Cooking systems, cookers, and application programs

Abstract

This system eliminates the need to input specific authentication information during the mutual authentication process for wireless connection between the heating appliance and the communication terminal of a heating cooking system, and also prevents incorrect connection between the heating appliance and a communication terminal other than the user's. [Solution] The heating cooker 10 has an information display unit that displays unique identification information, and when the user performs a predetermined start operation, it transmits the unique identification information along with the start signal for mutual authentication processing. On the other hand, the communication terminal 40 can select between two authentication methods: a first authentication method in which the user inputs specific authentication information of the wireless communication partner, and a second authentication method that does not use specific authentication information. When it receives a start signal containing unique identification information, it selects the second authentication method. In this case, the communication terminal checks whether the unique identification information included in the start signal matches the unique identification information obtained by imaging the display on the information display unit, at least once during the execution of the mutual authentication processing and once after its completion. If there is a mismatch, the mutual authentication processing is canceled or wireless connection is restricted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking system that wirelessly connects a cooking appliance that heats a cooking object by a heating unit and a communication terminal corresponding to wireless communication with the cooking appliance, a cooking appliance used in the cooking system, and an application program for a communication terminal used in the cooking system.

Background Art

[0002] A gas stove that burns a mixed gas of fuel gas and air by a burner as a heating unit to heat a cooking object is widely used as an example of a cooking appliance. For such a gas stove, it has been proposed to configure a cooking system that is linked by wireless connection with a communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user. For example, in the cooking system described in Patent Document 1, by establishing wireless two-way communication between the gas stove and the smartphone, recipe information is transmitted from the smartphone, and automatic cooking operation is performed according to the received recipe information on the gas stove, or operation state information is transmitted from the gas stove and displayed on the display unit of the smartphone.

[0003] As a communication standard used for such wireless connection between a gas stove and a smartphone, Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark) is known. And, in the mutual authentication process (so-called pairing) for authenticating a communication partner for establishing a wireless connection, an authentication method in which a user inputs specific authentication information (password) displayed on the display unit of the gas stove into the smartphone is generally known. Also, since inputting such a password is felt to be troublesome for the user, a simple authentication method that omits the input of the password is also known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] However, as mentioned above, in heating and cooking systems that connect a gas stove and a smartphone wirelessly, there was a problem where, if an authentication method that omitted the input of a passcode during pairing was adopted, the gas stove could mistakenly connect wirelessly to a smartphone belonging to someone other than the user (for example, a neighbor's smartphone).

[0006] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems in the prior art and aims to provide a technology that eliminates the need to input specific authentication information in the mutual authentication process of wireless connection between a heating appliance and a communication terminal in a heating cooking system, and prevents erroneous communication between the heating appliance and a communication terminal other than the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the heating and cooking system of the present invention employs the following configuration: <First aspect> In a cooking system that wirelessly connects a cooking appliance that heats food to be cooked using a heating element and a communication terminal that supports wireless communication with the cooking appliance, The aforementioned heating appliance is An information display unit that displays pre-assigned unique identification information, When a predetermined start operation is performed by the user, a transmission unit is capable of broadcasting a start signal that includes the unique identification information in order to start a mutual authentication process for authenticating the communication partner of the wireless connection. Equipped with, The aforementioned communication terminal is An acquisition unit that acquires the unique identification information by capturing an image of the display on the information display unit, As the authentication method in the aforementioned mutual authentication process, it is possible to select either a first authentication method, which is completed by the user inputting specific authentication information associated with the wireless communication partner, or a second authentication method, which is completed without using the specific authentication information, and a method selection unit that selects the second authentication method when it receives the start signal containing the unique identification information, When the second authentication method is selected, a matching verification unit checks whether the unique identification information included in the start signal matches the unique identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, at least during the execution of the mutual authentication process and after the completion of the mutual authentication process. If the unique identification information does not match in the verification performed during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the mutual authentication process is terminated, and if the unique identification information does not match in the verification performed after the completion of the mutual authentication process, the regulatory unit restricts cooperation via the wireless connection. Equipped with It is characterized by the following:

[0008] In this first embodiment of the heating and cooking system, the heating and cooking appliance transmits a start signal containing unique identification information. The communication terminal that receives the start signal selects a second authentication method that does not use specific authentication information, thus simplifying the mutual authentication process for the user by omitting the input of specific authentication information. The system verifies that the unique identification information contained in the start signal received by the communication terminal matches the unique identification information obtained by imaging the display on the information display unit. If there is a mismatch during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the process will not be completed. If there is a mismatch after the completion of the mutual authentication process, wireless connection will be restricted, thus preventing incorrect communication between the heating and cooking appliance and communication terminals other than the user.

[0009] <Second aspect> In the first embodiment of the heating cooking system, The information display unit includes specification information related to the cooking appliance. The communication terminal includes a terminal-side display unit that displays instructions for the start operation of the heating appliance based on the specification information acquired by capturing an image of the display on the information display unit. It is characterized by the following:

[0010] In this second embodiment of the heating and cooking system, the user can smoothly initiate the mutual authentication process by performing a start operation on the heating and cooking device in accordance with the instructions displayed on the terminal-side display.

[0011] <Third aspect> In the first embodiment of the heating cooking system, The aforementioned start signal includes specification information relating to the heating appliance, The communication terminal includes a terminal-side display unit that displays guidance on the position of the information display unit to be imaged, based on the specification information included in the received start signal. It is characterized by the following:

[0012] In this third embodiment of a heating and cooking system, even if the position of the information display unit differs depending on the model of the heating and cooking appliance, the user can smoothly verify whether the unique identification information matches by taking an image of the display unit with a communication terminal, following the instructions displayed on the terminal-side display unit.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, the heating appliance of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is, In a cooking system that uses a heating unit to heat food to be cooked and a communication terminal compatible with wireless communication between the heating unit and the heating unit, the heating unit is used in the heating unit. An information display unit that displays pre-assigned unique identification information, A transmitting unit that can transmit a start signal including the unique identification information in order to start a mutual authentication process for authenticating the communication partner of the wireless connection. Equipped with, In the aforementioned communication terminal, As an authentication method in the mutual authentication process, either a first authentication method that is completed when the user inputs specific authentication information associated with the communication partner of the wireless connection, or a second authentication method that is completed without using the specific authentication information can be selected. When the start signal including the unique identification information is received, the second authentication method is selected. When the second authentication method is selected, it is confirmed whether the unique identification information included in the start signal matches the unique identification information obtained by imaging the display of the information display unit, at least either during the execution of the mutual authentication process or after the completion of the mutual authentication process. If they do not match during the confirmation during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the mutual authentication process is aborted. If they do not match during the confirmation after the completion of the mutual authentication process, the cooperation in the wireless connection is restricted. Triggered by a predetermined start operation performed by the user, the start signal including the unique identification information is transmitted from the transmission unit in a broadcast manner. This is the gist of the invention.

