Cooking appliance, heating control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooking appliance, a heating control method, and a program that can reduce the number of selection operations. [Solution] The heating cooker includes a receiving unit that accepts the selection of a heating item indicating the type of heating, and a storage unit. The heating items include specific heating that specifies ingredients, food, or heating purpose, and non-specific heating that does not specify ingredients, food, or heating purpose. When the receiving unit accepts the selection of non-specific heating, selection information indicating the selection of non-specific heating is stored in the storage unit. When the receiving unit accepts the selection of specific heating, the information indicating the selection of specific heating is not stored in the storage unit. If the selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, the device is set to a state where the selection of non-specific heating has been accepted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a heating cooker, a heating control method, and a program for heating an object to be heated.

Background Art

[0002] A high-frequency heating device has been proposed in which the menu used last time is stored in a memory unit, and when a re-menu key is turned on, the setting data of the menu used last time is read out to execute heating processing (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After the heating processing is executed based on the first menu, when the heating processing is executed based on a second menu different from the first menu, the data in the memory unit of the high-frequency heating device is rewritten to the second menu. Therefore, when executing the first menu again, the user has to perform the operation of selecting the first menu again.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a heating cooker, a heating control method, and a program that can reduce selection operations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A heating cooker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit for receiving a selection of a heating item indicating the type of heating, and a storage unit, wherein the heating item includes specific heating which specifies ingredients, food, or heating purpose, first non-specific heating in which heating conditions including the amount of electricity are predetermined and ingredients, food, or heating purpose are not specified, and second non-specific heating in which the heating conditions are manually determined and ingredients, food, or heating purpose are not specified, and when the receiving unit receives a selection of the first non-specific heating and the second non-specific heating, either first selection information indicating the selection of the first non-specific heating and second selection information indicating the selection of the second non-specific heating are stored in the storage unit, and when the receiving unit receives a selection of specific heating, the information indicating the selection of specific heating is not stored in the storage unit, and if the first selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, the device is set to a state in which the selection of the first non-specific heating has been received, and if the second selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, the device is set to a state in which the selection of the second non-specific heating has been received.

[0007] In this disclosure, either the first selection information or the second selection information is stored, and at startup, the system is in a state where the selection of either the first non-specific heating or the second non-specific heating is accepted.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first selection information is stored in the storage unit and the receiving unit receives a selection of the second non-specific heating, the second selection information is overwritten in the storage unit, and when the second selection information is stored in the storage unit and the receiving unit receives a selection of the first non-specific heating, the first selection information is overwritten in the storage unit.

[0009] In this disclosure, the heating item is changed from one of the first non-specific heating and the second non-specific heating to the other.

[0010] A heating appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display unit, and when the first selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, information indicating acceptance of the first non-specific heating is displayed on the display unit, and when the first selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, information indicating acceptance of the first non-specific heating is displayed on the display unit.

[0011] In this disclosure, the display unit indicates that either the first non-specific heating or the second non-specific heating has been received.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heating appliance includes a storage device capable of long-term storage, and the first selection information or the second selection information is stored in the storage device.

[0013] This disclosure prevents the erasure of selected information, for example, when the power supply to the memory unit is interrupted or during a power outage.

[0014] A heating control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heating item that indicates types of heating, which includes specific heating that specifies ingredients, food or heating purpose, first non-specific heating where heating conditions including power amount are predetermined and ingredients, food or heating purpose is not specified, and second non-specific heating where heating conditions are manually determined and ingredients, food or heating purpose is not specified. When a selection of the first non-specific heating and the second non-specific heating is received, either first selection information indicating the selection of the first non-specific heating or second selection information indicating the selection of the second non-specific heating is stored in the storage unit. When a selection of specific heating is received, the information indicating the selection of specific heating is not stored in the storage unit. If the first selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, the system is set to a state where the selection of the first non-specific heating has been received. If the second selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, the system is set to a state where the selection of the second non-specific heating has been received.

[0015] In this disclosure, either the first selection information or the second selection information is stored, and at startup, the system is in a state where the selection of either the first non-specific heating or the second non-specific heating is accepted.

