Heating cooker

Abstract

The present invention provides a heating cooker (10) comprising: a heating chamber (12); a door (20) that can be opened and closed freely, having a transparent glass (inner door glass (31)) that allows light from the outside to pass through into the heating chamber; and a camera (50) capable of photographing a region deeper than the glass through the glass. The glass (inner door glass (31)) is a transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass with a higher aperture ratio than perforated metal. The camera (50) is disposed inside the door (20) opposite the heating chamber (12) through the electromagnetic wave shielding glass.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heating cooker. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, in heating and cooking appliances such as microwave ovens, ovens, and grill microwaves, it is sometimes necessary to photograph the food inside the heating chamber in order to heat the food (the object being heated) effectively. Furthermore, as a prior art, a technique has been proposed that uses a camera fixed to a through-hole in an electromagnetic wave shielding plate, typically called "perforated metal," located inside the door, to photograph the interior of the heating chamber through the inner door glass, with at least one through-hole present in the camera's field of view (for example, see Patent Document 1). Here, "perforated metal" refers to a mesh-like metal plate with multiple through-holes. Another prior art technique has been proposed that involves forming a through-hole in the inner door glass and embedding heat-resistant glass, then using a camera located inside the door to photograph the interior of the heating chamber through the heat-resistant glass (for example, see Patent Document 2).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-527763

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-109453 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 has the following problem: because the field of view of the camera includes a through hole in the perforated metal (electromagnetic wave shielding plate), the field of view of the camera is damaged.

[0009] Furthermore, in the prior art described in Patent Document 2, the inner door glass and the heat-resistant lens are separate, which presents the following problem: when dirt accumulates at the boundary between the inner door glass and the heat-resistant lens, the camera's field of view is obstructed.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a heating cooker comprising: a heating chamber; a door that can be opened and closed freely, having transparent glass that allows external light to pass through the heating chamber; and a camera capable of photographing a region deeper than the glass through the glass.

[0012] Other options will be discussed later. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a second perspective view of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 4A This is the first explanatory diagram of the photographing action of the heating cooker in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 4B This is a second explanatory diagram showing the photographing action of the heating cooker in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the white balance setting operation of the heating cooker in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating cooker in Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating cooker in Embodiment 3.

[0021] Figure 8A This is the first explanatory diagram of the photographing action of the heating cooker in Embodiment 3.

[0022] Figure 8B This is the first explanatory diagram of the photographing action of the heating cooker in Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the drawings are shown only schematically to provide a sufficient understanding of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings. Additionally, in the drawings, common constituent elements and identical constituent elements are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions of them are omitted.

[0024] [Implementation Method 1]

[0025] The prior art described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "first prior art") and the prior art described in Patent Document 2 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "second prior art") have the following problems. This embodiment 1 also intends to provide a heating cooker that solves the following problems.

[0026] (1) The first prior art described in Patent Document 1 has the following problem: since the camera's field of view includes a through hole in the perforated metal (electromagnetic wave shielding plate), dirt accumulation in the through hole can cause a loss in the camera's field of view. In addition, the first prior art has the following problem: since the through hole in the perforated metal (electromagnetic wave shielding plate) is reflected in the captured image, it causes a change in the color tone of the captured image, which may hinder the proper capture of food contained in the heating box.

[0027] (2) Furthermore, the second prior art described in Patent Document 2 has the following problems: when the area of ​​the heat-resistant lens is increased, the area of ​​the inner door glass becomes narrower, resulting in a decrease in the user's visual confirmation of the interior of the heating box. Additionally, the second prior art has the following problem: when the through-hole in the inner door glass is increased, the shielding of electromagnetic waves is reduced due to the through-hole. Furthermore, the second prior art has the following problem: ambient light (outside light) entering from the outer door glass is reflected by the heat-resistant lens, and the reflected light impairs the user's visual confirmation of the interior of the heating box. Additionally, the second prior art has the following problem: ambient light (outside light) entering from the outer door glass is reflected into the heat-resistant glass, causing a change in the color tone of the captured image, which may hinder good photography of the food stored in the heating box.

