Induction heating cooker and storage medium of computer program
By incorporating a main control unit and display unit, including a home button, on the side of the induction heating cooker, the problem of confusion caused by complex control buttons is solved, improving operability and user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202110180890.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-12-01
- Filing Date
- 2021-02-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-02-07
AI Technical Summary
The operation of induction heating cookers is complicated, which can confuse users when frequently using the same buttons and affect cooking efficiency.
The main control unit and display unit are located on the side of the induction heating cooker, including a home button and a selection button. The home button allows users to return to the top-level screen. The control unit and display unit are also located on the top panel to ensure high visual recognition and operability.
The operability of induction heating cookers has been improved, enabling users to cook more efficiently, reducing operational confusion, and enhancing the user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN114585125B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an induction heating cooker and a computer program for the induction heating cooker. BACKGROUND
[0002] Induction heating cookers are widely popular in kitchens of general households, businesses, and the like. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-109424 discloses an induction heating cooker that separates operation keys of a plurality of heating units by main function to make it easy to understand, so that use convenience and safety improvement without misoperation are achieved. SUMMARY
[0003] In a case where an operation key that is not frequently used in daily use is operated, a user sometimes has confusion in an operation method of the operation key. Particularly, in the current situation where multifunctionalization of the heating cooker is advancing, the operation method of the operation key can become complicated, and thus it is considered that there are many opportunities to have such confusion. The operability of the heating cooker can affect the efficiency of cooking work of the user. There is a demand for a heating cooker that improves the operability.
[0004] The present disclosure provides an induction heating cooker that improves operability and a computer program for the induction heating cooker.
[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an induction heating cooker. The induction heating cooker includes a main body, a heating coil that performs induction heating on a heated object, a top plate, a main body operation section, a display section provided on a side surface, and an operation control section.
[0006] The top plate is placed on an upper surface of the main body together with the heating coil. The main body operation section is provided on a side surface of the main body and receives an input of a user through a plurality of keys including a home key and one or more selection keys. The operation control section controls the display section by processing an input received by the main body operation section.
[0007] The operation control section causes the display section to display a main screen that is a screen of a top level of hierarchized menu items. When the main body operation section receives an input to the one or more selection keys, the operation control section causes the display section to switch display of the main screen to display of a lower level. When the main body operation section receives an input to the home key, the operation control section causes the display section to display the main screen regardless of a level of a currently displayed screen.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a storage medium of a computer program for an induction heating cooker. The induction heating cooker includes a main body, a heating coil that performs induction heating on a heated object, a top plate, a main body operation section, a display section provided on a side surface, and an operation control section.
[0009] The top plate is placed on the upper surface of the main body together with the heating coil. The main body operation section is provided on the side surface of the main body and receives input from the user through a plurality of keys including a home key and one or more selection keys. The operation control section controls the display section based on the input received by the main body operation section.
[0010] According to the above computer program, the operation control section causes the display section to display a main screen which is a screen of the top level of the hierarchical menu items. When the main body operation section receives input to the one or more selection keys, the operation control section causes the display section to switch the main screen to a screen of a lower level. When the main body operation section receives input to the home key, the operation control section causes the display section to display the main screen regardless of the level of the currently displayed screen.
[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the operability of the induction heating cooker. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an induction heating cooker according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] Figure 1B is a perspective view of an induction heating cooker according to an exemplary embodiment in which the main body operation section is pulled out.
[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of an induction heating cooker according to the present embodiment.
[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the structure of an induction heating cooker.
[0016] Figure 4 is a partial schematic view of the top surface operation section and the top surface display section.
[0017] Figure 5A is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the top surface operation section and the display section before the power is turned on.
[0018] Figure 5B is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the top surface operation section and the display section after the power is turned on.
[0019] Figure 6A is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the main body operation section and the display section before the power is turned on.
[0020] Figure 6B is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the main body operation section and the display section after the power is turned on.
[0021] Figure 7A is a view showing the correspondence between the operation section and the menu items when each item of the menu is selected by the operation section.
[0022] Figure 7B is a view showing a correspondence relation in a case where the number of menu items is different from the number of operation sections.
[0023] Figure 8 is a view showing an example of transition from display of a menu item ("manual") of a main screen.
[0024] Figure 9 is a view showing an example of transition from display of a menu item ("oven") of a main screen.
[0025] Figure 10 is a view showing an example of transition from display of a menu item ("no thawing IH grill") of a main screen.
[0026] Figure 11 is a view showing an example of transition from display of a menu item ("automatic") of a main screen.
[0027] Figure 12 is a view showing an example of transition of display of a display section when "maintenance" is selected after a tool button is pressed.
[0028] Figure 13 is a view showing an example of display of a display section when "range hood" is selected after a tool button is pressed.
[0029] Figure 14 is a view showing an example of display of a display section when "settings" is selected after a tool button is pressed.
[0030] Figure 15A is a flowchart showing steps of a transition processing to a main screen.
[0031] Figure 15B is a flowchart showing steps of a transition processing to a main screen based on an application example of Figure 15A
[0032] Figure 16 is a view showing an example in which a home key is provided in the vicinity of a top surface operation section and a top surface display section on a top panel.
[0033] Figure 17 is a view showing an example of transition of display of a top surface display section from a main screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The inductive heating cooker of the exemplary mode of the present disclosure has a body side operation section and a display section on a side of a main body of the inductive heating cooker, typically on a side opposite to a position where a user stands during cooking. The body side operation section has a plurality of keys that accept input of the user. The plurality of keys include a home key and one or more selection keys.
[0035] For example, after the power is turned on, the operation control section of the induction heating cooker causes the display section to display an initial screen. The initial screen is a screen of the uppermost level of the hierarchical menu items. When an input to one or more selection keys is accepted, the main body side operation section switches the main screen displayed by the display section to a screen of a lower level.
[0036] For example, consider a case where a user changes a lower level of a setting item that is not normally used in order to make a setting of the induction heating cooker by operating the main body side operation section. However, for a user who is not familiar with the setting, even if the operation is advanced, the desired setting item cannot be reached, and confusion can occur in the operation. Such a user generally feels that the operation is to be performed again from the beginning.
[0037] Therefore, when the user presses the home key provided to the main body side operation section, the main body side operation section that has accepted the input to the home key causes the display section to display the main screen regardless of the level of the screen currently displayed. Thus, the user can easily perform the operation again. By performing the operation again, the user can reach the desired setting item while confirming various items. By providing the home key, the user can efficiently perform the subsequent cooking operation.
