Induction heating cooker and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

This disclosure provides an induction heating cooker and a computer-readable recording medium. The induction heating cooker includes: a heating coil; a power switch; a multi-function switch assigned different functions depending on the situation; a display unit displaying an image object; and a control unit controlling operation based on a predetermined operation mode among multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes include a single-operation heating mode where heating begins upon initial operation after power is turned on. The control unit is capable of controlling operation based on the single-operation heating mode. The single-operation heating mode is an operation mode in which the control unit causes the display unit to display an image object indicating the start of heating, associates the multi-function switch with the image object indicating the start of heating, and, upon detecting an input operation to the multi-function switch, executes a heating operation using the heating coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an induction heating cooker and a computer-readable recording medium containing a computer program executed by a computer of the induction heating cooker. Background Technology

[0002] Induction heating cookers are widely used in household kitchens and commercial settings. International Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 001513 discloses an induction heating cooker that starts heating after the power switch is turned on and the user has performed two operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When a user wants to use the induction heating cooker disclosed in International Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 001513, multiple operations must be performed after the power is turned on. This is cumbersome for some users, and there is room for improvement in the operability of the induction heating cooker disclosed in International Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 001513.

[0004] This disclosure provides an induction heating cooker that improves operability, and a computer-readable recording medium containing a computer program executed by the computer of the induction heating cooker.

[0005] One aspect of the induction heating cooker disclosed herein includes: a heating coil for induction heating of a food object; a power switch for connecting a power source; a multi-function switch assigned different functions depending on the situation; a display unit for displaying an image object; and a control unit for controlling operations based on a predetermined operation mode among multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes include a single-operation heating mode where heating begins upon initial operation after the power is connected. The control unit is capable of controlling operations based on the single-operation heating mode. The single-operation heating mode is an operation mode in which the control unit causes the display unit to display an image object indicating the start of heating, associates the multi-function switch with the image object indicating the start of heating, and, upon detecting an input operation to the multi-function switch, executes a heating operation using the heating coil.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium is executed by a control unit of an induction heating cooker. The induction heating cooker includes: a heating coil for induction heating of a food object; a power switch for activating power; a multi-function switch assigned different functions depending on the situation; a display unit for displaying an image object; and a control unit, which functions as a computer, for controlling operations based on a predetermined operation mode among multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes include a single-operation heating mode where heating begins upon initial operation after power is activated. The computer program enables the control unit to control operations based on the single-operation heating mode. In the single-operation heating mode, the computer program causes the control unit to perform the following processes: displaying an image object indicating the start of heating on the display unit; associating the multi-function switch with the image object indicating the start of heating; and, upon detecting an input operation to the multi-function switch, performing a heating operation using the heating coil.

[0007] According to this disclosure, the operability of induction heating cookers can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an induction heating cooker according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the induction heating cooker according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an induction heating cooker.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the operating section and the display section.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a magnified view of the area surrounding the operating section and display section.

[0013] Figure 6 This diagram shows the content displayed on the display unit immediately after the power is turned on.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the content displayed on the display unit after the heating process begins.

[0015] Figure 8 This diagram shows an example of a display unit showing a multi-function switch, etc.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control unit in a single-operation heating mode.

[0017] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit in an improved example based on a single operating heating mode.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a flowchart illustrating the process of the control unit, including the transition to standby mode.

[0019] Figure 12 This is an example of the display in the display unit when it automatically switches to standby mode after a certain period of time.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the changes in the display before and after the power is turned on when the "single operation heating mode" is set to "grill".

[0021] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the changes in the display before and after the power is turned on when the "single operation heating mode" is set to "frying".

[0022] Figure 15 This is a display example of a display unit that can restart heating based on the same settings.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the interruption / restart process during a single-operation heating mode.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuit board 250 surrounding the operating section.

[0025] Figure 18 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the rectangular touch switch that constitutes the multi-function switch and the protection electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0026] As mentioned above, in the induction heating cooker disclosed in International Publication No. 2009 / 001513, the minimum number of operations from the time the power is turned on until heating begins is 2. Even if it is desirable to start heating with the fewest possible operations, it is preferable to avoid starting heating with 0 operations after turning on the power without any further operation. This is because there is a possibility that the power to the induction heating cooker may be accidentally turned on due to misoperation.

[0027] The inventors of this application have developed an induction heating cooker that can begin heating upon the first operation after the power is turned on, i.e., one operation. Furthermore, in this specification, "beginning heating" means heating that actually occurs with a rise in temperature upon the commencement of power supply.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes necessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of matters already well known or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily lengthy descriptions and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the inventors have provided the drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, but this does not limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims.

[0029] (1) Implementation method

[0030] (1-1)Overview

[0031] The following is a reference. Figures 1-3 The following describes an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an induction heating cooker 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the induction heating cooker 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a diagram that roughly represents the structure of the induction heating cooker 1.

[0033] Apart from Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 In addition, some of the accompanying drawings involved in this disclosure show X-axis, Y-axis, and / or Z-axis. When using an induction cooker and the user is facing the cooker, the X-axis direction represents the width direction (long side direction) of the cooker, the Y-axis direction represents the depth direction (short side direction), and the Z-axis direction represents the height direction. Furthermore, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as right, and the negative direction as left. Similarly, the positive direction of the Y-axis is defined as rear, and the negative direction as front.

[0034] Induction heating cooker

[0035] First, the general structure of the induction heating cooker 1 disclosed herein will be described.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the induction heating cooker 1 has a main body 3 and a top plate 5, the top plate 5 being used to hold a container on top of the main body 3. The container may contain, for example, ingredients to be heated, such as stews.

[0037] Inside the main body 3 of the induction heating cooker 1, more specifically, heating coils 7, 8, and 9 are arranged on the lower side (-Z side) of the container placement area on the top plate 5 of the induction heating cooker 1. The heating coils 7 to 9 generate an induced magnetic field to inductively heat the container. In addition, the heating cooker 1 has three heating coils 7 to 9, but it may also have one, two, or four or more heating coils.