[0028] <Structure of a Heating Cooker>

[0029] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 3 The structure of the heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are perspective views of the heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1. Figure 1 The structure of the heating cooker 10 indicating the closed state of the door. Figure 2 The structure of the heating cooker 10 indicates the open state of the door. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating cooker 10. Here, the heating cooker 10 is described as a microwave oven, but the heating cooker 10 can also be an oven, a grill microwave oven, etc.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 includes: a heating chamber 12, which is disposed inside the housing 11; and a door 20, which is opened and closed at an opening on the front surface side of the heating chamber 12.

[0031] The heating chamber 12 is a component that uses a heating source 13 located around the chamber to heat the food (the object to be heated) contained inside. In this embodiment, the heating source 13 will be described as an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves onto the food (the object to be heated). Figure 2 As shown, the heating box 12 is configured to be surrounded by a top surface 16a, a left surface 16b, a right surface 16c, a back surface 16d (deep wall surface), and a bottom surface 16e, with the front surface serving as an opening.

[0032] The door 20 is supported by a rotating support 15 located on the lower part of the front surface of the housing 11, allowing it to open and close freely. The door 20 opens the heating chamber 12 by tilting it forward (see reference). Figure 2 The heating box 12 is closed by raising it to the depth side (see reference). Figure 1 A handle 25 for the user to hold is provided on the upper part of the door 20. In addition, a door glass 30 is provided on the door 20 for the user to visually confirm the interior of the heating box 12.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the door glass 30 has an inner door glass 31 (glass) disposed inside the door 20 and an outer door glass 32 disposed outside the door 20. The inner door glass 31 is configured such that its inner surface 31a faces the heating box 12, and its outer surface 31b faces the interior space of the door 20. Similarly, the outer door glass 32 is configured such that its inner surface 32a faces the interior space of the door 20, and its outer surface 32b faces the outside.

[0034] The inner door glass 31 is fixed to the door base 21 disposed on the inner side of the door 20. The door base 21 is a choke structure to efficiently attenuate the electromagnetic waves generated by the heating source 13.

[0035] The heating cooker 10 uses electromagnetic wave shielding glass as the inner door glass 31 to efficiently attenuate electromagnetic waves generated by the heating source 13. The electromagnetic wave shielding glass is a glass in which a metal mesh 42 is integrated with tempered glass 41. The metal mesh 42 is a metallic material used to attenuate electromagnetic waves and is formed in a mesh shape. The metal mesh 42 is bonded to the tempered glass 41 by an adhesive (not shown) or by a plating process, thus becoming integrated with the tempered glass 41.

[0036] The aperture ratio of the metal mesh 42 is higher than that of the perforated metal used in the first prior art (approximately 50% or less), for example, approximately 78%. Because the lines forming the mesh are finer, such a metal mesh 42 appears transparent (generally transparent). The inner door glass 31 (glass) equipped with such a metal mesh 42 also appears transparent (generally transparent).

[0037] In the example shown, the inner door glass 31 has a structure in which a metal mesh 42 is disposed between tempered glass 41 and pressing glass 43, that is, it has a multi-layered glass structure. The tempered glass 41 and pressing glass 43 are of equal thickness, or the tempered glass 41 is thicker than the pressing glass 43.

[0038] However, the inner door glass 31 can also be a structure in which tempered glass 41 is joined with metal mesh 42 and the pressing glass 43 is removed, that is, a structure with only one layer (single phase) glass.

[0039] In addition, in the heating cooker 10, not only the inner door glass 31, but also the outer door glass 32 can use electromagnetic wave shielding glass.

[0040] The inner door glass 31 and the outer door glass 32 are transparent, allowing the interior of the heating chamber 12 to be seen from the outside. Therefore, during heating and cooking, the user can clearly observe the interior of the heating chamber 12 through the inner door glass 31 and the outer door glass 32.

[0041] The heating cooker 10 has a camera 50 inside the door 20 for photographing food (the object being heated). The camera 50 is fixed to a frame 24 located on the upper edge of the door frame 23 of the door 20 with the lens optical axis 51 tilted downwards from the horizontal. The camera 50 is surrounded by a door base 21, a frame 24 of the door frame 23, a shielding plate 61 that blocks ambient light (outside light), and an inner door glass 31. The door base 21, the frame 24 of the door frame 23, the shielding plate 61, and the inner door glass 31 form an ambient light shielding section 60 that blocks ambient light (outside light) from entering the field of view of the camera 50.

