Heating device, method for controlling heating device, and program

Abstract

The invention provides a heating device, a control method of the heating device, and a program, which can improve user convenience related to heating cooking. A heating device according to the present disclosure heats an object to be heated by means of a heating unit, the heating device being provided with: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs; an operation unit that receives an input of a heating condition including a heating time and an output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit on the basis of the heating condition, the operation unit including a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating, the high-output heating including operating the heating unit at a higher output than the heating condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to heating devices, control methods for heating devices, and procedures. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology that shortens the cooking time for a heating device that performs high-frequency heating cooking based on user-input heating conditions.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-122715 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] This disclosure provides heating devices, control methods, and procedures that can improve the convenience of users related to heating and cooking.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] The heating apparatus of this disclosure heats an object using a heating unit. The heating apparatus includes: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The operation unit includes a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating, which includes operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions. The high-output operation unit receives an instruction to operate the heating unit at its maximum output.

[0010] The heating device disclosed herein heats an object using a heating unit. The heating device comprises: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The operation unit includes a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating, which includes operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions. The control unit obtains the output time for which the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in such a way that the time for the heating unit to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0011] The heating device disclosed herein heats an object using a heating unit, wherein the heating device comprises: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, the control unit performing high-output heating, the high-output heating including operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0012] Furthermore, the heating device of this disclosure includes: a heating unit configured to output microwaves at multiple different outputs to heat an object; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, the control unit performing high-output heating, the high-output heating including operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions, wherein the control unit obtains the output time for which the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in such a way that the time for the heating unit to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0013] Furthermore, the control method for the heating device in this disclosure is a control method for a heating device having a heating section and an operation section. The heating section is capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs, and the operation section accepts input of heating conditions, which include the heating time and output of the heating section. In the control method of the heating device, the heating section is operated based on the heating conditions by controlling the control section of the heating section, and high-output heating is performed in accordance with the operation of the high-output operation section of the operation section. The high-output heating includes operating the heating section with a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0014] Furthermore, the control method for the heating device in this disclosure is a control method for a heating device having a heating section and an operation section. The heating section is capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs. The operation section receives input of heating conditions, which include the heating time and output of the heating section. The heating section is operated based on the heating conditions by a control section that controls the heating section, and high-output heating is performed in accordance with the operation of a high-output operation section of the operation section. The high-output heating includes operating the heating section with a maximum output higher than the heating conditions. In the control method for the heating device, the control section obtains the output time for which the heating section can output microwaves with an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating section in the high-output heating in such a way that the time for the heating section to operate with an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, the program in this disclosure enables a computer that controls the heating device to function as a control unit. The heating device includes: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit. The control unit operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions and performs high-output heating in accordance with the operation of a high-output operation unit included in the operation unit. The high-output heating includes operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0016] In addition, this specification contains the full contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-105735, filed on June 28, 2023.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] The heating device, control method, and program disclosed herein can be instructed to heat the object at a higher output than specified by the user through simple operation. Therefore, it improves user convenience in heating and cooking applications. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the heating device according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 2 This is the main view of the operation panel in Implementation Method 1.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the heating device according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the heating device in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the heating device in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the heating device in Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in the display of the heating device in Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the heating device in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0027] (Insights, etc., that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0028] When the inventor conceived of this disclosure, there existed a technique in which heating and cooking apparatus heats the food in a shorter time by heating with an output higher than the heating conditions input by the user. However, in conventional techniques, operations such as switching between heating according to heating conditions or setting an output higher than the heating conditions are required. The inventor recognized the need to simplify the operation, and the subject of this disclosure is to solve this problem.

[0029] Therefore, this disclosure provides a heating device, a method for controlling the heating device, and a procedure for improving the convenience of users related to heating and cooking.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of matters that are already known may be omitted, or descriptions of substantially the same structures may be repeated.

[0031] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0032] (Implementation Method 1)

[0033] [1-1. Structure]

[0034] [1-1-1. Structure of the heating device]

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the heating device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 The heating device 1 shown has a box-shaped housing 2. Figure 1 and the following Figure 2 In the diagram, arrows indicate the direction corresponding to housing 2 when heating device 1 is in its set state. The symbol UP indicates upward, DW indicates downward, FR indicates forward, RE indicates rear, R indicates right, and L indicates left.

[0036] A door 4 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 in an openable and closable manner. When the door 4 is opened, the heating chamber 7 located inside the housing 2 is exposed. The heating chamber 7 houses the food to be heated by the heating device 1. The heating device 1 is a cooking appliance that heats and cooks the food housed in the heating chamber 7 by irradiating it with microwaves. In this embodiment, the food is the food.

[0037] An operation panel 3 is arranged side-by-side with the door 4 on the front surface of the housing 2. The operation panel 3 may also be located on the front surface of the door 4. As described later, the operation panel 3 includes switches and other mechanisms for receiving user input.

[0038] The heating device 1 heats the object housed in the heating chamber 7 using a microwave oven function. Furthermore, the heating device 1 described in this embodiment includes a baking function and a grilling function for heating the object using a graphite heater or the like, but these functions are not essential to the structure disclosed herein.

[0039] [1-1-2. Structure of the Operating Unit]

[0040] Figure 2 This is the main view of the operation panel 3 in implementation method 1.

[0041] The operation panel 3 includes a first operation section 30, a dial 39, and a second operation section 40. The first operation section 30, the dial 39, and the second operation section 40 constitute the operation section 3A.

[0042] The first operation unit 30 includes multiple key operation units, including a microwave oven heating indicator key 31, a cancel key 32, and a start key 33. The second operation unit 40 includes a short-time heating key 41 as a key operation unit. These key operation units are operation objects operated by the user, accepting at least one of the user's contact operation and pressing operation.

[0043] The microwave oven heating indicator key 31, cancel key 32, and start key 33 can be switches mounted on the surface of the control panel 3, or switches embedded in the back side of a flexible surface panel constituting the surface of the control panel 3. Furthermore, the microwave oven heating indicator key 31, cancel key 32, and start key 33 can also be composed of one or more contact sensors disposed on the surface panel of the control panel 3 and detecting user touch operations. Specifically, the microwave oven heating indicator key 31, cancel key 32, and start key 33 can be respectively associated with the operation position of the contact operation detected by the contact sensor.

[0044] The microwave oven heating indicator key 31 is a key operation unit that indicates the selection of a microwave oven function from among the various functions provided by the heating device 1, such as microwave oven function, baking function, and grilling function. The cancel key 32 is a key operation unit that indicates the cancellation of the content indicated by operating the microwave oven heating indicator key 31, the start key 33, and the dial 39. The start key 33 is a key operation unit that indicates the decision of the content indicated by operating the microwave oven heating indicator key 31 and the dial 39, and the action taken according to the decision.

[0045] The heating device 1 can switch between multiple outputs in microwave oven function. The output of the heating device 1 is, for example, the output value of microwaves. In this embodiment, an example is given where the output can be switched between six stages: 150W (watts), 300W, 500W, 600W, 800W, and 1000W. These six stages of output are the output of the heating unit 60 described later, and it is also possible to configure it to limit the output that can be switched by user operation. This is just one example; there are no limitations on the output of the heating device 1 using this disclosure.