[0016] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a selection of the first non-specific heating and the second non-specific heating is received from a heating item indicating types of heating, which includes specific heating that specifies ingredients, food or heating purpose, first non-specific heating where heating conditions including the amount of electricity are predetermined and ingredients, food or heating purpose is not specified, and second non-specific heating where the heating conditions are manually determined and ingredients, food or heating purpose is not specified, stores in the storage unit either first selection information indicating the selection of the first non-specific heating or second selection information indicating the selection of the second non-specific heating. When a selection of the specific heating is received, the information indicating the selection of the specific heating is not stored in the storage unit. If the first selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, the system is set to a state where the selection of the first non-specific heating has been received. If the second selection information is stored in the storage unit at startup, the system is set to a state where the selection of the second non-specific heating has been received.

[0017] In this disclosure, either the first selection information or the second selection information is stored, and at startup, the system is in a state where the selection of either the first non-specific heating or the second non-specific heating is accepted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] In a heating appliance, heating control method, and program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, selection information indicating the selection of non-specific heating is stored, and the system is set to accept the selection of non-specific heating at startup. Therefore, the user can select non-specific heating without having to perform an operation to select non-specific heating. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a heating appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing a control unit, an operation unit, a display unit, an open / close detection sensor, a temperature sensor, and a notification unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing information displayed on a display unit. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating a heating process performed by a control device. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating a storage process performed by a control device. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the drawings showing a heating cooker according to an embodiment. In the following description, up, down, front, rear, left and right directions indicated by arrows in the drawings will be used. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the heating cooker according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the heating cooker 1. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a heating cooker, and the heating cooker 1 is configured as, for example, a microwave oven. The heating cooker 1 includes an outer box 11 and a door 12. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the outer box 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front surface. The door 12 opens and closes the front opening of the outer box 11. As shown in Figure 1, a handle 121 is provided on the upper portion of the outer surface of the door 12. An operation unit 122 and a display unit 123 are provided on the lower portion of the outer surface of the door 12. The display unit 123 displays information such as heating items indicating the type of heating and the amount of electric power during heating. A touch panel may be provided on the display unit 123. The operation unit 122 includes buttons, a dial, a touch panel, or the like. The operation unit 122 constitutes a receiving unit.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the heating cooker 1 includes an inner box 13 and a partition wall 14. The inner box 13 is accommodated in the outer box 11. The inner box 13 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front surface. When the door 12 opens and closes the front opening of the outer box 11, the front opening of the inner box 13 is also opened and closed. The outer box 11, the door 12, and the inner box 13 have heat resistance and microwave reflectivity. For example, the outer box 11 and the inner box 13 are made of metal.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a recess is provided in the center of the inner bottom surface of the inner box 13. A plate-shaped partition wall 14 is provided above the inner bottom surface of the inner box 13, including the recess. The partition wall 14 is positioned to cover the entire inner bottom surface of the inner box 13 and watertightly closes the opening of the recess. The partition wall 14 has heat resistance and microwave permeability and is made of, for example, ceramic.

[0023] The area of ​​the inner box 13 above the partition wall 14 is used as the heating chamber 2. The inner top surface of the inner box 13 and the top surface of the partition wall 14 function as the inner top and bottom surfaces of the heating chamber 2. The portions of the left and right inner walls of the inner box 13 above the partition wall 14 function as the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2. The portion of the inner surface of the door 12 between the inner top and bottom surfaces of the heating chamber 2 functions as the front inner wall of the heating chamber 2. The rear inner wall of the inner box 13 functions as the rear inner wall of the heating chamber 2. The door 12 comprises, for example, a metal plate (perforated metal) with numerous through holes and transparent heat-resistant glass covered by this metal plate. When the door 12 is closed, the heating chamber 2 can be seen through the door 12.

