Cooking device and cooking system

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly heating cooker capable of inputting voice and also obtaining cooking condition data from outside; and to provide a heating cooking system.SOLUTION: An input operation part receiving input from a user has touch type input keys for selecting one from among a plurality of cooking modes, and dial type section means for selecting a cooking menu or a control menu which can be performed by cooking mode with turning operation. A control device, when the cooking mode is selected with the touch type input keys, can set a voice input mode in response to a long / short touch time thereof. In the case of being switched to the voice input mode, recipe data can be obtained from outside with the voice input. A command for setting control conditions from the user applied to the recipe data is configured to be directly obtained by the control device, or the voice input data on desired control conditions is obtained via an external voice input device or communication terminal, and then obtained by the heating cooker via a communication network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking device that heats an object to be heated, such as a pot placed on a top plate, and a cooking system that uses the cooking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, cooking appliances can be broadly divided into three types based on the environment in which they are used. One of these is the so-called "built-in type" which is installed inside kitchen furniture such as a kitchen counter. The second type is the "freestanding type" which is placed in a designated location on kitchen furniture, like a gas stove (also called a "gas-burning table"). The third type is the small and portable "tabletop type" which is placed in a desired location on a dining table, etc.

[0003] There are many "built-in" cooking appliances that are multi-purpose cooking appliances equipped with multiple heat sources, and they are popular as they can handle a variety of cooking methods. However, because they are installed inside kitchen furniture, the external dimensions must be designed to match the standards of general kitchen furniture, and there is much less freedom in design compared to "freestanding" or "tabletop" appliances, making it difficult to create a practical product.

[0004] A typical combined heating cooker that can expand the range of cooking methods has been proposed, which is equipped with a grill chamber (also called an "oven chamber" or "heating chamber," but hereinafter referred to collectively as the "heating chamber") that is heated by a heat source inside the main body, and which introduces microwaves from a microwave heating source into the heating chamber (see Patent Document 1).

[0005] In the combined cooking device shown in Patent Document 1, for example, cooking can be performed by different types of heating means above the top plate (first location) and in the inner space of the heating chamber (second location). Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to handle various types of food to be cooked. The convenience of this cooking device can be further improved if cooking condition data (recipe data) for the food desired by the user can be obtained from outside via a network or a communication terminal.

[0006] Meanwhile, a cooking system has been proposed in the past in which communication is performed between a communication terminal such as a smartphone and a cooking appliance, and recipe data corresponding to a cooking recipe selected on the communication terminal is transmitted from the communication terminal to the cooking appliance to perform cooking (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0007] Patent Document 2 is not a combined heating cooker, but is a heating cooker (gas-fired heating cooker) that is equipped with multiple heating sections (e.g., a right burner, a left burner, a rear burner) and has a communication function, and proposes a configuration in which when a user operates a communication terminal to select a specific recipe from a cooking menu, the heating cooker acquires heating condition data for the multiple heating sections all at once.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 proposes a menu creation support device that efficiently supports the creation of healthy menus that contain nutrients suitable for the user and can be made with existing ingredients.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 proposes a nutritional component display system that includes a server device and a client device (such as a personal computer) connected to a network. This is a system that analyzes and displays the amount of nutritional components of each food ingredient according to input by the user.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Document 5 proposes a voice recognition device that goes into a voice input state when one button is pressed, and ends the voice input state when the button is released. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-071264 A (Page 1, FIG. 44) [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-106685 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2001-243326 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2006-139554 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2001-42890 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] In recent years, interest in various cooking methods and the need for dietary management have increased among households and individuals. In cooking appliances, especially in combined cooking appliances, the setting of control conditions (for example, heat and heating time) becomes more complicated as the number of heating means increases. Therefore, convenience will be improved if users can select a cooking menu, obtain cooking condition data (recipe data), and use this data easily. However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 only show a large-scale (for professional businesses) menu information extraction system and a nutritional component amount search (information processing) system, and do not take into consideration reducing the input of cooking devices. Therefore, even the technologies described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 do not fully meet users' expectations of reducing the input operation load. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 5 also requires a user to keep pressing one input button for the entire duration of voice input, and thus cannot reduce the burden of user operations.

