Cooking Appliance and Method of Operating the Same Incorporating Adjusted Controller Gain Values

The present subject matter relates generally to cooking appliances, and more particularly to methods of operating cooking appliances according to detected controller outputs during a cooking operation.

Cooking appliances generally have one or more heating elements configured for heating a cookware item. The cookware item, e.g., a pot or a pan, may be positioned on or near the one or more heating elements and food products (including, e.g., food solids, liquid, or water) may be placed inside the cookware item for cooking. A controller may selectively energize the heating element(s) to provide thermal energy to the cookware item and the food products placed therein. Alternatively, certain cooking appliances, often referred to as induction cooktops, provide energy in the form of an alternating magnetic field which causes the cookware item to generate heat. In both types of appliances, a controller selectively energizes either the heating element(s) or a magnetic coil to heat the food products until they are properly cooked.

For cooking appliances that are capable of performing feedback controlled heating operations, one or more algorithms may be used to incorporate certain feedback information (e.g., temperature change, temperature rate of change, etc.) over a heating period to intelligently control a power level of the heating element(s). A set of controller gains (e.g., derivative, integral, etc.) may be utilized when the feedback controlled portion of the heating operation begins. When certain events happen, such as when food is added to the cookware item, the controller output may be automatically adjusted based on the set of controller gains in use to compensate for the sudden change in temperature. However, existing methods of operating such cooking appliances suffer certain drawbacks. For instance, one or more of the controller gains may not be optimized to properly adjust the controller output during such events.

Accordingly, a cooking appliance and method of operating a cooking appliance which obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial. In particular, a cooking appliance capable of adjusting the amount of controller output in response to events would be useful.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance is provided. The cooking appliance may include at least one heating element to selectively supply heat to a cookware item; a temperature sensor configured to selectively monitor a temperature of the cookware item; and a controller operably connected with the at least one heating element and the temperature sensor, the controller configured to perform a feedback controlled heating operation. The feedback controlled heating operation may include retrieving a default set of controller gain values for the feedback controlled heating operation, the default set of controller gain values including a default proportional gain value, a default integral gain value, and a default derivative gain value; directing the at least one heating element according to the default set of controller gain values; detecting a food event while directing the at least one heating element according to the default set of controller gain values; determining a total amount of change in a power level of the at least one heating element in response to detecting the food event; determining an adjusted set of controller gain values in response to determining the total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating element; and directing the at least one heating element according to the adjusted set of controller gain values.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a cooking appliance is provided. The cooking appliance may include at least one heating element and a temperature sensor. The method may include retrieving a default set of controller gain values for a feedback controlled heating operation, the default set of controller gain values including a default proportional gain value, a default integral gain value, and a default derivative gain value; directing the at least one heating element according to the default set of controller gain values; detecting a food event while directing the at least one heating element according to the default set of controller gain values; determining a total amount of change in a power level of the at least one heating element in response to detecting the food event; determining an adjusted set of controller gain values in response to determining the total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating element; and directing the at least one heating element according to the adjusted set of controller gain values.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

provides a perspective view of a cooking appliance, or oven range, including a cooktop, andprovides a side cut-away view of the cooking appliance. Cooking applianceis provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter to the arrangement shown in. Thus, the present subject matter may be used with other rangeand/or cooktopconfigurations, e.g., double oven range appliances. As illustrated, cooking appliancegenerally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Cooking appliancemay include a cabinetthat extends between a topand a bottomalong the vertical direction V, between a left sideand a right sidealong the lateral direction, and between a frontand a rearalong the transverse direction T.

A cooking surfaceof cooktopmay include a plurality of heating elements. For the embodiment depicted, cooktopincludes five heating elementsspaced along cooking surface. Heating elementsmay be electric heating elements and are positioned at, e.g., on or proximate to, the cooking surface. In certain exemplary embodiments, cooktopis a radiant cooktop with resistive heating elements or coils mounted below cooking surface. However, in other embodiments, the cooktop applianceincludes other suitable shape, configuration, and/or number of heating elements, for example, cooktopmay be an open coil cooktop with heating elementspositioned on or above surface. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, cooktopmay include any other suitable type of heating element, such as an induction heating element. Each of the heating elementsmay be the same type of heating element, or cooktopmay include a combination of different types of heating elements.