[0014] According to such a cooking appliance of the present invention, by transmitting a start signal including unique identification information displayed on the information display unit, a second authentication method that does not use specific authentication information is selected on the communication terminal that has received the start signal. Therefore, the input of specific authentication information can be omitted and the mutual authentication process for the user can be simplified. Then, it is confirmed whether the unique identification information included in the start signal received by the communication terminal matches the unique identification information obtained by imaging the display of the information display unit. If they do not match during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the mutual authentication process will not be completed. If they do not match after the completion of the mutual authentication process, the cooperation in the wireless connection is restricted. Thus, it is possible to prevent incorrect cooperation between the cooking appliance and a communication terminal other than the user.

[0015] Also, in order to solve the above-described problems, the application program for the communication terminal of the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is, In an application program for a communication terminal used in a cooking system that wirelessly connects and coordinates a cooking device that heats food with a communication terminal compatible with wireless communication with the cooking device, The cooking device has an information display unit that displays pre-assigned unique identification information, and when a predetermined start operation is performed by the user, it can broadcast the start signal for starting mutual authentication processing for authenticating the communication partner of the wireless connection, including the unique identification information. An acquisition step of acquiring the unique identification information by imaging the display of the information display unit; As an authentication method in the mutual authentication process, either a first authentication method that is completed when the user inputs specific authentication information associated with the communication partner of the wireless connection or a second authentication method that is completed without using the specific authentication information can be selected. When receiving the start signal including the unique identification information, a method selection step of selecting the second authentication method; When the second authentication method is selected, a coincidence confirmation step of checking whether the unique identification information included in the start signal matches the unique identification information acquired in the acquisition step, at least one of during the execution of the mutual authentication process and after the completion of the mutual authentication process; If the unique identification information does not match in the confirmation performed during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the mutual authentication process is aborted. If the unique identification information does not match in the confirmation performed after the completion of the mutual authentication process, a restriction step of restricting the cooperation in the wireless connection characterized by comprising.

[0016] According to the application program of the present invention, when a start signal containing unique identification information is transmitted from the cooking appliance, the communication terminal that receives the start signal selects a second authentication method that does not use specific authentication information, thereby simplifying the mutual authentication process for the user by omitting the input of specific authentication information. The communication terminal verifies that the unique identification information contained in the start signal received by the communication terminal matches the unique identification information obtained by imaging the display of the information display unit. If there is a mismatch during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the mutual authentication process will not be completed. If there is a mismatch after the completion of the mutual authentication process, wireless connection will be restricted, thus preventing erroneous communication between the cooking appliance and a communication terminal other than the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the heating and cooking system 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fuel gas supply path in a gas stove 10. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the communication between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 in the heating and cooking system 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the stove-side pairing process performed by the controller 30 of the gas stove 10 in this embodiment for pairing purposes. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the first half of the terminal-side pairing process performed by the control unit 45 of the smartphone 40 in this embodiment for pairing. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the latter half of the terminal-side pairing process performed by the control unit 45 of the smartphone 40 in this embodiment for pairing. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of pairing between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 in this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the first half of the terminal-side pairing process performed by the control unit 45 of the modified smartphone 40 for pairing. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the latter part of the terminal-side pairing process performed by the control unit 45 of the modified smartphone 40 for pairing. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of pairing between a modified gas stove 10 and a smartphone 40. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the heating and cooking system 1 of this embodiment. The illustrated heating and cooking system 1 consists of a gas stove 10 as an example of a heating appliance for heating food to be cooked, and a smartphone 40 as an example of a communication terminal that supports wireless communication with the gas stove 10, and the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 can be linked wirelessly.

[0019] The gas stove 10 illustrated is a built-in type that is fitted into a storage space opened in the worktop of a system kitchen (not shown). It comprises a box-shaped stove body 11 housed in the storage space, and a top plate 12 that covers the open top surface of the stove body 11. The stove body 11 is equipped with a stove burner 13 that burns a mixture of fuel gas and air, and the upper part of the stove burner 13 protrudes from an insertion hole formed in the top plate 12. In the illustrated example, two stove burners 13a and 13b are arranged on the left and right. Note that the stove burners 13a and 13b in this embodiment correspond to the "heating section" of the present invention.

[0020] On the top plate 12, trivets 14a and 14b are installed surrounding each of the stove burners 13a and 13b, for placing cooking containers such as pots containing ingredients (food to be cooked) above the stove burners 13a and 13b. In addition, a sticker 10s displaying a two-dimensional code is affixed to the top surface of the top plate 12 in this embodiment (the front right corner in the illustrated example). As will be described in detail later, this two-dimensional code contains unique identification information of the gas stove 10 used in mutual authentication processing (so-called pairing) to authenticate and register the wireless communication partner. By wirelessly connecting the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40, for example, operating status information regarding the operating status of the gas stove 10 can be displayed on the display unit 41 of the smartphone 40, such as a liquid crystal display. Note that the sticker 10s in this embodiment corresponds to the "information display unit" of the present invention. Also, the display unit 41 in this embodiment corresponds to the "terminal-side display unit" of the present invention.

[0021] In addition, the stovetop unit 11 has a built-in grill 15 (not shown) for grilling food (food to be cooked), and a grill burner 15a that burns a mixture of fuel gas and air as its heat source is installed. A grill door 15d is provided on the front of the stovetop unit 11, and the front of the grill 15 can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, the grill burner 15a corresponds to the "heating section" of the present invention.

[0022] On the front of the stove unit 11, to the right of the grill door 15d, there is a power switch 16 that the user operates to turn the gas stove 10 on and off, and stove operation buttons 17a and 17b that the user operates to ignite, extinguish, or adjust the heat output of the two stove burners 13a and 13b, respectively. On the left side of the grill door 15d, there is a grill operation button 18 that the user operates to ignite, extinguish, or adjust the heat output of the grill burner 15a. In addition, an indicator LED 19 is provided to the upper left of the grill operation button 18 to indicate the status of the gas stove 10, for example, the indicator LED 19 lights up when pairing with a smartphone 40 is complete.

[0023] In the gas stove 10 of this embodiment, when the user pushes one of the operation buttons (stove operation buttons 17a, 17b, and grill operation button 18) backward, the pressed operation button 17a, 17b, or 18 protrudes forward, and the corresponding burner (one of the stove burners 13a, 13b, or grill burner 15a) is ignited and combustion begins. Furthermore, the flame intensity of the corresponding burners 13a, 13b, or 15a can be adjusted by rotating the protruding operation buttons 17a, 17b, or 18. The corresponding burners 13a, 13b, or 15a are extinguished by pushing the protruding operation buttons 17a, 17b, or 18 backward.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fuel gas supply path in the gas stove 10. The gas stove 10 in this embodiment is equipped with the three burners described above (cooker burners 13a, 13b and grill burner 15a), and correspondingly, the gas passage 20 that supplies fuel gas branches into three. Specifically, it is divided into a left branch passage 21a corresponding to the left cooker burner 13a, a right branch passage 21b corresponding to the right cooker burner 13b, and a grill branch passage 21g corresponding to the grill burner 15a, and fuel gas is supplied to each of them.