[0042] The shielding plate 61 is arranged parallel to the optical axis 51 of the lens of the camera 50, or tilted downwards from the optical axis 51 of the lens of the camera 50. Thus, the heating cooker 10 ensures the field of view of the camera 50.

[0043] A camera aperture 22 is provided between the door base 21 and the shielding plate 61 for viewing (photographing) the heating chamber 12 from the inner door glass 31. The camera 50 photographs the interior of the heating chamber 12 through the transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass that serves as the inner door glass 31. The portion of the inner door glass 31 opposite the camera 50 functions as a camera protection section 31c to protect the camera 50. The camera protection section 31c also functions as a viewing window used by the user to peer into the interior of the heating chamber 12. Since the camera protection section 31c is a part of the inner door glass 31, even if it becomes contaminated by oil, steam, or other deposits, these deposits can be easily wiped away. Thus, the heating cooker 10 can easily ensure a good field of view for the camera 50. The inner door glass 31, except for the supporting structure, is approximately the same size as the outer door glass 32.

[0044] The ambient light shielding section 60 prevents ambient light (outside light) entering from the outer door glass 32 from being reflected by the outer surface 31b of the inner door glass 31 and entering the imaging section of the camera 50 to capture an image. Additionally, the ambient light shielding section 60 also functions as an airflow path for cooling the camera 50. The shielding plate 61 of the ambient light shielding section 60 is configured such that its end, located opposite the outer surface 31b of the inner door glass 31, is positioned closer to the inside of the camera 50. A gap 62 is formed between the shielding plate 61 and the outer surface 31b of the inner door glass 31, preventing ambient light (outside light) from entering. The gap 62 prevents the shielding plate 61 from touching and damaging the outer surface 31b of the inner door glass 31. Furthermore, instead of forming a gap 62 between the shielding plate 61 and the outer surface 31b of the inner door glass 31, the heating cooker 10 can be used to allow the shielding plate 61 to abut against the outer surface 31b of the inner door glass 31 via an elastically deformable seal. Additionally, it is preferable to coat the surface of the ambient light shielding section 60 facing the camera 50 with a matte black or similar material to prevent reflection or stray light from the inner surface.

[0045] The heating cooker 10 has an operation board 28 at the lower part of the door 20. The operation board 28 is an integrated board with the operation section that receives user operation. The operation board 28 is disposed in the housing 11 (see reference). Figure 1 The control board 29 inside the heating cooker 10 is electrically connected. The control board 29 is a board that controls the operation of the heating source 13, camera 50, etc. The control board 29 is electrically connected to the heating source 13 and camera 50. The control board 29 includes: a control unit 29a that controls the overall operation of the heating cooker 10; and an ambient light correction unit 29b that performs color correction on the image captured by the camera 50. The control unit 29a and the ambient light correction unit 29b can be constructed using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0046] <The Actions of a Heating Cooker>

[0047] The following is for reference Figure 4A , Figure 4B as well as Figure 5 The operation of the heating cooker 10 will be explained. Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are explanatory diagrams showing the shooting action of the heating cooker 10. Figure 4A This indicates the operation of the heating cooker 10 under ambient light (99% of external light). Figure 4BThis indicates the operation of the heating cooker 10 when the inside of the heating box 12 is being photographed. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the white balance setting operation of the heating cooker 10.

[0048] like Figure 4A As shown, when the heating cooker 10 is setting the white balance, the camera 50 acquires (captures) ambient light (outside light 99) with the door 20 open. At this time, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 calculates the white balance setting value based on the acquired (captured) ambient light (outside light 99) and stores the calculated white balance setting value in a storage unit not shown.

[0049] Next, as Figure 4B As shown, the heating cooker 10 takes an image of the interior of the heating chamber 12 using the camera 50 with the door 20 closed. At this time, the heating cooker 10 adjusts the white balance of the image taken inside the heating chamber 12 based on the white balance setting stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0050] Figure 5 This indicates the white balance setting operation of the heating cooker 10. Here, a method is used as follows... Figure 4A The following explanation illustrates the case where door 20 is initially closed.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, firstly, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 performs an initial white balance setting (step S105). Next, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 determines whether to perform automatic white balance setting (whether to perform manual setting) (step S110).