[0013] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a highly convenient cooking device and cooking system that can handle a wide variety of cooking methods by enabling voice input and improving user operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The cooking device according to the first disclosure is The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; a control device that receives a command from the input operation unit, the input operation unit includes a first selection means for selecting one of a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting one cooking menu or control menu executable in the cooking mode when one of the cooking modes is selected by the first selection means, the first selection means has a touch input key; the input operation unit issues a voice input mode setting signal in response to an operation time of the input key; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0015] The cooking system according to the second disclosure includes: A heating cooker; A cloud server or a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance via wireless communication; Equipped with The communication terminal or the cloud server has a function of transmitting recipe data to the cooking appliance, the cooking device has a function of acquiring the recipe data from the communication terminal or the cloud server after an initial standby screen is displayed, The cooking device has an operation unit equipped with touch-type input keys, The operation unit has a function of selecting one cooking mode and a function of switching from a touch input mode to a voice input mode according to a touch state of the input key, The cooking device is provided with a dial-type selection means for selecting one of a plurality of linked cooking menus or a plurality of control menus for cooking in the cooking mode in response to a rotation operation; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0016] The cooking device according to the third disclosure is The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; an input signal analysis unit that determines an input from the input operation unit; A control device that receives commands from the input operation unit; Equipped with the input operation unit includes a first selection means for selecting one of a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting at least one of a cooking menu or a control menu in the cooking mode selected by the first selection means, The first selection means is a touch-type input key provided for each of the cooking modes, the input operation unit transmits time information corresponding to the touch operation of the input key to the input signal analysis unit; when the input signal analysis unit determines that a voice input mode command has been received, the control device enables acquisition of recipe data from an external device and receives command data for executing the recipe data; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0017] The cooking system according to the fourth disclosure is A heating cooker; A cloud server connected to the cooking appliance via a network using wireless communication; Equipped with The cloud server has a function of transmitting recipe data to the cooking appliance, the cooking device has a function of switching from a touch input mode to a voice input mode in response to a touch state of a touch-type input key, and a function of selecting at least one of a cooking menu, a control menu, and a control condition by a dial-type selection means for each cooking mode selected in the touch input mode; The cooking appliance is switched to the voice input mode and is in a standby state in which the recipe data can be acquired, When the cloud server receives a request to provide the recipe data, the cloud server transmits the recipe data to the cooking appliance; The cooking device acquires command data related to the recipe data in the voice input mode; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0018] The cooking device according to the fifth disclosure is The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; a control device that receives a command from the input operation unit, the input operation unit has, as touch input means, a first selection means for selecting one from a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, a second selection means for selecting one cooking menu or control menu from the cooking modes selected by the first selection means, and a third selection means for selecting a control condition to be applied to the cooking menu or the control menu selected by the second selection means; The input operation unit has a dial type selection means, The dial type selection means is (1) selecting at least one of the cooking menu, the control menu, or the control condition in response to a rotation operation; and (2) When an operation other than the rotation operation is performed, a voice input mode setting signal is generated. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0019] The cooking system according to the sixth disclosure is A cooking device and a communication terminal connected to a cloud server via a network, The communication terminal or the cloud server has a function of transmitting recipe data to the cooking appliance, The cooking device has a function of acquiring the recipe data from the communication terminal or the cloud server, The cooking device is provided with a touch-type input key for selecting one cooking mode from among a plurality of cooking modes using a combination of a plurality of heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting at least one from among a plurality of cooking menus or control menus provided for each of the cooking modes in response to a rotation operation, The cooking device has a function of moving the dial-type selection means in the axial direction of the rotation center to set the mode to a voice input mode; This is a configuration characterized by the above. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a highly convenient cooking device can be provided that can use both touch input and voice input during the cooking setup stage and can cook using recipe data obtained from outside via a network. In addition, according to the cooking system disclosed herein, when selecting a cooking menu, the touch state of the touch-type input keys can be determined and the mode can be automatically changed to voice input mode, making it possible for the user to input control conditions by voice during input operations, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency of input operations and reducing the input load on the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication system (information processing network) between one house according to a first embodiment and the outside. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of an installed state of a cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a central display unit, a central operation unit, and a central heating status display unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory diagram 1 showing an example of the operation of the central display unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory diagram 2 showing an example of the operation of the central display unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a block diagram showing main functional components of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device and an input operation unit (central operation unit) of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 10] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of control menus that can be selected by a central operation unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 11] A classification table of the control menu for the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 12] 3 is a table showing various coordinated cooking menus in the coordinated cooking mode of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2 during standby. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in a coordinated cooking mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in the coordinated cooking mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the display content of the central display unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in the coordinated cooking mode. [Figure 17] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2 in a coordinated cooking mode. [Figure 18] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing an operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 19] 3 is a flowchart showing main input steps for the three cooking modes after the main power is turned on in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 20] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process after the main power is turned on in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 21] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process in the case of a coordinated cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 22] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process in a combined cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 23] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process in the case of a single cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 24] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing an operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 25] 3 is a flowchart 2 showing an operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 26] 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control device when switching to voice input mode 1 in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 27] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on a central display unit 16M, illustrating an example of an input process for an integrated cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2; FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the central display section corresponding to each main operation step after the main power switch is turned on. [Figure 29] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the operation of the left display portion of the cooking appliance. [Diagram 30] 4 is a process diagram illustrating the operation steps of the control device from when the cooking appliance is started to immediately before cooking begins. [Diagram 31]FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a central operation unit and a central display unit of the cooking device. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit in the collaborative cooking mode. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between cooking steps of a cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode and operations of the input operation unit. [Diagram 34] 1 is a time chart 1 for explaining the entire period during which recipe data can be acquired and the control operations in a collaborative cooking mode in a cooking appliance. [Diagram 35] 1 is a time chart showing the relationship between the central operation unit and the central display unit in chronological order. [Diagram 36] 35 is a time chart 1 showing a modified example for explaining the recipe data obtainable section and control operations in the collaborative cooking mode shown in FIG. 34 as a whole. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation section and the central display section in a coordinated cooking mode corresponding to the modified example of FIG. 36. [Figure 38] 5 is a time chart for explaining an overall period during which recipe data can be acquired and control operations in the collaborative cooking mode. [Figure 39] 5 is a flowchart showing main processes of the control device up to the start of cooking based on recipe data obtained from an external source. [Diagram 40] 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control device when the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 is switched to a voice input mode. [Diagram 41] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a control menu displayed on the central display unit when the central operation unit is operated for a combined cooking mode. [Diagram 42] 6 is a time chart illustrating a method for preventing interference between voice input modes when cooking is performed simultaneously using the central operation unit and the left operation unit. [Diagram 43] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication system (information processing network) between one house and the outside according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the cooking device shown in FIG. 43. [Diagram 45]FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing main functional components of the cooking device shown in FIG. 43. [Figure 46] FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing the main functional components of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 43. [Figure 47] FIG. 1 (list) is an operation explanation diagram for when cooking in the linked cooking mode is performed using the central control unit. [Figure 48] Fig. 2 (list) is an operation explanation diagram for when cooking in the linked cooking mode is performed using the central operation unit. [Figure 49] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the display content of a reception operation display screen displayed on the central display unit. [Figure 50] This shows the display contents of the terminal display screen (input operation screen) of the communication terminal. [Figure 51] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the communication terminal when recipe data is acquired from a cloud server. [Figure 52] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a communication system (information processing network) between one house and the outside according to the third embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the cooking device shown in FIG. 52. [Figure 54] 53 is a time chart showing main operation steps of the control device of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 52 and operation steps with an external information processing network (first server, audio input / output device, etc.). [Figure 55] FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of a central display unit and a central operation unit of a cooking device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 56] 56 is an enlarged plan view of the right display section and right operation section of the cooking device of FIG. 55. [Figure 57] FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device and the input operation unit (central operation unit) of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 55. [Figure 58] 56 is a flowchart 1 showing the input process of the left and right operating parts after the main power is turned on in the cooking device shown in FIG. 55. [Figure 59] 56 is a flowchart showing an input process of a central operation unit after the main power is turned on in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 55. [Figure 60]56 is a time chart showing the input process of the central operation unit after the main power is turned on in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 55. [Figure 61] FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the central display unit and the central operation unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 55 before acquiring recipe data from outside and switching to a collaborative cooking mode. [Figure 62] FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the central operation unit and the central display unit when recipe data for the collaborative cooking mode is obtained in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 55. [Figure 63] 6 is a time chart illustrating a method for preventing interference between voice input modes when cooking is performed simultaneously using the central operation unit and the left operation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The cooking device and cooking system according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating directions (e.g., "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear", etc.) are used to facilitate understanding, but these are for explanatory purposes only. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0023] Furthermore, in the following description, a composite cooking device having a plurality of types of heating means will also be simply referred to as a "cooking device."