As mentioned, heating elementmay be an induction style heating element. Thus, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, appliancemay supply a current to heating element(e.g., such as a Lenz coil). As such, current may pass through heating elementto generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be a high frequency circulating magnetic field. The magnetic field may be directed towards and through cooktop applianceto a cookware item (e.g., cookware item, described below). In particular, when the magnetic field penetrates cookware item, the magnetic field induces a circulating electrical current within cookware item. The material properties of cookware itemmay restrict a flow of the induced electrical current and convert the induced electrical current into heat within cookware item. As cookware itemheats up, contents of cookware itemcontained therein heat up as well. In such a manner, the induction heating element can cook the contents of cookware item.

As shown in, a cooking utensil (or cookware item), such as a pot, pan, or the like, may be placed on a heating elementto heat cookware itemand cook or heat food items placed within cookware item. Cooking appliancemay also include a doorthat permits access to a cooking chamberof oven range, e.g., for cooking or baking of food items therein. A control panelhaving controlsmay permit a user to make selections for cooking of food items. Although shown on a backsplash or back panelof oven range, control panelmay be positioned in any suitable location.

Controlsmay include buttons, knobs, and the like, as well as combinations thereof, and/or controlsmay be implemented on a remote user interface device such as a smartphone. As an example, a user may manipulate one or more controlsto select a temperature and/or a heat or power output for each heating elementand the cooking chamber. The selected temperature or heat output of heating elementaffects the heat transferred to cookware itemplaced on heating element. A displaymay be provided (e.g., on or in control panel). Displaymay display information regarding cooking operations or inputs from a user regarding the cooking operation. Displaymay be any suitable display capable of providing visual feedback, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a segmented display, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, displaymay be a touch display capable of receiving touch inputs from a user.

Cooktop appliancemay further include or be in operative communication with a processing device or a controllerthat may be generally configured to facilitate appliance operation. In this regard, control panel, controls, and displaymay be in communication with controllersuch that controllermay receive control inputs from controls, may display information using display, and may otherwise regulate operation of cooking appliance. For example, signals generated by controllermay operate cooking appliance, including any or all system components, subsystems, or interconnected devices, in response to the position of controlsand other control commands. Control paneland other components of appliancemay be in communication with controllervia, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. In this manner, Input/Output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controllerand various operational components of appliance.

As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controllers” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controllermay be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND/OR gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controllermay include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. In addition, these memory devices can store information and/or data accessible by the one or more processors, including instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors. It should be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically and/or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors.

For example, controllermay be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle of cooking appliance. In this regard, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that controlleras disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by controller.

The memory devices may also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors or portions of controller. The data can include, for instance, data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller) in one or more databases and/or may be split up so that the data is stored in multiple locations. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more database(s) can be connected to controllerthrough any suitable network(s), such as through a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controllermay further include a communication module or interface that may be used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of appliance, controller, an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device, e.g., via any suitable communication lines or network(s) and using any suitable communication protocol. The communication interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

Cooking appliancemay include a temperature sensor. Temperature sensormay be configured to selectively sense a temperature of a cookware item (e.g., cookware item) as it is heated. For instance, temperature sensormay be integrally formed with cooking appliance(e.g., within cooktop, within cooking chamber, etc.). In some embodiments, temperature sensoris operably connected to cooking appliance(e.g., via a port or socket, via a remote connection, etc.). For one example, temperature sensoris provided within cookware itemand operably connected to controllerduring a cooking operation. Temperature sensormay monitor a temperature of cookware itemor a food item provided within cookware item. Accordingly, temperature sensormay deliver signals (e.g., voltage signals) representing the temperature of cookware itemto controller. The signals may be sent according to a predetermined frequency (e.g., at predetermined time intervals). Thus, controllermay analyze a temperature or temperature change of cookware item.