[0038] In the induction heating cooker 1, for example, operating sections 19, 20, and 21 are provided for operating the heating coils 7, 8, and 9 respectively. That is, the heating coils 7, 8, and 9 correspond one-to-one with the operating sections 19, 20, and 21. Thus, in this specification, the structural elements provided for the heating coils 7, 8, and 9 respectively are referred to as structural elements "corresponding" to the heating coils.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, on the top plate 5 above the heating coils 7 to 9 (+Z side), there are ring-shaped markings 11, 12, and 13 that correspond to the heating coils 7, 8, and 9, respectively, indicating the container placement area.

[0040] Viewed from above, ring-shaped light-emitting portions 15 and 16 are arranged on the outer sides of the heating coils 7 and 8 on the top plate 5. Furthermore, an arc-shaped light-emitting portion 17 is arranged on the front side (-Y side) of the heating coil 9 on the top plate 5. The light-emitting portions 15 to 17 emit light, for example, when current flows through the corresponding heating coils 7 to 9. The light-emitting portions 15 to 17 each have, for example, an LED light-emitting substrate (not shown).

[0041] Furthermore, a temperature sensor 18 is disposed on the underside of the top plate 5 inside the markings 11-13. The detection value detected by the temperature sensor 18 is sent to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 adjusts the current flowing through the heating coils 7-9 while referring to the temperature detection value, and determines the timing for assisting in guiding the cooking method.

[0042] Operating sections 19, 20, and 21 are arranged on the front side (-Y side) of the top plate 5 of the induction heating cooker 1. Operating sections 19, 20, and 21 are used by the user to operate the heating coils 7 to 9 respectively. Operating section 19 is provided for operating the heating coil 7, operating section 20 is provided for operating the heating coil 8, and operating section 21 is provided for operating the heating coil 9. In this specification, operating section 19 corresponds to heating coil 7, operating section 20 corresponds to heating coil 8, and operating section 21 corresponds to heating coil 9.

[0043] On the front side of the top plate 5 of the induction heating cooker 1, display units 23, 24, and 25 are respectively arranged between the heating coils 7-9 and the operation units 19-21. The display units 23, 24, and 25 display the status of the objects operated by the operation units 19-21. The operation of the display units 23-25 ​​is controlled by the control unit 31, which will be described later.

[0044] Display units 23 to 25, for example, each include a dot-matrix liquid crystal display device. The dot-matrix liquid crystal display device is, for example, a full-dot liquid crystal display panel having a strip shape extending in the width direction of the top plate 5.

[0045] Display units 23 to 25 respectively display the status of the operated object and the operation of heating coils 7 to 9 using image objects. For example, display unit 23 displays the operation of heating coil 7, display unit 24 displays the operation of heating coil 8, and display unit 25 displays the operation of heating coil 9.

[0046] The image object can be text and / or an image. For example, the image object can be the text "Heating". In this case, in the induction heating cooker 1, it indicates that heating can be performed using the heating coils 7 to 9 corresponding to the display units 23 to 25. Furthermore, the display units 23 to 25 may also display an image object indicating the start of heating, along with the text "Heating". After heating begins, the display units 23 to 25 may also display images such as numbers or icons indicating the heating level (power) of the heating coils 7 to 9.

[0047] Alternatively, display units 23 to 25 may also be segment-type liquid crystal display devices. Text and / or images displayed using one or more segments fall within the scope of the aforementioned image objects.

[0048] The main body 3 is equipped with a speaker 27 that outputs sound information related to the heating of the heating coils 7 to 9. The speaker 27 is located on the front side of the induction heating cooker 1 and outputs sound guidance to the user.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the induction heating cooker 1 includes a control unit 31 and a storage unit 33 inside the main body 3. The control unit 31 includes, for example, signal processing circuits such as a CPU or a microcontroller (microcomputer). The storage unit 33 is a recording medium such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, or SSD. The storage unit 33 stores a computer program for operating the induction heating cooker 1. The control unit 31 is configured to execute the computer program to perform the various functions described later.

[0050] The control unit 31, which executes the computer program, functions as a coil control unit 35 that controls the current flowing through the heating coils 7-9, a guidance information control unit 37 that controls the display area of ​​the display units 23-25 ​​and controls the display output of guidance information, and a cooking guidance control unit 39 that controls the output of cooking guidance information. Some or all of the coil control unit 35, the guidance information control unit 37, and the cooking guidance control unit 39 may be implemented without software, or may be composed of one or more CPUs, microprocessors, or FPGAs.

[0051] The output signals from the operation units 19-21 are input to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 sets the heating amount of the heating coils 7-9 according to the operation instructions. Based on the operation instructions from the operation unit 19, the control unit 31, which functions as the coil control unit 35, controls the start or stop of heating the heating coils 7. The coil control unit 35 supplies high-frequency current to the heating coils 7-9 to heat the container placed on the top plate 5. Furthermore, the coil control unit 35 controls the heating amount from the heating coils 7-9 by controlling the amount of current flowing through them. In addition, since the output signals from the operation units 19-21 are input to the control unit 31, the control unit 31, which functions as the guidance information control unit 37 and the cooking guidance control unit 39, is also used to control the operation of the control unit 31.

[0052] The cooking guidance control unit 39 sends cooking guidance information to the guidance information control unit 37 at predetermined times when appropriate conditions are met, according to a pre-determined heating or cooking sequence. Appropriate conditions refer to conditions such as whether the detected temperature based on the temperature sensor 18 meets a predetermined temperature condition, or whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the detected temperature reached a predetermined temperature. These conditions are set for each auxiliary menu used for cooking guidance. If the cooking guidance control unit 39 determines that these conditions are met, it instructs the guidance information control unit 37 to display the cooking guidance corresponding to those conditions on the display units 23-25. These heating sequences, cooking sequences, and cooking guidance are stored in the storage unit 33.