[0046] The first operation of the microwave oven heating indicator button 31 is an indication of selecting a microwave oven function. From the first operation of the microwave oven heating indicator button 31, subsequent operations within a specified time indicate switching of the microwave oven function output. For example, corresponding to the first operation of the microwave oven heating indicator button 31, 600W as the initial value is selected as the output of the microwave oven function of the heating device 1. Subsequent operations of the microwave oven heating indicator button 31 indicate sequential switching of the outputs in the microwave oven function of the heating device 1. The switching order in this embodiment is, for example, 600W-500W-300W-150W-800W-600W, and the switching is cyclical according to this order for the number of operations above this. Of course, it can also be configured to switch in other orders.

[0047] The heating device 1 of this embodiment limits the output selectable by the user to an output other than 1000W. As described later, an upper limit is set on the duration for which the heating unit 60 can continuously output microwaves at 1000W. By limiting the output to 1000W so that the user cannot manually select it, it has the advantage of preventing the user from feeling dissatisfied due to the upper limit on the output time. When the start button 33 is pressed after one or more operations of the microwave oven heating indicator button 31 to select the output, the output of the microwave oven function is determined.

[0048] Furthermore, the first operation unit 30 may also include other key operation units such as a key operation unit that accepts operations related to the baking function and grilling function of the heating device 1, and a key operation unit that accepts operations related to the automatic heating function that heats the object to be heated according to a predetermined program.

[0049] The dial 39 is an operating unit that receives rotational operations. Rotating the dial 39 is, for example, an operation to input a numerical value. Specifically, the value can be increased by rotating the dial 39 clockwise (CW) and decreased by rotating it counterclockwise (CCW). The value input via the dial 39 is, for example, the heating time in the microwave oven function. When the start button 33 is pressed while a specific value has been determined by rotating the dial 39, the heating time input via the dial 39 is determined. Furthermore, the dial 39 can also be used to switch the output in the microwave oven function. For example, if 600W is selected as the initial value for the output of the heating device 1, rotating the dial 39 clockwise can switch the output to 800W, and rotating it counterclockwise can switch the output in the order of 500W, 300W, and 150W. The output switching based on the operation of the dial 39 can also be non-cyclic.

[0050] In this way, heating conditions, including microwave oven function output and heating time, are input via the microwave oven heating indicator key 31, start key 33, and dial 39. When the start key 33 is pressed after the heating conditions are input, the heating device 1 heats the object to be heated according to the heating conditions.

[0051] The short-time heating key 41 is a dedicated key operation unit used to instruct short-time heating when the heating device 1 is used for microwave cooking. Short-time heating involves heating with a higher output than the heating conditions input via the operation of the microwave heating indicator key 31, the start key 33, and the dial 39, and ending heating in a shorter time than the heating conditions. Short-time heating is an example of "high-output heating". When the microwave oven function is selected, the heating device 1 performs heating according to the heating conditions when the short-time heating key 41 is not operated, and performs short-time heating when the short-time heating key 41 is operated. The short-time heating key 41 corresponds to an example of a "high-output operation unit".

[0052] In instruction manuals, recipes, and other cooking-related instructions for various foods, including processed foods, it is common to specify the output and heating time of a microwave oven. Assuming a user of the heating device 1 uses these specifications to input the output and heating time specified in the instructions via the microwave oven heating indicator key 31 and dial 39, if the heating device 1 has a function for heating at high output, heating the object at a higher output than specified in the instructions can complete the required heating in a shorter time. However, to achieve the same output and heating time as specified in various instructions with a higher output, the necessary heating amount must be considered when determining the output and heating time. This is a heavy and not simple task for the user to make such a judgment. The heating device 1 of this embodiment can perform short-time heating by operating the short-time heating key 41 after the user inputs the heating conditions. In short-time heating, the heating device 1 utilizes a higher output to perform heating that matches the input heating conditions. Therefore, the necessary heating can be performed in a shorter time in a method that is easy for the user to perform, thus improving user convenience.

[0053] The display unit 50 includes a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or other display panels, which display characters and symbols. Figure 2 In the example, the display unit 50 displays a numerical display unit 51, a unit display unit 52, a start guide icon 53, and a short-time heating icon 54.

[0054] The numerical display unit 51 displays a multi-digit value. For example, the numerical display unit 51 displays the output value selected by operating the microwave oven heating indicator key 31, the heating time input by operating the dial 39, and the remaining heating time during the heating process.

[0055] The unit display 52 displays the unit of the value displayed by the numerical display unit 51. In this embodiment, the unit display 52 can display "W" corresponding to the output of the numerical display unit 51, and "minutes" and "seconds" corresponding to the time displayed by the numerical display unit 51.

[0056] The start guide icon 53 is an image or symbol that guides the user through the operation of the start guide icon 53. The start guide icon 53 is displayed, for example, after the heating time has been selected via the dial 39.

[0057] The short-time heating icon 54 is an image or symbol related to short-time heating of the heating device 1. The short-time heating icon 54 is displayed, for example, when short-time heating can be performed by operating the short-time heating button 41, and during the execution of short-time heating. Displaying the short-time heating icon 54 on the display unit 50 is an example of notifying that short-time heating can be performed; the display unit 50 corresponds to an example of a "notification unit".

[0058] [1-1-3. Structure of the control system of the heating device]

[0059] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the heating device 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0060] The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 for controlling various parts of the heating device 1. A first operation unit 30, a dial 39, and a second operation unit 40, constituting an operation unit 3A, are connected to the control unit 100. When the first operation unit 30 receives operations on the microwave oven heating indicator key 31, cancel key 32, start key 33, or other key operation units, it outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operated key operation unit to the control unit 100. Corresponding to the operation of rotating the dial 39, the control unit 100 outputs an operation signal indicating the rotation direction and amount of the dial 39. When the second operation unit 40 receives an operation on the short-time heating key 41, it outputs an operation signal indicating the operation of the short-time heating key 41 to the control unit 100.

[0061] The control unit 100 is connected to a display unit 50, a heating unit 60, and a sound output unit 70. The heating unit 60 includes a magnetron 61 that outputs microwaves, a drive board 62 that supplies power to and controls the output of the magnetron 61, and a cooling fan 63 that cools the magnetron 61. Furthermore, the heating unit 60 may also include a waveguide (not shown) and an antenna.

[0062] The sound output unit 70 is a device that outputs notification tones, such as a buzzer or other loudspeaker. The sound output unit 70 corresponds to an example of a "notification unit".

[0063] The control unit 100 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, and a non-volatile storage unit 130. The processor 110 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. The memory 120 is a volatile storage device, such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 120 forms a working area for temporarily storing programs and data executed by the processor 110. The non-volatile storage unit 130 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory, and non-volatilely stores programs executed by the processor 110 and data processed by the processor 110.

[0064] For example, the non-volatile storage unit 130 stores the control program 131, setting data 132, and counting data 133.

[0065] The processor 110 functions as the receiving unit 111, the display control unit 112, and the heating control unit 113 by reading and executing the control program 131.

[0066] The receiving unit 111 accepts the operation performed by the user on the operating unit 3A based on the operation signals output by the first operating unit 30, the dial 39 and the second operating unit 40.

[0067] The display unit 50 controls the display correspondingly to the operation content received by the display control unit 112 and the receiving unit 111, and the control of the heating unit 60 executed by the heating control unit 113.

[0068] The heating control unit 113 controls the heating unit 60 based on the operation content received by the receiving unit 111 and the state of the heating unit 60. Specifically, the heating control unit 113 determines the output of microwaves from the magnetron 61 and the duration of the microwave output, and controls the drive board 62 to cause the magnetron 61 to oscillate and generate microwaves.