As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensormay be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. In addition, temperature sensormay be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that appliancemay include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

provides a graph illustrating a cookware item temperature and setpoint (e.g., a temperature setpoint described below for method), a sensor temperature and setpoint, a proportional term, an integral term, a derivative term, and a proportion-integral-derivative (PID) output value for an exemplary cookware item during a cooking or heating operation. The sensor temperature setpoint may be different from the cookware setpoint. For instance, the sensor setpoint or target may be based on the cookware setpoint mentioned above (determined temperature setpoint in methodbelow). The heating operation may include a preheating phase and a cooking phase. The preheating phase may be a constant heating preheating phase. For instance, during the preheating phase, heating elementmay be driven (e.g., powered) at a constant predetermined power level for a duration of the preheating phase.

The cooking phase may be a feedback controlled cooking phase. In detail, the cooking phase may intelligently adjust one or more parameters according to feedback with respect to cookware item, a food being cooked, cooking appliance, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback controlled heating operation may start at the beginning of the preheating phase. Temperature sensormay continually send temperature signals to controllerwhich may then determine, for instance, an error value associated with the feedback controlled heating operation. The error value may be a difference between a temperature setpoint (e.g., sensor temperature setpoint) and an actual observed temperature (e.g., via temperature sensor). The error value may be substituted into a feedback equation to determine an adjustment to be made to a control variable. For instance, the control variable may be a power level of heating element.

According to at least some embodiments, controllerincludes a closed-loop feedback control algorithm. The closed-loop feedback control algorithm may be a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm or equation (e.g., equation or set of equations). In some embodiments, the algorithm may include a proportional algorithm, a proportional-integral algorithm, a proportional-derivative algorithm, or any suitable combination of terms. The PID controller may determine a proportional term (P), an integral term (I), and a derivative term (D). The PID algorithm may be:

In some instances, the derivative (D) term may be susceptible to high levels of noise. Thus, large oscillations of the D term may be observed throughout the feedback controlled heating operation. Accordingly, the D term may be subjected to a filtering technique to reduce the noise and obtain a more steady, predictable term over the heating operation. For one example:

According to some instances, the feedback controlled heating operation (e.g., the PID feedback controlled cooking operation) may initiate at the beginning of the cooking cycle (e.g., at the start of the preheating phase). In additional or alternative embodiments, the feedback controlled heating operation may initiate at the completion of the preheating phase. As shown in, for instance, the PID-based feedback controlled heating operation may initiate at 2.5 minutes (e.g., at the conclusion of the preheating phase). At the initiation of the feedback controlled cooking operation, the/term and/or the D term may be initialized to zero or non-zero values. For instance, the initial/term incorporated at the beginning of the feedback controlled heating operation may be a positive, non-zero value. However, in some instances, the initial/term may be a negative value. Advantageously, a more accurate and effective control algorithm may be utilized during the PID-based feedback controlled cooking phase.

Now that the construction of cooking applianceand a configuration of controlleraccording to exemplary embodiments have been presented, exemplary methodof operating a cooking appliance will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary methodof operating cooking appliance, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary methodis applicable to the operation of a variety of other cooking appliances. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controlleror a separate, dedicated controller. Additionally or alternatively, the various method steps may be performed in a different order, including additional steps or omitting certain steps according to specific embodiments.