[0053] Display Department and Operations Department

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 4The display units 23-25 ​​and the operation units 19-21 will be described below. The operation units 19-21 each include a first operation unit 51, a second operation unit 53, a third operation unit 55, and a fourth operation unit 57. The first operation unit 51 to the fourth operation unit 57 can be, for example, a touch switch including an electrostatic capacitive switch, or a push-button switch. The first operation unit 51 to the fourth operation unit 57 sets the heating action of the corresponding heating coils 7-9. The first operation unit 51 is printed with a clock pattern and is mainly used for selecting timer settings. The second operation unit 53 and the third operation unit 55 are printed with arrow patterns, such as "<" and ">" symbols, and are mainly used for setting menu selection, heat level, and timer duration. The fourth operation unit 57 is printed with a pattern indicating the heating area corresponding to the operation unit, functioning as a multi-function switch that assigns different functions depending on the situation. The power switch 22 has the function of connecting the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1. The power switch 22 can also have the function of disconnecting the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1. Alternatively, a switch for cutting off the power can be provided separately from the power switch 22.

[0055] In this specification, as an example, the fourth operation unit 57 is referred to as "multifunction switch 57". The control unit 31 can assign different functions to the multifunction switch 57 according to the situation. "According to the situation" means, for example, depending on the display content of the display units 23 to 25, or depending on the elapsed time from a predetermined starting point, etc., depending on the usage situation. The control unit 31 changes the functions assigned in relation to the display content of the display units 23 to 25. The relationship between the display content of the display units 23 to 25 and the functions assigned to the multifunction switch 57 will be described in detail below. In addition, other operation units besides the fourth operation unit, namely the first operation unit 51 to the third operation unit 55, can also be set to multifunction switches with different functions assigned to them according to the situation. Please note that the fourth operation unit 57 is an example of a multifunction switch with at least one of them. In addition, the first operation unit 51, the second operation unit 53, the third operation unit 55, and the fourth operation unit 57 included in each of the operation units 19, 20, and / or 21 are also collectively referred to as "operation units" in this disclosure. The operating unit is an interface for accepting user heating operations and / or various settings. The operating unit may also be composed of any part of the first operating unit 51, the second operating unit 53, the third operating unit 55, and the fourth operating unit 57.

[0056] (1-2) Details

[0057] Next, the display unit 24 and the operation unit 20 corresponding to the display unit 24 will be shown as examples, and the induction heating cooker 1 disclosed herein will be described in detail.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a magnified view of a portion of the area surrounding the operating unit 20 and the display unit 24. Figure 5In the middle, the display unit 24 is off, indicating the state before the power is turned on to the induction heating cooker 1. If the user presses the power switch 22, the power to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on.

[0059] Figure 6 This refers to the display content on the display unit 24 immediately after power is switched on. Along with the "Heating" image 30, the display unit 24 displays the "Start" image 32. Image 30 indicates the operating mode where heating can be performed. Image 32 indicates that when the multi-function switch 57, associated with image 32, is pressed, heating operation begins using the heating coil 8 corresponding to the operation unit 20 and the display unit 24. In other words, in this state, the multi-function switch 57 is assigned the function to start heating.

[0060] In the induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 31 can operate in various operating modes depending on the situation. One example is the "single operation heating mode". The "single operation heating mode" refers to the operating mode in which heating begins with the first operation after the power is turned on. When the control unit 31 operates in the single operation heating mode, heating can begin by the user pressing the multi-function switch 57 only once after the power is turned on.

[0061] Furthermore, the term "heating" here, in a narrow sense, refers to heating the container that is being heated, and in a broader sense, it also includes heating the contents, such as stews, by heating the container. As will be described later, the induction heating cooker 1 can perform cooking by various methods, including grilling and frying, in addition to cooking based on "heating". Regardless of the cooking method, the heating action is automated by the control unit 31, but the heating sequence, such as the flow of current to the heating coils 7-9 and the application of voltage, differs depending on the cooking method. Hereinafter, cooking based on "heating" will be explained as an example.

[0062] Figure 7 The content displayed on display unit 24 after the heating process has started. Figure 6 In the example, the image object 30 for "Heating" is changed to an image object 34 containing text, numbers, and icons representing heat intensity (fire strength). Furthermore, the image object 32 for "Start" is changed to an image object 36 for "Off." Image object 36 indicates that heating is off. Image object 36 indicates that when the multifunction switch 57 associated with image object 32 is pressed, the power supply to the heating coil 8 corresponding to the operation unit 20 and the display unit 24 is cut off. That is, in this state, the multifunction switch 57 is assigned the function of ending heating. At this time, if the user presses the multifunction switch 57, the heating operation of the corresponding heating coil 8 is stopped.

[0063] As can be understood from the above explanation, different functions are assigned to the multifunction switch 57 depending on the situation. The control unit 31 changes the function of the multifunction switch 57 in association with the image object in the display unit 24.

[0064] Furthermore, in the description up to this point, it has been assumed that the operation unit 20 is a hardware-implemented switch. However, the operation unit 20 can also be implemented by a software switch displayed on the display unit 24 or a touch panel.

[0065] For example, Figure 8 This illustrates an example of displaying a multifunction switch 57, etc., on a display unit 24a with a larger screen size. A touch panel (not shown) is disposed overlapping the display unit 24a. The touch panel detects the user's touch and touch position based on changes in pressure, electrostatic capacitance, etc. For example, the control unit 31 determines that the touch position is the display position of the multifunction switch 57 and executes the function associated with the multifunction switch 57. Furthermore, the touch panel is an example of an input device. Alternatively, an input device that detects the position of the user's finger and input operations non-contactly can be used. For example, a proximity sensor capable of detecting the presence and position of nearby objects via radio waves, infrared rays, etc., can be used. By detecting a hand covering the multifunction switch 57 using the proximity sensor, operation of the multifunction switch 57 can be detected. Using such a proximity sensor, operation can be performed without worrying about dirt or grime from hands, such as during cooking. The multifunction switch 57 can be implemented using a combination of the display unit 24a and such an input device.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit 31 in a single-operation heating mode. The following description also follows the previous... Figures 5-8 The same example illustrates the operation unit 20 and the display unit 24, but the same applies to the other operation units and display units.