[0025] The left branch passage 21a is equipped with an on-off valve 22a for opening and closing the left branch passage 21a, a flow control valve 23a downstream of the on-off valve 22a that adjusts the flow rate of fuel gas in the left branch passage 21a, and a nozzle 24a that injects fuel gas from the end of the left branch passage 21a. When the on-off valve 22a is opened, fuel gas at a flow rate corresponding to the opening of the flow control valve 23a is injected from the nozzle 24a, and a mixed gas, which is mixed with primary air for combustion, is supplied to the left stove burner 13a. This mixed gas is ejected from multiple flame ports of the left stove burner 13a, and combustion of the mixed gas is started by a spark generated by the spark plug 25a, heating the food (food to be cooked) in the cooking container above.

[0026] Furthermore, a thermocouple 26a is provided as a flame detection unit to detect the combustion flame in the left burner 13a, and it is possible to detect ignition and extinction based on the electromotive force of the thermocouple 26a. In addition, a pot bottom temperature sensor 27a is provided that protrudes from the center of the left burner 13a and contacts the bottom surface of the cooking container above, making it possible to detect the temperature of the cooking container.

[0027] Similarly, the right branch 21b is equipped with an on-off valve 22b, a flow control valve 23b, and a nozzle 24b, and is also equipped with an ignition plug 25b, a thermocouple 26b, and a pot bottom temperature sensor 27b corresponding to the right stove burner 13b. The grill branch 21g is also equipped with an on-off valve 22g, a flow control valve 23g, and a nozzle 24g. Furthermore, it is equipped with an ignition plug 25g and a thermocouple 26g corresponding to the grill burner 15a, and a grill temperature sensor 28 is provided inside the grill 15, making it possible to detect the temperature inside the grill 15.

[0028] In the gas stove 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to burn any one of the two stove burners 13a, 13b and the grill burner 15a individually, or to burn all of them simultaneously. Furthermore, the flame intensity during combustion can be adjusted by controlling the opening degree (fuel gas flow rate) of the corresponding flow control valves 23a, 23b, 23g for each burner 13a, 13b, and 15a.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the cooperation between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 in the heating cooking system 1 of this embodiment. First, the gas stove 10 is equipped with a controller 30 that controls the entire gas stove 10. The controller 30 is electrically connected to operation buttons 17a, 17b, 18 corresponding to the two stove burners 13a, 13b and the grill burner 15a, respectively, as well as on-off valves 22a, 22b, 22g, flow control valves 23a, 23b, 23g, ignition plugs 25a, 25b, 25g, thermocouples 26a, 26b, 26g, and temperature sensors 27a, 27b, 28, etc.

[0030] When any of the operation buttons 17a, 17b, or 18 is pressed and protrudes forward, the controller 30 opens the corresponding on-off valves 22a, 22b, or 22g and generates a spark at the spark plugs 25a, 25b, or 25g. Also, when a rotational operation is performed using any of the protruding operation buttons 17a, 17b, or 18, the controller 30 changes the opening degree of the corresponding flow control valves 23a, 23b, or 23g according to the amount of operation (rotation angle). Then, when any of the protruding operation buttons 17a, 17b, or 18 is pushed back, the controller 30 closes the corresponding on-off valves 22a, 22b, or 22g.

[0031] In addition, if the controller 30 detects that ignition has not occurred (fire has been extinguished) based on the electromotive force of the corresponding thermocouples 26a, 26b, or 26g, even though one of the on-off valves 22a, 22b, or 22g is open, the controller 30 determines that there is an abnormality in that ignition has not occurred (ignition error) or that the fire has gone out during combustion (flame failure error), and closes the corresponding on-off valves 22a, 22b, or 22g. Furthermore, if the temperature detected by any of the temperature sensors 27a, 27b, or 28 exceeds the specified temperature, the controller 30 determines that there is an abnormality in that the temperature has become too high (high temperature error), and closes the corresponding on-off valves 22a, 22b, or 22g.

[0032] Furthermore, the controller 30 is connected to a transmitting unit 31 capable of transmitting wireless signals and a receiving unit 32 capable of receiving wireless signals in order to support wireless communication with the smartphone 40. In the heating cooking system 1 of this embodiment, Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark) is adopted as the communication standard for wireless connection between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40. In addition, as mentioned above, unique identification information used when pairing with the smartphone 40 is pre-assigned to the gas stove 10, and a storage unit 33 that stores this unique identification information is connected to the controller 30. Note that the transmitting unit 31 in this embodiment corresponds to the "transmitting unit" of the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the controller 30 is connected to a power switch 16 and an indicator LED 19. As will be described later, in the gas stove 10 of this embodiment, the power switch 16 is used not only to turn the power of the gas stove 10 on and off, but also to start the pairing process, and the indicator LED 19 is used to notify the completion of pairing and other events.

[0034] Meanwhile, in addition to the display unit 41 such as the aforementioned liquid crystal display, the smartphone 40 is equipped with a transmitting unit 42 capable of transmitting wireless signals and a receiving unit 43 capable of receiving wireless signals in order to support wireless communication with the gas stove 10. It also includes a storage unit 44 that stores an operating system (OS) that manages and controls the overall operation of the smartphone 40, and an application program for coordinating with the gas stove 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "stove-coordination app"), and a control unit 45 that controls the coordination with the gas stove 10 according to the stove-coordination app. The display unit 41, transmitting unit 42, receiving unit 43, and storage unit 44 are connected to this control unit 45. Furthermore, a camera 46 mounted on the smartphone 40 is connected to the control unit 45.

[0035] The display unit 41 in this embodiment employs a touch panel and can detect user operations and inputs. According to the stove-cooperation application activated by the user through a predetermined operation on the display unit 41 (for example, tapping an icon), the control unit 45 controls wireless communication with the gas stove 10. Note that the parts in Figure 3 are conceptually classified based on their function, and each does not necessarily need to exist physically; they can be composed of various devices, electronic components, integrated circuits, computers, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In this type of heating and cooking system 1, the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 are linked wirelessly. For example, the gas stove 10 can transmit operating status information (such as whether each burner 13a, 13b, and 15a is burning or stopped, the intensity of the flame when burning, whether an error has occurred, and the content of any errors that have occurred), and the operating status information received by the smartphone 40 can be displayed on the display unit 41. Furthermore, by setting a cooking recipe through operations or input on the display unit 41, the smartphone 40 can transmit recipe information, and the gas stove 10 can perform automatic cooking operations such as adjusting the flame intensity according to the recipe information received. Therefore, even if the gas stove 10 does not have a display unit for displaying operating status information or an operation unit for setting recipe information, it is possible to display operating status information and perform automatic cooking operations through linkage with the smartphone 40. As a prerequisite for this wireless linkage between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40, pairing must be completed. The following describes the processes performed by the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 for pairing. In this embodiment, pairing basically only requires authentication of the communication partner once initially, and by registering that authenticated communication partner, authentication can be omitted in subsequent instances. However, it is also possible to perform authentication each time without registering.