Methodmay include determining a temperature setpoint (e.g., cookware setpoint described above). In detail, a user may communicate with the cooking appliance (e.g., cooking appliance) a desire to initiate a cooking operation, a heating operation, or the like. For example, the heating operation may include a feedback controlled preheating and heating (or cooking) phases incorporating a PID algorithm to continually monitor the heating operation and perform adjustments as needed. Additionally or alternatively, the heating operation may include a non-feedback controlled preheating phase and a feedback controlled heating (or cooking) phase. For instance, as will be discussed, the heating operation may incorporate the preheating phase before the cooking phase. According to at least some embodiments, the preheating phase may not utilize or incorporate feedback control (e.g., PID feedback control). The user may manually enter a temperature setpoint (e.g., a temperature at which the user desires to have the item cooked). Thus, using a user interface (e.g., control panel), the user may enter a specific cooking temperature as the temperature setpoint (e.g., 250° F., 300° F., 350° F., etc.). In additional or alternative embodiments, the user may provide information regarding a specific food item to be cooked (e.g., eggs, meat, vegetables, etc.). For instance, the cooking appliance may include features for selecting predetermined food items from the user interface or the cooking appliance may include a remote connectivity (e.g., wireless fidelity [WiFi], Bluetooth®, etc.), through which the user may select a food item (e.g., via a remote device). Further still, the user may input a particular recipe to be cooked on or in the cooking appliance. The temperature setpoint may be stored within the cooking appliance (e.g., within a controller or a memory therein).

At step, methodmay include retrieving a default set of controller gain values for a feedback controlled heating operation. The default set of controller gain values may be based on the determined temperature setpoint. The default set of controller gain values may include a default proportional gain value, a default integral gain value, and a default derivative gain value. According to some embodiments, the default set of controller gain values may be unique. In additional or alternative embodiments, the appliance may include a plurality of sets of controller gain values based on different temperature setpoints. Additionally or alternatively, the appliance may include a plurality of sets of controller gain values based on different specific cookware items. Each set of controller gain values may be stored, for instance, within a lookup table. Each set of controller gain values may be predetermined according to normal expected thermal behavior of the associated cookware item.

At step, methodmay include directing the at least one heating element according to the default set of controller gain values. As mentioned above, the cooking appliance may include a feedback controlled algorithm such as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. The controller may utilize each of the default set of controller gain values to determine a controller output (e.g., a PID output). The controller output may thus dictate or otherwise determine a power level at which to drive the at least one heating element. For instance, methodmay determine a baseline power level at which to drive or direct the at least one heating element based on the default set of controller gain values and/or cooking conditions. As would be expected, certain inputs or events (e.g., such as temperature changes, power changes, food addition, or the like) may adjust the controller output and thus adjust the power level of the at least one heating element. Accordingly, the “baseline power level” may be associated with a power level at the at least one heating element immediately preceding a detected event (explained below).

As mentioned, the default set of controller gain values may be based on expected thermal behavior of the associated cookware item. Accordingly, certain adjustments or deviations from an expected thermal behavior (e.g., as caused by different types of cookware or foods) may result in unexpected or undesirable responses from the controller output. For instance, one of the controller gain values may result in a slower than expected or desired response time. For another example, one of the controller gain values may result in a lower than expected or desired power level adjustment in response to the event. Thus, the default set of controller gain values may be implemented to perform the feedback controller heating or cooking operation and drive the at least one heating element to the determined power level based on the current cooking temperature conditions or cooking events.

At step, methodmay include detecting a food event while directing the at least one heating element according to the default set of controller gain values. As mentioned, certain events (e.g., food events) may occur during the feedback controlled heating operation. For instance, a food item may be added to the cookware item (e.g., an egg, a meat, a vegetable, etc.). The food event may be detected based on a change to the controller output. As mentioned above, the controller (e.g., algorithm) may adjust the power level of the at least one heating element based on received feedback. As seen in, the controller (e.g., PID) output may respond to a change in temperature at the temperature sensor or cookware item. Accordingly, the food event may be detected based on a change in the controller output (e.g., a power level change of the at least one heating element). Additionally or alternatively, the food event may be detected based on a change in the derivative term value within the controller (e.g., as seen in).