[0067] In step S110, if the user presses the power switch 22, the control unit 31 detects the press. This connects the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1.

[0068] The following steps S111 and S112 are processes executed immediately upon power-on. In step S111, the control unit 31 displays one or more image objects on the display unit 24. These image objects include an image object 32 indicating "start" for heating. In step S112, the control unit 31 associates the multifunction switch 57 with the image object 32. Specifically, the control unit 31 establishes a correspondence between the displayed content of the image object 32 and the function when the multifunction switch 57 is pressed, so that heating begins when the multifunction switch 57 is pressed. Furthermore, in this specification, after step S110, only the multifunction switch 57 is initially authorized to receive the indication of the start of heating for the corresponding heating coil (e.g., heating coil 8); the other operation units 51 to 55 are not authorized to receive this indication. The user can use the multifunction switch 57 when they wish to utilize the single-operation heating mode, thus simplifying operation when using the single-operation heating mode.

[0069] In step S113, the control unit 31 performs a heating operation in response to detecting an input operation to the multifunction switch 57. This ends the operation based on the single-operation heating mode. After performing the heating operation, the control unit 31 switches the display of the display unit 24 to, for example... Figure 7 The display shown is sufficient. Furthermore, in S113, the heating mode executed according to the initial heating start instruction is only one preset mode.

[0070] In step S113 above, the control unit 31 maintains the heating operation until there is an input operation to the multifunction switch 57. If a relatively long time passes, the user may forget that the induction heating cooker 1 has been turned on and accidentally press the multifunction switch 57. As a result, heating may start unintentionally.

[0071] Therefore, the inventors of this application forcibly terminate the single-operation heating mode after a certain period of time. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit 31 in an improved example based on a single-operation heating mode. Steps S110 to S113 and... Figure 9 Same. Therefore, further explanation is omitted.

[0072] In step S120, the control unit 31 determines whether an input operation to the multifunction switch 57 has been detected within a specified time. The "specified time" is, for example, one minute from when the power is turned on. However, a setting mode can also be provided for the induction heating cooker 1 where the user can arbitrarily set the specified time. In this case, for example, the multifunction switch 57 can be assigned the function of accepting the specified time setting. The control unit 31 can accept the specified time setting from the user via the multifunction switch 57. Furthermore, the time setting method can be any method based on selecting from pre-prepared options or based on inputting specific numerical values. Additionally, at least one of the first operation unit 51 to the third operation unit 55, excluding the multifunction switch 57, can accept the time setting from the user, as long as the setting can be accepted throughout the entire operation unit. That is, as long as the user's time setting can be accepted via the operation unit.

[0073] If an input operation to the multifunction switch 57 is detected, the process proceeds to step S120. Conversely, if no input operation to the multifunction switch 57 is detected, the processing of the single-operation heating mode ends. Thus, in the absence of operation, the single-operation heating mode can automatically end after a certain period of time.

[0074] Furthermore, as with the induction heating cooker 1 of this embodiment, when multiple heating coils 7-9 are provided and multiple multi-function switches 57 are provided corresponding to each heating coil 7-9, the aforementioned "prescribed time" can be set for each heating coil. The control unit 31 can time the aforementioned prescribed time for each heating coil, thereby ending the operation based on the single-operation heating mode for each heating coil that has elapsed the prescribed time.

[0075] Alternatively, the "prescribed time" can be set as a whole for the heating coils 7-9. The control unit 31 measures the prescribed time starting from the last time any one of the multi-function switches provided for each of the heating coils 7-9 was operated. Furthermore, if the control unit 31 does not detect any input operation to any multi-function switch within the prescribed time, it terminates the single-operation heating mode for all the heating coils 7-9 simultaneously.

[0076] (2) Variation

[0077] Next, various modifications of the induction heating cooker 1 will be described.

[0078] pass Figure 10In this process, after automatically ending the single-operation heating mode after a certain period of time, the control unit 31 can, for example, cut off the power to the induction heating cooker 1. Thus, for example, if an object accidentally touches the power switch 22 and the power is turned on, the power can be automatically cut off after a certain period of time.

[0079] Other examples of transitioning from a single-operation heating mode to a different operating mode are the transitions to other operating modes. One example of such an operating mode is a "standby mode." A "standby mode" refers to an operating mode in which the control unit 31 can further accept selections based on manual or automatic heating and cooking.

[0080] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the control unit 31, including the transition to standby mode. Figure 11 and Figure 10 The difference is that, if step S120 is "No" (N), then as step S121, the control unit 31 switches to standby mode. Since the other steps are the same, further explanation is omitted.

[0081] In step S121, after the control unit 31 is switched to standby mode, the user can also select the operation mode corresponding to the desired cooking method by operating the multi-function switch 57, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, when the operating mode changes, the control unit 31 can cause the display unit 24 to display an image object indicating that the operating mode has changed. Alternatively, the control unit 31 can output a sound indicating that the operating mode has changed from the speaker 27, either in conjunction with or instead of displaying such an image object.

[0083] Figure 12 This refers to an example of the display on display unit 24 when the system automatically switches to standby mode after a certain period of time. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the display unit 24 displays the image object of the text "menu" and the objects of the symbols "<" and ">". Corresponding to the objects of the symbols "<" and ">", when the user presses one of the second operation unit 53 and the third operation unit 55, the display unit 24 displays an image corresponding to the image object of that symbol, for example... Figure 6 The image is displayed. When the user presses the multi-function switch 57 corresponding to the "Start" image object 32, heating resumes. This allows the user to perform manual heating and cooking. Additionally, the display unit 24 can display information based on the user's actions. Figure 6 Images other than those shown in the image. Users can select automatic heating and cooking modes such as "grill" mode and "fry" mode.