[0037] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the stove-side pairing process performed by the controller 30 of the gas stove 10 in this embodiment for pairing. This stove-side pairing process is performed when the user turns on the gas stove 10 by operating the power switch 16 and pairing with the smartphone 40 is not confirmed. As shown in the figure, when the stove-side pairing process is started, it is first determined whether or not the user has detected the start operation of pairing (STEP 1). In the gas stove 10 of this embodiment, the start operation that triggers the start of pairing is for the user to long-press the power switch 16 (for example, maintaining pressure for 5 seconds or more). If the start operation of pairing has not yet been detected (STEP 1: no), the determination in STEP 1 is repeated at a predetermined interval.

[0038] Subsequently, if a pairing start operation is detected (STEP 1: yes), a pairing start advertisement signal is transmitted from the transmitter 31 to start pairing (STEP 2). This pairing start advertisement signal is a broadcast-type wireless signal transmitted unidirectionally to an unspecified number of recipients. As mentioned above, the gas stove 10 is pre-assigned unique identification information, and the pairing start advertisement signal includes the unique identification information of the gas stove 10. In this embodiment, the pairing start advertisement signal corresponds to the "start signal" of the present invention.

[0039] When a pairing start advertisement signal is sent, it is determined whether or not a connection request has been received from the smartphone 40 in response to the pairing start (STEP 3). If a connection request has not been received (STEP 3: no), the next step is to determine whether 120 seconds have elapsed since the stove-side pairing process started and the pairing start advertisement signal was first sent (STEP 4). If 120 seconds have not yet elapsed (STEP 4: no), the process returns to STEP 2, the pairing start advertisement signal is sent (STEP 2), and it is determined again whether or not a connection request has been received (STEP 3). Thus, the pairing start advertisement signal is not limited to a single transmission, but can be repeatedly transmitted at predetermined intervals (e.g., 100 ms).

[0040] If 120 seconds have elapsed since the initial transmission of the pairing start advertisement signal without receiving a connection request from the smartphone 40 (STEP 4: yes), it is determined that pairing with the smartphone 40 will not occur, and after notifying the pairing failure (STEP 5), the gas stove side pairing process shown in Figure 4 is terminated. In this embodiment, the gas stove 10 is equipped with a notification LED 19 as described above, and for example, the notification LED 19 flashes red for a certain period of time to notify the user of a pairing failure. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the elapsed time since the initial transmission of the pairing start advertisement signal is set to 120 seconds, but it is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate.

[0041] In response to this, if a connection request is received from the smartphone 40 before 120 seconds have elapsed since the initial transmission of the pairing start advertisement signal (STEP 3: yes), a connection establishment process is performed to establish a one-to-one connection with the smartphone 40 (STEP 6), and it is determined whether or not the connection with the smartphone 40 was successfully established (STEP 7). If the connection with the smartphone 40 was not successfully established at this time (STEP 7: no), the process returns to STEP 2, and the subsequent processes described above are repeated.

[0042] On the other hand, if the connection with smartphone 40 is successfully established (STEP7: yes), an information exchange process is performed to exchange pairing information (encryption information) with smartphone 40 (STEP8), and it is determined whether or not the information exchange with smartphone 40 was successful (STEP9). If the information exchange with smartphone 40 is not successful (STEP9: no), it is determined whether or not 30 seconds have passed since the connection with smartphone 40 was established (STEP10). If 30 seconds have not yet passed (STEP10: no), the process returns to STEP8, the information exchange process is performed again (STEP8), and it is determined again whether or not the information exchange with smartphone 40 was successful (STEP9).

[0043] If 30 seconds have passed since the connection with the smartphone 40 was established without successful information exchange with the smartphone 40 (STEP 10: yes), a pairing failure notification is issued (STEP 5), and the stove-side pairing process shown in Figure 4 is terminated. On the other hand, if information exchange with the smartphone 40 is successful before 30 seconds have passed since the connection with the smartphone 40 was established (STEP 9: yes), pairing is completed, and after a pairing completion notification is issued (STEP 11), the stove-side pairing process shown in Figure 4 is terminated. In the gas stove 10 of this embodiment, for example, the completion of pairing is notified by lighting the notification LED 19 in blue for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the elapsed time since the connection with the smartphone 40 was established is set to 30 seconds, but it is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate.

[0044] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts of the terminal-side pairing process performed by the control unit 45 of the smartphone 40 in this embodiment for pairing. This terminal-side pairing process is executed according to the stove-linking application when the user launches the stove-linking application by performing a predetermined operation on the display unit 41 (for example, tapping an icon). As shown in the figures, when the terminal-side pairing process is started, first, a pairing guide is displayed on the display unit 41 to guide the user on pairing with the gas stove 10 (STEP 20). In the smartphone 40 of this embodiment, the pairing guide displays instructions such as reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the gas stove 10 with the camera 46 on the application screen of the display unit 41.

[0045] When the pairing instructions are displayed, the next step is to determine whether or not the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 has been acquired (STEP 21). As mentioned above, the two-dimensional code displayed on the sticker 10s of the gas stove 10 contains the unique identification information, and it is possible to acquire the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 by reading (imaging) the two-dimensional code with the camera 46 of the smartphone 40. If the unique identification information has not yet been acquired (STEP 21: no), the determination in STEP 21 is repeated at a predetermined interval. In this embodiment, the camera 46 corresponds to the "acquisition unit" of the present invention.

[0046] Subsequently, if the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 is obtained (STEP21: yes), the next step is to determine whether or not a pairing request operation by the user has been detected (STEP22). In the smartphone 40 of this embodiment, the pairing request operation is performed by the user tapping the pairing button displayed on the app screen of the display unit 41. If a pairing request operation has not yet been detected (STEP22: no), the determination in STEP22 is repeated at predetermined intervals.

[0047] Then, if a pairing request operation is detected (STEP22: yes), instructions on how to start pairing on the gas stove 10 are displayed on the display unit 41 (STEP23). The two-dimensional code displayed on the sticker 10s of the gas stove 10 in this embodiment contains not only unique identification information but also specification information such as the model number of the gas stove 10. Based on the specification information obtained by reading the two-dimensional code with the camera 46 of the smartphone 40, instructions on how to start pairing according to the model number of the gas stove 10 are displayed on the app screen of the display unit 41. As mentioned above, in the gas stove 10 of this embodiment, the user long-presses the power switch 16 as the operation to start pairing.

[0048] When instructions for starting the pairing process are displayed, the receiver 43 determines whether or not it has received the pairing start advertisement signal (STEP 24). As mentioned above, the pairing start advertisement signal is a broadcast-type wireless signal that is transmitted unidirectionally from the gas stove 10, which has been initiated by the user, to an unspecified number of recipients.

[0049] If the pairing start advertisement signal has not been received (STEP24: no), then determine whether 120 seconds have elapsed since the pairing start operation instructions were displayed (STEP25). If 120 seconds have not yet elapsed (STEP25: no), return to STEP24 and determine again whether the pairing start advertisement signal has been received (STEP24).