[0024] The area below the partition wall 14 of the inner box 13 (the recess in the center of the inner bottom surface of the inner box 13) is used as the antenna chamber 10. The cooking appliance 1 is equipped with an irradiation device 15 (heating section). The irradiation device 15 is equipped with a rotating antenna 151, a motor 152, and a magnetron 153. The rotating antenna 151 is disc-shaped and is housed in the antenna chamber 10 with both sides facing up and down. The motor 152 is housed in the outer box 11, for example, located below the outer bottom surface of the inner box 13. The output shaft of the motor 152 passes through the bottom plate of the antenna chamber 10 and is connected to the center of the rotating antenna 151. The rotating antenna 151 rotates circumferentially, driven by the motor 152.

[0025] The magnetron 153 is housed in a space enclosed, for example, by the inner surface of the outer casing 11 and the outer surface of the inner casing 13. The magnetron 153 generates microwaves. The microwaves generated by the magnetron 153 are guided to the antenna chamber 10 by a waveguide member (not shown) (see the dashed arrow in Figure 2). The microwaves guided to the antenna chamber 10 are scattered by the rotating antenna 151. The scattered microwaves pass through the partition wall 14 and are irradiated from below the heating chamber 2 into the internal space of the heating chamber 2. When the irradiation device 15 is used, heating at a relatively low temperature (below 100°C) can be performed by injecting microwaves into the object to be heated 3 (object to be heated).

[0026] The cooking appliance 1 is equipped with a heater 16. The heater 16 emits infrared rays and is, for example, a graphite heater. The heater 16 is mounted on the inner top surface of the heating chamber 2 and emits infrared rays from above toward the internal space of the heating chamber 2 (see the dashed arrow in Figure 3). When the heater 16 is used, the infrared rays incident on the object to be heated 3 allow for heating to a relatively high temperature (for example, 250°C).

[0027] The microwave heating using the irradiation device 15 and the infrared heating using the heater 16 are mutually exclusive. Therefore, there is no risk of the microwaves adversely affecting the heater 16 while it is operating, nor is there any risk of the high heat emitted by the heater 16 adversely affecting the irradiation device 15 while it is operating. In other words, there is no risk of the two types of heating adversely affecting each other.

[0028] The heating appliance 1 comprises a plurality of support members 17. In the case of the heating appliance 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a pair of left and right support members 17 are provided on the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2. The upper pair of left and right support members 17 are provided on the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2. The height of the left and right support members 17 from the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2 is equal. Each support member 17 is located in the center of the heating chamber 2 in the vertical direction. The support members 17 have a convex ridge shape, and the longitudinal direction of the support members 17 is oriented front to back.

[0029] A cooking plate 4 is housed in the heating chamber 2. The cooking plate 4 is heat-resistant and microwave-impermeable. The cooking plate 4 comprises a bottom plate 4a and a heating element 41. The bottom plate 4a is rectangular in plan view. An object to be heated 3, such as ingredients or food, is placed on one surface of the bottom plate 4a, i.e., the top surface. The heating element 41 is provided on the other surface of the bottom plate 4a, i.e., the bottom surface. The heating element 41 absorbs microwaves and generates heat when exposed to microwaves. The heating element 41 is integrally arranged on at least the outer surface of the bottom plate 4a. The heat generated by the heating element 41 is transferred at least to the bottom plate 4a, and further transferred to the object to be heated 3 placed on the bottom plate 4a. Therefore, the object to be heated 3 is cooked. When both the irradiation device 15 and the cooking plate 4 are used, relatively high temperatures (e.g., 250°C) can be achieved by the heat generated by the heating element 41. The heating element 41 is made of, for example, ferrite and is in the shape of a plate. Instead of the heating element 41, a paint containing ferrite may be applied to the underside of the bottom plate 4a.

[0030] Two handles 5 are attached to the left and right sides of the base plate 4a. The handles 5 have lower thermal conductivity than the cooking plate 4 and possess heat resistance, electrical insulation, and microwave permeability. The handles 5 are made of synthetic resin, preferably engineering plastic. When cooking the food to be heated 3, the user grasps the handle 121 to open the door 12 and places the cooking plate 4 on which the food to be heated 3 is placed into the heating chamber 2. At this time, the user places the left and right handles 5 on the left and right supports 17 from above (see Figure 3). As a result, the left and right sides of the cooking plate 4 are placed on the left and right supports 17 via the left and right handles 5.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a control device 20, an operation unit 122, a display unit 123, an open / close detection sensor 124, a temperature sensor 125, and a notification unit 30. The cooking appliance 1 comprises a control device 20, an open / close detection sensor 124, and a notification unit 30. The open / close detection sensor 124 has, for example, a limit switch and detects the opening and closing of the door 12. The temperature sensor 125 detects the temperature of the object to be heated 3 placed in the heating chamber 2. The notification unit 30 is, for example, a buzzer, a light, or a display screen. The display unit 123 may also function as the notification unit 30.