[0038] Generally, the top plate of the induction heating cooker is sufficiently larger than the side surface. A display section that displays certain information and an operation section that the user operates can be provided to the top plate of the induction heating cooker. However, the user performs cooking on the top plate more often, and thus there is a case where it is difficult to allocate the area of the display section and the operation section due to the reason that a plurality of heating coils and the like are arranged. Further, even if a large display section is provided at a position where no heating coil is provided, if a cooking appliance such as a frying pan or a griddle is placed at such a position, most of the display section is blocked, and there can be a possibility that visual recognizability cannot be ensured.
[0039] For such a reason, the present inventors consider that it is preferable that the area of the operation section and the display section on the top plate be controlled to the minimum required, the operation section be provided to the side surface of the main body, and further the display section that ensures a relatively wide display area be provided. According to such a structure, both high visual recognizability and operability can be ensured. In addition, the present disclosure does not exclude a case where the operation section and the display section are provided to the side surface of the main body, and further the operation section and the display section are provided to the top plate.
[0040] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail while appropriately referring to the drawings. However, sometimes, detailed description necessary or more is omitted. For example, sometimes, detailed description of matters that are already well known, repeated description of substantially the same structure is omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.
[0041] In addition, the drawings and the following description provide those skilled in the art with a full understanding of the disclosure. The subject matter requested in the range of the claims is not limited by these.
[0042] (1) Embodiments
[0043] (1-1) Summary
[0044] Hereinafter, an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1A-3
[0045] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an induction heating cooker 1 according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the induction heating cooker 1 with an operation panel 40 pulled out. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the induction heating cooker 1. Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the induction heating cooker 1.
[0046] In addition to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 3 , at least two of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are shown in some of the drawings of the present disclosure. When a user faces the induction heating cooker while using the induction heating cooker, the X-axis direction indicates the width direction (long side direction) of the induction heating cooker, the Y-axis direction indicates the depth direction (short side direction), and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction. Further, the positive direction of the X-axis is set to the right direction, and the negative direction is set to the left direction. Further, the positive direction of the Y-axis is set to the rear direction, and the negative direction is set to the front direction.
[0047] Induction Heating Cooker
[0048] First, a general structure of an induction heating cooker 1 according to the present disclosure will be described.
[0049] As shown in Figure 1A , the induction heating cooker 1 has a main body 3 and a top plate 5 for placing a container on the upper surface of the main body 3. The container is, for example, a heated object that accommodates food as a cooking target such as a stew.
[0050] Inside the main body 3 of the induction heating cooker 1, more specifically, at a position on the lower side (-Z side) of the container placement area of the top plate 5 of the induction heating cooker 1, heating coils 7, 8, 9 are arranged. In other words, the heating coils 7, 8, 9 are placed together with the top plate 5 on the upper portion of the main body 3. The heating coils 7 to 9 generate an induction magnetic field for inductively heating a container. In addition, the induction heating cooker 1 has three heating coils 7 to 9, but can have one, two, or four or more heating coils.
[0051] In the induction heating cooker 1, operation sections 19, 20, 21 are provided, for example, in order to operate the heating coils 7, 8, 9, respectively. That is, the heating coils 7, 8, 9 are in one-to-one "correspondence" with the operation sections 19, 20, 21. In this specification, structural elements provided in correspondence with the heating coils 7, 8, 9, respectively, will be referred to as structural elements "corresponding" to the heating coils.
[0052] As shown in Fig. 1, on the top plate 5 on the upper side (+Z side) of the heating coils 7 to 9, annular marks 11, 12, 13 indicating the container placement regions are printed in correspondence with the heating coils 7, 8, 9, respectively. Figure 1A
[0053] When viewed from above, on the top plate 5, light-emitting sections 15, 16 that emit light in a ring shape are arranged on the outside of each of the heating coils 7, 8. Further, on the front side (-Y side) of the heating coil 9 on the top plate 5, a light-emitting section 17 in a circular arc shape is arranged. The light-emitting sections 15 to 17 emit light, for example, when a current flows in the corresponding heating coils 7 to 9, respectively. The light-emitting sections 15 to 17 have, for example, LED light-emitting boards, not shown, respectively.
[0054] Further, on the lower side of the top plate 5 inside the marks 11 to 13, a temperature sensor 18 is arranged. The detection value detected by the temperature sensor 18 is sent to a control section 31. The control section 31 adjusts the amount of current flowing in the heating coils 7 to 9 while referring to the temperature detection value, and determines the timing of performing the auxiliary guidance of the cooking method. Note that the light-emitting sections 15 to 17 and the temperature sensor 18 are not essential structural elements, and the induction heating cooker 1 can operate without them.
[0055] On the front side (-Y side) of the top plate 5 of the induction heating cooker 1, the operation sections 19, 20, 21 are arranged. The operation sections 19, 20, 21 are used to operate the heating coils 7 to 9, respectively, by a user. The operation section 19 is provided in order to operate the heating coil 7, the operation section 20 is provided in order to operate the heating coil 8, and the operation section 21 is provided in order to operate the heating coil 9. In this specification, the operation section 19 corresponds to the heating coil 7, the operation section 20 corresponds to the heating coil 8, and the operation section 21 corresponds to the heating coil 9.
[0056] On the front side of the top plate 5 of the induction heating cooker 1, display sections 23, 24, 25 are arranged between the heating coils 7 to 9 and the operation sections 19 to 21, respectively. The display sections 23, 24, 25 display the states of the operation targets of the operation sections 19 to 21, respectively. The operations of the display sections 23 to 25 are controlled by the control section 31 described later. In this specification, the operation sections 19 to 21 provided on the top plate 5 will be sometimes referred to as top surface operation sections, and the display sections 23 to 25 will be sometimes referred to as top surface display sections.
[0057] The display sections 23 to 25 each have, for example, 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 band shape extending in the width direction of the top plate 5.
[0058] The display sections 23 to 25 each display, as an image object, a state of an operation object, a content of an operation of the heating coils 7 to 9, and the like. For example, the display section 23 displays the content of the operation of the heating coil 7, the display section 24 displays the content of the operation of the heating coil 8, and the display section 25 displays the content of the operation of the heating coil 9.
[0059] The image object is either or both of a character and an image. For example, the image object is a character "heat". At this time, in the induction heating cooker 1, it is indicated that the heating operation using the heating coils 7 to 9 corresponding to the display sections 23 to 25 can be performed.