[0050] If 120 seconds have elapsed since the display of the pairing start operation guidance without receiving an advertisement signal to start pairing (STEP 25: yes), it is determined that pairing with the gas stove 10 will not occur, and after displaying a pairing failure on the application screen of the display unit 41 (STEP 26), the terminal-side pairing process shown in Figures 5 and 6 is terminated. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the elapsed time since the display of the pairing start operation guidance is set to 120 seconds, but this is not limited to this, and it can be set as appropriate.

[0051] In contrast, if a pairing start advertisement signal is received before 120 seconds have elapsed since the display of instructions for starting the pairing operation (STEP24: yes), it is determined whether the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 included in the received pairing start advertisement signal matches the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 obtained from the two-dimensional code in STEP21 (STEP27). As mentioned above, the gas stove 10 is pre-assigned unique identification information, and the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 is included in the two-dimensional code displayed on the sticker 10s on the top plate 12, as well as in the pairing start advertisement signal transmitted from the gas stove 10. For example, if the pairing start advertisement signal received by the smartphone 40 was transmitted from the gas stove 10 of the neighboring house, and the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 does not match (STEP27: no), it returns to STEP24 and determines again whether or not a pairing start advertisement signal has been received (STEP24). Furthermore, the control unit 45 in this embodiment has a function corresponding to the "matching confirmation unit" of the present invention and a function corresponding to the "regulation unit" of the present invention.

[0052] On the other hand, if the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 matches (STEP27: yes), the transmission unit 42 sends a connection request in response to the start of pairing (STEP28), then performs a connection establishment process to establish a one-to-one connection with the gas stove 10 (STEP29), and determines whether or not the connection with the gas stove 10 was successfully established (STEP30). If the connection with the gas stove 10 was not successfully established at this time (STEP30: no), the process returns to STEP24 and the above-described process is repeated.

[0053] On the other hand, if the connection with the gas stove 10 is successfully established (STEP 30: yes), an authentication process is performed to authenticate the gas stove 10 as a wireless communication partner (STEP 31 in Figure 6). In the smartphone 40 of this embodiment, the authentication method in the authentication process can be selected from either a first authentication method (so-called Passkey Entry method) which is completed by inputting a passcode (specific authentication information) associated with the wireless communication partner, or a second authentication method (so-called Just Works method) which is completed without using a passcode. In the first authentication method of this embodiment, the user inputs the passcode on the application screen of the display unit 41. Then, as described above, when an advertisement signal for the start of pairing, including unique identification information, is received from the gas stove 10, the second authentication method is selected. The control unit 45 of this embodiment has a function equivalent to the "method selection unit" of the present invention.

[0054] Following the authentication process, an information exchange process is performed to exchange pairing information (encrypted information) with the gas stove 10 (STEP 32), and it is determined whether or not the information exchange with the gas stove 10 was successful (STEP 33). If the information exchange with the gas stove 10 was unsuccessful (STEP 33: no), it is determined whether or not 30 seconds have passed since the connection with the gas stove 10 was established (STEP 34). If 30 seconds have not yet passed (STEP 34: no), the process returns to STEP 32, the information exchange process is performed again (STEP 32), and it is determined again whether or not the information exchange with the gas stove 10 was successful (STEP 33).

[0055] If 30 seconds have elapsed since the connection to the gas stove 10 was established without successful information exchange with the gas stove 10 (STEP34: yes), the application screen of the display unit 41 will display a pairing failure message (STEP26 in Figure 5), and then the terminal-side pairing process shown in Figures 5 and 6 will be terminated. On the other hand, if information exchange with the gas stove 10 is successful before 30 seconds have elapsed since the connection to the gas stove 10 was established (STEP33: yes), pairing will be completed, and the application screen of the display unit 41 will display a pairing completion message (STEP35), and then the terminal-side pairing process shown in Figures 5 and 6 will be terminated. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the elapsed time since the connection to the gas stove 10 was established is set to 30 seconds, but this is not limited to this, and it can be set as appropriate.

[0056] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of pairing between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 in this embodiment. In Figure 7, the left side shows the processing on the gas stove 10, and the right side shows the processing on the smartphone 40. First, on the smartphone 40 side, upon receiving a predetermined operation (tapping an icon) from the user, the stove linking app is launched, and pairing instructions are displayed on the app screen of the display unit 41 according to the stove linking app. Then, the user reads (images) the two-dimensional code displayed on the gas stove 10 with the camera 46 according to the pairing instructions, thereby acquiring the unique identification information of the gas stove 10.

[0057] Next, on the smartphone 40 side, when the user taps the pairing button displayed on the app screen of the display unit 41 as a pairing request operation, the smartphone 40 displays instructions on how to start pairing on the gas stove 10 on the app screen of the display unit 41, based on the gas stove 10 specification information acquired along with the unique identification information.

[0058] Meanwhile, on the gas stove 10 side, when the user actually initiates the pairing process (by long-pressing the power switch 16) following the instructions for initiating pairing displayed on the app screen of the smartphone 40's display unit 41, the transmission unit 31 sends a pairing start advertisement signal. As mentioned above, the pairing start advertisement signal is repeatedly transmitted at predetermined intervals (e.g., 100ms) using a broadcast method.

[0059] Upon receiving this pairing start advertisement signal in the receiving unit 43, the smartphone 40 confirms that the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 contained in the received pairing start advertisement signal matches the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 obtained by reading the two-dimensional code, and then sends a connection request from the transmitting unit 42 in response to the pairing start. If a match of unique identification information cannot be confirmed, the pairing will be canceled (failed) without sending a connection request.

[0060] Then, when the receiving unit 32 on the gas stove 10 receives the connection request, a one-to-one connection is established between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40. At this time, the smartphone 40 authenticates the gas stove 10 using a second authentication method (Just Works method) that does not use a passcode, based on the fact that it has received an advertisement signal from the gas stove 10 that initiates pairing and contains unique identification information.

[0061] Subsequently, when pairing information (encrypted information) is exchanged between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40, pairing is completed. The gas stove 10 signals the completion of pairing by lighting up the notification LED 19, and the smartphone 40 displays "pairing complete" on the app screen of the display unit 41. From this point onward, two-way wireless communication between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 is encrypted based on the pairing information, enabling the display of operating status information and the execution of automatic cooking operations through the aforementioned cooperation between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40.

[0062] As described above, in the heating and cooking system 1 of this embodiment, the gas stove 10 is pre-assigned unique identification information, and the unique identification information is included in the two-dimensional code displayed on the seal 10s of the top plate 12. Furthermore, when the user initiates pairing on the gas stove 10, an advertisement signal for the start of pairing, including the unique identification information, is transmitted via broadcast. On the other hand, the smartphone 40 can select either a first authentication method (Passkey Entry method) which is completed by the user entering a passcode associated with the wireless communication partner, or a second authentication method (Just Works method) which is completed without using a passcode. When the smartphone receives an advertisement signal for the start of pairing, including the unique identification information, from the gas stove 10, it selects the second authentication method. Furthermore, if the second authentication method is selected, during the pairing process, the system checks whether the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 contained in the pairing start advertisement signal received by the smartphone 40 matches the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 obtained by reading (imaging) the two-dimensional code on the sticker 10s with the camera 46. If the unique identification information does not match, the pairing process is canceled.