[0084] As described above, the "single-operation heating mode" is the operating mode of the control unit 31 that enables "heating" to begin upon initial operation after the power is turned on. Regarding "heating," it is envisioned that the container is induction heated using a preset power level (initial power level). The user can preset this initial power level for the induction heating cooker 1.

[0085] The specific method for setting the initial heat level is arbitrary. For example, after the power is turned on, in response to the user's operation, the control unit 31 switches to a setting mode for changing the heat level. In the setting mode, for example, the multi-function switch 57 is assigned the function of selecting one heat level from multiple levels. When the user selects the desired heat level using the multi-function switch 57, the control unit 31 accepts the selection, changes the heating sequence, and heats at that heat level when heating begins in the "single-operation heating mode". Thus, the control unit 31 can perform heating in the "single-operation heating mode" with a preset heat level.

[0086] The preset objects are not limited to heat level. In the induction heating cooker 1, the user can preset different heating sequences such as "grilling" and "frying" instead of "heating" on the first operation after the power is turned on.

[0087] Figure 13 (a) to (c) indicate the changes in the display of the display unit 24 before and after the power is turned on when the "single operation heating mode" is set to "grilling". Figure 13 (a) indicates the display unit 24 before the power is turned on. In (b), the display unit 24 displays an image object 130 indicating "grilling" and an image object 132 indicating "start". In (c), the display unit 24 displays image objects 134 and 136 indicating residual heat temperature "200" (degrees) and "off".

[0088] also, Figure 14 (a) to (c) indicate the changes in the display of the display unit 24 before and after the power is turned on when the "single operation heating mode" is set to "frying". Figure 14 (a) indicates the display unit 24 before the power is turned on. In (b), the display unit 24 displays an image object 230 indicating "frying" and an image object 232 indicating "start". In (c), the display unit 24 displays image objects 234 and 136 indicating residual heat temperature "180" (degrees) and "off".

[0089] Furthermore, the specific method for setting "grilling," "frying," etc., as a "single-operation heating mode" is arbitrary. For example, for each of the multiple cooking methods, the heating sequence for automating the heating action is pre-stored in the storage unit 33. Then, after the power is turned on, in response to the user's operation, the control unit 31 switches to a setting mode for changing the heating sequence. In the setting mode, for example, the multi-function switch 57 is assigned the function of accepting the selection of one cooking method from multiple cooking methods. If the user selects a cooking method from multiple cooking methods using the multi-function switch 57, the control unit 31 changes the parameters for the initial operation, so that the specified cooking method is pre-accepted, and an image object corresponding to the selected cooking method is displayed after the power is turned on. Thus, the control unit 31 can display an image object corresponding to the pre-selected cooking method immediately after the power is turned on, and start heating in the heating sequence corresponding to that cooking method upon the user's initial operation.

[0090] For reference Figure 7 As explained, after heating begins in a single-operation heating mode, the user sometimes stops heating. One reason a user stops heating is to check whether the container being heated or the food inside it has been heated to the desired temperature, or to add seasonings, ingredients, etc. Moreover, there is a high likelihood that the user will restart heating afterward.

[0091] In such cases, it is assumed that restarting heating using the same operating mode as before heating stopped would be easier for the user. "Same operating mode" means that the cooking method, heat setting, etc., are the same.

[0092] Figure 15 This is an example of a display unit 24 that can restart heating based on the same settings. Figure 7 After the control unit 31 stops heating when the multi-function switch 57 corresponding to the "off" image object 36 is pressed, the display on the display unit 24 switches to [unclear text]. Figure 15 The display shown. The control unit 31 will "close" the image object 36 ( Figure 7 The image object 38, which is changed to "Restart," is displayed on the display unit 24. At this time, the image object 34, which represents the firepower (fire intensity), continues to be displayed as is. When the user presses the multi-function switch 57 corresponding to the image object 38, the display on the display unit 24 returns to normal. Figure 7 The display shows that heating begins again in the same action pattern.

[0093] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the interruption / restart process during a single-operation heating mode.

[0094] In step S130, the control unit 31 performs a heating operation through a single operation heating mode. This process is, for example, equivalent to... Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 The processing up to step S113. In step S131, the control unit 31 displays an image object 36 indicating that heating has been stopped. Figure 7 ).

[0095] In step S132, the control unit 31 stops the heating operation in response to detecting an input operation to the multifunction switch 57 corresponding to the image object 36.

[0096] In step S133, the control unit 31 displays an image object 38 indicating that heating has started again on the display unit 24. Figure 15 ).

[0097] In step S134, the control unit 31 determines whether an image object 38 has been detected within a specified time. Figure 15 The input operation corresponds to the multi-function switch 57. This processing is in accordance with... Figure 10 Step S120 is set for the same reason. For example, the "specified time" is 2 minutes from when heating stops.

[0098] Furthermore, the "prescribed time" mentioned here is also related to... Figure 10 Step S120 can also be arbitrarily set by the user. In this case, for example, the function of accepting the setting of a specified time can be assigned to the multifunction switch 57. The control unit 31 can accept the setting of the specified time from the user via the multifunction switch 57. In addition, at least one of the first operation unit 51 to the third operation unit 55 other than the multifunction switch 57 can accept the setting of the time from the user, as long as the setting can be accepted throughout the entire operation unit. That is, as long as the setting of the time from the user can be accepted through the operation unit.

[0099] If an input operation to the multifunction switch 57 is detected within the specified time, the process proceeds to step S135; otherwise, heating is not restarted and the process ends. At this point, the single-operation heating mode ends, for example, with... Figure 9 The same process applies to the end of the process.

[0100] In step S135, the control unit 31, in response to detecting an input operation to the multifunction switch 57, restarts the heating operation in the same operating mode as when the heating operation stopped. Based on this process, even after a temporary stop and restart of heating, the user does not need to readjust the heating settings. Therefore, user convenience is significantly improved.