[0052] If the determination in step S110 indicates that automatic setting is to be performed ("Yes"), the control unit 29a of the heating cooker 10 stands by until the determination that the door 20 is open is made (step S115). When the determination that the door 20 is open is made (refer to...) Figure 4B When (step S120), the camera 50 takes a picture of the outside world 99 (refer to...). Figure 4B The heating cooker 10 acquires (captures) the ambient light (outside light 99) (step S125). After step S125, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 automatically sets the white balance based on the acquired (captured) ambient light (outside light 99) (step S130). In this case, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 calculates the white balance setting value based on the acquired (captured) ambient light (outside light 99) and stores the calculated white balance setting value in a storage unit (not shown).

[0053] On the other hand, if the determination in step S110 indicates that automatic setting will not be performed (in the case of "No"), the control unit 29a of the heating cooker 10 performs manual white balance setting (step S135). In this case, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 accepts the white balance setting value input by the user through the operation unit provided on the operation board 28, and stores the white balance setting value in the storage unit (not shown).

[0054] After step S130 or step S135, when the user instructs the food (the object to be heated) contained in the heating chamber 12 to be cooked, the control unit 29a of the heating cooker 10 takes a picture of the interior of the heating chamber 12 through the camera 50 (step S140).

[0055] After step S140, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 performs image processing on the captured image inside the heating chamber 12 and saves the processed image in a storage unit (not shown) (step S140). At this time, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 adjusts the white balance of the captured image inside the heating chamber 12 based on the white balance setting value stored in the storage unit (not shown) in step S130 or step S135, as image processing of the captured image inside the heating chamber 12.

[0056] In this structure, the heating cooker 10 is configured such that the camera 50 can rotate relative to the heating chamber 12. Specifically, the heating cooker 10 is configured such that when the door 20 is open, the camera 50 rotates together with the door 20 as the door 20 rotates around the rotating support 15. With the door 20 open, the lens optical axis 51 of the camera 50 passes through the outside (external environment), thus enabling direct acquisition (photographing) of ambient light (the light from the outside 99). Then, based on the acquired (photographed) ambient light (the light from the outside 99), the heating cooker 10 adjusts the white balance of the image inside the heating chamber 12 captured by the camera 50, thereby reliably correcting the color of the captured image.

[0057] <Key Features of Heating Cookers>

[0058] (1) As Figure 3 As shown, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 includes: a heating chamber 12; a door 20 that can be opened and closed freely, which has transparent glass (inner door glass 31) that allows ambient light (outer light) to pass through into the heating chamber 12; and a camera 50 that can take pictures of the area deeper than the glass through the glass.

[0059] Unlike the first prior art described above, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 does not contain through holes in the perforated metal (electromagnetic wave shielding plate) within the camera's field of view, thus suppressing the occurrence of defects in the camera 50's field of view. Furthermore, unlike the first prior art described above, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 does not accumulate dirt in the through holes of the perforated metal (electromagnetic wave shielding plate), thus also preventing defects in the camera 50's field of view. Additionally, unlike the first prior art described above, the through holes in the perforated metal (electromagnetic wave shielding plate) of the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 are not reflected in the captured image, thus suppressing tonal variations in the captured image that could hinder proper photography of the food stored in the heating chamber.

[0060] Furthermore, unlike the second prior art described above, the heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1 does not accumulate dirt at the boundary between the inner door glass and the heat-resistant lens, thus suppressing the occurrence of defects in the field of view of the camera 50. Also, unlike the second prior art described above, the heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1 does not have a heat-resistant lens area, thus eliminating the situation where the inner door glass area narrows due to an increased heat-resistant lens area, reducing the user's visual visibility. Furthermore, unlike the second prior art described above, the heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1 does not have a through-hole in the inner door glass, thus preventing the electromagnetic wave shielding from being reduced due to the through-hole. Finally, unlike the second prior art described above, ambient light (outside light) entering from the outer door glass of Embodiment 1 is not reflected by the heat-resistant lens, thus eliminating the situation where reflected light impairs the user's visual visibility of the interior of the heating chamber. Furthermore, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 differs from the second prior art described above in that it can eliminate the following situation: due to ambient light (outside light) shining in from the outer door glass reflecting into the heat-resistant glass, the color tone of the captured image changes, which hinders the good capture of the food contained in the heating box.

