Samsung Creates Intelligent Microwave Oven

In hopes of eliminating consumer confusion over heating instructions on microwavable foods, Samsung Electronics America, Inc., (Ridgefield Park, NJ) has demonstrated the first-ever intelligent microwave oven at the 1999 International Housewares Show, in Chicago. The technology for the intelligent microwave was developed by researchers at Cook College/Rutgers University, with support from Samsung.

The microwave is designed with the ability to read specially programmed barcodes that allow the oven to cook food to absolute perfection. With this new technology, users scan the barcodes on food packages and the microwave oven automatically adjusts its settings and cooking times to optimal levels.

"The intelligent microwave oven is one of the most exciting developments in home appliance technology in a long time," said Dennis Joyner, a Samsung marketing manager. "This unique barcode reading technology will completely transform the way people prepare food in the 21st century."

When hooked up to a computer the intelligent microwave oven has Internet capabilities, which allow it to communicate with food manufacturers to locate cooking parameters for new food products and share other information allowing the optimal preparation of an infinite variety of foods.