[0069] The heating control unit 113 manages the operating state of the magnetron 61 to protect it. Specifically, it limits the duration for which the magnetron 61 continuously outputs high-output microwaves. To achieve this limitation, the heating control unit 113 stores a first counter 121 and a second counter 122 in the memory 120. The first counter 121 and the second counter 122 correspond to an example of "status data".

[0070] The first counter 121 and the second counter 122 are counters that count the time during which the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at a predetermined output. In this embodiment, an example of forming two counters in the memory 120 is described, but this is just one example, and the number of counters is not limited.

[0071] The specified output is, for example, the default output value in the microwave oven function of the heating device 1, i.e., an output exceeding 600W. In this embodiment, it is 1000W and 800W. In the following description, as an example, the magnetron 61 has two outputs exceeding the specified value. These two outputs are designated as the first output and the second output. The first output is the highest output of the heating device 1 used for heating, which is 1000W in this embodiment. The second output is the second highest output of the heating device 1 used for heating, which is 800W in this embodiment.

[0072] The heating control unit 113 uses the count value added to the first counter 121 every second as count value A, and the count value added to the second counter 122 every second as count value B. Count value A includes count value A1 and count value A2. Count value A1 is the count value added to the first counter 121 every second during the period when the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 1000W. Count value A2 is the count value added to the first counter 121 every second during the period when the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 800W.

[0073] The count value B includes count value B1 and count value B2. Count value B1 is the count value added to the second counter 122 every second during the period when the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 1000W. Count value B2 is the count value added to the second counter 122 every second during the period when the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 800W.

[0074] The count values ​​A1, A2, B1, and B2 can all be distinct values, or they can contain the same value. The specific values ​​of count values ​​A1, A2, B1, and B2 are appropriately set based on the specifications of the magnetron 61. For example, count value A1 can be set to 10, count value A2 to 16, count value B1 to 12, and count value B2 to 14.

[0075] Upper limits are set for the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 respectively. When the first counter 121 reaches its upper limit, the heating control unit 113 stops the 1000W output of the magnetron 61. Similarly, when the second counter 122 reaches its upper limit, the heating control unit 113 stops the 800W output of the magnetron 61. In other words, the count value of the first counter 121 limits the first output of the magnetron 61, and the count value of the second counter 122 limits the second output of the magnetron 61. The upper limits of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 can be the same or different. These specific values ​​are appropriately set based on the specifications of the magnetron 61, etc. For example, the upper limit of the first counter 121 can be set to 1500, and the upper limit of the second counter 122 can be set to 5000. As described above, when the first output is set to a larger output than the second output, the upper limit of the first counter 121 is preferably lower than the upper limit of the second counter 122.

[0076] During the period when the magnetron 61 is not outputting microwaves, the heating control unit 113 performs subtraction operations on the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. This corresponds to the temperature drop of the magnetron 61 during the period when the magnetron 61 is stopped. The subtraction value of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 performed by the heating control unit 113 every second can be the same value or different values. These specific values ​​are appropriately set based on the specifications of the magnetron 61, etc. For example, the subtraction value of the first counter 121 every second can be set to 10, and the subtraction value of the second counter 122 every second can be set to 10.

[0077] The count values ​​A1, A2, B1, B2, the upper limit value and subtraction operation value of the first counter 121, and the upper limit value and subtraction operation value of the second counter 122 are included in the setting data 132 and stored in the non-volatile storage unit 130. The heating control unit 113 performs processing related to the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 according to the setting data 132. The difference between the count value and the upper limit value of the first counter 121 corresponds to the time when microwaves can be output with the first output, indicating the output time of the first output. The difference between the count value and the upper limit value of the second counter 122 corresponds to the time when microwaves can be output with the second output, indicating the output time of the second output.

[0078] Since the memory 120 is a volatile storage device, the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 may be lost when the power supply to the heating device 1 is cut off. For example, if the power supply to the heating device 1 is cut off and then switched on for a short time, the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 will be 0 regardless of the temperature of the magnetron 61. In such cases, it is difficult to manage the magnetron 61 efficiently. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heating control unit 113 stores the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 as count data 133 in the non-volatile storage unit 130 in accordance with the operating state of the heating device 1. Specifically, the heating control unit 113 stores the count data 133 in the non-volatile storage unit 130 when the heating device 1 stops heating and when the power supply to the heating device 1 is cut off. When the count data 133 is already stored in the non-volatile storage unit 130, the heating control unit 113 updates the count data 133. In the event that the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 are lost, the heating control unit 113 sets the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 based on the count data 133. Therefore, even if the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 are lost due to power interruption or other reasons, the state of the magnetron 61 can be properly managed. The count data 133 corresponds to an example of "state data".

[0079] The heating control unit 113 performs short-time heating in accordance with the operation of the short-time heating key 41. Short-time heating is an operation that activates the magnetron 61 by outputting a higher heating condition than that input through the operation of the first operation unit 30 and the dial 39. By performing short-time heating, the object to be heated can be heated in a shorter time than the heating condition.

[0080] When performing short-duration heating, the heating control unit 113 determines the output of the magnetron 61 and the heating time. At this time, the heating control unit 113 determines the output and heating time in a manner that the heating amount for short-duration heating corresponds to the heating amount under heating conditions input by the user. The heating amount can be considered as the energy imparted to the object being heated in the heating chamber 7, and can be approximated by the energy of the microwaves output by the magnetron 61. In this embodiment, the energy of the microwaves output by the magnetron 61 is considered as the heating amount. Specifically, the value obtained by multiplying the output of the magnetron 61 by the heating time is used as an indicator of the heating amount.

[0081] For example, under the condition of heating 600W for 5 minutes, the heating control unit 113 calculates the index value of heating amount by the following formula (1).

[0082] 600[W]×300[seconds]=180000…(1)

[0083] Here, the heating amount under user-input heating conditions is referred to as the specified heating amount. The heating amount for short-term heating is the heating amount corresponding to the specified heating amount. A corresponding heating amount means, for example, that the index value of the short-term heating amount is the same as the index value of the specified heating amount, or that the index value of the short-term heating amount is greater than the index value of the specified heating amount, but the difference is within a preset range. Furthermore, cases where the index value of the short-term heating amount is less than the index value of the specified heating amount, but the difference is within a preset range, can also be included in the corresponding heating amount.

[0084] The heating control unit 113 determines the output and heating time for short-time heating in a manner that includes an output higher than the heating conditions and a heating amount corresponding to a specified heating amount. Hereinafter, the combination of output and heating time in short-time heating is referred to as short-time heating conditions.

[0085] For example, when the heating condition is 600W and 5 minutes, the heating control unit 113 generates a short-time heating condition that includes either 800W or 1000W and whose index value corresponds to 180000.

[0086] In addition to the heating amount, the heating control unit 113 generates short-term heating conditions based on the operational history of the magnetron 61. Specifically, the heating control unit 113 generates short-term heating conditions such that the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 do not exceed the upper limit. For example, if the heating condition is 600W for 5 minutes, and only 1000W output is used with the index value set to 180000, the heating time is 180 seconds.