[0063] In this embodiment of the heating and cooking system 1, the gas stove 10 transmits an advertisement signal to initiate pairing that includes unique identification information. The smartphone 40 that receives this advertisement signal selects a second authentication method that does not use a passcode, thus simplifying pairing for the user by eliminating the need to enter a passcode. During the pairing process, the smartphone 40 verifies that the unique identification information contained in the advertisement signal to initiate pairing received by the smartphone matches the unique identification information obtained by reading the two-dimensional code. If the unique identification information does not match, pairing will not be completed, thus preventing incorrect connection between the gas stove 10 and a smartphone 40 other than the user's.

[0064] Furthermore, in the heating and cooking system 1 of this embodiment, the two-dimensional code displayed on the seal 10s contains not only unique identification information but also specification information such as the model number of the gas stove 10. Based on the specification information acquired by reading (imaging) the two-dimensional code with the camera 46 of the smartphone 40, instructions for starting the pairing operation on the gas stove 10 are displayed on the display unit 41. In this way, by following the instructions displayed on the display unit 41 of the smartphone 40 and performing the pairing start operation on the gas stove 10, the user can smoothly start the pairing process.

[0065] The heating and cooking system 1 of the above-described embodiment also has the following modifications. Below, the modifications will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment. In the description of the modifications, components similar to those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0066] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts of the terminal-side pairing process performed by the control unit 45 of the modified smartphone 40 for pairing. Similar to the embodiment described above, the terminal-side pairing process of the modified device is also executed according to the stove-linking application when the user launches the stove-linking application by performing a predetermined operation on the display unit 41 (for example, tapping an icon). As shown in the figure, the terminal-side pairing process of the modified device first determines whether or not a pairing request operation by the user (tapping the pairing button displayed on the application screen of the display unit 41) has been detected (STEP 40). If a pairing request operation has not yet been detected (STEP 40: no), the determination in STEP 40 is repeated at predetermined intervals.

[0067] Subsequently, if a pairing request operation is detected (STEP 40: yes), it is determined whether or not the receiving unit 43 has received the pairing start advertisement signal (STEP 41). Similar to the embodiment described above, the pairing start advertisement signal is a broadcast-type wireless signal transmitted from the gas stove 10 when the user initiates the pairing operation (long press of the power switch 16), and includes unique identification information pre-assigned to the gas stove 10.

[0068] If the pairing start advertisement signal has not been received (STEP41: no), then it is determined whether 120 seconds have elapsed since the pairing request operation was detected (STEP42). If 120 seconds have not yet elapsed (STEP42: no), the process returns to STEP41 and it is determined again whether the pairing start advertisement signal has been received (STEP41).

[0069] If 120 seconds have elapsed since the detection of the pairing request operation without receiving an advertisement signal to start pairing (STEP 42: yes), it is determined that pairing with the gas stove 10 will not occur, and after displaying a pairing failure on the application screen of the display unit 41 (STEP 43), the terminal-side pairing process shown in Figures 8 and 9 is terminated. In the modified example, the upper limit of the elapsed time since the detection of the pairing request operation is set to 120 seconds, but this is not limited to this, and it can be set as appropriate.

[0070] In contrast, if a pairing start advertisement signal is received before 120 seconds have elapsed since detecting the pairing request operation (STEP 41: yes), the display unit 41 displays guidance on the location of the two-dimensional code (sticker 10s) on the gas stove 10 (STEP 44). In the modified example, the pairing start advertisement signal includes not only the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 but also specification information regarding the model of the gas stove 10. Based on the specification information contained in the pairing start advertisement signal received by the receiver unit 43 of the smartphone 40, guidance on the attachment location of the sticker 10s (the location of the two-dimensional code captured by the camera 46 of the smartphone 40) according to the model of the gas stove 10 is displayed on the app screen of the display unit 41.

[0071] After displaying the location of the two-dimensional code, the next step is to determine whether or not the unique identification information for the gas stove 10 has been acquired (STEP 45). The two-dimensional code displayed on the sticker 10s of the gas stove 10 contains the unique identification information, and it is possible to acquire the unique identification information for the gas stove 10 by reading (imaging) the two-dimensional code with the camera 46 of the smartphone 40. If the unique identification information has not yet been acquired (STEP 45: no), the process returns to STEP 41, and upon receiving the pairing start advertisement signal (STEP 41: yes), the display unit 41 again displays the location of the two-dimensional code on the gas stove 10 based on the specification information contained in the pairing start advertisement signal (STEP 44).

[0072] On the other hand, if the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 is obtained (STEP 45: yes), a connection request is sent from the transmitting unit 42 in response to the start of pairing (STEP 46), a connection establishment process is performed to establish a one-to-one connection with the gas stove 10 (STEP 47), and it is determined whether or not the connection with the gas stove 10 was successfully established (STEP 48). If the connection with the gas stove 10 was not successfully established at this time (STEP 48: no), the process returns to STEP 41 and the above-described process is repeated.

[0073] In response to this, if the connection with the gas stove 10 is successfully established (STEP 48: yes), an authentication process is performed to authenticate the gas stove 10 as a wireless communication partner (STEP 49 in Figure 9). Similar to the embodiment described above, the modified smartphone 40 also allows the user to select either a first authentication method (Passkey Entry method) which is completed by the user entering a passcode (specific authentication information) associated with the wireless communication partner on the application screen of the display unit 41, or a second authentication method (Just Works method) which is completed without using a passcode. When an advertisement signal for pairing initiation, including unique identification information, is received from the gas stove 10, the second authentication method is selected. The control unit 45 in the modified example has a function equivalent to the "method selection unit" of the present invention.

[0074] Following the authentication process, an information exchange process is performed to exchange pairing information (encrypted information) with the gas stove 10 (STEP 50), and it is determined whether or not the information exchange with the gas stove 10 was successful (STEP 51). If the information exchange with the gas stove 10 was unsuccessful (STEP 51: no), it is determined whether or not 30 seconds have passed since the connection with the gas stove 10 was established (STEP 52). If 30 seconds have not yet passed (STEP 52: no), the process returns to STEP 50, the information exchange process is performed again (STEP 50), and it is determined again whether or not the information exchange with the gas stove 10 was successful (STEP 51).

[0075] If 30 seconds have passed since the connection with the gas stove 10 was established without successful information exchange with the gas stove 10 (STEP 52: yes), the app screen of the display unit 41 will display a pairing failure message (STEP 43 in Figure 8), and then the terminal-side pairing process shown in Figures 8 and 9 will be terminated. In the modified example, the upper limit of the elapsed time since the connection with the gas stove 10 was established is set to 30 seconds, but this is not limited to this value, and it can be set as appropriate.