[0101] Furthermore, users who have been using conventional induction cookers, such as those described in International Publication No. 2009 / 001513, may find the single-operation heating mode difficult to use. Therefore, the induction cooker 1 can be equipped with a function that allows pre-setting the number of operations required from power-on to heating. By specifying two operations instead of a single-operation heating mode, the same user experience as conventional induction cookers can be provided. That is, the control unit 31 can control the operation of the induction cooker 1 in a single-operation heating mode, and also control the operation of the induction cooker 1 based on a conventional process where heating begins after power-on, according to the user's preference. Furthermore, the term "two operations" here refers not only to pressing the multi-function switch 57 twice, but also to performing two operations throughout the entire operating unit. For example, two operations include pressing the second operating unit 53 once and then pressing the multi-function switch 57 once. Additionally, a function can be provided to assign a preset number of operations to the multi-function switch 57, allowing the user to accept the preset number of operations via the multi-function switch 57. Furthermore, at least one of the first operation unit 51 to the third operation unit 55, excluding the multi-function switch 57, can accept the setting of the number of operations from the user, as long as it can be accepted by the entire operation unit. That is, it is sufficient that the operation unit can accept the setting of the number of operations from the user.

[0102] Next, we will explain the protective electrodes that are installed to prevent accidental operation by users, etc.

[0103] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuit board 250 surrounding the operation section 20. For example, the multifunction switch 57 is configured as a capacitive touch switch 240. The other switches are the same. Hereinafter, the multifunction switch 57 will also be used as an example for explanation.

[0104] One or more protection electrodes 242 are arranged along a portion of the multifunction switch 57. Current and / or voltage are always applied to the protection electrodes 242. The control unit 31 is able to monitor the current and / or voltage and detect electrical changes therein. If the control unit 31 detects an electrical change in the protection electrodes 242 before detecting an input operation to the multifunction switch 57, it disables the input operation to the multifunction switch 57.

[0105] For example, suppose the user uses their hand to... Figure 17Wipe away dirt from the upper right to the lower right on the top plate 5. At this time, if the multi-function switch 57 is pressed incorrectly, unwanted heating may begin. To prevent such erroneous operation, it is sufficient to detect whether the user has pressed the multi-function switch 57 with a precise point. Therefore, one or more protection electrodes 242 are arranged along a portion of the multi-function switch 57 to detect situations where the multi-function switch 57 is not pressed with a precise point.

[0106] In addition, Figure 17 In this case, a protective electrode 242 is not provided around the power switch 22, but it can be provided.

[0107] Figure 18 This illustrates the relationship between the rectangular touch switch 240 constituting the multi-function switch 57 and the protection electrode 242. The protection electrode 242 includes a first protection electrode 242a in the X-axis direction and a second protection electrode 242b in the Y-axis direction. The first protection electrode 242a and the second protection electrode 242b are arranged along two adjacent sides of the touch switch 240. Furthermore, in... Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 In this example, no protective electrodes are provided between the four switches, but this is also possible. Alternatively, protective electrodes may be provided along the four sides of the rectangular touch switch 240 or along the two sides parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0108] The above describes an embodiment of the induction heating cooker 1 disclosed herein. The processing described in the flowchart is implemented as an operation of the control unit 31 via a computer program. This computer program is stored in the storage unit 33 and can be executed by the control unit 31.

[0109] (3) Method

[0110] As can be seen from the above embodiments and variations, this disclosure includes the following methods. Hereinafter, parentheses are used to indicate symbols in order to clearly show the correspondence with the above embodiments.

[0111] The first type is an induction heating cooker (1), comprising: a heating coil (7, 8 and / or 9) for induction heating of the object to be heated; a power switch (22) for connecting the power supply; a multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) for being assigned different functions depending on the situation; a display unit (24) for displaying an image object; and a control unit (31) for controlling the operation based on a predetermined operation mode among multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes include a single operation heating mode in which heating begins upon the initial operation after the power supply is connected. The control unit (31) is capable of controlling the operation based on the single operation heating mode. The single operation heating mode is an operation mode in which the control unit (31) causes the display unit (24) to display an image object indicating the start of heating, associates the multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) with the image object indicating the start of heating, and performs a heating operation using the heating coil (7, 8 and / or 9) upon detecting an input operation to the multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57). This improves the operability of the induction heating cooker (1).

[0112] The second method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the first method. In the second method, after the power is turned on and the control unit (31) starts operating in a single-operation heating mode, if no input operation to the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) is detected within a specified time, the control unit (31) ends the single-operation heating mode. By ending the single-operation heating mode, unwanted heating by the user after the specified time can be avoided.

[0113] The third method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the second method. In the third method, multiple operating modes include a standby mode that accepts the selection of heating cooking based on manual operation or automatic heating cooking. The control unit (31) operates in standby mode after ending a single operation heating mode. As a result, unwanted heating can be avoided after a predetermined time, and an operating mode corresponding to the desired cooking method can be selected.

[0114] The fourth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the methods 1 to 3. In the fourth method, there are multiple heating coils (7, 8, 9), and a multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) is set for each heating coil (7, 8, 9), and a predetermined time is set for each heating coil (7, 8, 9). The control unit (31) measures the predetermined time for each heating coil (7, 8, 9), and if no input operation to the multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) is detected within the predetermined time, the single-operation heating mode ends for each heating coil (7, 8, 9). Thus, unwanted heating after the predetermined time can be avoided for each heating coil (7, 8, 9).

[0115] The fifth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the methods 1 to 3. In the fifth method, there are multiple heating coils (7, 8, 9), and a multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) is provided for each heating coil (7, 8, 9). A predetermined time is set for all multiple heating coils (7, 8, 9). The control unit (31) measures the predetermined time starting from the last time any one of the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) provided for each heating coil (7, 8, 9) was operated. If no input operation to the multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) is detected within the predetermined time, the control unit (31) terminates the single-operation heating mode for all heating coils (7, 8, 9). Thus, unwanted heating by the user after the predetermined time can be avoided for all multiple heating coils (7, 8, 9).