[0060] Further, the display sections 23 to 25 can display, together with the character "heat", an image object of a character "start" indicating the start of heating. After the start of heating, the display sections 23 to 25 can display an image object of a number, an icon, or the like indicating the magnitude of the amount of heating (power) of the heating coils 7 to 9.
[0061] In addition, the display sections 23 to 25 can be liquid crystal display devices of a segment type. Either or both of a character and an image displayed using one or a plurality of segments is within the scope of the above-described image object.
[0062] The main body 3 has a speaker 27 that outputs a sound to information related to the heating of the heating coils 7 to 9. The speaker 27 is disposed on the front side of the induction heating cooker 1 and outputs a sound guide to the user.
[0063] An operation section is provided in the main body 3. In Figure 1A , a state in which the operation panel 40 is housed is shown. Also, in Figure 1B , a state in which the operation panel 40 is pulled out is shown. For example, when the user gently presses the operation panel 40 in the +Y direction, the locking of the operation panel 40 is released, and the operation panel 40 is pulled out in the -Y direction. Alternatively, when the user turns on the power switch 22, an unillustrated motor operates to feed the operation panel 40 in the -Y direction. In a state in which the induction heating cooker 1 is not used, the operation panel 40 and the display section 41, the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 of the operation panel 40 described later are housed in the main body 3.
[0064] The operation panel 40 has a display portion 41, an operation portion 42, a tool button 43, and a home key 50. In the case where the display portions 23 to 25 are dot-matrix liquid crystal display devices, the display portion 41 can also be a dot-matrix liquid crystal display device. Alternatively, the display portion 41 can also be an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device.
[0065] That is, the display portions 23 to 25 and the display portion 41 can be realized by display devices that display both or either of images and characters by the same display principle, or by display devices that display both or either of images and characters by different display principles.
[0066] In the present embodiment, a display device based on a dot-matrix display principle that enables more flexible display is assumed instead of a line display principle. The reason for this is to be able to display various information on the display portion 41 in correspondence with the multifunctionalization of the induction heating cooker 1.
[0067] If the dot-matrix display principle is assumed, for example, various setting items can be displayed while switching the display. The display principle is arbitrary as long as the display portion 41 adopts a display principle that enables flexible display, such as a dot-matrix display principle.
[0068] In the present specification, "switching" typically means completely rewriting the content displayed on the display portion 41 to display new content. The advantage of "switching" the display is that the limited display area can be effectively utilized. In the case where all the content displayed up to this point is displayed to the user, a large display area is required, and the display area for displaying new content decreases.
[0069] "Content displayed up to this point" refers to content displayed in the case where new content is additionally displayed on the same screen while maintaining the content displayed up to this point, for example.
[0070] On the other hand, in the case where the display is switched by completely rewriting the content displayed up to this point, such as the content displayed on the initial screen, new content can be displayed in the entire display area of the display portion 41, and the amount of information that can be presented can be increased. Alternatively, by displaying characters larger instead of increasing the amount of information, the visual recognition can be greatly improved.
[0071] As Figure 1B As shown, the top plate 5 is placed on the upper surface of the main body 3 together with the heating coils 7 to 9, and in contrast, the operation panel 40 or the operation portion 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 of the main body 3 are provided on the side surface of the main body 3, and the user's input is received by a plurality of keys including the home key 50 (operation portion) and one or more selection keys (operation portion 42 and tool button 43).
[0072] The operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 are utilized when the grill 44 of the main body 3 is operated and various settings of the main body 3 are made. A heating coil (not shown) is provided in the grill 44. More detailed descriptions of the display section 41, the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 will be given later.
[0073] In addition, in the present specification, the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 are sometimes collectively referred to as "main body operation section". That is, the home key 50 is a main body home key. The main body operation section and the top surface operation section are sometimes collectively referred to as "operation section".
[0074] Further, the heating coil and the operation section and the display section corresponding to the heating coil are sometimes referred to as one set of "heating unit". For example, Figure 1A The heating coil 7, the operation section 19, and the display section 23 shown are one set of heating unit, and the heating coil 8, the operation section 20, and the display section 24 are another set of heating unit.
[0075] Similarly, Figure 1B The grill 44, the operation section 42, and the tool button 43, and the display section 41 shown are also one set of heating unit. In addition, the operation section 42 and the tool button 43 are also utilized for the settings of the induction heating cooker 1, and are not utilized only for the operation of the grill 44. Therefore, only the buttons or switches of the operation section 42 and the tool button 43 that are related to the operation of the grill 44 can be included in the one set of heating unit related to the grill 44.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 2 The induction heating cooker 1 is provided with a control section 31 and a storage section 33 inside the main body 3. The control section 31 includes, for example, a signal processing circuit such as a CPU (Central processing unit), a microcontroller, and the like.
[0077] The storage section 33 is a storage medium such as a ROM (Read only memory), a RAM (Random access memory), a hard disk, an SSD (Solid state drive), and the like. The storage section 33 stores a computer program for causing the induction heating cooker 1 to operate. The control section 31 is configured to exert various functions described later by executing the computer program.
[0078] The control section 31 that executes the computer program functions as the heating control section 35, the operation control section 37, and the cooking guidance control section 39 at the corresponding times. For example, when the control section 31 controls the amount of current flowing in the heating coils 7 to 9 and the heating coil (hereinafter described as "heating coil for grill 44") in the grill 44, the control section 31 functions as the heating control section 35.
[0079] Further, when the control section 31 controls the input accepted at the operation sections 19 to 21 to control the display to the display area of the display sections 23 to 25, the control section 31 functions as the operation control section 37. When the control section 31 controls the information output for the cooking guidance, the control section 31 functions as the cooking guidance control section 39.
[0080] However, part or all of the heating control section 35, the operation control section 37, and the cooking guidance control section 39 can not be implemented by software, and can be constituted by one or a plurality of CPUs, microprocessors, FPGAs (Field programmable gate array).
[0081] In addition, the heating unit of the grill 44 can be a component other than the heating coil. For example, the heating unit of the grill 44 can be a sheath heater, a flat heater, or a microwave generating device, or a combination of part or all of these. The heating control section 35 can supply power to these heating units to control the heating.
[0082] The output signals of the operation sections 19 to 21, 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 are input to the control section 31. The control section 31 sets the heating amount of the heating coils 7 to 9 and the heating coil for grill 44, and the like, in accordance with the operation. In accordance with the operation instruction of the operation section 19, the control section 31 functioning as the heating control section 35 controls the start or stop of the heating of the heating coil 7.