[0024] In the following explanation, when the phrase "a heated object placed on the top plate" is used, it means both a case where a heated object such as a pot is placed directly on the upper surface of the top plate 3 described below and heated, and a case where a heated object is placed on a supporting member such as a trivet arranged above the top plate, such as a gas burner (burner), and heated.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the "second heating means" HM2 refers to a heat source for heating the food placed inside the heating chamber 6, which will be described later. It may also be one that utilizes radiant heat or steam.

[0026] In the first embodiment, a magnetron is used as the microwave heating source, but there is no limitation on the microwave oscillation principle or method, such as a microwave oscillator, etc. Also, a plurality of heating sources may be provided.

[0027] In this embodiment 1, the "third heating means" HM3 is called "third" to indicate the difference from the second heating means HM2, but does not imply a superiority / inferiority relationship. In addition, in embodiment 1, a heat source using a radiant electric heat source (such as a sheath heater, mica heater, carbon heater, ceramic heater, infrared heater, radiant heater, etc.) is used, but a heat source that generates heat in other forms or methods may also be used.

[0028] The third heating means HM3 refers to a means capable of cooking in one heating chamber 6. It may be a form in which a plurality of heating sources having different heating principles are used in combination, such as a heating source constituted by an electric heater or the like and a gas burner (burner). Also, an induction heating source may be used as a heating source for heating the heating chamber 6. It may also be a steam generator 550 (boiler) (not shown) that supplies high-temperature steam (such as superheated steam).

