may communicate to the remote device over a network through any wireless means. The cooking information may be filtered by the server from keywords entered into a search box, wherein the third party server may then find potential matches, which the remote device may then receive at 324. The third party server may find matches to the keywords based on past events that have occurred, such as prior geographical locations, prior items cooked, prior recipes and ingredients used, prior ratings, and other similar past events. The third party server may also find matches to the keywords based on current events, such as current geographical location detected by a locator function, customized geographical location, search field limited by the name of a chef or recipe contributor, search field limited by an origin or culture influential to the dish, and any similar current events.

If a match is found based on the keyword search, then the cooking instructions may be transmitted to the remote device. At 326, the cooking instructions may then be displayed on the display of the remote device. A sequence of user tasks including a list of variants to choose from may also be displayed on the remote device. The variants may include low-fat or fat-free options, different recipes, different ingredients, different ways of cooking the item, or any other similar variants. The variants may be chosen on the remote device to modify the prior cooking instructions. Past recipes posted on social media may also be displayed on the display of the remote device. The names of the users who posted the recipes may also be displayed. The types of social media used may be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or other similar social media. In the alternative, customizing a recipe may be chosen instead of picking a recipe from a list of variants of existing recipes. Customizing a recipe may be chosen by pressing a “customize” button on a webpage, then the user may customize by selecting or adding alternative ingredients to a standard recipe or type in a standard recipe and then use a function set up to suggest alternative ingredients, substitute ingredients, the suggested replacement amounts, and any other similar information. Customizing a recipe may also be done by manually entering in a desired amount for any ingredient, bypassing the suggested replacement amount.

At 328, the remote device may then determine whether a modification request is necessary. If no modification request is necessary, the method ends. If a modification request is necessary, then the remote device may transmit the modification request to the third party server at 330. If a request is received, the third party server may determine one or more dynamic rules based on the modification request received. The dynamic rules may consist of ways that cooking instructions can be modified. The ways cooking instructions can be modified are to include additional recipe descriptions, add or eliminate ingredients, add additional images and/or video of the recipe descriptions, change the user tasks, change the cooking methods, or any other similar modifications. After the modification request is transmitted, the method can end.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of page links. The page links 400 may be used as a way to filter cooking instructions based on different filtering criteria. The filtering criteria may include the type of cooking method being used, the item being cooked, the types of recipes being used, the added ingredients, the eliminated ingredients, or any other similar criteria.

The page links 400 may contain a cooking instruction link 402. The cooking instruction link 402 may represent the beginning of the process to filter cooking instructions. For example, the cooking instruction link 402 may be titled “instructions”, “cooking instructions”, “being cooking”, or another similar phrase to represent the beginning of selecting the cooking instructions. The cooking instruction link 402 may be selected by clicking, pressing a button, a touch screen, or any other similar methods. Once the cooking instruction link 402 is selected, it may feature a drop down menu containing cooking method links 404. The drop down menu may appear below the cooking instruction link 402. The cooking method links 404 may represent any method of cooking something. For example, the cooking method links 404 can be titled “bake”, “grill”, “smoke”, “steam” or other similar cooking methods to represent baking, grilling, smoking, or steaming items to cook. The cooking method links 404 may be selected by clicking, pressing a button on a touch screen, or any other similar methods.

Once the cooking method links 404 are selected, they may feature a drop down menu containing the cooking item links 406. The drop down menu may appear below the cooking method links 404. The cooking item links 406 may represent any item that is being cooked. In one example, the cooking item links 406 may be titled “cake”, “cupcakes”, “brownies”, or other similar items under the “bake” cooking method to represent baking a cake, cupcakes, brownies, or other similar items. In another example, cooking item links 406 may be titled “chicken”, “hamburger”, “hot dog”, or other similar items under the “grill” cooking method to represent grilling chicken, a hamburger, a hot dog, or other similar items. In yet another example, cooking item links 406 may be titled “salmon”, “whitefish”, or other similar items under the “smoke” or “steam” cooking methods to represent smoking or steaming salmon, whitefish, or other similar items. The cooking item links 406 may be selected by clicking, pressing a button on a touch screen, or any other similar methods.