[0087] Here, when the count value of the first counter 121 exceeds the upper limit after 180 seconds of heating, the heating control unit 113 generates a short-term heating condition that includes heating with a lower output in addition to heating with 1000W. That is, the heating time of 1000W is set to a time that does not exceed the upper limit, and heating is performed based on the output included in the input heating condition. Here, the heating control unit 113 may also preferentially use the input heating condition, i.e., 500W. For example, the heating control unit 113 generates a short-term heating condition that includes heating with 1000W for 2 minutes and heating with 500W for 2 minutes, corresponding to the case of heating condition of 600W for 5 minutes. The index value of the heating amount of this short-term heating condition is obtained by the following formula (2). In this example, the period of outputting 1000W corresponds to an example of "first period", and the period of outputting 500W corresponds to an example of "second period". The first period can be any period of output higher than the heating condition, for example, it can be a period of outputting 800W or 600W. Furthermore, the heating control unit 113 can also generate short-term heating conditions with an output lower than 1000W and higher than the heating condition, based on setting the heating time of 1000W to no more than the upper limit. For example, if the heating condition includes an output of 500W, the heating control unit 113 can also generate short-term heating conditions that include 800W or 600W in addition to the 1000W heating.

[0088] 1000W × 120 seconds + 500W × 120 seconds = 180000…(2)

[0089] The heating control unit 113 determines whether short-time heating can be performed. For example, if even using short-time heating conditions, the heating time cannot be shortened compared to the input heating conditions, or the shortened time is below a predetermined threshold, then using short-time heating conditions is of little significance. In this case, the heating control unit 113 determines that short-time heating cannot be performed. When the heating control unit 113 determines that short-time heating can be performed, the display control unit 112 displays a short-time heating icon 54 on the display unit 50. Furthermore, the display control unit 112 displays the short-time heating icon 54 on the display unit 50 during the execution of short-time heating. In order to distinguish the display state of the short-time heating icon 54, for example, the display control unit 112 may cause the short-time heating icon 54 to flash before the execution of short-time heating, and keep the short-time heating icon 54 constantly displayed during the execution of short-time heating.

[0090] When the heating control unit 113 performs heating according to the input heating conditions or short-term heating, it outputs a notification tone through the sound output unit 70 when the heating ends.

[0091] [1-2. Actions]

[0092] [1-2-1. Operation of the heating device]

[0093] Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the heating device 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0094] Figure 4 The operation associated with the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 is shown. Figure 4 Steps S11 to S25 are executed by the heating control unit 113.

[0095] Figure 4 The action begins at least one of the following timings: after the power to the heating device 1 is turned on, after the heating device 1 finishes heating, and at other specified timings.

[0096] The control unit 100 refers to the processor 110 and determines whether the power supply to the heating device 1 has just been turned on (step S11). Here, turning on the power supply includes, for example, supplying power from a state where the power supply to the heating device 1 is completely cut off, and the heating device 1 returning to its normal operating state from a power-saving state. The power-saving state refers to a state in which the power consumption of the heating device 1 is suppressed by setting each part of the heating device 1, including the control unit 100, to a stop state or a state with a low operating frequency; for example, it is called a sleep state. For example, in the case where the heating device 1 stops supplying power to the volatile memory 120 in a power-saving state, the control unit 100 determines that the power supply to the heating device 1 has just been turned on after the heating device 1 has just returned to its power-saving state (step S11: Yes).

[0097] If the power is immediately switched on (step S11: Yes), there is a high probability that the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 will be lost. Therefore, the control unit 100 retrieves the count data 133 from the non-volatile storage unit 130 (step S12). The control unit 100 uses the count data 133 to restore the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 (step S13) and proceeds to step S14. If the power to the heating device 1 is switched on but not immediately after switching on (step S11: No), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S14.

[0098] In step S14, the control unit 100 starts the subtraction operation of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 (step S14). The control unit 100 determines whether heating based on the heating unit 60 has started (step S15). If heating has not started (step S15: no), the control unit 100 continues the subtraction operation of the count value and goes into standby mode.

[0099] When heating begins (step S15: Yes), the control unit 100 begins adding the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 (step S16). Specifically, the count value of the first counter 121 is added during the period when the magnetron 61 is heating with the first output, and the count value of the second counter 122 is added during the period when the magnetron 61 is heating with the second output. Furthermore, if the first output is higher than the second output, the control unit 100 may also add the count values ​​of both the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 during the period when the magnetron 61 is heating with the first output.

[0100] The control unit 100 determines whether heating based on the heating unit 60 has ended (step S17). If heating has not ended (step S17: No), it continues the addition operation of the count value and goes into standby mode. If heating has ended (step S17: Yes), the control unit 100 ends the addition operation of the count value (step S18) and stores the count value in the non-volatile storage unit 130 by overwriting the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 with the count data 133 (step S19).

[0101] After the control unit 100 has been in standby mode for a preset second standby time (step S20), it begins the subtraction operation of the second counter 122 (step S21). Furthermore, after the control unit 100 has been in standby mode for a preset first standby time (step S22), it begins the subtraction operation of the first counter 121 (step S23). The second standby time is the standby time from when the magnetron 61 stops until the subtraction operation of the second counter 122 is performed. Regarding the first counter 121, the sum of the first standby time and the second standby time is set to be the standby time from when the magnetron 61 stops until the subtraction operation of the first counter 121 is performed. The first standby time and the second standby time are limitations set to perform the subtraction operation on the count value after the temperature of the magnetron 61 decreases, and can also be omitted depending on the specifications of the magnetron 61, etc.

[0102] The control unit 100 determines whether the condition for stopping the heating device 1 is met (step S24). Stopping operation includes, for example, transitioning to the aforementioned power-saving state. This condition, for example, is that the period during which the operation panel 3 is not operated and the heating unit 60 is operated continues for a set time or longer. If the condition is met (step S24: Yes), the control unit 100 overwrites the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 onto the count data 133, storing the count value in the non-volatile storage unit 130 (step S25). If the condition is not met (step S24: No), the control unit 100 returns to step S15.

[0103] exist Figure 4 In this document, the operation of the heating device 1 is described as a process, but it can also be interrupted based on the operation of the control panel 3. For example, if heating based on the heating unit 60 starts during the standby time in steps S20 and S22, or during other timed events, the control unit 100 can also start the addition operation of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 through interruption processing (step S16).

[0104] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This indicates that the heating device 1 is performing the action of heating the object being heated. Steps S31 to S34 are executed by the receiving unit 111, steps S35 to S39 and S41 to S44 are executed by the heating control unit 113, and step S40 is executed by the display control unit 112.

[0105] Figure 5 The action begins when the operation is received by the operation unit 3A.

[0106] The control unit 100 receives a microwave heating instruction based on the microwave heating indicator key 31 (step S31). The control unit 100 receives a microwave output specification based on the microwave heating indicator key 31 or the dial 39 (step S32), and receives a heating time specification based on the dial 39 (step S33). When the control unit 100 receives a heating start instruction based on the start key 33 via operation of the start key 33 (step S34), the control unit 100 performs a short-time heating determination process (step S35).

[0107] The short-time heating determination process involves determining whether short-time heating is possible and generating the conditions for short-time heating. Figure 6 This indicates the details of the short-term heating determination and processing.

[0108] Figure 6 Steps S61 to S71 are executed by the heating control unit 113.

