Heating apparatus having voice command control operative in a conversational processing manner

摘要

A heating apparatus incorporating a voice-actuated control system. The control system operates in four (4) modes. A first mode allows the user to select among previously stored cooking, defrosting or heating programs. After a program is selected, the apparatus changes to a second mode wherein it makes an inquiry of the user related to the program selected. After the inquiry is answered, in a third mode of operation, the apparatus changes to a fourth mode of operation to implement the selected program, as modified by a user's voice command in the third mode. By requiring a user response from among a small class of possible responses for a given selected program, the apparatus is unlikely to begin a heating cycle without specific confirmation by a user and therefor its safety is enhanced.