Once the cooking item links 406 are selected, they may feature a drop down menu containing an extra features links 408. The drop down menu may appear below the cooking item links 406. The extra features links 408 may represent certain ingredients to add or remove from a cooking recipe. In one example, the extra features links 408 may be titled “frosting”, “add ins”, “toppings”, or other similar features to represent adding frosting, adding some ingredients, adding toppings, or other similar features. The extra features links 408 may also represent a style of cooking. For example, the extra features links 408 may be titled “medium”, “rare”, “well done” or other similar styles of cooking to represent cooking something that is cooked medium, rare, well done, or other similar styles of cooking. The extra features links 408 may also represent whether to use a different style of ingredient. For example, the extra features links 408 may be titled “fat free”, “low fat”, “organic”, or any other similar style to represent an item being fat free, containing a low amount of fat, being organic, or any other similar style.

Once the extra features links 408 are selected, the third party server may filter the cooking instructions based on the all of the links selected. For example, if a user selects the cooking instruction link 402 titled “instructions”, selects the cooking method links 404 titled “baking”, the cooking item links 406 titled “brownies”, and the extra features link 408 titled “frosting”, the third party server will then filter the cooking instructions to be baked brownies containing frosting.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a title page for providing cooking instructions. The title page 500 may represent a display screen on a remote device. The title page 500 may contain a keyword search box 502 that allows certain cooking instructions to be searched and filtered by the third party server. The cooking instructions may be a recipe for the third party server to be searched and filtered. For example, the recipe “baked penne pasta casserole” may be entered into the keyword search box 502. Once something is entered into the keyword search box 502, a browsing link 504 may be selected. The browsing link 504 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods.

After the browsing link 504 link is selected, the remote device may send request for instructions to cook an item. The third party server may communicate with the remote device over a network through any wireless means. The third party server may identify cooking instructions based on filtering criteria. The filtering criteria may include the type of cooking method being used, the item being cooked, the types of recipes being used, the added ingredients, the eliminated ingredients, or any other similar criteria. The third party server may find matches to the keywords based on past events that have occurred, such as prior geographical locations, prior items cooked, prior recipes and ingredients used, prior ratings, and other similar past events. The third party server may also find matches to the keywords based on current events, such as current geographical location detected by a locator function, customized geographical location, search field limited by the name of a chef or recipe contributor, search field limited by an origin or culture influential to the dish, and any similar current events. Once a match is found, then those cooking instructions may be transmitted to the remote device.

After the cooking instructions are submitted to the remote device, a public library of recipes 512 may appear on the title page 500 on the display of the remote device. The public library of recipes 512 may include a various list of recipes 514 related to the user's keyboard search. The list of recipes 514 may include the name of a prior user who posted the recipe to the server via a social media. The types of social media used may be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or other similar social media. For example, a result of the search “baked penne pasta casserole” may include various list of recipes 514 of penne pasta inside the public library of recipes 512. More recipes may be listed and viewed once the click for more link 516 is selected. The click for more link 516 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. After the list of recipes 514 is viewed, a recipe may be selected by clicking a checkbox or something similar. Once a recipe is selected, the click to choose variants link 506 may be selected.

On selection of the variants link 506, one or more variants for the recipe can be presented. The variants may contain options such as low fat or fat free options, different recipes, different ingredients, different ways of cooking the item, or any other similar variants. The third party server may transmit the modified response back to the remote device via the network for the user to view on the display of the remote device. The cooking instructions may be modified multiple times.

In the alternative, the click to view customizable options link 508 may be selected to customize a recipe instead of picking from a list of variants of existing recipes. Customizing a recipe may be done by selecting or adding alternative ingredients to a standard recipe or type in a standard recipe and then use a function set up to suggest alternative ingredients, substitute ingredients, the suggested replacement amounts, and any other similar information. Customizing a recipe may be also be done by manually entering in a desired amount for any ingredient, bypassing the suggested replacement amount.