[0109] The control unit 100 selects an output from the outputs that the heating device 1 can execute, and determines whether it can be used for short-term heating (step S61). Specifically, the control unit 100 selects any one of the outputs that the heating device 1 can execute, which is higher than the heating conditions accepted in steps S32 to S33 (step S61). The control unit 100 determines whether the output time selected in step S61 is above a threshold (step S62). For example, the control unit 100 calculates the output time (in seconds) by dividing the difference between the counter value corresponding to the selected output and the upper limit value by the addition operation value every second. The control unit 100 compares the preset threshold with the output time, and makes a negative determination if the output time is lower than the threshold.

[0110] If the output time is not above the threshold (step S62: No), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S68, which will be described later.

[0111] If the output time exceeds a threshold (step S62: Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the heating time for obtaining the heating amount corresponding to the heating condition using the output selected in step S61 (step S63). The control unit 100 determines whether the heating time calculated in step S63 exceeds the output time (step S64). If the calculated heating time exceeds the output time (step S64: Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the heating time for combining multiple outputs to obtain the heating amount corresponding to the heating condition (step S65). In step S65, the control unit 100 generates, for example, a short-time heating condition including the output selected in step S63 and the output designated as the heating condition, and calculates the overall heating time for the short-time heating. After processing in step S65, the control unit 100 proceeds to step S66. If the calculated heating time does not exceed the output time (step S64: No), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S66.

[0112] In step S66, the control unit 100 determines whether the difference between the calculated heating time and the heating time designated as the heating condition is greater than or equal to a reference (step S66). If the difference in heating time is less than the reference (step S66: no), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S68, which will be described later. As a result, the heating device 1 does not perform short-time heating, which has little effect on shortening the heating time, thus preventing the user's expectations for short-time heating from being compromised.

[0113] If the difference in heating time is above the baseline (step S66: Yes), the control unit 100 temporarily stores the short-time heating conditions in the memory 120 (step S67) and proceeds to step S68.

[0114] In step S68, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an undetermined output among the outputs that the heating device 1 can perform and that are higher than the output designated as the heating condition (step S68). That is, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an output that was not selected as a determination object in step S61. If there is an undetermined output (step S68: yes), the control unit 100 returns to step S61.

[0115] If there is no undetermined output (step S68: No), the control unit 100 determines whether a short-time heating condition stored in the memory 120 exists (step S69). If a short-time heating condition exists (step S69: Yes), the control unit 100 selects the short-time heating condition with the shortest heating time (step S70) and proceeds to the next step. Figure 5 Step S36. Furthermore, if the short-time heating conditions are not met (step S69: No), the control unit 100 determines that short-time heating cannot be performed (step S71) and proceeds to... Figure 5 Step S36.

[0116] return Figure 5 Based on the result of the short-time heating determination process (step S35), the control unit 100 determines whether short-time heating can be performed (step S36). If it is determined that short-time heating cannot be performed (step S36: No), the control unit 100 starts heating based on the heating unit 60 according to the heating conditions accepted in steps S32 to S33 (step S37). The control unit 100 stands by until heating is completed (step S38), and after heating is completed, it notifies that heating is complete (step S39). In step S39, the control unit 100 outputs a notification tone, for example, through the sound output unit 70.

[0117] In step S36, if a short-time heating condition is selected in the short-time heating determination process (step S35), the control unit 100 determines that short-time heating can be performed (step S36: Yes). In this case, the control unit 100 causes the short-time heating icon 54 on the display unit 50 to flash, indicating that short-time heating can be performed (step S40). The flashing of the short-time heating icon 54 is equivalent to a notification that short-time heating can be performed. The control unit 100 determines whether a short-time heating instruction has been given (step S41). Specifically, the short-time heating instruction is the operation of the short-time heating button 41.

[0118] If there is no indication to perform short-term heating (step S41: No), the control unit 100 determines whether a preset time limit has elapsed since the indication that short-term heating is possible (step S42). If the time limit has not elapsed (step S42: No), the control unit 100 returns to step S41. If the time limit has elapsed (step S42: Yes), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S37.

[0119] Upon receiving an instruction for short-duration heating (step S41: Yes), the control unit 100 begins heating based on the heating unit 60 according to the short-duration heating determination process (step S35) (step S43). The control unit 100 remains on standby until heating is complete (step S44), and then proceeds to step S39 after heating is complete.

[0120] [1-2-2. Changes in the display of the heating device]

[0121] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display transformation of the heating device 1 in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 The actions shown are displayed in accordance with the display states in the display unit 50.

[0122] When the output is specified by operating the microwave oven heating indicator key 31 (step S32), the display control unit 112 causes the numerical display unit 51 to display the specified output. Furthermore, when the heating time is specified by operating the dial 39 (step S33), the display control unit 112 causes the numerical display unit 51 to display the specified heating time. After specifying the heating time, the user can start heating by operating the start key 33. Therefore, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 50 to display the start guide icon 53, guiding the user to operate the start key 33.

[0123] Furthermore, the process was judged by short-time heating ( Figure 6 If the system determines that short-term heating is possible, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 50 to flash the short-term heating icon 54. By flashing the short-term heating icon 54, the user is notified that heating can be completed in a shorter time than the heating conditions input by the user.

[0124] When the short-time heating icon 54 is flashing, and the short-time heating button 41 is pressed within the time limit, the heating control unit 113 initiates short-time heating. At this time, the display control unit 112 switches the flashing display of the short-time heating icon 54 to always-on display. This notifies the user that short-time heating is in progress.

[0125] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0126] As described above, the heating device 1, which heats an object by means of the heating unit 60, includes: a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The operation unit 3A includes a short-time heating key 41 that indicates short-time heating, which includes operating the heating unit 60 with an output higher than the heating conditions.

[0127] Therefore, it is possible to heat the object being heated with a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operating instructions. This improves user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0128] The short-time heating key 41 receives an instruction to briefly heat the heating unit 60 at its maximum output.

[0129] Therefore, by utilizing the maximum output of heating device 1, heating can be performed in a shorter time.

[0130] The control unit 100 determines the heating time of short-time heating in such a way that the heating amount in short-time heating is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0131] Therefore, it is possible to perform short-time heating by obtaining the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions input by the user, and to perform the necessary heating in a shorter time.

[0132] The control unit 100 determines the heating time of the heating unit 60 in the case of short-term heating based on the amount of heating on the object being heated and the history of the operation of the heating unit 60.

[0133] Therefore, it is possible to avoid excessive load on the heating section 60 for short-term heating, and to heat the object appropriately in a shorter time.

[0134] The control unit 100 obtains the output time of the heating unit 60, which is capable of outputting microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and output of the heating unit 60 during short-time heating in such a way that the time for the heating unit 60 to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount during short-time heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0135] Therefore, the heating unit 60 can be activated in a manner not exceeding the limit to perform short-term heating, and the object to be heated can be appropriately heated in a shorter time.

[0136] If the heating time for achieving the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions in short-time heating exceeds the output time, the control unit 100 performs short-time heating including a first period and a second period. The first period is the period during which the heating unit 60 operates at an output higher than the heating conditions. The second period is the period during which the heating unit 60 operates at an output included in the heating conditions.

[0137] Therefore, multiple outputs can be used to perform the necessary heating in a shorter time.

[0138] The control unit 100 determines the length of the first period and the second period in such a way that the sum of the heating amount of the first period and the heating amount of the second period is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0139] Therefore, multiple outputs can be used to perform the necessary heating in a shorter time.