[0076] On the other hand, if information exchange with the gas stove 10 is successful before 30 seconds have elapsed since the connection with the gas stove 10 was established (STEP 51: yes), pairing is completed, and the application screen of the display unit 41 displays a message indicating that pairing is complete (STEP 53). Next, it is determined whether the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 contained in the pairing start advertisement signal received in STEP 41 matches the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 obtained from the two-dimensional code in STEP 45 (STEP 54). As mentioned above, the gas stove 10 is pre-assigned unique identification information, and the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 is included in the two-dimensional code displayed on the sticker 10s on the top plate 12, as well as in the pairing start advertisement signal transmitted from the gas stove 10.

[0077] For example, if the pairing start advertisement signal received by the smartphone 40 is transmitted from the neighboring gas stove 10 and the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 does not match (STEP 54: no), the display of operating status information and execution of automatic cooking operation in cooperation with the gas stove 10 are restricted (STEP 55), and the terminal-side pairing process shown in Figures 8 and 9 is terminated. On the other hand, if the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 matches (STEP 54: yes), the process in STEP 55 is omitted, and the terminal-side pairing process shown in Figures 8 and 9 is terminated without restricting cooperation with the gas stove 10. The control unit 45 in this modified example has a function corresponding to the "matching confirmation unit" of the present invention and a function corresponding to the "regulation unit" of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of pairing between a modified gas stove 10 and a smartphone 40. In Figure 10, as in Figure 7, the left side shows the processing on the gas stove 10, and the right side shows the processing on the smartphone 40. First, the smartphone 40 launches the stove linkage app in response to a predetermined operation (tapping an icon) by the user. Next, when the user taps the pairing button displayed on the app screen of the display unit 41 as a pairing request operation, the receiving unit 43 enters a scan state in which it can receive a wireless signal from the gas stove 10.

[0079] On the other hand, when the user initiates pairing on the gas stove 10 (by pressing and holding the power switch 16), the transmitter 31 sends a pairing start advertisement signal. As mentioned above, the pairing start advertisement signal is repeatedly transmitted at predetermined intervals (e.g., 100ms) using a broadcast method and includes the unique identification information and specification information of the gas stove 10.

[0080] Upon receiving the pairing start advertisement signal in the receiving unit 43, the smartphone 40 displays instructions on the location of the two-dimensional code (sticker 10s) on the gas stove 10 on the display unit 41's app screen, based on the gas stove 10's specification information included in the received pairing start advertisement signal. When the user reads (images) the two-dimensional code on the gas stove 10 with the camera 46 according to the instructions, and obtains the unique identification information of the gas stove 10, the transmitting unit 42 sends a connection request in response to the pairing start.

[0081] When the receiving unit 32 on the gas stove 10 receives this connection request, a one-to-one connection is established between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40. At this time, the smartphone 40 authenticates the gas stove 10 using a second authentication method (Just Works method) that does not use a passcode, based on the fact that it has received an advertisement signal from the gas stove 10 that initiates pairing and contains unique identification information.

[0082] Subsequently, when pairing information (encryption information) is exchanged between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40, pairing is completed. The gas stove 10 signals the completion of pairing by lighting up the notification LED 19, and the smartphone 40 displays "pairing complete" on the app screen of the display unit 41. From this point onward, two-way wireless communication between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 is encrypted based on the pairing information.

[0083] Next, the smartphone 40 checks whether the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 contained in the received pairing start advertisement signal matches the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 obtained by reading the two-dimensional code with the camera 46. If the unique identification information matches, the smartphone 40 approves the connection with the gas stove 10. This enables the display of operating status information and the execution of automatic cooking operations through the connection between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40. If the unique identification information does not match, the connection with the gas stove 10 will be restricted even if pairing is completed.

[0084] As described above, in the modified heating cooking system 1, the gas stove 10 is pre-assigned unique identification information, and the unique identification information is included in the two-dimensional code displayed on the seal 10s on the top plate 12. Furthermore, when the user initiates pairing on the gas stove 10, it broadcasts an advertisement signal to initiate pairing that includes the unique identification information. On the other hand, the smartphone 40 can select either a first authentication method (Passkey Entry method) which is completed by the user entering a passcode associated with the wireless communication partner, or a second authentication method (Just Works method) which is completed without using a passcode. When the smartphone receives an advertisement signal to initiate pairing that includes the unique identification information from the gas stove 10, it selects the second authentication method. Furthermore, if the second authentication method is selected, after pairing is complete, the system checks whether the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 contained in the pairing start advertisement signal received by the smartphone 40 matches the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 obtained by reading (imaging) the two-dimensional code on the sticker 10s with the camera 46. If the unique identification information does not match, the system restricts wireless connection between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40.

[0085] In this modified heating and cooking system 1, as in the embodiment described above, the gas stove 10 transmits an advertisement signal to initiate pairing that includes unique identification information. The smartphone 40, upon receiving this advertisement signal, selects a second authentication method that does not use a passcode, thus simplifying pairing for the user by eliminating the need to enter a passcode. Furthermore, in this modified heating and cooking system 1, after pairing is complete, the unique identification information contained in the advertisement signal to initiate pairing received by the smartphone 40 is checked to match the unique identification information obtained by reading the two-dimensional code. If the unique identification information does not match, wireless connection between the gas stove 10 and the smartphone 40 is restricted, thereby preventing incorrect connection between the gas stove 10 and a smartphone 40 other than the user's.

[0086] Furthermore, in the modified heating cooking system 1, the pairing start advertisement signal transmitted from the gas stove 10 includes specification information such as the model number of the gas stove 10, in addition to unique identification information. Based on the specification information contained in the pairing start advertisement signal received by the smartphone 40, the display unit 41 displays guidance on the location of the two-dimensional code on the gas stove 10. In this way, even if the location of the two-dimensional code (sticker 10s) differs depending on the model number of the gas stove 10, the user can smoothly verify whether the unique identification information matches by reading (imaging) the two-dimensional code with the camera 46 according to the guidance displayed on the display unit 41 of the smartphone 40.

[0087] Although the heat cooking system 1 of the examples and modified versions has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above examples and modified versions, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0088] For example, in the embodiment described above, the verification of whether the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 contained in the pairing start advertisement signal received by the smartphone 40 matches the unique identification information of the gas stove 10 obtained by reading (imaging) the two-dimensional code on the sticker 10s with the camera 46 was performed during the pairing process, while in the modified example described above, it was performed after the pairing was completed. However, the verification of the matching of the unique identification information only needs to be performed during the pairing process and after the pairing is completed, or it may be performed both times. By verifying the matching of the unique identification information both during the pairing process and after the pairing is completed, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent incorrect pairing between the gas stove 10 and a smartphone 40 other than the user's.