After the chosen recipe is selected, completed, and ready to be cooked, the “start download” tab 510 may be selected. The “start download” tab 510 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. Once the “start download” tab 510 is selected, step by step instructions may be given (e.g., presented at remote device) on how to cook and present the item. These step by step instructions may include gathering ingredients, cooking device setup, mixture preparation, cooking, monitor cooking process, cooking complete/preview, public the recipe, or other similar instructions.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a gathering ingredients page 600 for providing ingredients information. The gathering ingredients page 600 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The gathering ingredients page 600 may contain a title 602 at the top of the display screen. The title 602 may list the gathering ingredients as step 1 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 602 may for example be titled “Step 1: Gathering Instructions”.

The gathering ingredients page 600 may list a recipe title 604 below the title 602. The recipe title 604 may be the recipe selected from the list of recipes 514. For example, if “baked penne pasta casserole” is selected from the list of recipes 514, the recipe title 604 may be titled “baked penne pasta casserole” to represent the recipe of baked penne pasta. Under the recipe title 604, the gathering ingredients page 600 may contain the ingredients 606. The ingredients 606 may include all the ingredients necessary for the chosen recipe. The ingredients 606 may also include the amount of each ingredient to use. The user can view the ingredients 606 to know which ingredients are needed for the recipe and how much of each ingredient is needed for use in the recipe.

The gathering ingredients page 600 may contain a next page tab 608. The next page tab 608 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 608 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 608 may be located on the bottom right corner of the gathering ingredients page 600. The next page tab 608 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 608 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The next step in the step by step cooking instructions may be cooking device setup page 700. The gathering ingredients page 600 may also contain a select another recipe tab 610. The select another recipe tab 610 may be selected by the user. The select another recipe tab 610 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The select another recipe tab 610 may be located on the bottom left corner of the gathering ingredients page 600. The select another recipe tab 610 may allow the user to select another recipe from the title page 500. Once the select another recipe tab 610 is selected, the title page 500 may appear on the display of the remote device. From there, the process of selecting a recipe from the title page 500 may be repeated. The select another recipe tab 610 may be selected multiple times and the process of selecting a recipe from the title page 500 may be repeated multiple times.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate example embodiments of a cooking device setup page 700. Referring now to FIG. 7A, an example embodiment of a cooking device setup page. The cooking device setup page 700 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The cooking device setup page 700 may contain a title 702 at the top of the display screen. The title 702 may list the cooking device setup as step 2 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 702 may for example be titled “Step 2: Cooking Device Setup”.

The cooking device setup page 700 may contain a selection box 704 below the title 702. The selection box 704 may allow the user to select whether the cooking device being used is a non-smart cooking device or a smart cooking device. The non-smart cooking device may be selected by selecting the checkbox next to the label “non-smart cooking device”. The smart cooking device may be selected by selecting the checkbox next to the label “smart cooking device”. The checkboxes may be selected by the being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods.

If the non-smart cooking device is selected, a cooking device type selection box 706 may appear on the cooking device setup page 700. The cooking type device type selection box 706 may be located below the selection box 704 on the display screen. The cooking device type selection box may be located to the right of the words “cooking device type” displayed on the cooking device setup page 700. The cooking device type selection box 706 may contain a drop down menu containing different cooking devices. The cooking device type selection box 706 may alternatively may be a keyword search box where the user may type in the type of cooking device they are using. The different cooking devices used may be an electronic cooking device, a gas cooking device, or other similar cooking devices. For example, the user may select an electronic stove oven from the drop down menu contained within the cooking device type selection box 706.

If the non-smart cooking device is selected, a pan type selection box 708 may appear on the cooking device setup page 700. The pan type selection box 708 may be located below the cooking device type selection box 706 on the display screen. The pan type selection box 708 may be located next to the right of the words “pan type” displayed on the cooking device setup page 700. The pan type selection box 708 may contain a drop down menu containing different cooking devices. The pan type selection box 708 may alternatively may be a keyword search box where the user may type in the type of cooking device they are using. The different pan types used may be ceramic, Pyrex, or other similar pan types. For example, the user may select a Pyrex pan from the drop down menu contained within the pan type selection box 708.