[0116] The sixth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the methods 2 to 5. In the sixth method, the control unit (31) accepts the setting of a predetermined time. Thus, a predetermined time until the end of a single-operation heating mode can be set according to the user's preference.

[0117] The seventh method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the methods 1 to 6. In the seventh method, the induction heating cooker (1) also includes a storage device (33) that pre-stores heating sequences for automating the heating operation for each of the multiple cooking methods. The multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) are assigned the function of selecting one cooking method from the multiple cooking methods. The control unit (31) reads the heating sequence corresponding to the selected cooking method by pre-receiving the designation of the selected cooking method from the multiple cooking methods via the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57). In single-operation heating mode, the control unit (31) executes the heating operation according to the read heating sequence. Thus, the control unit (31) can perform heating in the "single-operation heating mode" with a pre-set heating sequence.

[0118] The eighth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the methods 1 to 7. In the eighth method, the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) are assigned functions for accepting the setting of the heat at the start of heating. The control unit (31) accepts the setting of the heat at the start of heating in advance via the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57). In the single-operation heating mode, the control unit (31) performs the heating action with the set heat. Thus, the control unit (31) can perform heating in the "single-operation heating mode" with the preset heat.

[0119] The ninth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the methods 1 to 8. In the ninth method, after heating is started, the control unit (31) causes the display unit (24) to display an image object indicating that heating has stopped, and establishes an association between the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) and the image object indicating that heating has stopped. Heating is stopped when an input operation to the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) is detected. In this way, the multi-function switches used to start heating can also be used to stop heating.

[0120] The tenth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the ninth method. In the tenth method, after heating is stopped, the control unit (31) causes the display unit (24) to display an image indicating that heating has started. The control unit (31) associates the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) with the image indicating that heating has started. If the control unit (31) detects an input operation to the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) within a predetermined time or number of operations, it operates in the operating mode before heating stopped. Even after heating is temporarily stopped and then restarted, the user does not need to readjust the heating settings, thus greatly improving user convenience.

[0121] The 11th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the 10th method. In the 11th method, the control unit (31) accepts the preset time setting in advance. As a result, the time for operation in the operation mode before heating stops can be set according to the user's preference.

[0122] The 12th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the 10th method. In the 12th method, the control unit (31) accepts the setting of the number of operations. Thus, the number of operations to be performed in the operation mode before heating stops can be set according to the user's preference.

[0123] The 13th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any one of the 1st to 12th methods. In the 13th method, the induction heating cooker (1) includes: an operation unit including a multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) that accepts user input. The operation unit is configured to accept the setting of the number of operations from the time the power is turned on until the heating action is performed. When the control unit (31) accepts the setting of the number of operations in advance via the operation unit, it operates in a non-single operation heating mode after the power is turned on. The non-single operation heating mode is an operation mode in which the control unit (31) performs a heating action using heating coils (7, 8, 9) after accepting the set number of operations via the operation unit. By setting the non-single operation heating mode, heating can begin after the power is turned on with the same number of operations as, for example, conventional models, according to the user's preference.

[0124] The 14th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the 13th method. In the 14th method, when the preset number of operations is 2, the control unit (31) performs the heating action after receiving the selection of the heating menu from multiple menus via the operation unit and further receiving the selection to start heating. Thus, the user can choose a mode that starts heating with 2 operations instead of 1 operation according to their own preferences.

[0125] The 15th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the 1st to 14th methods. In the 15th method, the induction heating cooker (1) also includes one or more protection electrodes (242) arranged along a portion of the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57). The control unit (31) can detect electrical changes in the protection electrodes (242) by monitoring the current and / or voltage applied to the one or more protection electrodes (242). When the control unit (31) detects an electrical change in the protection electrodes (242) before detecting an input operation to the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57), it invalidates the input operation to the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57). By utilizing the protection electrodes (242), it is possible to detect whether the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) have been pressed at a precise point, thus preventing the initiation of unwanted heating operations.

[0126] The 16th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the 15th method. In the 16th method, one or more protective electrodes (242) include a first protective electrode (242a) and a second protective electrode (242b). When the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) are rectangular, the first protective electrode (242a) and the second protective electrode (242b) are arranged along two adjacent sides of the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57). Thus, it is possible to detect whether the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) have been pressed at a precise point, and it is possible to prevent the initiation of unwanted heating operations.

[0127] The 17th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the 1st to 16th methods. In the 17th method, when the operating mode changes, the control unit (31) displays an image object indicating that the operating mode has changed on the display unit (24). Thus, the user can be visually notified that the operating mode has changed.

[0128] The 18th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any of the 1st to 17th methods. In the 18th method, the induction heating cooker (1) also includes a speaker (27) for outputting sound. When the operating mode changes, the control unit (31) outputs a sound from the speaker (27) indicating that the operating mode has changed. Thus, the user can be notified of the change in operating mode by sound.

[0129] The 19th method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any one of the methods 1 to 18. In the 19th method, heating is initiated by only one of the multi-function switches (any one of 51, 53, 55, and 57) upon initial operation after the power is turned on. Users can use a specific multi-function switch when they want to use the single-operation heating mode, thus simplifying the operation when using the single-operation heating mode.

[0130] The 20th method is a computer-readable recording medium containing a computer program executed by the control unit (31) of the induction heating cooker (1). The induction heating cooker (1) includes: heating coils (7, 8, 9) for induction heating of the object being heated; a power switch (22) for connecting the power supply; a multi-function switch (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) for assigning different functions according to the situation; a display unit (24) for displaying image objects; and a control unit (31) which is a computer for controlling the operation based on a predetermined operation mode among multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes include a single operation heating mode in which heating begins upon the initial operation after the power is turned on. The computer program enables the control unit (31) to control the operation of the single operation heating mode. In a single-operation heating mode, the computer program causes the control unit (31) to perform the following processes: displaying an image object indicating the start of heating on the display unit (24); associating the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) with the image object indicating the start of heating; and performing a heating operation using the heating coils (7, 8, 9) when an input operation to the multi-function switches (51, 53, 55 and / or 57) is detected. Thus, an induction heating cooker (1) with improved operability is obtained.