[0032] The control device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a main memory unit 22, and an auxiliary memory unit 23. The control unit 21 includes, for example, a processor or logic circuit. The processor includes, for example, a CPU, MPU, or GPU. The logic circuit includes, for example, an FPGA or ASIC. The control unit 21 includes a timer. The main memory unit 22 includes, for example, RAM. The auxiliary memory unit 23 includes a rewritable storage device, including non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM or flash ROM), a hard disk, etc. The auxiliary memory unit 23 constitutes a storage device capable of long-term storage. The control unit 21 may include, for example, multiple processors or logic circuits. The control unit 21 executes multiple processes, such as various arithmetic and control processes. Multiple processes may be executed by one processor or logic circuit in the control unit 21, or they may be executed in a distributed manner by multiple processors or logic circuits in the control unit 21. A processor or logic circuit that executes one process and a processor or logic circuit that executes other processes may exist separately.

[0033] The auxiliary storage unit 23 stores the control program. The control unit 21 reads the control program from the auxiliary storage unit 23 into the main storage unit 22 and executes it. The control unit 21 stores the data generated by the execution of the control program in the auxiliary storage unit 23. The control unit 21 transmits a display signal to the display unit 123. The display unit 123 displays information based on the display signal. The control unit 21 transmits a notification signal to the notification unit 30. Based on the notification signal, the notification unit 30 emits a sound from a buzzer, lights up a light, or displays information on the display screen (display unit 123). The control program may be stored in a storage medium 25, such as an optical disc, flash memory, or hard disk, and downloaded from the storage medium 25 to the auxiliary storage unit 23. Alternatively, it may be downloaded from an external server to the auxiliary storage unit 23 via a network (not shown). Processing by the control program, such as the heating process and storage process described later, may be implemented by a server or terminal (neither of which are shown) connected to the control device 20 via a network, or by distributed processing by a server and other devices (e.g., terminals or external servers).

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the information displayed on the display unit 123. Figure 5 shows the various states in which the display unit 123 displays information, for example, the first to third display states. As shown in the first to third display states, the display unit 123 displays heating items indicating the type of heating, such as "reheat," "microwave," "defrost," "drinks," "toast," "rebake," "oven," and "grill."

[0035] When "Warm" is selected, the control unit 21 performs microwave heating using the irradiation device 15 with a predetermined amount of power for a predetermined time. The time and amount of power constitute the heating conditions. When "Warm" is selected, the control unit 21 may, for example, determine the amount of power and time corresponding to the temperature of the food detected by the temperature sensor 125. The relationship between the temperature of the food detected by the temperature sensor 125 and the amount of power and time is predetermined by a table or function, etc. Temperature, amount of power and time constitute the heating conditions. The control unit 21 performs microwave heating with the determined amount of power for the determined time. "Warm" indicates unspecified heating that does not specify the ingredients, food, or purpose of heating, and indicates first unspecified heating in which heating conditions including the amount of power are predetermined. "Warm" is an example of a display indicating first unspecified heating, and "Automatic" may be displayed instead of "Warm". The control unit 21 may accept corrections to the finished state, for example, the amount of power or time, and correct the amount of power or time.

[0036] When "Range" is selected, the control unit 21 receives the user's selection of power and time, for example via the operation unit 122, and performs microwave heating using the irradiation device 15 at the selected power and for the selected time. "Range" indicates unspecified heating that does not specify ingredients, food, or heating purpose, and indicates second unspecified heating where heating conditions are manually determined.