The cooking device setup page 700 may contain a next page tab 710. The next page tab 710 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 710 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 710 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking device setup page 700. The next page tab 710 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 710 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The next page in the step by step cooking instructions may be mixture preparation page 800. The cooking device setup page 700 may also contain a previous page tab 712. The previous page tab 712 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 712 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 712 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking device setup page 700. The previous page tab 712 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 712 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the gathering ingredients page 600.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, an example embodiment of a cooking device setup page 700. The cooking device setup page 700 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The cooking device setup page 700 may contain a title 702 at the top of the display screen. The title 702 may list the cooking device setup as step 2 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 702 may for example be titled “Step 2: Cooking Device Setup”.

The cooking device setup page 700 may contain a selection box 704 below the title 702. The selection box 704 may allow the user to select whether the cooking device being used is a non-smart cooking device or a smart cooking device. The non-smart cooking device may be selected by selecting the checkbox next to the label “non-smart cooking device”. The smart cooking device may be selected by selecting the checkbox next to the label “smart cooking device”. The checkboxes may be selected by the being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods.

If the smart cooking device is selected, auto recognition boxes 714 may appear on the cooking device setup page 700. The auto recognition boxes 714 may be located below the selection box 704 on the display screen. The auto recognition boxes 714 may display to the user that the smart oven will automatically detect the cooking device type and pan type being used in the cooking process. The auto recognition boxes 714 may replace the drop down menus contained within the cooking device type selection box 706 and the pan type selection box 708. The auto recognition boxes 714 may alternatively replace the keyword search boxes contained within the cooking device type selection box 706 and the pan type selection box 708. The auto recognition boxes 714 may alternatively display the words “(AUTO RECOGNITION)” next to the words “cooking device type” and “pan type” displayed on the cooking device setup page 700.

The cooking device setup page 700 may contain a next page tab 710. The next page tab 710 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 710 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 710 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking device setup page 700. The next page tab 710 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 710 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The next page in the step by step cooking instructions may be mixture preparation page 800. The cooking device setup page 700 may also contain a previous page tab 712. The previous page tab 712 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 712 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 712 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking device setup screen 700. The previous page tab 712 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 712 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the gathering ingredients page 600.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an example embodiment of a cooking device mixture preparation page 800. The cooking device mixture preparation page 800 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The cooking device mixture preparation page 800 may contain a title 802 at the top of the display screen. The title 802 may list the cooking device mixture preparation as step 3 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 802 may for example be titled “Step 3: mixture preparation”.

The cooking device mixture preparation page 800 may contain an instruction box 804 below the title box 802. The instruction box 804 may provide the user with a suggested estimated preparation time, such as 20 minutes estimated mixture preparation time or any other amount of time. The instruction box 804 may also provide the user with a list of suggested mixture preparation steps, such as step 1: dice onion to desired size; step 2: slice mushrooms to desired thickness; step 3—combine basil, thyme, and parsley (optional) and mix well; step 4—(optional: prepare meat as desired.); and step 5—Shred or grate cheese.

The cooking device mixture preparation page 800 may contain a next page tab 806. The next page tab 806 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 806 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 806 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking device mixture preparation page 800. The next page tab 806 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 806 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The next page in the step by step cooking instructions may be cooking instruction page 900. The cooking device mixture preparation page 800 may also contain a previous page tab 808. The previous page tab 808 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 808 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 808 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking device setup screen 800. The previous page tab 808 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 808 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the cooking device setup page 700.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an example embodiment of a cooking instruction page 900. The cooking instruction page 900 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The cooking instruction page 900 may contain a title 902 at the top of the display screen. The title 902 may list the cooking instruction page as step 4 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 902 may for example be titled “Step 4: cooking”.

