Cooking assistive device and method for making and using same
A cooking assistive device comprises a portable housing configured to be disposed on or proximate a food item. The device includes a plurality of sensors situated within the housing, a dispenser, and a utensil holder. The device has a memory storing computer-readable instructions, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to: (a) obtain a wireless input from a mobile device; (b) access data stored in a remote database; (c) obtain a reading from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and (d) cause the dispenser to dispense a substance in response to the reading.
1. A cooking assistive device, comprising:
a portable housing configured to be disposed on a food item;
a plurality of sensors situated within said housing; at least one of said plurality of sensors including a camera;
a network interface;
a propelling mechanism comprising wheels;
a memory storing computer-readable instructions; and
a processor configured to execute said instructions to:
(1) access data stored in a remote database;
(2) obtain a reading from at least one of said plurality of sensors;
(3) communicate a message to a mobile device of a user in response to said reading; and
(4) enable said device to autonomously move from one location to another via said wheels.
2. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , further comprising a compartment inside said portable housing.
3. The cooking assistive device of claim 2 , wherein said memory and said processor are stored within said compartment.
4. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , further comprising a food identifier to identify said food item.
5. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , further comprising a utensil holder.
6. The cooking assistive device of claim 4 , further comprising a dispenser configured to store and dispense a cooking substance.
7. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of sensors includes each of a bacteria sensor, an olfactory sensor, and an audible sensor.
8. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , wherein said portable housing is generally in the shape of a hockey puck.
9. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of sensors includes a temperature sensor.
10. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors is a non-contact sensor.
11. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , further comprising a global positioning unit.
12. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , wherein said message instructs said user to take an action within a time period.
13. The cooking assistive device of claim 12 , wherein said processor is further configured to execute said instructions to generate an alarm in response to a determination that said user failed to take said action within said time period.
14. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors is a bacteria sensor.
15. The cooking assistive device of claim 1 , further comprising a food spoilage monitor.
16. The cooking assistive device of claim 15 , wherein:
at least one of said plurality of sensors is an olfactory sensor; and
said food spoilage monitor is configured to generate an alarm where data from said olfactory sensor indicates that said food item is unfit for consumption.
17. A cooking assistive device, comprising:
a portable housing configured to be disposed on a food item;
a plurality of sensors situated within said housing;
a network interface;
a food identifier to identify said food item;
a dispenser configured to store and dispense a cooking substance;
a memory storing computer-readable instructions; and
a processor configured to execute said instructions to:
(1) access data stored in a remote database;
(2) obtain a reading from at least one of said plurality of sensors; and
(3) communicate a message to a mobile device of a user in response to said reading.
18. The cooking assistive device of claim 17 , further comprising a propelling mechanism.
19. The cooking assistive device of claim 18 , wherein said propelling mechanism comprises wheels.
20. The cooking assistive device of claim 17 , further comprising a utensil holder.