[0029] Furthermore, the third heating means may be either a heat source that heats the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside, or a heat source that is installed in the internal space of the heating chamber 6 and heats the atmosphere in the internal space to a high temperature. In addition, a heat-generating member that becomes hot by induction heating may be placed in the heating chamber, and this heat-generating member may heat the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside, or may heat the air inside the heating chamber 6.

[0030] A representative example of the induction heating coil (IH coil) referred to in this embodiment 1 is one formed by bundling about 30 thin copper or aluminum wires of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, twisting several of these bundles together and winding them into a spiral. Alternatively, there is also one formed by winding about 1000 to 1500 wires of about 0.05 mm. There has also been a proposal to form the coil from a ring-shaped conductor made of a flat conductive material. All of these forms correspond to the "IH coil," which is the main part of the induction heating source.

[0031] In this embodiment 1, the "cooking mode" refers to a type of heat cooking. In this embodiment 1, there are three types of cooking modes. The first is a "cooperative cooking mode", the second is a "combined cooking mode", and the third is a "single cooking mode".

[0032] In this embodiment 1, "coordinated cooking" refers to cooking that uses two or more heating sources that heat a single cooked item (including food, meat, vegetables, etc.) in different locations and whose heating operation conditions can be set independently.

[0033] The "coordinated cooking" mentioned above refers to the use of multiple heating means with a time lag. For example, in the process of completing a single dish, after preheating with a microwave heating source, the food to be cooked is moved to another location, and then heated with an IH coil at the new location to complete the dish, which is a type of "coordinated cooking" as defined here.

[0034] In addition, a type of "cooking combination" is also provided in which the food to be cooked is heated inside the heating chamber 6 using a gas burner (burner), and then the food is moved onto the top plate 3 and heated using another gas burner (burner) or an induction heating source to improve the degree of doneness of the cooking.

[0035] The "voice input mode" refers to a control mode in which the user US inputs by speaking, without touching or pressing the buttons or operation surfaces of the input switches (input keys). There are two types of "voice input mode", "voice input mode 1" and "voice input mode 2".

[0036] The "voice input mode 1" is selected by operating an input key (hereinafter referred to as a "combined key") that supports both voice input and touch (including pressing) input. The "voice input mode 2" is selected by operating an input key 180 dedicated to voice input (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "voice input dedicated key").

[0037] In a single input operation unit having multiple input keys, including the "combined key," when the mode is changed to "voice input mode 1" by the combined key (e.g., input key 107 in central operation unit 15M), there are two cases: the input functions of (some of) the input keys other than the combined key (e.g., input keys 108, 109 in central operation unit 15M) are temporarily disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 1A"), and the input functions are not disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 1B"). Either case corresponds to "voice input mode 1" as defined here.

[0038] When the "dedicated voice input key" 180 is pressed during touch input using an input key (e.g., 107 or 108) in one input operation unit, "voice input mode 2" is selected. In this case, after the selection of voice input mode 2, there are two cases: one in which the input functions of (a part of) the input keys (e.g., 107, 108) other than the dedicated voice input key 180 are temporarily disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 2A"), and one in which they are not disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 2B"). Either of these corresponds to "voice input mode 2" as defined here.

[0039] "Recipe data" CD refers to data used in controlling the cooker 1 to cook one food item. One form of recipe data CD includes data specifying the heating means, data specifying the heating process and order, and control conditions during heating (including, but not limited to, command data and programs such as heat, target temperature, and heating and cooking time).

[0040] Another form of the recipe data CD does not include data specifying a heating means or data defining the heating steps or order, but includes only a portion of the data required to execute a cooking menu (e.g., hamburger steak). For example, when cooking with the linked cooking mode described later, one cooking menu is executed. This does not include information specific to the heating means (including information indicating the attributes of the heating means and information about the heating port, etc.), information about the cooking process, information indicating the order in which the heating means are driven, etc. In this case, the data mainly consists of instructions and data (called "commands" or "command data", which will be explained in detail later) that determine control conditions such as heating capacity and heating time. In this case, if the recipe data CD held by the cooking device 1 is configured on the premise of cooking one serving of food, for example, the cooking device may be adapted to two or four servings in response to an external command by changing the control conditions (for example, one parameter, the heating time) using a built-in program.

[0041] In the following embodiment, the above-mentioned forms of recipe data will not be particularly distinguished from each other.

[0042] Embodiment 1 (1. Configuration of the cooking system) The first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. Referring to FIG. The cooking system of the present embodiment 1 is configured to include a cooking device 1, a smartphone 200 having a function of wirelessly communicating with the cooking device 1, and a cloud server 300. In addition to a smartphone-type communication terminal, a tablet terminal or a personal computer with a communication function may also be used. These devices and the smartphone 200 are collectively referred to as a "communication terminal" or an "information processing terminal" below, and the reference numeral 200 is used.

[0043] The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication with an access point such as a wireless router 340 (not shown) installed in the house (HA) in which the cooking appliance 1 is used, using a communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark).