The cooking instruction page 900 may contain an instruction box 904 below the title box 902. The instruction box 904 may provide the user with a suggested estimated cooking time, such as 1 hour and 10 minutes estimated cooking time or any other amount of time. The instruction box 904 may also provide the user with a list of suggested cooking steps 908, such as step 1—Cook penne according to package directions until al dente; step 2—Preheat oven to 325*; step 3—In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil, then add onion and mushrooms; stir fry until onion is ready. Remove from heat; step 4—Add basil, thyme, and parsley (optional) to the stir fry mix. Mix well; step 5—Combine onion mixture, penne and spaghetti sauce; cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. (May add meat is desired); and step 6—Put mixture in a dish and cover with shredded cheese. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

The cooking instruction page 900 may contain a next page tab 906. The next page tab 906 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 906 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 906 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking instruction page 900. The next page tab 906 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 906 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The next page in the step by step cooking instructions may be monitor cooking process page 1000. The cooking instruction page 900 may also contain a previous page tab 910. The previous page tab 910 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 910 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 910 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking instruction page 900. The previous page tab 910 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 910 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the cooking mixture preparation page 800.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an example embodiment of a monitor cooking process page 1000. The monitor cooking process page 1000 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The monitor cooking process page 1000 may contain a title 1002 at the top of the display screen. The title 1002 may list the monitoring cooking process page as step 5 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 1002 may for example be titled “Step 5: monitoring cooking process”.

The monitoring cooking process page 1000 may contain a selection box 1004 below the title box 1002. The selection box 1004 may provide the user with an estimated amount of time left on the cooking process, such as 30 minutes estimated cooking time or any other amount of time. The selection box 1004 may also provide the user with four monitoring options, such as monitor by color 1018, monitor to prevent burning/auto shut off 1006, monitor by amount of rise 1016, and monitor oven functions 1008, or any other similar ways to monitor the cooking process. Each monitoring option has a check box right next to the monitoring description. The user may check one, two, three, four, or all of the monitoring options. The user may, in the alternative, check none of the monitoring option boxes to opt out of monitoring. When a user chooses any of the monitoring options, monitoring box 1010 will appear and display the most recent monitoring information, such as not burning, oven functioning properly, and 50% to finish, or any other type of similar monitoring information. Below the monitoring information the user can find information regarding how often the monitoring information in the monitoring box is updated and how long ago the last update took place. For example, in this figure the information indicates that the monitoring information is updated every 10 minutes and the last update took place 8 minutes ago. The time increment for updates may be selected or changed by the user.

The monitoring cooking process page 1000 may contain a next page tab 1012. The next page tab 1012 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 1012 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 1012 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking instruction page 1000. The next page tab 1012 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 1012 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The next page in the step by step cooking instructions may be cooking complete/preview page 1100. The cooking instruction page 1000 may also contain a previous page tab 1014. The previous page tab 1014 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 1014 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 1014 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking instruction page 1000. The previous page tab 1014 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 1014 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the cooking instruction page 900.

Referring now to FIG. 11A, an example embodiment of a cooking complete/preview page 1100. The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may contain a title 1102 at the top of the display screen. The title 1102 may list the cooking complete/preview page as step 6 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 1102 may for example be titled “Step 6: cooking complete/preview”.

The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may contain a selection box 1104A below the title box 1002. The selection box 1104A may provide the user with options to complete the cooking process and preview the images captured or extend the cooking time. The user may check the “cooking complete, ready to preview box.” When the user checks the “cooking complete, ready to preview” box, instruction 1106 may appear below to instruct the user to safely remove the dish from the cooking device and select images to publish. When the user checks the “cooking complete, ready to preview” box, a number of images captured 1108 during the cooking process may also appear, where one check box 1110 can be associated to each image captured 1108. The user may check none, one, or any number of the check boxes 1110 associated to the images captured 1108. When the user checks a box associated to an image captured, that captured image becomes earmarked to be published.

