GB2435369A

GB2435369A - The Personal Cooking Assistant (PCA)

Info

Publication number: GB2435369A
Application number: GB0519067A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Grenville Hunt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-09-17
Filing date: 2005-09-17
Publication date: 2007-08-22
Also published as: GB0519067D0

Abstract

An electronic device using stored electronic data in the form of either DVD or CD Rom to project an interactive image using image recognition technology. The images projected can either be still or video streamed that will convey information needed to perform specific and particulat operations.

Description

THIS INVENTION RELATES TO A PERSONAL COOKING ASSISTANT.

THE BACKGROUND.

The idea of cooking more and more exotic as well as traditional recipes has never been as highly profiled as it is in today's The "cook to entertain" is having something of a renaissance with cooks and chefs reaching ever-higher status and stardom.

It is with the support of cookbooks, on-line recipes and TV shows that we all want to cook with the minimum of fuss but giving the maximum effect. Cooking has never been easier. Or has it? Whatever medium the recipe and methodology of cooking is addressed the real work takes place in the kitchen and the A to Z of preparation and cooking is followed from the book, the TV or printed matter from the Internet. Those of us who are regular home cooks may of course just remember what to do. Other than that any recipe that has not been attempted before can only be made by following the methods previously mentioned.

In the kitchen the cookbook or printed colour recipe always ends up in the way, splashed or covered with ingredients of the day.

The book needs storing after the final wipe down. The print from the Internet just never gets saved.

To remember what has been shown on the TV is impossible as is making notes.

The only way therefore is the book or Internet.

In comes the Personal Cooking Assistant (PCA) .See FIGURE 1.

D

EXAMPLE: HOW THE PERSONAL COOKING ASSISTANT OVERCOS THESE PROBLEMS.

Within the kitchen environment whether large or small there never seems to be enough room for what is being prepared, let alone keeping the cook book/recipe in a place that will allow for constant referral and keeping clean.

The invention takes up no worktop space, cannot be damaged by the splatter of flour or any other ingredient. The recipe is simply projected down onto the work surface. Where the surface is such that the text & pictures cannot be easily seen then a white or pale glass chopping board' will be the perfect "screen" Once the unit is on and the data displayed onto the worksurface the cook selects via the interactive screen' the recipe that is required. As the recipe is projected onto the work surface as text and pictures (video if required) the step-by--step method of cooking is easily followed at a glance. Just as with cook books/ printouts from the Internet all information will be at ones fingertips but without the difficulties physically encountered by using books or the TV.

No more moving of books, losing the page or covering the fact sheet with ingredients.

If the worktop gets ingredients spilt onto it, then just wipe off and continue viewing.

THE INVENTION.

In essence the invention takes electronic data stored on a DVD or CD-rom and projects it in a visual format. This application although using recipes in the kitchen could be used for other interactive functions say within the garage using a mechanics CD-rom instead of a car manual.

The invention is made up of a slim line' computer that converts data (digitally) into the form of text, still images and video.

The unit may be made of two smaller units if necessary, one being the computer and the other the projector. Ideally manufacturing will allow the unit to be made all in one. See FIGURE 2.

The information from the DVD or CD-rom is then projected down to the work surface that doubles up as a "screen". As previously mentioned if the worktop is dark then a white/ pale chopping board can be used.

The computer has the capability to use either DVD or CD-rom data.

When the image is projected onto the surface there will be a provision to allow the imagery to be interactive.

This is attained by an image recognising camera that feeds information back to the computer. By using this technology the user can, by placing a finger over a "button" or "tab" on the projected image (recipe) change the page' and view different information.

As the data is DVD/CD-rom driven there is no end to the number of recipes that can be displayed.

The unit allows for videos to be played of the preparation/ cooking or serving of all dishes, should the user require it.

Other facilities will include setting a timer such that the cook can monitor cooking times.

The unit can be housed in the bottom of a single wall cupboard with a hole for the lens to project through and also a separate aperture to allow for the camera lens. To change the disc simply open the cupboard door and replace it in the same manner as in the domestic TV/Stereo environment.

There will also be a feature that allows for these units to be "slung" underneath the wall unit is desired. See FIGURE 3.

Again should manufacturing allow there would be a facility to expand the invention to include multiple CD/DVD discs.

The difference between this unit and all others is the application. The unit (in this instance) specifically takes cooking recipes and displays them as images onto the worktop to facilitate ease of use via the interactive screen and makes for very easy use for the finding of other dishes without any need to handle printed recipes physically. *,1

THE ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF THE INVENTION.

It is an essential feature that this unit has the ability to convert digital information into a projected image.

It is an essential feature that this unit incorporates the use of computer hardware and a digital projector linked as one in order to facilitate the use of the PCA.

It is an essential feature of this invention that the focal length is such as to accommodate use in confined areas such as a kitchen wall unit to worktop surface of circa 500 mm.

It is an essential feature of this invention to have a CD-rom or DVD tray whereby the Discs can be easily changed.

It is an essential feature of this unit to have an interactive screen (using image recognition technology) whereby the user can manipulate the information that is projected without touching the unit itself.

It is an essential feature of the invention to be able to project moving imagery in the form of video streams.

It is an essential feature that the unit is compact enough to be housed within a kitchen cupboard or if necessary "slung" beneath one.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. That the invention is a data reader and projector.

2. That the invention has an interactive screen.

3. That the imagery/information displayed be read from a CD-rom/DVD disc containing relevant information to the use.

4. That the invention has a facility to use DVD and CD rom Data that is interchangeable via a mechanical tray.

5. That the interactivity of the screen is a specific feature in itself and is accessed via the projected image.

6. That the invention specifically overcomes the practical difficulties within the kitchen (or other facilities) when using information gleaned in text/reference books or other procedures requiring help in the form of pictures and text.