[0083] The heating control section 35 supplies a high-frequency current to the heating coils 7 to 9 to perform the heating of the container placed on the top plate 5. Further, the heating control section 35 controls the heating amount from the heating coils 7 to 9 by controlling the amount of current flowing in the heating coils 7 to 9. Further, since the output signals of the operation sections 19 to 21 are input to the control section 31, they are also used for the control of the operation of the control section 31 functioning as the operation control section 37 and the cooking guidance control section 39.
[0084] Further, the heating control section 35 supplies a high-frequency current to the heating coil for grill 44 to perform the heating of the heated object in the grill 44 as with the heating coils 7 to 9. Further, the heating control section 35 controls the heating amount from the heating coil for grill 44 by controlling the amount of current flowing in the heating coil.
[0085] The cooking guide control section 39 sends the cooking guide information to the operation control section 37 at a timing when an appropriate condition is satisfied in accordance with a predetermined heating sequence or a cooking sequence. The appropriate condition means a condition based on whether the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 18 satisfies a predetermined temperature condition or whether a predetermined time elapses after the detected temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.
[0086] These conditions are set for each of the sub menus in which the cooking guide is performed. When the cooking guide control section 39 determines that these conditions are satisfied, the cooking guide control section 39 instructs the operation control section 37 to display the cooking guide corresponding to the condition from the display sections 23 to 25. These heating sequences, cooking sequences, and cooking guides are stored in the storage section 33.
[0087] Operation Section and Display Section
[0088] Next, the operation sections 19 to 21, the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50, and the display sections 23 to 25, and 41 will be described with reference to Figure 4 Figures 5A-6B
[0089] First, reference will be made to Figure 4 The operation sections 19 to 21 are each provided with a first operation section 51, a second operation section 53, a third operation section 55, and a fourth operation section 57. The first operation section 51 to the fourth operation section 57 can be, for example, a touch switch including an electrostatic capacitance type switch, or a button switch.
[0090] The first operation section 51 to the fourth operation section 57 set the heating operation of the corresponding heating coil 7 to 9. The first operation section 51 is printed with a pattern of a clock, and is mainly used for selecting a timer setting. The second operation section 53 and the third operation section 55 are each printed with a pattern of an arrow, such as a symbol of " " or " > ", and are mainly used for setting a menu selection and a heating power, a timer time.
[0091] The fourth operation section 57 is printed with a pattern indicating a heating area corresponding to the operation section, and functions as a multifunction switch which is assigned different functions depending on the situation. The power switch 22 has a function of turning on the power of the induction heating cooker 1. The power switch 22 can also have a function of turning off the power of the induction heating cooker 1. The power switch 22 can also be provided separately from the power switch 22 with a switch for turning off the power.
[0092] The first operation section 51, the second operation section 53, the third operation section 55, and the fourth operation section 57 included in each of the operation sections 19, 20, and 21 are also collectively referred to as "operation units" in the present disclosure. The operation units are interfaces that accept both or either of a heating operation and various settings by the user. The operation units can also be constituted by any part of the first operation section 51, the second operation section 53, the third operation section 55, and the fourth operation section 57.
[0093] (1-2) Details
[0094] Next, the induction heating cooker 1 according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. For ease of explanation, the operation section 20 and the display section 24 on the top plate 5 constituting one group of heating units will be exemplified.
[0095] Figure 5A is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the operation section 20 and the display section 24 before the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on. When the user presses the power switch 22, the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on.
[0096] Figure 5B indicates the display content of the display section 41 immediately after the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on. In the upper portion of the display section 41, an image object 30 of "Menu" is displayed, and below it, image objects of selectable menus ("Manual", "Oven", "IH Oven without thawing", "Automatic") are displayed.
[0097] Next, the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 will be described with reference to Figure 6A and Figure 6B . Figure 6A is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the operation section 42, the tool button 43, the home key 50, and the display section 41 before the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on. When the user presses the power switch 22, the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on.
[0098] Figure 6B indicates the display content of the display section 41 immediately after the power supply to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on. In the upper portion of the display section 41, an image object 30 of "Menu" is displayed, and below it, image objects of selectable menus ("Manual", "Oven", "IH Oven without thawing", "Automatic") are displayed.
[0099] Each of the image objects can be selected by the first operation section 61, the second operation section 63, the third operation section 65, and the fourth operation section 67 of the operation section 42 displayed right below it, respectively. The tool button 43 is used for maintenance actions such as cleaning of the induction heating cooker 1, setting of actions, and the like. A specific example of the display of the display section 41 when the tool button 43 is pressed will be described later.
[0100] In this specification, for the first operation section 61, the second operation section 63, the third operation section 65, the fourth operation section 67, and the tool button 43, the term "selection key" is sometimes used in view of the function of selecting items, respectively. The induction heating cooker 1 has one or more selection keys.
[0101] The home key 50 is a key for returning the screen currently displayed on the display section 41 to the home screen. The home key 50 is sometimes described as an "operation section". An example of the home screen is a screen displayed immediately after the power is turned on as shown in FIG. 6. Figure 6B
[0102] When the user presses the home key 50 of the main body side operation section, the main body side operation section that has accepted the input to the home key 50 causes the display section 41 to display the home screen regardless of the screen currently displayed. As an example, the home screen is a screen corresponding to the top level.
[0103] In this embodiment, various menu items hierarchized are displayed in the display section 41. When the user is confused about the operation due to the hierarchization of the menu items, by pressing the home key 50, the user can easily perform the operation again from the initial home screen. By performing the operation again, the user can reach the desired setting item while confirming various items.
[0104] That is, by providing the home key 50, the user can efficiently perform the subsequent cooking operation. Hereinafter, examples of the transition of the display of the display section 41 and the transition of the prohibition of the display when the user presses the home key 50 in various levels will be described.
[0105] In the foregoing description, it is assumed that the operation section 20 and the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 are explained by switches implemented by hardware. However, all or a part of the operation section 20 and the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 can be implemented by soft switches that do not have a display section.
[0106] Alternatively, all or a part of the operation section 20 and the operation section 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 can be implemented by soft switches and touch panels displayed on the display sections 24 and 41.
[0107] For example, a not-illustrated touch panel can also be provided overlapping the display sections 24 and 41, and detect a user's touch operation, push operation, and the like. The touch panel detects a user's touch and touch position based on a change in pressure, electrostatic capacity, or the like. For example, the control section 31 determines which display position of the operation sections 20 and 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50 the touch position corresponds to, and executes a function associated with the operation section.