In some instances, the food event is detected by detecting or determining that a power level of the at least one heating element has changed by a predetermined minimum amount within a predetermined length of time. For example, methoddetects or determines that the power level at the at least one heating element has changed or adjusted from the baseline power level. In at least some instances, the power level at the at least one heating element is adjusted higher. The power level at the at least one heating element may be expected to change by a predetermined minimum amount (e.g., in levels). For instance, the predetermined minimum amount may be about 5 levels, about 7 levels, about 10 levels, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, in detecting the food event, methodmay determine that the power level change occurs within a predetermined amount of time. For instance, the power level may change by the predetermined minimum amount (e.g., 5 levels, 7 levels, etc.) within a predetermined amount or length of time. The predetermined amount or length of time may be between about 20 seconds and about 40 seconds. The predetermined minimum amount of power level change and the predetermined amount or length of time may be defined such that food addition events are detected, but food turning events are not. As seen in, the amount of power level change is typically smaller for a food turning event than a food addition event. Thus, conveniently, methodmay detect and analyze food addition events while ignoring food turning events, to prevent inconsistent results. Additionally or alternatively, method, at step, may ignore food events detected within a period of time (e.g. 5 minutes) after a previously detected food event. It should be noted that the ranges provided herein are by way of example only, and that any suitable minimum power level and/or length of time may be incorporated depending on specific applications.

At step, methodmay include determining a total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating element in response to detecting the food event. In detail, after determining that the food event has occurred, methodmay calculate a total change in the power level from the initiation of the food event to a maximum power level (e.g., controller output) change. For instance, methodmay determine the maximum power level after the food event as a point at which the controller output levels off or begins to drop. After determining the maximum power level value, methodcompares the maximum power level value against a power level value immediately preceding the detection of the food event. In some instances, the maximum power level value is compared against the baseline power level or power level value. Thus, the total amount of change in the power level may be determined from the food event. In additional or alternative embodiments, methodmay average a total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating element after detecting multiple food events (e.g., three or more food events).

According to some embodiments, methodincludes determining that the total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating element is outside of a predetermined range. For instance, the appliance may store a predetermined expected power level change range for when the food event occurs. The predetermined expected power level change range may include a minimum change in power level and a maximum change in power level. According to some embodiments, the predetermined expected power level change range is between about 10 power levels and about 15 power levels. Accordingly, in determining the total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating elements, methodmay determine that the power change is less than the minimum change value or greater than the maximum change value. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined expected power change range may be based on empirical data (e.g., according to the temperature setpoint, the specific cookware item, the food being cooked, etc.).

At step, methodmay include determining an adjusted set of controller gain values in response to determining the total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating element. For instance, upon determining that the total amount of change in the power level is outside of the predetermined range, methodmay calculate, retrieve, or otherwise determine the adjusted set of controller gain values. As mentioned previously, the default set of controller gain values may be incorporated based on one or more initial settings (e.g., temperature setpoint, cookware item, food selection, etc.). Adjustments to the controller gain values may be necessary based on the amount of change in power level (or controller output) after an event (e.g., addition of food) in order to efficiently and effectively maintain the temperature at the cookware item after certain food events.

In determining the adjusted set of controller gain values, methodmay determine an adjusted derivative gain value. The adjusted derivative gain value may be based on the total amount of change in the power level of the at least one heating element. For instance, as mentioned, the total amount of change in the power level may be compared against a desired or expected change in power level (e.g., based on the empirical data). Accordingly, the adjusted derivative gain value may be determined according to the following equation:

In some instances, the adjusted derivative gain value may be reduced (e.g., if the total determined change in power level is greater than the desired or expected change in power level). Additionally or alternatively, the derivative gain value may remain unchanged. For instance, if the change in power level is within the predetermined range, methodmay conclude that the correct or efficient gain values are already incorporated. The adjusted derivative gain value (and, in some instances, other adjusted gain values) may be stored within the cooking appliance (e.g., within a lookup table). Accordingly, the adjusted gain values may be retrieved in future cooking operations with similar settings (e.g., temperature setpoint, cookware item, food to be cooked, etc.).

At step, methodmay include directing the at least one heating element according to the adjusted set of controller gain values. For instance, the feedback controlled heating algorithm (e.g., the PID algorithm) may be adjusted to incorporate the adjusted controller gain values (e.g., the adjusted derivative gain value). Advantageously, the feedback controlled heating operation may be more precisely controlled according to the adjusted controller gain values such that a more even heating or cooking is applied to the item to be cooked or heated.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.