[0140] The heating device 1 includes a notification unit. The notification unit includes, for example, a display unit 50 that displays a short-time heating icon 54 and a sound output unit 70. When the output time exceeds a threshold, the control unit 100 notifies the user via the notification unit that short-time heating is possible.

[0141] This allows the user to be notified that short-time heating is possible, and the user can then operate the short-time heating button 41 according to the notification to complete heating more easily and quickly. Therefore, it improves user convenience related to heating and cooking.

[0142] If the heating time is shorter than the heating conditions during short-term heating, the control unit 100 will notify the notification unit that short-term heating can be performed.

[0143] Therefore, by following the instructions to operate the short-time heating button 41, users can more reliably shorten the heating time.

[0144] After receiving the instruction to start heating from the operation unit 3A, the control unit 100 notifies the notification unit that short-term heating can be performed.

[0145] Therefore, after determining the heating conditions input by the user, a notification is sent indicating that short-term heating can be performed. Thus, by having the user operate the short-term heating button 41 according to the notification, the heating time can be shortened more reliably.

[0146] If the short-time heating button 41 remains inactive for a specified period of time after notification that short-time heating is possible, the control unit 100 activates the heating unit 60 according to the heating conditions.

[0147] Therefore, heating can be quickly performed based on the user's input heating conditions when the user does not wish for short-term heating. This improves user convenience related to heating and cooking.

[0148] The heating device 1 includes a memory 120 for temporary data storage and a non-volatile storage unit 130 for non-volatile data storage. The control unit 100 stores a first counter 121 and a second counter 122, representing the operating state of the heating unit 60, in the memory, and updates the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 in response to the operation of the heating unit 60. The control unit 100 calculates the output time based on the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. When the operating state of the heating device 1 reaches a predetermined state, the control unit 100 stores count data 133, representing the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122, in the non-volatile storage unit 130. The control unit 100 then reads the count data 133 from the non-volatile storage unit 130 and stores it in the memory 120.

[0149] Therefore, by storing the first counter 121 and the second counter 122, which are related to the state of the heating unit 60, in the memory 120, updating the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 becomes easy. Furthermore, by storing the counting data 133 in the non-volatile memory 130, preparations can be made for the loss of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. Thus, the state of the heating unit 60 can be properly managed.

[0150] A heating device 1 that uses a heating unit 60 to heat an object includes: a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit 3A that receives input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The operation unit 3A includes a short-time heating key 41 for indicating short-time heating, which includes operating the heating unit 60 at an output higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 obtains the output time for which the heating unit 60 can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and output of the heating unit 60 during short-time heating in such a way that the time for operating the heating unit 60 at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount during short-time heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0151] Therefore, it is possible to heat the object being heated at a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operation instructions. Furthermore, it is possible to operate the heating unit 60 for short-term heating in a manner not exceeding limitations. Thus, user convenience related to heating and cooking is improved.

[0152] The heating device 1 includes: a heating unit 60 configured to output microwaves at multiple different outputs to heat an object; and an operation unit 3A that receives input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 also includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The control unit 100 obtains the output time for which the heating unit 60 can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and output of the heating unit 60 during short-duration heating in such a way that the time for which the heating unit 60 operates at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount during short-duration heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0153] Therefore, it is possible to heat the object being heated at a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operation instructions. Furthermore, it is possible to operate the heating unit 60 for short-term heating in a manner not exceeding limitations. Thus, user convenience related to heating and cooking is improved.

[0154] A heating device 1 that uses a heating unit 60 to heat an object includes: a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit 3A that receives input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The control unit 100 performs short-duration heating, which includes operating the heating unit 60 with an output higher than the heating conditions.

[0155] Therefore, by heating the object at a higher output than the user-specified output, heating can be achieved in a shorter time. This improves user convenience related to heating and cooking.

[0156] The control method of the heating device disclosed herein is a control method for a heating device 1, which includes: a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit 3A that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit 60. This control method activates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions via a control unit 100 that controls the heating unit 60, and performs short-time heating in response to the operation of a short-time heating key 41 provided in the operation unit 3A, the short-time heating including activating the heating unit 60 at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0157] Thus, it achieves the same effect as the heating device 1 described above.

[0158] The control method of the heating device disclosed herein is a control method for a heating device 1, which includes: a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit 3A that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit 60. The control method is as follows: a control unit 100 controlling the heating unit 60 operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions, and performs short-time heating in accordance with the operation of a short-time heating key 41 provided in the operation unit 3A, the short-time heating including operating the heating unit 60 at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions. In this control method, the control unit 100 obtains the output time for which the heating unit 60 can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and output of the heating unit 60 during short-time heating in such a way that the time for the heating unit 60 to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount during short-time heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0159] Thus, it achieves the same effect as the heating device 1 described above.

[0160] The control program 131 of this disclosure is a program that enables the processor 110 of a heating device 1 to function. The heating device 1 includes a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit 3A that receives input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output of the heating unit 60. The control program 131 enables the processor 110 to function as a control unit 100. The control unit 100 operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions and performs short-time heating in response to the operation of a short-time heating key 41 provided in the operation unit 3A. The short-time heating includes operating the heating unit 60 at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0161] Thus, it achieves the same effect as the heating device 1 described above.

[0162] (Implementation Method 2)

[0163] [2-1. Operation of the heating device]

[0164] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the heating device 1 in Embodiment 2.

[0165] The structure of the heating device 1 in Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the heating device 1 described in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In the flowchart, for Figure 5 Processes that involve the same actions are labeled with the same step number and the description is omitted.

[0166] In Embodiment 2, after the start button 33 is operated (step S34), the control unit 100 determines whether the output input in step S32 is an output that does not require switching to a higher output (step S45). An output that does not require switching to a higher output is, for example, a low output among the multiple outputs in the microwave oven function of the heating device 1. Specifically, it is assumed that the magnetron 61 can output microwaves at six levels: 150W, 300W, 500W, 600W, 800W, and 1000W. In this case, the user can select the output for heating the object from the five levels of output (150W, 300W, 500W, 600W, and 800W) by operating the microwave oven heating indicator button 31 or the dial 39. In this configuration, the lowest output (150W) and the second lowest output (300W) are set as outputs that do not require switching to a higher output. There can be only one output that does not require switching to a higher output, or there can be multiple outputs.

[0167] When heating device 1 heats at a low output, the user can easily understand that the heating time is longer compared to heating at other outputs. Therefore, if the user specifies a low output, it is assumed that the user intends to heat with a low output and a long heating time. In such a case, even if the short-time heating icon 54 is displayed, the user is less likely to choose short-time heating. Therefore, if one or more of the lowest-end outputs selectable in heating device 1 are preset as outputs that do not require switching to a higher output, the processing related to short-time heating can be omitted, resulting in good efficiency.

[0168] If the control unit 100 determines that the input output does not require switching to a high output (step S45: Yes), it proceeds to step S37 and starts heating according to the heating conditions. If it determines that the output input in step S32 does not require switching to a high output (step S45: No), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S35 and performs a short-time heating determination process.

[0169] Thus, in Implementation 2, when the user-specified output does not require switching to a higher output (step S45: Yes), heating quickly begins according to the heating conditions. In this case, the short-time heating determination process and the process of flashing the short-time heating icon 54 are omitted. As a result, the user's waiting time can be shortened, and heating can be performed more efficiently.

[0170] [2-2. Effects, etc.]