[0108] In addition, the touch panel is an example of an input device. Furthermore, an input device that detects a position and input operation of a user's finger in a non-contact manner can also be employed. For example, a proximity sensor that can detect the presence or absence of an object in the vicinity and the position thereof by means of electric waves, infrared rays, or the like is mounted, and by detecting a hand on the cover by means of the proximity sensor, it is possible to detect an operation on the operation sections 20 and 42, the tool button 43, and the home key 50. If such a proximity sensor is used, it is possible to perform an operation without worrying about dirt on the hand during cooking or the like.
[0109] Next, a method of selecting a project displayed on the display section 41 by means of the operation section 42 will be described with reference to Figure 7A and Figure 7B .
[0110] Figure 7A The correspondence between the operation section when selecting each project of the menu by means of the operation section and the menu project is shown. In the present embodiment, each menu project displayed on the display section 41 is selected by pressing the operation section with which each position of the various menu projects is associated.
[0111] In the example of Figure 7A , the menu project 71 ("manual") displayed on the display section 41 is selected by pressing the 1st operation section 61 with which the position of the menu project 71 is associated. The double arrow indicates that the menu project 71 is associated with the 1st operation section 61.
[0112] Similarly, the menu project 73 ("oven") is associated with the 2nd operation section 63, the menu project 75 ("no thawing IH grill") is associated with the 3rd operation section 65, and the menu project 77 ("automatic") is associated with the 4th operation section 67. By pressing the 2nd operation section 63, the 3rd operation section 65, and the 4th operation section 67, the menu projects 73, 75, and 77 are selected, respectively.
[0113] In the example of Figure 7A , the number of menu projects displayed on the display section 41 coincides with the number of operation sections. On the other hand, there are cases in which the numbers do not coincide.
[0114] Figure 7BThe correspondence in the case where the number of menu items is different from the number of operation sections. The display section 41 includes a large item display 80A and a middle item display 80B. The middle item display 80B further includes a small item display (timer item 81, selection item 83, and start item 87). In this example, the small item display is three. On the other hand, four operation sections (first operation section 61 to fourth operation section 67) are associated with Figure 7A the same.
[0115] In Figure 7B this example, the selection item 83 is displayed to be wider than the timer item 81 and the start item 87 in the right-left direction of the drawing. In this case, in the present embodiment, the timer item 81 is associated with the first operation section 61, the selection item 83 is associated with the second operation section 63 and the third operation section 65, and the start item 87 is associated with the fourth operation section 67.
[0116] Then, by pressing each operation section, the corresponding item is selected. Whether the second operation section 63 is pressed or the third operation section 65 is pressed, the selection item 83 is selected. However, in the case where the selection item 83 is associated with, for example, the increase and decrease of the set value of the temperature setting and the like, the pressing of the second operation section 63 means the operation of selecting the decrease of the temperature, and the pressing of the third operation section 65 means the operation of selecting the increase of the temperature.
[0117] In the following description, "selection" of the item displayed on the display section means that the user presses the operation section corresponding to the item. For ease of explanation, the pressed operation section is marked in the drawing.
[0118] With reference to Figures 8-11 , an example of the lower level pursued from each menu item displayed on the main screen of the display section 41 is described. According to these drawings, the case where the content of the screen displayed in the display section 41 is changed across multiple levels is described. For ease of understanding, how the display content is changed is described, but the change of the display content of the display section 41 is performed based on the control of the operation control section 37.
[0119] That is, the operation control section 37 controls the display section 41 to perform the required display. The uppermost line of each drawing is "Level (0)", and the more the level becomes lower, the more the number increases as in Level (1), Level (2). In the drawing, the number of input operations accepted by the operation control section 37 is described as "xl" when it is once, and "xn" when it is n times, and the like.
[0120] Figure 8An example of transition of display from the menu item 71 ("manual") of the home screen. When the 1st operation section 61 is pressed, the display of the display section 41 is changed to "grill manual" which is a manual menu of the grill 44. The display of the level (1) is the same as Figure 7B When the 1st operation section 61 is pressed in the level (1), the level (2) is entered, and the timer setting menu is displayed in the display section 41.
[0121] Here, when the 3rd operation section 65 is pressed a prescribed number of times, the value of the timer is displayed as a time desired by the user (for example, "30 minutes"). In addition, by pressing the 3rd operation section 65, the timer time "30 minutes" is additionally displayed. The display of the display section 41 is not rewritten. That is, the display of the display section 41 is not changed. Then, when the 4th operation section 67 is pressed, heating is started.
[0122] In Figure 8 , a broken line 8a is shown which surrounds the display of the level (1) and the level (2). The broken line 8a indicates that when the display section 41 displays the contents within the broken line 8a, if the user presses the home key 50, the display of the display section 41 is changed to the home screen of the level (0). That is, when the operation control section 37 receives an input to the home key 50, regardless of the level of the currently displayed screen, the home screen is displayed.
[0123] On the other hand, when the 4th operation section 67 is pressed in the level (1), or when the 4th operation section 67 is pressed after the timer time is reset in the level (2), heating is started. At this time, the display screen of the display section 41 is changed to the display contents surrounded by a broken line 8b. The broken line 8b indicates that even when the display section 41 displays the contents within the broken line 8b, if the user presses the home key 50, the display of the display section 41 is not changed to the home screen of the level (0).
[0124] In other words, the broken line 8b indicates that when the operation control section 37 receives an input to the home key 50 during the period in which the heating control section 35 supplies electric power to the heating coil of the grill 44, the change to the home screen is prohibited. As a result, heating of the grill 44 is continued.
[0125] Figure 9 An example of transition of display from the menu item 73 ("oven") of the home screen.
[0126] When the 2nd operation section 63 is pressed, the display of the display section 41 is changed to "oven" which is an oven menu of the grill 44. When the 1st operation section 61 is pressed in the level (1), the level (2) is entered, and the timer setting menu at the time of using the oven is displayed in the display section 41.
[0127] When the 3rd operation section 65 is pressed, the value of the timer is displayed as "30 minutes". In addition, the timer time "30 minutes" is additionally displayed by pressing the 3rd operation section 65. The display of the display section 41 is not rewritten. That is, the display of the display section 41 is not changed. Then, when the 4th operation section 67 is pressed, the heating control section 35 supplies power to the heating coil of the grill 44 and starts heating.
[0128] The display of the level (1) and the level (2) is surrounded by the broken line 9a shown in Figure 9 In addition, the display section 41 after the 4th operation section 67 is pressed in the level (1) or after the timer time is reset and the 4th operation section 67 is pressed in the level (2) is surrounded by the broken line 9b.