The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may contain a next page tab 1112. The next page tab 1112 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 1112 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 1112 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking instruction page 1100. The next page tab 1112 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 1112 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The next page in the step by step cooking instructions may be publish recipe page 1202. The cooking instruction page 1100 may also contain a previous page tab 1114. The previous page tab 1114 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 1114 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 1114 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking complete/preview page 1100. The previous page tab 1114 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 1114 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the monitoring cooking process page 1000.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, another example embodiment of a cooking complete/preview page 1100. The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may contain a title 1102 at the top of the display screen. The title 1102 may list the cooking complete/preview page as step 6 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 1102 may for example be titled “Step 6: cooking complete/preview”.

The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may contain a selection box 11048 below the title box 1002. The selection box 11048 may provide the user with options to complete the cooking process and preview the images captured or extend the cooking time. The user may check the “extend time” box. When the user checks the “extend time” box, instruction 1106 may appear below to instruct the user to please enter extension time and then hit next page to continue step 5. When the user checks the “extend time” box, a time extension selection box may appear 1116, where the user may type in a desired amount of time to extend or select a desired amount of time by using a drag down box with different time increment options.

The cooking complete/preview page 1100 may contain a next page tab 1112. The next page tab 1112 may be selected by the user. The next page tab 1112 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The next page tab 1112 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking instruction page 1100. The next page tab 1112 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the next page tab 1112 is selected, the next page may in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. When a user chooses to extend the desired cooking time, the next page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the monitoring cooking page 1000. The cooking instruction page 1100 may also contain a previous page tab 1114. The previous page tab 1114 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 1114 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 1114 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking complete/preview page 1100. The previous page tab 1114 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 1114 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the monitoring cooking process page 1000.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an example embodiment of a publish recipe page 1200. The publish recipe page 1200 may represent a display screen of a remote device. The publish recipe page 1200 may contain a title 1202 at the top of the display screen. The title 1202 may list the cooking complete/preview page as step 7 in the step by step cooking instructions. The title 1202 may for example be titled “Step 7: Publish Recipe”.

The publish recipe page 1200 may contain a selection box 1204 below the title box 1202. The selection box 1204 may provide the user with personalizing options 1210 to add personalized instruction, add comments to photo/video, add an introductory bio, enter web community recipe contests, link a particular recipe to an existing author profile, or any similar personalizing functions. To select any of the personalizing functions, the user may check the check box next to each personalizing function. A message to the user may be displayed on the screen to inform the user that additional edits may be made after submission.

The publish recipe page 1200 may contain a submit tab 1206. The submit tab 1206 may be selected by the user. The submit tab 1206 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The submit tab 1206 may be located on the bottom right corner of the cooking instruction page 1200. The submit tab 1206 may allow viewing of the next step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the submit tab 1206 is selected, the recipe, cooking instructions, and any of the selected personalizing options will be published. Optionally, another page (not shown here) may follow to inform the user of submission success. The previous page tab 1208 may be selected by the user. The previous page tab 1208 may be selected by being clicked, pressing a button on a touch screen, or other similar methods. The previous page tab 1208 may be located on the bottom left corner of the cooking complete/preview page 1200. The previous page tab 1208 may allow viewing of the previous step in the step by step cooking instructions. Once the previous page tab 1208 is selected, the previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may appear on the display of the remote device. The previous page in the step by step cooking instructions may be the cooking complete/preview page 1100.

Additionally, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/273,879, filed on Dec. 31, 2015 and entitled “ELECTRONIC COOKING ASSISTANT,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The various aspects of the invention can be used separately or in any combination.