[0171] According to Embodiment 2, the heating device 1, in addition to the effects described in Embodiment 1, can omit the short-time heating determination process and the process of flashing the short-time heating icon 54 when there is a high probability that the user does not want short-time heating, and can quickly perform heating according to the heating conditions. As a result, the user's waiting time can be shortened and the processing efficiency of the heating device 1 can be improved.

[0172] (Other implementation methods)

[0173] As described above, embodiments 1 and 2 have been presented as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments with modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Furthermore, new embodiments can be created by combining the constituent elements described in embodiments 1 and 2.

[0174] Therefore, other implementation methods are illustrated below.

[0175] For example, in the above embodiment, a dial 39 was described as an example of a structure for inputting heating time, but this is just one example. For example, it is also possible to configure the first operation unit 30 to have multiple time setting keys with assigned times, through which the heating time can be input.

[0176] In the above embodiments, a heating device 1 having multiple heating units including heater heating and microwave heating has been described as an example. However, this disclosure can also be applied to heating devices that only have a microwave oven function as a heating unit. Furthermore, the heating device 1 can be any structure that performs microwave heating with multiple outputs; there are no limitations on the highest or lowest output value or the number of outputs of the heating device 1. Moreover, this disclosure can be applied to either commercial heating devices 1 or household heating devices 1.

[0177] Figure 3 The structure of the heating device 1 shown is an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is to say, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part separately; it can also be configured so that the functions of each part are implemented by a processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions implemented by software in the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software.

[0178] The "program" in the above-described embodiments can also be recorded in advance, non-temporarily, on a recording medium that can be read by the processor 110. Magnetic, optical, or semiconductor recording media can be used as the recording medium. Furthermore, these programs can also be stored in advance on a server device or the like, and the above-described actions can be achieved by downloading the program from the server device using the heating device 1.

[0179] The processor 110 can consist of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors can also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors can be, for example, composed of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0180] Figures 5 to 8 The action units shown in the figures are units divided according to the main processing content for ease of understanding of the action. The action is not limited by the method or name of the processing unit division. It can also be divided into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, it can be divided in a way that more processes are contained in one step unit. Moreover, the order of these steps can be appropriately changed without affecting the spirit of this disclosure.

[0181] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are used to illustrate the technology in this disclosure, and therefore, various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0182] (Postscript)

[0183] The following technology has been disclosed through the above description of the embodiments.

[0184] (Technology 1) A heating device that heats an object using a heating unit, wherein the heating device comprises: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, the operation unit having a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating, the high-output heating including operating the heating unit with an output higher than the heating conditions.

[0185] Therefore, it is possible to heat the object being heated with a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operating instructions. This improves user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0186] (Technology 2) The heating device according to Technology 1, wherein the high-output operation unit receives an instruction including high-output heating that causes the heating unit to operate at the maximum output of the heating unit.

[0187] Therefore, by utilizing the maximum output of the heating device, heating can be carried out in a shorter time.

[0188] (Technology 3) The heating device according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the control unit determines the heating time of the high-output heating in such a way that the heating amount in the high-output heating is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0189] Therefore, high-output heating can be performed in a way that obtains the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions input by the user, and the necessary heating can be performed in a shorter time.

[0190] (Technology 4) The heating device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 3, wherein the control unit determines the heating time of the heating unit when performing the high-output heating based on the amount of heating of the object being heated and the history of the operation of the heating unit.

[0191] Therefore, it is possible to avoid excessive load on the heating element to achieve high output heating, and to heat the object appropriately in a shorter time.

[0192] (Technology 5) The heating device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, wherein the control unit obtains the output time of the heating unit that can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating condition, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in such a way that the time for the heating unit to operate at an output higher than the heating condition does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating condition.

[0193] Therefore, high-output heating can be performed without exceeding the time limit for activating the heating element, and the object to be heated can be heated appropriately in a shorter time.

[0194] (Technology 6) A heating device that heats an object using a heating unit, wherein the heating device comprises: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, the operation unit including a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating, the high-output heating including operating the heating unit with an output higher than the heating conditions, the control unit obtaining an outputtable time for the heating unit to output microwaves with an output higher than the heating conditions, and determining the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in such a way that the time for the heating unit to operate with an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the outputtable time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0195] Therefore, the device can heat the object at a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operation instructions, and in this operation, heating can be performed in a manner that does not exceed the time limit for activating the heating unit. As a result, the object can be heated appropriately in a shorter time, thereby improving user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0196] (Technology 7) The heating device according to Technology 5 or Technology 6, wherein when the heating time for making the heating amount in the high-output heating become the heating amount corresponding to the heating condition exceeds the output time, the control unit performs the high-output heating including a first period and a second period, wherein in the first period, the heating unit operates with an output higher than the heating condition, and in the second period, the heating unit operates with an output included in the heating condition.

[0197] Therefore, multiple outputs can be used to perform the necessary heating in a shorter time.

[0198] (Technology 8) The heating device according to Technology 7, wherein the control unit determines the length of the first period and the second period in such a way that the sum of the heating amount of the first period and the heating amount of the second period is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0199] Therefore, multiple outputs can be used to perform the necessary heating in a shorter time.

[0200] (Technology 9) A heating device according to any one of Technologies 5 to 8, wherein the heating device includes a notification unit, and when the output time is above a threshold, the control unit notifies the user that the high-output heating can be performed via the notification unit.

[0201] This allows the system to notify the user that high-output heating is possible, enabling the user to operate the high-output control unit according to the notification and complete heating more easily and quickly. Therefore, it improves user convenience related to heating and cooking.

[0202] (Technology 10) According to the heating device of Technology 9, when the heating time for performing the high-output heating is shorter than the heating condition, the control unit notifies the notification unit that the high-output heating can be performed.

[0203] Therefore, by having the user operate the high-output control unit according to the instructions, the heating time can be shortened more reliably.

[0204] (Technology 11) The heating device according to Technology 9 or Technology 10, wherein after the operation unit receives an instruction to start heating, the control unit notifies the notification unit that the high-output heating can be performed.

[0205] Therefore, after determining the heating conditions input by the user, a notification is sent to execute high-output heating. Thus, by having the user operate the high-output control unit according to the notification, heating time can be shortened more reliably.

[0206] (Technology 12) According to the heating device of Technology 10, if the high-output operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time or more after notification that the high-output heating can be performed, the control unit causes the heating unit to operate according to the heating conditions.

[0207] Therefore, heating can be quickly performed based on user-inputted heating conditions when the user does not wish to perform high-output heating. This improves user convenience related to heating and cooking.

[0208] (Technology 13) A heating device according to any one of Technology 5 to Technology 12, wherein the heating device comprises: a memory that temporarily stores data; and a non-volatile storage unit that non-volatilely stores data, wherein the control unit stores state data representing the operating state of the heating unit in the memory, updates the state data in accordance with the operation of the heating unit, calculates the output time based on the state data, and stores the state data in the non-volatile storage unit when the operating state of the heating device becomes a predetermined state, and then reads the state data from the non-volatile storage unit and stores it in the memory.

[0209] Therefore, by storing the state data related to the heating element's state in memory, updates can be easily performed, and by storing the state data in non-volatile memory, preparations can be made for the loss of state data. Thus, the state of the heating element can be properly managed.