[0044] The cooking appliance 1 can acquire at least the recipe data CD2 through wireless communication with the communication terminal 200. In the following, for convenience of explanation, recipe data CD2 and recipe data CD1 will be distinguished by the same reference numerals. The recipe data CD acquired by the cooking appliance 1 from the outside will be called "recipe data CD2". In contrast, recipe data CD provided by a recipe data providing server 301 (described later) may be referred to as "recipe data CD1." Details will be given later. The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication with the cooking appliance 1 using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0045] The communication terminal 200 can be connected to a home gateway 411 installed in a house HA via the router 340 (not shown). The NW is a network constituting a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The cloud server 300 in the external space includes at least one recipe data providing server 301, the external server 417, and the like.

[0046] The recipe data providing server 301 is equipped with a recipe DB (database) 302 (not shown) that holds data on recipes for performing various cooking methods, and the communication terminal 200 accesses the recipe DB (302: not shown) operated by the recipe data providing server 301 and acquires (downloads) various recipe data CD1 from the recipe DB.

[0047] The recipe data CD (CD1, CD2) includes commands (command data) that specify heating means and control conditions (including at least one of heat, heating time, temperature, etc., but are not limited to these) so that a specific food item can be cooked in the heating cooker 1.

[0048] In the following explanation, recipe data (cooking condition data) may be described with reference numbers such as CD1, CD2, etc., but the contents of the recipe data do not necessarily differ depending on the reference number, and may even be the same. These reference numbers (CD1, CD2) are used based on the sender of the recipe data to make it easier to understand. When using a unified reference number for recipe data, "CD" is used. Also, the name "recipe data" will be used for explanation.

[0049] The cooking device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first heating means HM1 arranged below a top plate 3 (described in Figure 2 and subsequent figures) covering the upper surface of the cooking device 1, a second heating means HM2 which supplies microwaves to a heating chamber 6 (see Figure 3) formed inside the cooking device 1, and a third heating means HM3 which is located inside or outside the heating chamber 6 and raises the temperature of the internal space of the heating chamber 6 to heat it.

[0050] If the upper surface of the top plate 3 is defined as a "first location," then induction heating means is used as the first heating means HM1 to heat an object to be heated (a magnetic metal pan) placed in this first location. Alternatively, a gas combustion device equipped with a gas burner for heating a pan made of magnetic metal or non-magnetic metal can be used as the first heating means HM1.

[0051] If a closed space located away from the first place is defined as a "second place," then the inside of the heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3) corresponds to the second place.

[0052] The cooking device 1 has a function of executing an "independent cooking mode" KM1 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven independently of each other.

[0053] The cooking device 1 has a function of executing a "combined cooking mode" KM2 in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously, or one of them is driven first and the other is automatically driven later, as a method of cooking one food to be cooked. Even when the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously, both cases in which the heating ends at the same time and cases in which they end at different times are one operation pattern belonging to the "combined cooking mode" KM2.

[0054] The "combined cooking mode" KM2 has at least a pattern (RG control mode 1) in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously from the beginning, a pattern (RG control mode 2) in which the third heating means HM3 is driven after the second heating means HM2, and a pattern (RG control mode 3) in which the third heating means HM3 is driven first and then automatically switched to the second heating means HM3. In these RG control modes 1 to 3, switching between the heating means is automatically performed when cooking begins in the heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 9).

[0055] Unlike the linked cooking mode KM1, the "composite cooking mode" KM2 does not have a "cooking menu" corresponding to a specific food to be cooked (e.g., hamburger steak). In other words, a "control menu" is prepared for each pattern for driving the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3.

[0056] For example, one of the "control menus" is the "RG control mode 1." In the RG control mode (RG composite cooking mode), various foods can be cooked. One of the "control menus," for example, the "RG control mode 1," is controlled by recipe data that specifies the control mode, but is not set for each specific food to be cooked.

[0057] That is, an operation pattern in which two or more heating sources (the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3) are operated in a predetermined sequence is the composite cooking mode KM2 having a plurality of "control menus."

[0058] In contrast to this, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 having a cooperative cooking menu applies recipe data (corresponding to specific foods) to heat and cook foods placed inside the heating chamber 6 and above the top plate 3 in a predetermined order. In other words, the contents of the recipe data are different between the combined cooking mode KM2 and the collaborative cooking mode KM1.

[0059] In the following description, when a type of control mode, such as a driving pattern of a heat source, is indicated, it is called a "control menu." For example, "thawing" is one of the control menus. On the other hand, when specifying the food to be cooked or the name of the dish, it is called a "cooking menu." For example, "hamburger steak" is one of the cooking menus.

[0060] The cooking device 1 has a function of executing a "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven with a time difference determined depending on the operation of a user US (consumer).