[0061] Furthermore, in the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1, the glass (inner door glass 31) has a simple structure without the perforated metal (electromagnetic wave shielding plate) of the first prior art or the heat-resistant lens of the second prior art. Even if oil, steam, or other contaminants adhere to the glass (inner door glass 31) and become soiled, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 can be easily wiped clean. Therefore, even in environments with a lot of oil, steam, or other contaminants, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 can easily ensure a good field of view for the camera 50.

[0062] (2) Figure 3As shown, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 has a heating source 13 that heats the food (the object to be heated) housed in the heating chamber 12 by irradiating electromagnetic waves. It uses transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass (inner door glass 31) with a higher aperture ratio than perforated metal, and the camera 50 is disposed inside the door 20, facing the heating chamber 12, through the electromagnetic wave shielding glass. Furthermore, the aperture ratio of the perforated metal is approximately 50% or less. The electromagnetic wave shielding glass used in the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 preferably has an aperture ratio of 70% or more, more preferably approximately 78% or more, so that the wires of the metal mesh 42 are finer, making the glass appear transparent overall.

[0063] In this heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1, it is possible to simultaneously improve the visual visibility of the food (the object being heated) stored inside the heating chamber 12 and improve the shielding of electromagnetic waves.

[0064] (3) Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment 1, the camera 50 of the heating cooker 10 is fixed to the frame of the upper edge of the door 20 with the lens optical axis 51 tilted downwards from the horizontal.

[0065] In the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1, the food (the object being heated) contained inside the heating chamber 12 can be photographed well.

[0066] (4) Figure 3 As shown, the camera 50 of the heating cooker 10 in this embodiment 1 is surrounded by a shielding plate 61 that shields ambient light (outside light) and glass (inner door glass 31).

[0067] In this embodiment 1 of the heating cooker 10, ambient light (outer light) can be prevented from entering the captured image.

[0068] (5) Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment 1, the shielding plate 61 of the heating cooker 10 is parallel to the optical axis 51 of the lens of the camera 50, or is arranged at an angle downwards from the optical axis 51 of the lens of the camera 50, and a gap 62 is provided between the shielding plate 61 and the glass (inner door glass 31).

[0069] In the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1, the gap 62 can prevent the shielding plate 61 from colliding with the glass (inner door glass 31), thus preventing damage to the glass (inner door glass 31).

[0070] (6) Figure 3 As shown, the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1 includes an ambient light correction unit 29b that suppresses the influence of ambient light (outer light) on the image captured by the camera 50.

[0071] In the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1, it is possible to suppress the tonal changes of the captured image caused by the influence of ambient light (external light) and the accidental reflection of ambient light (external light) into the captured image.

[0072] (7) Figure 5 As shown, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10 in this embodiment 1 is based on the state when the door 20 is open (see reference). Figure 4B An image of the exterior of the heating chamber 12 taken by camera 50, with the door 20 closed (see reference). Figure 4A The white balance of the image of the interior of the heating box 12 captured by the camera 50 is adjusted.

[0073] In the heating cooker 10 of this embodiment 1, with the door 20 open (see reference 1) Figure 4B It can directly receive ambient light (outside light) and can be used to adjust the white balance of images taken when food (the object being heated) contained inside the heating chamber 12 is being heated.

[0074] As described above, the heating cooker 10 according to Embodiment 1 can suppress the occurrence of defects in the field of view of the camera 50.

[0075] [Implementation Method 2]

[0076] Heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1 (see reference) Figure 3 The ambient light shielding section 60 includes a mechanism for cooling the camera 50. In contrast, in this embodiment 2, a heating cooker 10A is provided, which has an air passage for cooling the camera 50 between the inner door glass 31 and the outer door glass 32.

[0077] The following is for reference Figure 6 The structure of the heating cooker 10A of Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating cooker 10A of Embodiment 2.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, the heating cooker 10A of Embodiment 2 is similar to the heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1 (see reference). Figure 3 Compared to the former, it differs in the following aspects.