[0131] The single-operation heating mode disclosed herein, which enables heating to begin upon initial operation after power is switched on, can be applied to any induction heating cooker for both home and commercial use.

Claims

1. An induction heating cooker, comprising: Heating coils are used to induction heat the object being heated. A power switch is used to connect the power supply. A multi-function switch, which is assigned different functions depending on the situation; The display section shows image objects; as well as The control unit controls actions based on a specified action pattern from among multiple action patterns. The multiple operating modes include a single-operation heating mode that begins heating upon the initial operation after the power is turned on. The control unit is capable of controlling the actions based on the single operating heating mode. The single-operation heating mode is the following action mode: The control unit causes the display unit to display an image object indicating the start of heating, associates the multifunction switch with the image object indicating the start of heating, and executes a heating operation using the heating coil when the initial input operation to the multifunction switch after the power is turned on is detected.

2. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, After the power is turned on and the control unit starts operating in the single-operation heating mode. If no input operation to the multi-function switch is detected within a specified time, the control unit terminates the single-operation heating mode.

3. The induction heating cooker according to claim 2, wherein, The multiple operation modes include a standby mode that accepts the selection of heating and cooking based on manual operation or automatic heating and cooking. After ending the single-operation heating mode, the control unit operates in the standby mode.

4. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, There are multiple heating coils, The multi-function switch is provided for each of the heating coils. A predetermined time is set for each of the heating coils. The control unit measures the predetermined time for each of the heating coils. If no input operation to the multi-function switch is detected within the predetermined time, the single-operation heating mode ends for each of the heating coils.

5. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, There are multiple heating coils, The multi-function switch is provided for each of the heating coils. A predetermined time is set for multiple heating coils in common. The control unit measures the predetermined time starting from the last time any one of the multi-function switches provided for each heating coil was last operated. If no input operation to the multifunction switch is detected within the specified time, the single-operation heating mode is terminated for all heating coils of the plurality of heating coils.

6. The induction heating cooker according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit accepts the setting of the specified time.

7. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, It also features a storage device that pre-stores heating sequences for various cooking methods to automate the heating process. The multi-function switch is assigned the function of selecting one cooking method from multiple cooking methods. The control unit, via the multi-function switch, pre-accepts a designation for a cooking method selected from the plurality of cooking methods, and reads the heating sequence corresponding to the selected cooking method. In the single-operation heating mode, the control unit executes the heating action according to the read heating sequence.

8. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The multi-function switch is assigned the function of setting the heat level when heating begins. The control unit receives the setting of the heating intensity at the start of heating via the multi-function switch. In the single-operation heating mode, the control unit performs the heating action with the set heat level.

9. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, After heating is started, the control unit causes the display unit to display an image object indicating that heating has been stopped, associates the multifunction switch with the image object indicating that heating has been stopped, and stops heating when an input operation to the multifunction switch is detected.

10. The induction heating cooker according to claim 9, wherein, After the heating is stopped, the control unit causes the display unit to display an image object indicating that the heating has started, associates the multifunction switch with the image object indicating that the heating has started, and if an input operation to the multifunction switch is detected within a predetermined time or number of operations, the control unit operates in the mode before the heating was stopped.

11. The induction heating cooker according to claim 10, wherein, The control unit accepts the setting of the predetermined time in advance.

12. The induction heating cooker according to claim 10, wherein, The control unit accepts the setting of the number of operations.

13. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, It includes: an operating unit, comprising the multi-function switch, for accepting user input. The function allows the operation unit to be configured to handle a set number of operations from the moment the power is switched on until the heating action is performed. When the control unit has received the preset number of operations via the operation unit, it operates in a non-single-operation heating mode after the power is turned on. The non-single-operation heating mode is the following operation mode: after the control unit receives the set number of operations via the operation unit, it executes the heating operation using the heating coil.

14. The induction heating cooker according to claim 13, wherein, When the number of operations is pre-set to be 2, the control unit executes the heating action after accepting the selection of a menu indicating heating from multiple menus via the operation unit and further accepting the selection to start heating.

15. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes: one or more protective electrodes configured along a portion of the multi-function switch. The control unit can detect electrical changes in the protection electrodes by monitoring the current and / or voltage applied to the one or more protection electrodes. When the control unit detects an electrical change in the protection electrode before detecting an input operation to the multifunction switch, it invalidates the input operation to the multifunction switch.

16. The induction heating cooker according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more protective electrodes include a first protective electrode and a second protective electrode. When the multifunction switch is rectangular, the first protection electrode and the second protection electrode are arranged along two adjacent sides of the multifunction switch.

17. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, When the motion mode changes, the control unit displays an image object on the display unit indicating that the motion mode has changed.

18. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, It also features: a speaker for outputting sound. When the operating mode changes, the control unit outputs a sound from the speaker indicating that the operating mode has changed.

19. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The only mechanism to initiate heating is the multi-function switch, which is used during the initial operation after the power is turned on.

20. A computer-readable recording medium containing a computer program executed by a control unit of an induction heating cooker. The induction heating cooker includes: Heating coils are used to induction heat the object being heated. A power switch is used to connect the power supply. A multi-function switch, which is assigned different functions depending on the situation; The display section shows image objects; as well as As the control unit of the computer, it controls actions based on a predetermined action pattern among multiple action patterns. The multiple operating modes include a single-operation heating mode that begins heating upon the initial operation after the power is turned on. The computer program enables the control unit to control the actions based on the single operating heating mode. The computer program causes the control unit to perform the following processing in the single-operation heating mode: The process of displaying an image object indicating the start of heating on the display unit; The process of associating the multi-function switch with an image object indicating the start of heating; as well as Upon detecting the initial input operation to the multifunction switch after the power is turned on, a heating action using the heating coil is performed.

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