[0061] The "combined cooking mode" KM3 has a pattern in which cooking process 1 is performed by the first heating means HM1, and a pattern in which cooking process 1 is performed by the second heating means HM2. For example, in order to move to cooking process 2 after completing cooking process 1 using the first heating means HM1, the food to be cooked is moved into the heating chamber 6, and then operation of the second heating means HM2 is started. Therefore, between cooking process 1 and cooking process 2, there is a "heating pause period" (transition period TR) during which no heating operation is performed.

[0062] In this "collaborative cooking mode" KM3, the recipe data CD is prepared for each specific food to be cooked (for example, hamburger steak, roast beef, or gratin). The recipe data CD specifies the heating means to be used, the order in which the heating means are driven, and the control conditions for the heating means (including at least one of heating power, heating time, temperature, etc.).

[0063] The recipe data CD is stored in both the cooking appliance 1 and the recipe DB 302. The type of recipe data CD in the recipe DB does not have to be the same as the type of recipe data CD stored in the cooking appliance 1. For example, the recipe DB 302 may be configured such that new recipe data CD for a coordinated cooking mode KM1 is added sequentially, and the recipe data CD for a composite cooking menu is sequentially accumulated.

[0064] When the cooking appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD for executing the cooperative cooking mode KM1 from the communication terminal 200, the data is one cooking menu unit selected by the user US on the communication terminal 200. This is not limited to the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3, but is also common to the "combined cooking mode" KM2 and the "single cooking mode" KM1.

[0065] As described above, the communications terminal 200 requests the recipe data providing server 301 to provide the recipe data CD for the desired food to be cooked, and downloads the recipe data CD1 corresponding to the desired recipe.

[0066] The communications terminal 200 can transmit to the cooker 1 recipe data CD2 corresponding to one recipe, which is acquired from the recipe data providing server 301. In order to use such recipe data acquisition function, a user US of the cooking appliance 1 accesses a recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301) and installs an application for recipe selection (hereinafter referred to as the “recipe selection app”) into the communication terminal 200.

[0067] When the user US installs the recipe selection application, the user US performs an operation to register identification information such as the model name of the cooking appliance as an initial setting. This registration allows the user US to obtain recipe data CD corresponding to the rated specifications of the cooking appliance 1 (such as the heating capacity of each of the heating means HM1 to HM3) from the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301).

[0068] Furthermore, the user US performs pairing between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 using a recipe selection application, and establishes wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. Note that this wireless communication may be performed using a near field communication (NFC) method.

[0069] In order to utilize the function of acquiring the recipe data CD, the user US of the cooking appliance 1 accesses the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301) and installs in advance an application for selecting recipes (hereinafter referred to as a "recipe selection application") in the cooking appliance 1. It is convenient if this installation can be easily performed on the cooking appliance 1 as one menu of a "function setting mode" using the input keys 115 described later.

[0070] When the user US installs the recipe selection application, the user US performs an operation to register identification information such as the model name of the cooking device as an initial setting. This registration allows the user US to obtain recipe data CD corresponding to the specifications of the cooking device 1 (such as the heating capacity of each of the heating means HM1 to HM3) from a recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301).

[0071] In the first embodiment, there are cases where the recipe data CD is described as being "acquired" or "restricted from being acquired." Therefore, this point will be described. The explanation of "restricting acquisition" does not mean that recipe data (specific information constituting all or a part of it) CD from the outside cannot enter the inside of the cooking appliance 1 at all via the communication unit 51 described below. In the cooking appliance 1, the communication unit 51 first receives the recipe data CD from the outside and temporarily stores it in an appropriate storage area in the storage device 41 (described in FIG. 8). At that time, the contents of the data (attributes, presence or absence of identification information 167, etc.) are analyzed. However, if the data was transmitted from the outside during the "period during which acquisition is restricted" as described above, it will not be used in the subsequent process of executing the cooking menu (i.e., the cooking process) and will be automatically erased within a short period of time (at least when the main power switch 20 is turned OFF).

[0072] (2. Configuration of various electrical devices and home gateway) "Home appliance" 402 refers to an electric appliance designed mainly for use at home. Home appliance 402 includes a cooking device 1, a refrigerator 403, a television receiver 404, an air conditioner 405, an air purifier 406, a ventilator 407, an electric rice cooker (electric rice cooker) 408, a microwave oven 409, a lighting fixture 410, and an air purifier 413 (not shown). In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "refrigerator" 403 includes both a refrigerator-freezer with a built-in freezer (freezer compartment) and a freezer with only a freezing function.

[0073] The "device identification information" of home appliance 402 is unique information for identifying home appliance 402. Specifically, it is important information required for information communication, such as a MAC address, the manufacturer name of home appliance 402, the type name (model name), the model number, and the serial number.

[0074] The "home gateway" 411 refers to an information collecting device or information processing device that relays information between two or more home appliances 402 in one home and allows them to operate in cooperation with each other. In addition, the home gateway 411 also performs the operation of giving a command signal to one home appliance 402 or acquiring information (also called "data") from one home appliance 402. In the following description, it is assumed that the home gateway 411 is one form of the information processing device 411.