[0079] (1) The heating cooker 10A has a cooling air passage 26 inside the door 20 for cooling air to pass through for cooling the operating plate 28.

[0080] (2) The heating cooker 10A has an ambient light shielding part 60a instead of an ambient light shielding part 60 (see reference). Figure 3The ambient light shielding part 60a is configured below the camera 50 by a shielding plate 61 (see reference). Figure 3 The short shielding plate 61a exposes the back of the camera 50 to the outside.

[0081] (3) The back of the camera 50 faces the cooling air passage 26.

[0082] The camera 50 blocks a portion of the ambient light shield 60a (the portion facing the cooling air passage 26). In other words, the space in the ambient light shield 60a blocked by the camera 50 is located on the cooling air passage 26 side.

[0083] The cooling air passage 26 is located between the inner door glass 31 and the outer door glass 32, and communicates with the space where the operating board 28 is located via the air intake 27a, and communicates with the space outside the cooling air passage 26 (the outside world) via the exhaust 27b located near the camera 50.

[0084] When the heating cooker 10A cools the operating board 28 with cooling air, it directs the cooling air to the cooling air path 26 to cool the camera 50. This heating cooker 10A can efficiently cool the camera 50, thus improving the stability of the camera 50's operation. Furthermore, since the heating cooker 10A uses the same cooling air that cools the operating board 28 to cool the camera 50, a dedicated cooling air generation mechanism for the camera 50 is not required. This heating cooker 10A can efficiently cool the camera 50 without increasing its size.

[0085] As described above, the heating cooker 10A according to Embodiment 2, like the heating cooker 10 of Embodiment 1, can suppress the occurrence of defects in the field of view of the camera 50.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the heating cooker 10A of this embodiment 2, compared with the heating cooker 10 of embodiment 1, the camera 50 can be cooled efficiently by the cooling air that cools the operating board 28, thereby improving the stability of the operation of the camera 50.

[0087] [Implementation Method 3]

[0088] Heating cookers 10 and 10A of embodiments 1 and 2 (see reference) Figure 3 and Figure 6 A camera 50 is provided inside the door 20. In contrast, in this embodiment 3, a heating cooker 10B is provided that has a camera 50 inside the heating box 12.

[0089] Furthermore, the heating cooker 10B of this embodiment 3 is also intended to solve the problems of the first prior art described in Patent Document 1 and the second prior art described in Patent Document 2 as described in Embodiment 1.

[0090] The following is for reference Figure 7 The structure of the heating cooker 10B in Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts of the heating cooker 10B in Embodiment 3.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the heating cooker 10B of this embodiment 3 is compared with the heating cookers 10 and 10A of other embodiments (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 6 The difference is that the camera 50 is installed inside the heating box 12, not inside the door 20.

[0092] In this embodiment, the heating cooker 10B uses transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass (inner door glass 31) with a higher aperture ratio than perforated metal (approximately 50% or less) as the glass. A camera 50 is disposed on any one or more of the top surface 16a, left surface 16b, right surface 16c, back surface 16d, and bottom surface 16e of the heating chamber 12. In this embodiment, the camera 50 is described as being disposed on the top surface 16a of the heating chamber 12 with the lens optical axis 51 tilted downwards from horizontal. In addition to capturing images of the interior of the heating chamber 12, it is also possible to photograph the exterior of the heating cooker 10 through the glass (inner door glass 31).

[0093] The heating cooker 10B has an arc-shaped viewing window 54 and an arc-shaped baffle 55 around the camera 50. The camera 50 and the baffle 55 rotate around the same rotation center 53 via the rotating unit 52.

[0094] The heating cooker 10B can also be configured to rotate the camera 50 (refer to arrow A52) to switch the lens optical axis 51 in the direction inside the heating box 12 and the direction outside the heating box 12.