[0037] If the user wants to defrost the object to be heated 3, they can select "Defrost". If "Defrost" is selected, the control unit 21 receives the weight of the object to be heated 3 from the user, for example via the operation unit 122, and calculates the amount of power and time corresponding to the received weight. The relationship between the weight of the object to be heated 3 and the amount of power and time is predetermined by a table or function for defrosting. The control unit 21 performs microwave heating for the calculated amount of power and time. "Defrost" indicates specific heating that specifies the food ingredient, food product, or heating purpose.

[0038] If the user wants to heat a beverage (object to be heated 3), they can select "Beverage". When "Beverage" is selected and the heating start button is pressed, the control unit 21 starts heating by microwave, measures the temperature of the object to be heated 3 using the temperature sensor 125, and terminates microwave heating when a predetermined temperature is reached. "Beverage" indicates a specific heating method that specifies ingredients, food, or heating purpose. The control unit 21 may also accept the number or weight of beverages and adjust the power consumption and time according to the number or weight.

[0039] If the user wants to toast the bread (item to be heated 3), they can select "Toast". When "Toast" is selected, the control unit 21 performs heating using microwaves or the heater 16 based on the amount of power and time corresponding to heating the bread. "Toast" indicates specific heating that identifies the ingredient, food, or purpose of heating. The control unit 21 may also accept the number or weight of the bread and adjust the amount of power and time accordingly.

[0040] When a user wants to reheat pre-cooked food items (item to be heated 3) such as fried chicken, tempura, and prepared bread, they can select "Rebake". If "Rebake" is selected, the control unit 21 performs heating using microwaves or the heater 16 based on the amount of power and time corresponding to the reheating. "Rebake" indicates specific heating that identifies the ingredients, food, or purpose of heating. The control unit 21 may also accept the weight of the pre-cooked food from the user and adjust the amount of power and time according to the weight.

[0041] When the user wants to heat an object to be heated by maintaining a constant temperature throughout the entire internal space of the inner box 13, they can select "Oven". If "Oven" is selected, the control unit 21 performs heating with the heater 16 based on the amount of power and time corresponding to oven heating. For example, the heater 16 preheats the internal space of the inner box 13 until it reaches a predetermined temperature. After that, the user places the object to be heated into the inner box 13. The control unit 21 controls the operation of the heater 16 so that the internal space of the inner box 13 is maintained at the predetermined temperature. "Oven" indicates specific heating that specifies ingredients, food, or heating purpose. The control unit 21 may also accept the weight of the object to be heated 3 from the user and adjust the amount of power and time according to the weight.

[0042] If the user wants to brown the surface of the object to be heated 3, they can select "Grill". When "Grill" is selected, the control unit 21 performs heating with the heater 16 based on the amount of power and time corresponding to grill heating. "Grill" indicates specific heating that specifies the food ingredient, food, or heating purpose. The control unit 21 may also accept the weight of the object to be heated 3 from the user and adjust the amount of power and time according to the weight.

[0043] In the first display state, a square frame is displayed around "Reheat". In other words, "Reheat" is enclosed in a frame. The first display state indicates that "Reheat" has been selected as the type of heating.

[0044] In the second display state, a square frame is displayed around "Microwave." That is, "Microwave" is enclosed in a frame. In the second display state, for example, the power consumption used for heating, 600W, and the heating time, 1 minute (1:00), are displayed. The second display state indicates that "Microwave" has been selected as the type of heating.

[0045] In the third display state, a square frame is displayed around "Defrost." That is, "Defrost" is enclosed in a frame. In the third display state, for example, the weight of the item to be heated, 100g, is displayed. The third display state indicates that "Defrost" has been selected as the type of heating. Similarly, if "Beverage," "Toast," "Rebake," "Oven," or "Grill" is selected, a square frame will be displayed around the selected heating item (not shown in the illustration).

[0046] Among the heating options, non-specific heating, namely "reheating" and "microwave," is used more frequently than specific heating, namely "defrosting," "beverages," "toast," "reheat," "oven," and "grill."