[0129] The meanings of the broken lines 9a and 9b are the same as those of the broken lines 8a and 8b, respectively. At the time of display within the broken line 9a, when the operation control section 37 receives an input to the home key 50, the main screen is displayed regardless of the level of the currently displayed screen being the level (1) or the level (2). On the other hand, at the time of display within the broken line 9b, when the operation control section 37 receives an input to the home key 50, the transition to the main screen is prohibited. Figure 8
[0130] The display of the menu item 75 ("IH grill without thawing required") of the main screen is shown as an example of transition. In addition, Figure 10 The display of the menu item 77 ("automatic") of the main screen is shown as an example of transition. In either example, after the transition from the level (0) to the level (1), one of the menu items is selected from various menu items in the level (1). Then, when the 4th operation section 67 is pressed, heating is started. Figure 11 In
[0131] and Figure 10 the display of the level (1) is surrounded by the broken lines 10a and 11a. In addition, in Figure 11 and Figure 10 the display of the display section 41 after the 4th operation section 67 is pressed in the level (1) or after the timer time is reset and the 4th operation section 67 is pressed in the level (2) is surrounded by the broken lines 10b and 11b. Figure 11 The meanings of the broken lines 10a and 10b and the meanings of the broken lines 11a and 11b are the same as those of the broken lines 8a and 8b, respectively. Since it is easy to infer from the broken lines 9a and 9b in
[0132] , the repeated description is omitted. Figure 9
[0133] Next, referring to Figures 12-14 Here, we will explain an example of how to follow the lower levels from the main screen when the tool button 43 is pressed.
[0134] Figure 12 This describes an example of the display change on display unit 41 when "Maintenance" is selected after pressing tool button 43. After pressing tool button 43, the display on display unit 41 changes to level (1). When the user presses the first operation unit 61 in level (1), "Maintenance" is selected and the display changes to level (2).
[0135] "Maintenance" refers to the cleaning operation mode that involves heating the oven 44 of the induction heating cooker 1 to burn off grease. Heating begins when the user presses the fourth operation unit 67 in level (2).
[0136] exist Figure 12 In the middle, the display of hierarchy (1) and hierarchy (2) is surrounded by dashed lines 12a. Furthermore, in Figure 12 In the middle, the display of the display unit 41 after pressing the fourth operation unit 67 in level (2) is surrounded by the dashed line 12b. The meanings of the dashed lines 12a and 12b are the same as the meanings of the dashed lines 8a and 8B, so further explanation is omitted.
[0137] Figure 13 This describes an example of the display change on display unit 41 when "range hood" is selected after pressing tool button 43. After pressing tool button 43, the display on display unit 41 changes to level (1). When the user presses the second operation unit 63 in level (1), "range hood" is selected and the display changes to level (2).
[0138] "Range hood" refers to the operating mode of the range hood (not shown) operated from the induction heating cooker 1. A control line connects to the range hood from the induction heating cooker 1, and the fan of the range hood can be rotated by the control signal via the control line.
[0139] exist Figure 13 In the middle, the display of levels (1) and (2) is surrounded by dotted lines 12a. When the home button 50 is pressed in these levels, the display of the display unit 41 returns to the main screen. Figure 13 In the example, pressing the home button 50 does not prevent the transition to the home screen. This is because it is not an operation mode that restricts the operation of the induction heating cooker 1, as is the case with heating processes.
[0140] Figure 14A transition example of the display of the display section 41 when "setting" is selected after the tool button 43 is pressed down. After the tool button 43 is pressed down, the display of the display section 41 is transitioned to level (1). When the user presses down the 3rd operation section 65 in level (1), "setting" is selected and is transitioned to level (2). "Setting" refers to an operation mode of adjusting setting items related to the operation of the induction heating cooker 1. Thirteen setting items are exemplified in level (2). Each setting item is only an example, and detailed explanation is omitted.
[0141] When the user presses down the 4th operation section 67 in a state where, for example, the setting item of "sound volume setting" is selected, the display of the display section 41 is transitioned to level (3) for changing the setting content of "sound volume setting".
[0142] When the user sets a favorite sound volume using the 2nd operation section 63 and the 3rd operation section 65 and presses down the 4th operation section 67 again, the setting ends. At this time, "setting completed." is displayed on the display section 41, and after 3 seconds, the display section 41 is automatically transitioned to the home screen.
[0143] In the example of Figure 14 , the displays of levels (1) to (3) are surrounded by the broken line 14a. When the home key 50 is pressed down in any of these levels, the display of the display section 41 is returned to the home screen. When the "setting" item is selected, since it is not an operation mode of restricting the operation of the induction heating cooker 1, the transition to the home screen is not prohibited as in the example of Figure 13 .
[0144] The processing of the operation control section 37 of the induction heating cooker 1 can be explained as the processing of Figure 15A or Figure 15B .
[0145] Figure 15A is a flowchart showing steps of the transition processing to the home screen. This processing is performed, for example, immediately after the power switch 22 of the induction heating cooker 1 is pressed down.
[0146] In step S10, the operation control section 37 causes the display section 41 to display the home screen.
[0147] In step Sll, when an input to the selection key such as the 1st operation section 61 is received, the operation control section 37 causes the display section 41 to switch the display of the home screen to the display of a lower level and displays a menu item corresponding to the selection key.
[0148] In step S12, the operation control section 37, when an input to the home key 50 is received, causes the display section 41 to display the home screen regardless of the current level and ends the processing.
[0149] As already defined, "switching" means completely rewriting the content displayed in the display section 41 to display new content. In the above step Sll, the display of the main screen is switched to the display of the lower level.
[0150] Therefore, there is an advantage that new content can be displayed in the entire display area, but on the other hand, it is difficult for the user to grasp the position or level of the current menu item, and sometimes, operation confusion is easily caused.
[0151] In such a case, if the above processing using the home key 50 is performed, the display of the display section 41 can be easily returned to the main screen regardless of the level in which the user is confused. Thus, the operability of the user can be improved.
[0152] Figure 15B is a flowchart showing the steps of the transition processing to the main screen based on the application example of Figure 15A The same processing as the processing of Figure 15A is denoted by the same reference numerals and the explanation is omitted.
[0153] In step S20 after step Sll, the operation control section 37 determines whether there is an input to the home key 50. In the case where there is no input, the processing returns to step Sll to continue waiting for an input to the selection key. In the case where there is an input, the processing proceeds to step S21.