[0095] In this structure, when setting the white balance, the heating cooker 10B, with the lens optical axis 51 of the camera 50 pointing outwards towards the heating chamber 12, acquires (captures) ambient light (external light 99) through the camera 50. At this time, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10B calculates the white balance setting value based on the acquired (captured) ambient light (external light 99) and stores the calculated white balance setting value in a storage unit (not shown). Next, the heating cooker 10B, with the lens optical axis 51 of the camera 50 pointing inwards towards the heating chamber 12, captures an image of the interior of the heating chamber 12 through the camera 50. At this time, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10B adjusts the white balance of the captured image of the interior of the heating chamber 12 according to the white balance setting value stored in the storage unit (not shown).

[0096] In this structure, with the camera 50 rotated and positioned in any direction intersecting the optical axis of the camera 50 and the inner wall of the heating chamber 12, the heating chamber 12 also functions as an ambient light shield. Furthermore, the camera 50 is configured to capture images of areas including those deeper than the door glass 30, through the door glass 30. Figure 8B As shown, the heating cooker 10B can acquire (capture) ambient light without opening the door 20, and can adjust the white balance of the captured image inside the heating chamber 12 based on the acquired ambient light.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the heating cooker 10B can also be configured to capture (photograph) ambient light (outside light) or photograph the interior of the heating chamber 12 by opening and closing the door 20. Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is an explanatory diagram showing the shooting action of the heating cooker 10B. Figure 8A This indicates the operation of the heating cooker 10B under ambient light (99% external light). Figure 8B This indicates the operation of the heating cooker 10B while photographing the interior of the heating box 12.

[0098] In this structure, such as Figure 8A As shown, when the heating cooker 10B is setting the white balance, it acquires (captures) ambient light (outside light 99) through the camera 50 with the door 20 open. At this time, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10B calculates the white balance setting value based on the acquired (captured) ambient light (outside light 99) and stores the calculated white balance setting value in a storage unit not shown.

[0099] Next, as Figure 8BAs shown, the heating cooker 10B captures an image of the interior of the heating chamber 12 using the camera 50 while the door 20 is closed. At this time, the ambient light correction unit 29b of the heating cooker 10B adjusts the white balance of the captured image of the interior of the heating chamber 12 based on the white balance setting stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0100] In this structure, the heating chamber 12 also serves as an ambient light shield. Furthermore, the camera 50 is configured to capture images of areas deeper than the door glass 30, even when the opening ratio of the door 20 is low (e.g., perforated metal), the heating cooker 10B can directly capture (capture) ambient light by opening the door 20, and can adjust the white balance of the captured image inside the heating chamber 12 based on the captured ambient light. Conversely, if the opening ratio of the door 20 is high (e.g., like electromagnetic shielding glass), ambient light can be captured (captured) directly while the door 20 is closed.

[0101] Furthermore, the heating cooker 10B can also be used with the heating cookers 10 and 10A of embodiments 1 and 2 (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 Similarly, it receives the white balance setting value input by the user through the operation section provided on the operation board 28. In this case, the heating cooker 10B and the heating cookers 10 and 10A of Embodiments 1 and 2 (see...) Figure 3 and Figure 6 Similarly, the received white balance setting value is stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the white balance of the captured image inside the heating chamber 12 is adjusted based on the white balance setting value stored in the storage unit (not shown).

[0102] The heating cooker 10B of this embodiment 3 differs from the first or second prior art described in Embodiment 1 in that it is configured to directly photograph the food (the object being heated) using a camera 50 disposed inside the heating chamber 12. This heating cooker 10B eliminates the possibility of field-of-view defects in the camera 50, suppressing such defects. Furthermore, the heating cooker 10B can suppress the occurrence of tonal variations in the captured image, which could hinder proper photographing of the food contained in the heating chamber.

[0103] Furthermore, the camera 50 in the heating cooker 10B can be used to detect the entry and exit of food (the object being heated) in the heating chamber 12. Also, when the heating cooker 10B captures (captures) ambient light (outside light 99%), the camera 50 can be used for purposes such as improving external security, monitoring outside the chamber, and detecting dirt on the door glass 30. "External security" refers, for example, to monitoring people entering the room where the heating cooker 10B is installed, and monitoring items using flammable materials such as gas stoves. "External monitoring" refers, for example, to monitoring the audio-visual activities of children, pets, etc., in the room where the heating cooker 10B is installed.