[0047] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the heating process by the control device 20. The auxiliary storage unit 23 stores either first selection information indicating that "reheat" has been selected, or second selection information indicating that "range" has been selected. The first selection information is stored at the time of factory shipment. The second selection information may also be stored at the time of factory shipment. The control unit 21 takes in the detection result of the open / close detection sensor 124 and determines whether the door 12 is open or not (S1). If it is determined that the door 12 is not open (S1: NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S1. If it is determined that the door 12 is open (S1: YES), the control unit 21 takes in the detection result of the open / close detection sensor 124 and determines whether the door 12 is closed or not (S2). The user can open the door 12, store the item to be heated in the inner box 13, and then close the door 12. In step S1, if the door 12 is open, the heating cooker 1 is started.

[0048] If it is determined that the door 12 is not closed (S2: NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S2. If it is determined that the door 12 is closed (S2: YES), the control unit 21 determines whether the first selection information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 (S3). If "heat" is selected and the heating process is executed, the control unit 21 stores the first selection information in the auxiliary storage unit 23 in a storage process described later (see Figure 7).

[0049] If it is determined that the first selection information is not stored (S3:NO), that is, if it is determined that the second selection information is stored, the control unit 21 outputs a signal to the display unit 123 indicating that the selection of a heating item has been accepted (S4). On the display unit 123, the selected heating item is surrounded by a square frame (see the first to third display states in Figure 5). In step S4, if the first selection information is stored, the control unit 21 determines that the selection of "reheat" has been accepted, and if the second selection information is stored, it determines that the selection of "range" has been accepted. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation unit 122 has accepted the start of heating (S5). If it is determined that the operation unit 122 has not accepted the start of heating (S5:NO), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation unit 122 has accepted the selection of any heating item (S10). If it is determined that the selection of any heating item has not been accepted (S10:NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S5. If the control unit 21 determines that it has accepted the selection of any heating item (S10: YES), it returns to step S4.

[0050] If the operation unit 122 determines that it has received a request to start heating (S5:YES), the control unit 21 executes the heating process corresponding to the selected heating item (S6). After the heating process is completed, the control unit 21 performs a memory process (S7). Details of the memory process will be described later. The control unit 21 takes in the detection result of the open / close detection sensor 124 and determines whether the door 12 is open or not (S8). If it is determined that the door 12 is not open (S8:NO), the control unit 21 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating process or notification process was completed (S11). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S11:NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S8. If it is determined in step S11 that the predetermined time has elapsed (S11:YES), the control unit 21 executes a notification process (S12). The control unit 21 outputs a notification signal to the notification unit 30. The notification unit 30 notifies that the heating process is complete by, for example, emitting a sound from a buzzer, turning on a light, or displaying an information on the display screen (display unit 123). The control unit 21 returns the process to step S8.

[0051] If it is determined in step S8 that the door 12 is open (S8:YES), the control unit 21 takes in the detection result of the open / close detection sensor 124 and determines whether the door 12 is closed or not (S9). If it is determined that the door 12 is not closed (S9:NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S9. If it is determined that the door 12 is closed (S9:YES), the control unit 21 returns to step S1.

[0052] In step S3, if it is determined that the first selection information is stored (S3:YES), the control unit 21 outputs a signal to the display unit 123 indicating that the selection of the heating item corresponding to the first selection information, namely "reheat", has been received (S4). The display unit 123 displays a square frame around "reheat" (see the first display state in Figure 5). In other words, the control unit 21 automatically selects "reheat".

[0053] In step S3, if it is determined that the first selection information is not stored (S3:NO), that is, if it is determined that the second selection information is stored, the control unit 21 outputs a signal to the display unit 123 indicating that the selection of the heating item corresponding to the second selection information, i.e., "Range," has been accepted (S4). The display unit 123 displays a square frame around "Range" (see the second display state in Figure 5). In other words, the control unit 21 automatically selects "Range."

[0054] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the memory processing by the control device 20. In step S10, the control unit 21 determines whether or not it has received a selection for the first non-specific heating item, i.e., "warm up" (S21). If it determines that it has received a selection for "warm up" (S21: YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the first selection information has already been stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 (S22). If it determines that the first selection information has not already been stored (S22: NO), the control unit 21 stores the first selection information in the auxiliary storage unit 23 (S23) and returns to step S8. In step S22, if it determines that the first selection information has already been stored (S22: YES), the control unit 21 returns to step S8.