[0075] The home gateway 411 may have a power control function such as a peak cutting function in order to manage the total power consumption of a household for all or some of the home appliances 402, in which case it may be called a "power control device" or "integrated management device", etc.

[0076] The home gateway 411 has a function of acquiring information about the current state of the home appliance 402, such as whether the home appliance 402 is operating, stopped, or in standby mode, from the home appliance 402 via wired or wireless signals. When wireless communication is used, the home gateway 411 is connected to the target home appliance 402 using the appliance identification information.

[0077] Even if the home gateway 411 functions as an "integrated management device" or a "power command device" for one home appliance (e.g., cooking appliance 1) 402, if it does not limit the power consumption of other home appliances (e.g., lighting fixture 410), it does not correspond to an "integrated management device" or a "power command device." For example, there is a case where the home gateway 411 acquires operation information of lighting fixture 410 but does not have a function to regulate the power consumption of lighting fixture 410 itself so that the total power consumption, including the power consumption of other home appliances 402, does not exceed a prescribed upper limit of the total power consumption. In such a case, the home gateway 411 does not correspond to an integrated management device or a power command device from the viewpoint of lighting fixture 410.

[0078] In Fig. 1, the inside of one house HA is divided into multiple living spaces by walls and doors, although not actually shown, and one of the living spaces, a kitchen 601, is provided with home appliances 402 such as the refrigerator 403, cooking appliance 1, microwave oven 409, and electric rice cooker 408, as well as kitchen furniture 600. The living space also includes other rooms, such as a "living room" and a "bathroom," as well as a room with a toilet, although these are not shown in Fig. 1. The living space may include other rooms.

[0079] All of the living spaces are supplied with power of, for example, 200 V from a commercial power source EP of a power company located outside the house. The power is drawn into the house HA via a watt-hour meter 414.

[0080] Reference numeral 415 denotes a power line (main line) connected to a commercial power source EP of 200V via a breaker BK. The above-mentioned television receiver 404, air conditioner 405, lighting equipment 410, cooking device 1, microwave oven 409, electric rice cooker 408, home gateway 411, and environment detection unit 416 (not shown) are connected to this power line 415.

[0081] FIG. 1 will now be described. The external server 417 may be, for example, a server installed by an external organization such as an earthquake information providing organization or an electric power company in a specific region, or may be a server prepared by the manufacturer of the cooking appliance 1. This external server 417 and the recipe data providing server 301 may be a distributed processing type server known as a "cloud server." It is known that there are three types of "cloud computing" that uses cloud servers: "IaaS," "PaaS," and "SaaS."

[0082] The home gateway 411 can receive various content distribution services from an external server 417. This content includes CDs of various cooking recipe data (text, images).

[0083] The external server 417 functions as an information providing means for the home appliance 402. In other words, the external server 417 may be installed by an organization such as a manufacturer, a distributor, a repairer, or an information service provider of the home appliance 402, either alone or in cooperation with two or more organizations, and provides various services related to the home appliance 402 to the user US via the network NW.

[0084] The external server 417 may also be what is generally called a "Web server" (hereinafter referred to as a "Web server"). A Web server refers to a service program that provides display information of HTML and objects (images, etc.) to a Web browser of software on the information processing device (client) side of the "information receiving side" such as various communication terminals 200 and the home gateway 411, etc., in accordance with HTTP (a protocol used to exchange data such as HTML documents and images between a Web server and a Web browser), and a server computer on which the service operates.

[0085] The external server 417 stores and remembers control application software that enables remote control of the home gateway 411 from the house HA or a remote location. The communication terminal 200, which will be described in detail later, for example, a device called a smartphone, can access the external server 417 and download (read) the control application software, thereby realizing the remote control.

[0086] The communication terminal 200 can be carried by the user US casually and used for making calls and communicating data (including e-mail information) indoors, outdoors, or anywhere outside. It is a device that can download information from an outdoor information providing site via a network (wide area communication network) NW, send and receive e-mail, and transmit remote control signals, but it can also be a device that cannot make calls, and such portable communication terminal devices are collectively called communication terminal 200.

[0087] The communication terminal 200 in the first embodiment has a function of transmitting and receiving signals by short-distance communication while being in close proximity (or may be in contact) with an input / output unit of each home appliance 402 within a few centimeters. Note that this short-distance communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviation: NFC).

[0088] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the home appliance 402 including the cooking appliance 1 and the refrigerator 403. On the other hand, it is also possible for communication terminal 200 to send control data (also called a "control command") to an NFC storage unit of home appliance 402, and control home appliance 402 in accordance with the control command.

[0089] In this embodiment 1, direct remote control of home appliances 402 from communication terminal 200 is not possible. Some of home appliances 402 generate high heat, such as cooking appliance 1, so remote control via the Internet, which is used by many people from outside house HA, is not adopted. Instead, all home appliances 400 can be operated via home gateway 411 as an integrated information processing device.