[0210] (Technology 14) A heating device comprising: a heating unit configured to output microwaves at multiple different outputs to heat an object; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, the control unit performing high-output heating, the high-output heating including operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions, wherein the control unit obtains an output time for which the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in such a way that the time for the heating unit to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0211] Therefore, the device can heat the object at a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operation instructions, and in this operation, heating can be performed in a manner that does not exceed the time limit for activating the heating unit. As a result, the object can be heated appropriately in a shorter time, thereby improving user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0212] (Technology 15) A heating device that heats an object using a heating unit, wherein the heating device comprises: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, the control unit performing high-output heating, the high-output heating including operating the heating unit with an output higher than that of the heating conditions.

[0213] Therefore, it is possible to heat the object being heated with a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operating instructions. This improves user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0214] (Technology 16) A method for controlling a heating device, the heating device comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit, wherein by controlling the control unit of the heating unit, the heating unit is operated based on the heating conditions, and high-output heating is performed in accordance with the operation of a high-output operation unit of the operation unit, the high-output heating comprising operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0215] Therefore, it is possible to heat the object being heated with a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operating instructions. This improves user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0216] (Technology 17) A control method for a heating device, the heating device comprising: a heating section capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation section receiving input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating section, wherein the control method of the heating device controls the heating section by controlling the control section of the heating section to operate the heating section based on the heating conditions, and performs high-output heating in accordance with the operation of a high-output operation section of the operation section, the high-output heating including operating the heating section at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions, wherein in the control method of the heating device, the control section obtains the output time for which the heating section can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating section in the high-output heating in such a way that the time for the heating section to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0217] Therefore, the device can heat the object at a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operation instructions, and in this operation, heating can be performed in a manner that does not exceed the time limit for activating the heating unit. As a result, the object can be heated appropriately in a shorter time, thereby improving user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0218] (Technology 18) A program that enables a computer controlling a heating device to function as a control unit, the heating device comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit, the control unit activating the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performing high-output heating in accordance with the operation of a high-output operation unit of the operation unit, the high-output heating comprising activating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0219] Therefore, it is possible to heat the object being heated with a higher output than the user-specified output through simple operating instructions. This improves user convenience in heating and cooking.

[0220] Industrial availability

[0221] As described above, the heating device, the control method of the heating device, and the program of the present invention can be used for heating food.

[0222] Label Explanation

[0223] 1 Heating device

[0224] 2 boxes

[0225] 3 Operation Panel

[0226] 3A Operations Department

[0227] 4 doors

[0228] 7 heating chambers

[0229] 30 First Operations Department

[0230] 31 Microwave Oven Heating Indicator Button

[0231] 32 Cancel button

[0232] 33 Start Key

[0233] 39 dials

[0234] 40 Second Operations Section

[0235] 41 Short-time heating button (high-output operation unit)

[0236] 51 Numerical Display Unit

[0237] 52 units represent

[0238] 53 Start Guide Icon

[0239] 54 Short-time heating icons

[0240] 60 heating section

[0241] 61 magnetron

[0242] 62 driver board

[0243] 63 Cooling Fan

[0244] 70. Audio Output Unit (Notification Unit)

[0245] 100 Control Department

[0246] 110 processor

[0247] 111 Service Department

[0248] 113 Heating Control Unit

[0249] 120 memory

[0250] 121 First counter (status data)

[0251] 122 Second Counter (Status Data)

[0252] 130 Non-volatile Storage Unit

[0253] 131 Control Program

[0254] 132 Setting Data

[0255] 133 Count Data (Status Data)

Claims

1. A heating device that uses a heating element to heat an object, wherein, The heating device includes: The heating element is capable of outputting microwaves in multiple different outputs; The operation unit accepts input of heating conditions, which include the heating time and output of the heating unit; and The control unit activates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The operating unit includes a high-output operating unit that instructs high-output heating, wherein the high-output heating includes operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating condition. The high-output operation unit receives an instruction to perform high-output heating, which includes operating the heating unit at its maximum output.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the heating time of the high-output heating in such a way that the heating amount in the high-output heating is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

3. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein... The control unit determines the heating time of the heating unit when performing high-output heating based on the amount of heating applied to the object being heated and the history of the operation of the heating unit.

4. A heating device that uses a heating element to heat an object, wherein, The heating device includes: The heating element is capable of outputting microwaves in multiple different outputs; The operation unit accepts input of heating conditions, which include the heating time and output of the heating unit; and The control unit activates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The operating unit includes a high-output operating unit that instructs high-output heating, wherein the high-output heating includes operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating condition. The control unit obtains the output time when the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in the following manner: the time for the heating unit to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

5. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein, If the heating time for making the heating amount in the high-output heating become the heating amount corresponding to the heating condition exceeds the output time, the control unit performs the high-output heating including a first period and a second period. In the first period, the heating unit operates with an output higher than the heating condition, and in the second period, the heating unit operates with an output included in the heating condition.

6. The heating device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit determines the length of the first period and the second period in such a way that the sum of the heating amount in the first period and the heating amount in the second period is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

7. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein, The heating device includes a notification unit. When the output time is above a threshold, the control unit notifies the notification unit that the high-output heating can be performed.

8. The heating device according to claim 7, wherein, If the heating time is shorter than the heating condition when the high-output heating is performed, the control unit notifies the notification unit that the high-output heating can be performed.

9. The heating device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, After the operation unit receives the instruction to start heating, the control unit notifies that the high-output heating can be performed.

10. The heating device according to claim 9, wherein, If, after notification that high-output heating can be performed, the high-output operation unit remains inactive for a specified period of time, the control unit activates the heating unit according to the heating conditions.

11. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein, The heating device includes: Memory, which temporarily stores data; and Non-volatile storage unit, which stores data non-volatilely. The control unit stores the status data representing the operating state of the heating unit in the memory, updates the status data in accordance with the operation of the heating unit, calculates the output time based on the status data, and stores the status data in the non-volatile storage unit when the operating state of the heating device becomes a predetermined state. Then, the control unit reads the status data from the non-volatile storage unit and stores it in the memory.

12. A heating device that heats an object by means of a heating element, wherein, The heating device includes: The heating element is capable of outputting microwaves in multiple different outputs; The operation unit accepts input of heating conditions, which include the heating time and output of the heating unit; and The control unit activates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The control unit performs high-output heating, which includes operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

13. A heating device comprising: The heating element is configured to output microwaves with multiple different outputs to heat the object being heated; The operation unit accepts input of heating conditions, which include the heating time and output of the heating unit; and The control unit activates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The control unit performs high-output heating, which includes operating the heating unit at a higher output than the heating condition. in, The control unit obtains the output time when the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in the following manner: the time for the heating unit to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

14. A method for controlling a heating device, the heating device comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit, wherein... The control unit that controls the heating unit operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performs high-output heating in accordance with the operation of the high-output operation unit of the operation unit. The high-output heating includes operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

15. A method for controlling a heating device, the heating device comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit that receives input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit, wherein... The control unit controls the heating unit, and operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. High-output heating is performed in accordance with the operation of the high-output operation unit of the operation unit. This high-output heating includes operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions. In the control method of the heating device, The control unit obtains the output time when the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating in the following manner: the time for the heating unit to operate at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating becomes the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

16. A program that enables a computer controlling a heating device to function as a control unit, the heating device comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves with multiple different outputs; and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions, the heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit. The control unit activates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performs high-output heating in accordance with the operation of the high-output operation unit of the operation unit, wherein the high-output heating includes activating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

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