[0055] If it is determined in step S21 that the selection of "reheat" has not been accepted (S21: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the selection of a heating item indicating a second non-specific heating, namely "microwave," was accepted in step S10 (S24). If it is determined that the selection of "microwave" has been accepted (S24: YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the second selection information has already been stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 (S25). If it is determined that the second selection information has not been stored (S25: NO), the control unit 21 stores the second selection information in the auxiliary storage unit 23 (S26) and returns to step S8. If it is determined in step S25 that the second selection information has already been stored (S25: YES), the control unit 21 returns to step S8. If, in step S24, it is determined that the selection of "microwave" has not been accepted (S24:NO), that is, if it is determined that the selection of a specific heating method (for example, "defrost," "drink," "toast," "rebake," "oven," or "grill") has been accepted, the control unit 21 returns to step S8 and does not store information indicating that the selection of a specific heating method has been accepted. Therefore, when the selection of a specific heating method is accepted, either the first selection information or the second selection information is maintained in storage. Note that in the storage process, the first selection information or the second selection information may be stored in the main storage unit 22 instead of the auxiliary storage unit 23, or the first selection information or the second selection information may be stored in both the auxiliary storage unit 23 and the main storage unit 22.

[0056] In the memory processing, step S22 may be omitted. That is, if a selection of a heating item indicating a first non-specific heating is received, the first selection information may always be stored. Also, step S25 may be omitted. That is, if a selection of a heating item indicating a second non-specific heating is received, the second selection information may always be stored.

[0057] If the control unit 21 determines that a selection of a specific heating method (for example, "defrost," "drink," "toast," "rebake," "oven," or "grill") has been accepted (S21: NO, and S24: NO), the control unit 21 does not store information indicating that a specific heating method has been selected in the auxiliary storage unit 23. The control unit 21 stores only one of the first selection information or the second selection information in the auxiliary storage unit 23. That is, if the second selection information is stored and the selection of "reheat" is accepted (S21: YES, and S22: NO), the control unit 21 overwrites the second selection information with the first selection information (S23). If the first selection information is stored and the selection of "microwave" is accepted (S24: YES, and S25: NO), the control unit 21 overwrites the first selection information with the second selection information (S26).

[0058] Although the control unit 21 performs storage processing after the heat treatment in step S6, it may also perform storage processing after receiving the start of heating from the operation unit 122 (S5:YES) but before the heat treatment is performed. In other words, storage processing only needs to be performed after it has been decided to perform the heat treatment.

[0059] Generally, non-specific heating options (e.g., "reheat" or "microwave") are selected more frequently than specific heating options (e.g., "defrost," "drinks," "toast," "rebake," "oven," or "grill"). In the heating appliance 1 according to this embodiment, information indicating the selection of a less frequently used specific heating option is not stored, nor is selection information indicating the selection of a frequently used non-specific heating option stored. If selection information indicating the selection of a non-specific heating option is stored, the appliance is set to accept the selection of a non-specific heating option at startup (when the door is opened in step S1). That is, the control device 20 automatically selects a non-specific heating option. Therefore, the user can select a non-specific heating option without performing any operation to select it.

[0060] Furthermore, if heating is performed after selecting non-specific heating, and then specific heating is selected and heating is performed, information indicating that the selection of specific heating was accepted is not stored. Therefore, if the user starts the system after selecting specific heating and performing heating, the control unit 21 refers to the selection information stored in the memory unit and automatically selects non-specific heating. In other words, even after selecting specific heating and performing heating, the user can select non-specific heating without having to perform an operation to select non-specific heating.

[0061] Furthermore, if heating is performed based on either the frequently used first non-specific heating method ("reheat") or the second non-specific heating method ("microwave"), and then heating is performed based on the other method, the stored selection information will be changed from one of the first selection information to the other. This allows for flexible responses when the user changes the non-specific heating method being used.

[0062] Furthermore, if the first or second selection information is stored, the display unit 123 will indicate that the selection of the first non-specific heating or the second non-specific heating has been accepted. That is, a square will be displayed around "Reheat" or "Range". This allows the user to recognize the heating item that has been automatically selected by the control device 20.