[0154] In step S21, the operation control section 37 determines whether it is in the heating cooking. If it is not in the heating cooking, the operation control section 37 performs the processing of step S12. If it is in the heating cooking, the operation control section 37 ends the processing.
[0155] That is, although the pressing of the home key 50 is accepted, the operation control section 37 does not change the display of the display section 41 to the main screen. In the present specification, such processing is expressed as prohibiting the transition to the main screen.
[0156] In addition, although not explicitly shown in Figure 15B , in the case where the heating cooking is ended, the operation control section 37 can change the display content of the display section 41 according to the input of the user.
[0157] Thus far, the operation and display related to the operation panel 40 and the display section 41 of the induction heating cooker 1 have been explained. The structure other than the operation panel 40 and the display section 41, for example, the structure of the top surface operation section and the top surface display section is arbitrary, as shown in Figure 4 indicated, the home key does not need to be provided to the top plate 5.
[0158] The following describes an application example in which the home key 60 is provided on the top plate 5 in addition to the structure and operation described so far. The home key 60 is a top-surface home key.
[0159] Figure 16 An example in which the home key 60 is provided near the operation section 20 and the display section 24 on the top plate 5 is shown. The function of the home key 60 is the same as that of the home key 50. That is, the operation control section 37 causes the display section 24 to display the main screen of the screen of the uppermost level of the hierarchical menu items.
[0160] Then, when the operation section 20 receives an input to one or more selection keys (the first operation section 51, the second operation section 53, the third operation section 55, the fourth operation section 57) that constitute the operation section 20, the display of the main screen is switched to the display of the lower level. Also, when the operation section 20 receives an input to the home key 60, the operation control section 37 causes the display section 24 to display the main screen regardless of the level of the screen currently displayed.
[0161] The above processing corresponds to the processing of Figure 15A . Similarly, the operation control section 37 can execute the processing corresponding to Figure 15B as processing using the operation section 20, the display section 24, and the home key 60 shown in Figure 16 .
[0162] Figure 17 An example of the transition of the display section 24 from the display of the main screen is shown. As in the examples of Figure 8 and the like, the level (0) indicates the main screen of the display section 24. Now, when the third operation section 55 is pressed, the display of the display section 24 is changed to "heating" of the menu of the heating coil 8 corresponding to the display section 24. In the level (1), the menu items related to heating such as "frying" and "grilling" are switched each time the third operation section 55 is pressed.
[0163] When the fourth operation section 57 is pressed in a state in which, for example, "grilling assist" of the menu items related to heating is displayed, the level (2) is entered, and the detailed menu items of "grilling assist" are displayed on the display section 24. In this example, 10 cooking menu items can be selected in the level (2).
[0164] When the fourth operation section 57 is pressed in a state in which, for example, "French toast" of the cooking menu items is displayed, the induction heating cooker 1 starts a preheating operation. That is, heating is started.
[0165] As in the example of Figure 8 , in the example of Figure 17The broken line 17a encloses the display of the level (1) and the level (2) is also shown. The broken line 17a means that when the display section 24 displays the contents within the broken line 17a, the display of the display section 24 is changed to the range of the home screen of the level (0) when the user presses the home key 60.
[0166] That is, when the operation control section 37 receives the input to the home key 60, the home screen is displayed regardless of the level of the currently displayed screen, whether it is the level (1) or the level (2).
[0167] On the other hand, if the heating is started from the level (2), the display screen of the display section 24 is changed to the display contents enclosed by the broken line 17b. The broken line 17b means that even when the display section 24 displays the contents within the broken line 17b, the display of the display section 24 is not changed to the home screen of the level (0) when the user presses the home key 60.
[0168] In other words, the broken line 17b means that when the operation control section 37 receives the input to the home key 60 during the period in which the heating control section 35 supplies the power to the heating coil 8, the change to the home screen is prohibited. As a result, the heating based on the heating coil 8 is continued.
[0169] As described above, the home key 60 is also provided to the operation section 20 and the display section 24, and if the home key 60 is pressed, the operation control section 37 can change the display section 24 to the home screen regardless of the current level, except for the prescribed case in which the heating is intermediate.
[0170] In addition, here, the structure example in which the home key 60 is provided in the vicinity of the operation section 20 and the display section 24 is exemplified, but other structures can also be employed. For example, the home key 60 can be provided to the operation section 19 and the display section 23 or the operation section 21 and the display section 25. Alternatively, the home key 60 can also be provided to the combination of all or any part of the corresponding operation sections and display sections.
[0171] Hereinbefore, the embodiment of the induction heating cooker according to the present disclosure has been described. The processing of the flowchart described above is realized as the operation of the control section 31 by the computer program. Such a computer program is stored in the storage section 33 and can be executed by the control section 31.
[0172] (3) Mode
[0173] As is clear from the above embodiment and the modified example, the present disclosure includes the following modes. Hereinafter, in order to make clear the correspondence with the above embodiment, the symbols are annotated with parentheses.
[0174] The first type is an induction heating cooker (1). The induction heating device (1) includes: a main body (3); heating coils (7, 8 and 9) for induction heating of the object to be heated; a top plate (5); a main body operation section (42, 43 and 50); a display section (41) provided on the side; and an operation control section (37).
[0175] The top plate, together with the heating coil, is mounted on the upper surface of the main body. The main body operation units (42, 43, and 50) are located on the side of the main body and accept user input via multiple keys, including a home button (50) and one or more selection keys (61, 63, 65, and 67). The operation control unit processes the input received by the main body operation units to control the display on the display unit.
[0176] The operation control unit causes the display unit to show the main screen, which is the top level of the hierarchical menu items. Figure 6B When the main operation unit receives input for more than one selection key, the operation control unit causes the display unit to switch the display of the main screen to a lower level. Figure 8 The display of the hierarchy (1) of the screen. When the main operation unit receives an input to the home button, the operation control unit causes the display unit to display the main screen regardless of the hierarchy of the currently displayed screen.
[0177] The second method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the first method. The operation control unit switches the display unit from showing the main screen to a lower-level screen. Figure 8 The hierarchy of (1), (2)).
[0178] The third method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the second method. The operation control unit causes the content of the screen displayed on the display unit to change across multiple levels ( Figure 8 The hierarchy (2) of etc.
[0179] The fourth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the third method. When the display unit shows a screen that is two or more levels away from the main screen, when the main operation unit receives an input to the home button (50), the operation control unit causes the display unit to display the main screen.
