Improved control systems and methods for thermally conditioned receptacles

A method for controlling operation of a thermally-conditioned receptacle, the method comprising:

• detecting an item within the receptacle;
• measuring a temperature of the item within the receptacle;
• accepting and storing a user input on a mode of operation;
• initiating a heating mode of operation or a cooling mode of operation in response to the measured temperature or the user input;
• and
• prompting a user confirmation of the initiated mode of operation,
• wherein initiating a heating mode of operation further comprises detecting whether an item has been removed from the receptacle, starting a timer, determining whether the item is redetected in the receptacle within a first time limit and when the item is redetected in the receptacle within the first time limit, resetting the timer and continuing to operate in the heating mode until otherwise prompted, and when the item is not redetected in the receptacle within the first time limit, initiating operation in a low power heating mode of operation.

A method for controlling operation of a thermally-conditioned receptacle, the method comprising:

• detecting an item within the receptacle;
• receiving a first signal indicative of a door open condition;
• receiving a second signal indicative of a key start condition;
• accepting and storing a user input on a mode of operation;
• initiating a heating mode of operation or a cooling mode of operation in response to the first signal, the second signal, or the user input;
• and
• prompting a user confirmation of the initiated mode of operation,
• wherein initiating a heating mode of operation further comprises detecting whether an item has been removed from the receptacle, starting a timer, determining whether the item is redetected in the receptacle within a first time limit and when the item is redetected in the receptacle within the first time limit, resetting the timer and continuing to operate in a heating mode until otherwise prompted, and when the item is not redetected in the receptacle within the first time limit, initiating operation in a low power heating mode of operation.