[0063] Furthermore, by storing the first and second selection information in the auxiliary storage unit 23, which is capable of long-term storage, the erasure of the first and second selection information is prevented, for example, when the power supply to the storage unit is cut off or during a power outage.

[0064] Computer programs (program products) can be deployed to run on a single computer, located in one site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0065] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the claims and equivalents thereof. The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with one another. Furthermore, the independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with one another in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. In addition, the claims use a multi-claim format in which claims refer to two or more other claims (multi-claim format), but are not limited thereto. They may also be described using a multi-claim format in which at least one multi-claim refers to another multi-claim (multi-multi-claim format). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1 Cooker 2 Heating chamber 3 Object to be heated 10 Antenna Room 11 Outer box 12 doors 13 Inner box 15 Irradiation device 16 Heater 20 Control device 21 Control Unit 22 Main memory 23 Auxiliary storage 25 Storage medium 122 Operation Unit (Reception Unit) 123 Display section 124 Open / Close Detection Sensor 151 Rotating Antenna 152 Motor 153 Magnetron

Claims

1. A reception unit that accepts the selection of heating items indicating the type of heating, Memory unit and Equipped with, The aforementioned heating items include specific heating, which specifies ingredients, food, or heating purpose; first non-specific heating, in which heating conditions including power consumption are predetermined and ingredients, food, or heating purpose are not specified; and second non-specific heating, in which heating conditions are manually determined and ingredients, food, or heating purpose are not specified. When the reception unit receives the selection of the first non-specific heating and the second non-specific heating, the storage unit stores either the first selection information indicating the selection of the first non-specific heating or the second selection information indicating the selection of the second non-specific heating. When the reception unit receives the selection of the specific heating method, the information indicating the selection of the specific heating method is not stored in the storage unit. If the first selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, the system will be in a state where the selection of the first non-specific heating has been accepted. If the second selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, the system will be set to accept the selection of the second non-specific heating. Heating cooker.

2. If the first selection information is stored in the storage unit, and the receiving unit receives the selection of the second non-specific heating, the second selection information is overwritten in the storage unit. If the second selection information is stored in the storage unit, and the receiving unit receives the selection of the first non-specific heating, the first selection information is overwritten in the storage unit. A heating appliance according to claim 1.

3. Equipped with a display unit, If the first selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, information indicating acceptance of the first non-specific heating is displayed on the display unit. If the first selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, information indicating acceptance of the first non-specific heating will be displayed on the display unit. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The memory unit includes a memory device capable of long-term storage, The first selection information or the second selection information is stored in the storage device. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When a selection of the first non-specific heating and the second non-specific heating is received from a heating item that indicates types of heating, including specific heating which specifies ingredients, food or heating purpose, first non-specific heating which has predetermined heating conditions including power consumption and does not specify ingredients, food or heating purpose, and second non-specific heating which has manually determined heating conditions and does not specify ingredients, the first selection information indicating the selection of the first non-specific heating and the second selection information indicating the selection of the second non-specific heating are stored in the storage unit. When the selection of the specified heating is accepted, the information indicating the selection of the specified heating is not stored in the storage unit. If the first selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, the system will be in a state where the selection of the first non-specific heating has been accepted. If the second selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, the system will be set to accept the selection of the second non-specific heating. Heating control method.

6. When a selection of the first non-specific heating and the second non-specific heating is received from a heating item that indicates types of heating, including specific heating which specifies ingredients, food or heating purpose, first non-specific heating which has predetermined heating conditions including power consumption and does not specify ingredients, food or heating purpose, and second non-specific heating which has manually determined heating conditions and does not specify ingredients, the first selection information indicating the selection of the first non-specific heating and the second selection information indicating the selection of the second non-specific heating are stored in the storage unit. When the selection of the specified heating is accepted, the information indicating the selection of the specified heating is not stored in the storage unit. If the first selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, the system will be in a state where the selection of the first non-specific heating has been accepted. If the second selection information is stored in the memory unit at startup, the system will be set to accept the selection of the second non-specific heating. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

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