[0104] As described above, the heating cooker 10B according to this embodiment 3, like the heating cookers 10 and 10A of other embodiments, can suppress the occurrence of defects in the field of view of the camera 50.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the heating cooker 10B of this embodiment 3, compared with the heating cookers 10 and 10A of other embodiments, the camera 50 can also be used for the detection of the entry and exit of food (the object being heated) in the heating box 12, the improvement of the safety outside the box, the monitoring of the outside of the box, the detection of dirt on the door glass 30, and other purposes.

[0106] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are detailed embodiments for the purpose of easily understanding and illustrating the invention, and are not limited to having all the structures described. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of the embodiments can be replaced with other structures, and other structures can be added to the structure of the embodiments. Additionally, for a portion of each structure, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0107] Symbol Explanation

[0108] 10, 10A, 10B—Heating cooker; 11—Shell; 12—Heating box; 13—Heating source; 14—Opening; 15—Rotating support; 16a—Top surface; 16b—Left side; 16c—Right side; 16d—Back side (deep wall surface); 16e—Bottom surface; 20—Door; 21—Door base; 22—Shooting hole; 23—Door frame; 24—Frame; 25—Handle; 26—Cooling air duct; 27a—Intake hole; 27b—Exhaust hole; 28—Operating board; 29—Control board; 29a—Control unit; 29b—Ambient light adjustment Main body, 30—Door glass, 31—Inner door glass (glass), 31a—Inner surface of the case, 31b—Outer surface of the case, 31c—Camera protection part, 32—Outer door glass, 32a—Inner surface of the case, 32b—Outer surface of the case, 41—Tempered glass, 42—Metal mesh, 43—Pressure glass, 50—Camera, 51—Lens optical axis, 52—Rotation unit, 53—Rotation center, 54—Peeping window, 55—Baffle, 60, 60a—Ambient light shielding part, 61, 61a—Shielding plate, 62—Gap, 99—Outside.

Claims

1. A heating cooker, characterized in that, have: Heating box; The door opens and closes freely and has transparent glass that allows outside light to pass through into the heating chamber. The glass is made of transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass with a higher aperture ratio than perforated metal. The aperture ratio of the electromagnetic wave shielding glass is more than 70% and no through holes are provided. A camera, capable of photographing a region deeper than the glass through the glass, is positioned inside the door; An ambient light shielding section includes a shielding plate for shielding ambient light and the glass, wherein the shielding plate is arranged parallel to or inclined downward relative to the optical axis of the camera lens, and a gap is provided between the shielding plate and the glass; A cooling air duct is provided inside the door, the back of the camera faces the cooling air duct, and the cooling air duct is connected to the space where the operating board is provided to form a common cooling air duct; as well as An ambient light correction unit performs color correction on images captured by the camera. When the door is opened, it calculates a white balance setting based on the ambient light captured by the camera and stores the calculated white balance setting in a storage unit. After the door is closed, it adjusts the white balance of an image of the interior of the heating chamber captured by the camera based on the white balance setting stored in the storage unit.

2. The heating cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a heating source that generates electromagnetic waves. The camera is positioned inside the door, opposite the heating chamber, separated by the electromagnetic wave shielding glass.

3. The heating cooker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The camera is fixed to the frame at the upper edge of the door with the lens optical axis tilted downwards.

4. The heating cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera is surrounded by the shielding plate and the glass that block ambient light.

5. The heating cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera is positioned on one or more of the top, left, right, back, and bottom surfaces of the heating chamber, and can take pictures of the exterior of the heating cooker through the glass, in addition to the interior of the heating chamber.

6. The heating cooker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The camera is capable of rotation.

7. The heating cooker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The camera rotates to switch the lens optical axis between the direction inside the heating chamber and the direction outside the heating chamber.

8. The heating cooker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cooling air duct is located between the inner and outer door glass of the door, and communicates with the space where the operating board is located via an air intake, and communicates with the space outside the cooling air duct via an exhaust port located near the camera.

9. The heating cooker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The door includes an inner door glass and an outer door glass. The electromagnetic wave shielding glass is the inner door glass, which is composed of tempered glass and metal mesh.

10. The heating cooker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating cooker is able to capture ambient light without opening the door.

11. The heating cooker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The surface of the ambient light shield facing the camera is coated in black.

Images