The invention can be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over a network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for acquiring cooking information, comprising:

receiving, at a server, a request for instructions pertaining to cooking an item, the request including at least one criteria, the request being from a remote device via at least one network;

identifying at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one criteria, the at least one adaptable cooking instruction includes at least a first recipe description and at least one first image;

forming a response to the request, the response including at least the first recipe description and the at least one first image associated with the at least one cooking instruction;

transmitting the response to the requesting remote device;

receiving a selection of one of the at least one adaptable cooking instruction;

determining if a modification request is received, the modification request including at least one variable to modify the first recipe description;

modifying the selected cooking instruction based on the at least one variable; and

subsequently transmitting the modified selected cooking instruction to the requesting remote device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adaptable cooking instruction is capable of automatically adapting to environmental conditions, user preferences, or alternative materials.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the adaptable cooking instruction is associated with at least one dynamic adjustment rule.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a submission of variant cooking information, obtained via modifying the selected cooking instruction based on the at least one variable, from the remote device upon completion of cooking the item and storing the variant cooking information in a social server.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein receiving a submission of a variant cooking information further comprises receiving a request to transmit the variant cooking information to a social server.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying of the at least one adaptable cooking instruction includes at least a plurality adaptable cooking instruction that are selected from a larger group of adaptable cooking instruction based at least in part on ratings and geographical location.

7. A method for managing cooking information, comprising:

receiving, by a remote device, at least one cooking instruction;

presenting the at least one cooking instruction on a display of the remote device, the at least one cooking instruction including at least one recipe description;

displaying a sequence of user tasks associated with the at least one cooking instruction and each of the at least one recipe description, the sequence of user tasks resulting in an item to be cooked;

receiving an indication that cooking of the item to be cooked is initiated;

monitoring the item being cooked in accordance with at least one predefined monitor point or condition; and

submitting product data to a server, the product data including at least one image or video acquired during the monitoring of the item being cooked.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the monitoring the item being cooked in accordance with the at least one predefined monitor point or condition further comprises an alert to be transmitted when certain conditions are met.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the monitoring the item being cooked in accordance with the at least one predefined monitor point or condition further comprises capturing at least one image or video of the item being cooked.

10. A system for acquiring cooking information, comprising:

receive, at a server, a request for instructions to cook an item, wherein the request for instructions to cook an item comprises at least one criteria;

identify at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one criteria;

transmit the at least one adaptable cooking instruction to a remote device for display on a display of the remote device, the at least one adaptable cooking instruction including at least one variable;

receive a request to customize at least one of the at least one variable; and

dynamically modify the at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one variable to be customized.

11. A system of claim 10, wherein the instructions to cook an item may be an existing variant selected from a collection of variants or a newly customized cooking instruction.

12. A system of claim 10, wherein the one adaptable cooking instruction may be posted on alternate social media networks.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one criteria comprises determining a location, temperature, or pressure of the remote device.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the at least one criteria includes at least a plurality adaptable cooking instruction that are selected from a larger group of adaptable cooking instructions based at least in part on ratings and geographical location.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein dynamically modifying the at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the least one variable to be customized further comprises generation a modified response, wherein the modified response includes at least a second recipe description and at least a second image; and transmitting the response to the remote device.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein dynamically modifying the at least one adaptable cooking instruction based on the least one variable to be customized further comprises an alert to be transmitted when certain conditions are met.

17. An apparatus for displaying cooking information, the apparatus comprising:

a display for displaying the cooking information;

a housing having a front surface, back surface, and an interior;

a camera positioned at least partially within the interior of the housing, the camera configured to acquire the at least one image of an item inside or on a cooking device; and

a controller configured to: display at least one cooking instruction on the display, the at least one cooking instruction having at least one variable; transmit a request to customize at least one of the at least one variable; receive a dynamic cooking instruction based on the at least one variable to customize, wherein the dynamic cooking instruction is received in real-time; and display the dynamic cooking instruction on the display.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the display is configured to display a web page that includes the at least one cooking instruction.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the web page includes an option for customizing the at least one cooking instruction.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the option for customizing the at least one cooking instruction includes a tab for cooking rule customization, wherein the tab for cooking rule customization includes options for selecting the type of cooking instruments and user settings.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the sequential screens representing a sequential number of steps of cooking includes steps for publishing images or video of a cooked item.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the display is configured to enable a user to remotely initiate shut off the cooking device when the item being cooked is burning or overcooking.