[0089] Furthermore, in the aforementioned modified example, after pairing is complete, the system checks for a match in the unique identification information of the gas stove 10. If the unique identification information does not match, the system restricts the display of operating status information and the execution of automatic cooking operations in cooperation with the gas stove 10. However, the system is not limited to this, and restrictions on cooperation include not cooperating with the gas stove 10 at all (prohibiting it) or canceling the pairing once it has been completed. In addition, if the unique identification information does not match, the system may notify the system of the mismatch and may perform the pairing process again. Moreover, the display of pairing completion may be performed after the unique identification information has been confirmed to match.

[0090] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a sticker 10s displaying a two-dimensional code was affixed to the top plate 12. However, the placement of the sticker 10s is not limited to the top plate; it may also be on the front of the stove body 11. In addition, instead of displaying the two-dimensional code on the sticker 10s, it may be directly displayed (printed) on the top plate 12 or the stove body 11. Moreover, in gas stoves 10 equipped with a display such as an LCD, the two-dimensional code may be displayed on the display instead of the sticker 10s. In this case, prior to reading the two-dimensional code with the camera 46 of the smartphone 40, the power of the gas stove 10 is turned ON and the two-dimensional code is displayed on the display.

[0091] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the operation to initiate pairing on the gas stove 10 was to long-press the power switch 16. However, the operation to initiate pairing is not limited to this, and for example, a dedicated operation unit may be provided, or it may be a combination of operations on the existing operation buttons 17a, 17b, and 18.

[0092] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a gas stove 10 that burns a mixture of fuel gas and air was used as an example of a cooking appliance for heating food. However, the cooking appliance is not limited to a gas stove 10, and may also be an electromagnetic induction cooktop (so-called IH cooktop) equipped with a magnetic field generating coil that heats a metal cooking container by passing current through the coil.

[0093] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a smartphone 40 was used as an example of a communication terminal compatible with wireless communication with a cooking appliance. However, the communication terminal is not limited to a smartphone 40; it may be a tablet or other device as long as it has the same functions as the display unit 41, transmission unit 42, reception unit 43, storage unit 44, control unit 45, and camera 46 described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1…Heating and cooking system, 10…Gas stove, 10s…Seal, 11...Cooktop body, 12...Top plate, 13...Cooktop burner, 14... Trivet, 15... Grill, 15a... Grill burner 15d...Grill door, 16...Power switch, 17...Cooktop control buttons 18…Grill operation button, 19…Notification LED, 20…Gas passage, 21... Branching channel, 22... Shut-off valve, 23... Flow control valve, 24...Nozzle, 25...Spark plug, 26...Thermocouple 27…Pot bottom temperature sensor, 28…Grill temperature sensor, 30…Controller, 31...Transmitter, 32...Receiver, 33...Storage unit 40...Smartphone, 41...Display unit, 42...Transmitter unit, 43...Receiver, 44...Storage unit, 45...Control unit 46... Camera.

Claims

1. In a cooking system that wirelessly connects a cooking appliance that heats food to be cooked using a heating element and a communication terminal that supports wireless communication with the cooking appliance, The aforementioned heating appliance is An information display unit that displays pre-assigned unique identification information, When a predetermined start operation is performed by the user, a transmission unit is capable of broadcasting a start signal that includes the unique identification information in order to start a mutual authentication process for authenticating the communication partner of the wireless connection. Equipped with, The aforementioned communication terminal is An acquisition unit that acquires the unique identification information by capturing an image of the display on the information display unit, As the authentication method in the aforementioned mutual authentication process, it is possible to select either a first authentication method, which is completed by the user inputting specific authentication information associated with the wireless communication partner, or a second authentication method, which is completed without using the specific authentication information, and a method selection unit that selects the second authentication method when it receives the start signal containing the unique identification information, When the second authentication method is selected, a matching verification unit checks whether the unique identification information included in the start signal matches the unique identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, at least during the execution of the mutual authentication process and after the completion of the mutual authentication process. If the unique identification information does not match in the verification performed during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the mutual authentication process is terminated, and if the unique identification information does not match in the verification performed after the completion of the mutual authentication process, the regulatory unit restricts cooperation via the wireless connection. Equipped with A heating and cooking system characterized by the following features.

2. In the heating cooking system according to claim 1, The information display unit includes specification information related to the cooking appliance. The communication terminal includes a terminal-side display unit that displays instructions for the start operation of the heating appliance based on the specification information acquired by capturing an image of the display on the information display unit. A heating and cooking system characterized by the following features.

3. In the heating cooking system according to claim 1, The aforementioned start signal includes specification information relating to the heating appliance, The communication terminal includes a terminal-side display unit that displays guidance on the position of the information display unit to be imaged, based on the specification information included in the received start signal. A heating and cooking system characterized by the following features.

4. In a cooking system that uses a heating unit to heat food to be cooked and a communication terminal compatible with wireless communication between the heating unit and the heating unit, the heating unit is used in the heating unit. An information display unit that displays pre-assigned unique identification information, A transmitting unit that can transmit a start signal including the unique identification information in order to start a mutual authentication process for authenticating the communication partner of the wireless connection. Equipped with, In the aforementioned communication terminal, As the authentication method in the mutual authentication process, it is possible to select either a first authentication method, which is completed by the user inputting specific authentication information associated with the wireless communication partner, or a second authentication method, which is completed without using the specific authentication information, and when the start signal containing the unique identification information is received, the second authentication method is selected. When the second authentication method is selected, a check is performed to determine whether the unique identification information included in the start signal matches the unique identification information obtained by imaging the display of the information display unit, at least once during the execution of the mutual authentication process and after the completion of the mutual authentication process. If they do not match during the check while the mutual authentication process is being executed, the mutual authentication process is being terminated. If they do not match after the check after the completion of the mutual authentication process, the wireless connection is being restricted. Upon the user performing a predetermined start operation, the start signal containing the unique identification information is transmitted from the transmitting unit in a broadcast manner. A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

5. In an application program for a communication terminal used in a cooking system that wirelessly connects a cooking appliance that heats food to be cooked using a heating unit with a communication terminal that supports wireless communication with the cooking appliance, The aforementioned heating appliance has an information display unit that displays pre-assigned unique identification information, and when a predetermined start operation is performed by the user, it can transmit a start signal containing the unique identification information in a broadcast manner to start a mutual authentication process for authenticating the wireless communication partner. An acquisition step of acquiring the unique identification information by capturing an image of the display on the information display unit, As the authentication method in the mutual authentication process, it is possible to select either a first authentication method, which is completed by the user inputting specific authentication information associated with the wireless communication partner, or a second authentication method, which is completed without using the specific authentication information, and upon receiving the start signal containing the unique identification information, a method selection step is performed to select the second authentication method. When the second authentication method is selected, a matching verification step is performed to confirm whether the unique identification information included in the start signal matches the unique identification information acquired in the acquisition step, at least during the execution of the mutual authentication process and after the completion of the mutual authentication process. If the unique identification information does not match in the verification performed during the execution of the mutual authentication process, the mutual authentication process is terminated, and if the unique identification information does not match in the verification performed after the completion of the mutual authentication process, a regulatory process is initiated to restrict cooperation via the wireless connection. An application program characterized by having the following features.

Images