[0180] The fifth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any one of the methods 1 to 4. The display unit has a display device that displays text and graphics or either of them in a dot matrix manner.
[0181] The sixth method is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any one of the methods 1 to 5. The induction heating cooker (1) also includes a grill (44) provided on the side of the main body, having a grill heating part; and a heating control part (35) for controlling the heating based on the heating coil and the grill heating part.
[0182] When the operation control section accepts input to the home key (50) during a period in which the heating control section supplies electric power to the heating section for the grill, transition to the main screen is prohibited.
[0183] The seventh aspect is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the sixth aspect. The top panel further includes a top surface operation section having one or more top surface selection keys that accept input from a user, and a top surface display section having a display area that is narrower than the display area of the display section. The operation control section controls the top surface display section based on input accepted by the top surface operation section.
[0184] The eighth aspect is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the seventh aspect. The top surface operation section further includes a top surface home key (60).
[0185] The operation control section causes the top surface display section to display a top surface main screen that is a screen of a top level of the hierarchical menu items. Figure 16 When the top surface operation section accepts input to one or more top surface selection keys (51, 53, 55, and 57), the operation control section causes the top surface display section to switch the top surface main screen to a screen of a lower level of the hierarchy (1). Figure 17
[0186] When the main body operation section accepts input to the top surface home key, the operation control section causes the top surface display section to display the top surface main screen regardless of the level of the screen currently displayed.
[0187] The ninth aspect is an induction heating cooker (1) based on the eighth aspect. When the main body operation section accepts input to the top surface home key during a period in which the heating control section supplies electric power to the heating coils (7, 8, and 9) disposed on the top surface of the main body, transition to the top surface main screen is prohibited.
[0188] The tenth aspect is an induction heating cooker (1) based on any one of the first through ninth aspects. The main body operation section is capable of being accommodated inside the main body.
[0189] The eleventh aspect is a storage medium for a computer program (15A) for an induction heating cooker (1).
[0190] The induction heating cooker includes a main body (3), a heating coil (7, 8, and 9) for induction heating of an object to be heated, a top panel (5), a main body operation section (42, 43, and 50), a display section (41) disposed on a side surface, and an operation control section (37).
[0191] The top plate is placed on the upper surface of the main body together with the heating coil. The main body operation section (42, 43, and 50) is provided on the side surface of the main body, and receives input from the user through a plurality of keys including a home key (50) and one or more selection keys (61, 63, 65, and 67). The operation control section controls the display section based on the input received by the main body operation section.
[0192] According to the above computer program, the operation control section causes the display section to display a main screen which is a screen of the top level of the hierarchical menu items. When the main body operation section receives input to one or more selection keys, the operation control section causes the display section to switch the main screen to a screen of a lower level. When the main body operation section receives input to the home key, the operation control section causes the display section to display the main screen regardless of the level of the screen currently displayed.
[0193] The remaining time setting mode for setting a default value of a countdown timer according to the present disclosure can be applied to any induction heating cooker for household or business use.
Claims
1. An induction heating cooker, comprising: main body; A heating coil is capable of induction heating of the object being heated; A top plate, together with the heating coil, is mounted on the upper surface of the main body; The main operating unit is located on the side of the main body and is capable of accepting user input through multiple keys, including a home button and one or more selection buttons. A display unit is disposed on the side; The operation control unit is capable of processing the input received by the main operation unit to control the display operation of the display unit; A baking oven, disposed on the side of the main body, having a heating element for baking; and The heating control unit controls the heating based on the heating coil and the heating element for the baking dish. The operation control unit causes the display unit to show the main screen, which is the top level of the hierarchical menu items. When the main operation unit receives input to one or more selection keys, the display of the main screen switches to a lower level. When the main operation unit receives input to the home button, the main screen is displayed regardless of the hierarchy of the currently displayed screen. When the operation control unit receives an input to the home button while the heating control unit is supplying power to the heating unit of the baking oven, the transition to the main screen is prohibited regardless of whether the automatic heating menu or the manual heating menu is selected.
2. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The operation control unit causes the display unit to switch from displaying the main screen to displaying the lower-level screen.
3. The induction heating cooker according to claim 2, wherein, The operation control unit causes the content of the screen displayed by the display unit to change across multiple levels.
4. The induction heating cooker according to claim 3, wherein, When the display unit shows a screen that is two or more levels away from the main screen, when the main operation unit receives an input to the home button, the operation control unit causes the display unit to display the main screen.
5. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The display unit has a display device that displays text and graphics, or either text or graphics, in a dot matrix manner.
6. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The top plate also has: The top-mounted operation unit has one or more top-mounted selection keys, through which user input is received; and The top display section has a display area narrower than the display area of the aforementioned display section. The operation control unit processes the inputs received by the top operation unit to control the top display unit.
7. The induction heating cooker according to claim 6, wherein, The top operating unit also has a top home button. The operation control unit causes the top display unit to display the top main screen, which is the top level of the hierarchical menu items. When the top operation unit receives input to one or more top selection keys, it switches the top main screen to a lower level screen. When the main operation unit receives input to the top home key, it displays the top main screen regardless of the hierarchy of the currently displayed screen.
8. The induction heating cooker according to claim 7, wherein, When the main body operation unit receives an input to the top surface using the home button while the heating control unit is supplying power to the heating coil disposed on the top surface of the main body, the transition to the main screen on the top surface is prohibited.
9. The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The main operating part can be housed inside the main body.
10. A storage medium for a computer program, said computer program being used for an induction heating cooker, The induction heating cooker includes: main body; A heating coil is capable of induction heating of the object being heated; A top plate, together with the heating coil, is mounted on the upper surface of the main body; The main operating unit is located on the side of the main body and is capable of accepting user input through multiple keys, including a home button and one or more selection buttons. A display unit is disposed on the side; The operation control unit is capable of processing the input received by the main operation unit to control the display operation of the display unit; A baking oven, disposed on the side of the main body, having a heating element for baking; and The heating control unit controls the heating based on the heating coil and the heating element for the baking dish. According to the computer program, the operation control unit causes the display unit to display the main screen, which is the top-level screen of the hierarchical menu items. When the main operation unit receives input to one or more selection keys, the main screen is switched to a lower-level screen. When the main operation unit receives input to the home button, the main screen is displayed regardless of the hierarchy of the currently displayed screen. When input to the home button is received while power is being supplied to the heating unit of the oven, the switch to the main screen is prohibited regardless of whether the automatic heating menu or the manual heating menu is selected.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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