[0090] As is clear from the above description, the home gateway 411 of the first embodiment is an information processing device that relays information between two or more home appliances 400 in one home and allows them to operate in cooperation with each other. In addition to this, the home gateway 411 also performs an operation of giving a command signal to one home appliance 400 or acquiring information (also called data) from one home appliance 400.

[0091] Although not shown in FIG. 4, a range hood 407, which is a type of ventilation device described later, and a ceiling-embedded air cleaner 413 are installed in the kitchen 601 in the house HA.

[0092] Sensor unit 416A and 416B are sensor units of environment detection unit 416 (not shown) of home gateway 411. One sensor unit 416A is arranged inside kitchen 601 as a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person (by infrared rays or ultrasonic waves) as shown in FIG. 1. The other sensor unit 416B is similarly installed in a different location from sensor unit 416B. Sensor unit 416B is for acquiring "environmental information." The function of environment detection unit 416 will be explained in detail later.

[0093] The "environmental information" refers to a total of four types of information: temperature information on the atmosphere in the space (kitchen 601) where the cooker 1 and refrigerator 403 are used, dust scattering amount information, light amount information, and information showing the amount of carbon dioxide. The dust scattering amount information is the result of measuring the amount of dust (including pollen) present in the air.

[0094] Examples of "use of environmental information" include the following: (1) When the temperature is high, the keep-warm function of the electric rice cooker 408 is operated continuously after the rice cooking process ends. Also, the target refrigeration temperature and the target freezing temperature of the refrigerator 403 are raised above the standard values. (2) When the humidity is high, the air conditioner 405 is operated in "dehumidification mode" or "cooling mode", or the ventilation device 407 is started. Alternatively, if the air conditioner 405 is in operation, its operating conditions (such as the target room temperature) are changed. (3) If fine dust particles are dispersed in the air, operate the air cleaner 413 or start the operation of the ventilation device 407. (4) When the amount of pollen in the air is high, the air purifier 413 starts operating. (5) When the amount of light (amount of visible light) is low, the lighting device 410 is turned on.

[0095] A "resident" refers to a person who resides in a single house HA. Residents include blood relatives such as parents and children, brothers, and sisters. When a resident uses a home appliance 402, the resident is called a "user US."

[0096] "Home" means a single house HA managed by a specific manager, and may also include an apartment building with multiple rooms and multiple families living in. In other words, such an apartment building is also considered a home here if the commercial power upper limit is centrally managed by a single power cut-off device (such as a single breaker BK or multiple power cut-off devices) in the same way as a single house HA.

[0097] "Power limit information on the home appliance side" refers to information on some signal related to power consumption that the home appliance 402 receives from the home gateway 411. This "power limit information on the home appliance side" refers to information including information on transmission commands such as the power reduction request signal AS1 and the power reduction command signal AS2. Such information includes information indicating the time when the signal was received (year, month, and time in seconds) and the meaning of the signal. For example, information such as "Reception time: 17:00 on March 20, 2022, reduce the instantaneous maximum power consumption by 2%" regarding the power reduction command signal AS2 at a certain point in time for the cooking appliance 1.

[0098] The power limit information on the home appliance side, for example in the cooking appliance 1, is stored in chronological order in the storage device 41 of the control device 40 described later, and is not erased even when the main power switch 20 is turned ON or OFF. Turning the main power switch 20 ON and OFF is considered to be one cooking session, and at least several times' worth of information is stored and held. Anything exceeding that is automatically erased in sequence.

[0099] 1, the refrigerator 403 has a "storage compartment" 403H for storing ingredients (hereinafter referred to as "food ingredients") for food (including natural foods and processed foods). The storage compartment 403H includes the freezer compartment 403A and the refrigerator compartment 403B, and may be divided into specific compartments such as a "vegetable compartment" and a "compartment dedicated to meat and fish" depending on the type of food ingredients.

[0100] In the following description of the first embodiment, it is assumed that storage compartment 403H is provided with at least two types of compartments: freezer compartment 403A and refrigerating compartment 403B, which is an independent space from freezer compartment 403A. The temperatures (freezing temperature and refrigerating temperature) of the internal spaces of storage compartment 403H may hereinafter be collectively referred to as "internal temperature."

[0101] The multiple freezer compartments 403A in the refrigerator 403 allow the user to select a freezer compartment with a freezing temperature (temperature range) appropriate for frozen foods (including processed foods) and fresh ingredients (meat, fish, etc.), such as -18°C±2°C, -10°C, or -2°C.

[0102] In addition, since the freezing temperature and freezing temperature range affect the maturation of fresh food ingredients (e.g., beef) when stored for a long period of time, they can be changed as appropriate each time depending on the type of food ingredient, even in the same freezer.

[0103] As described above, there are a number of different internal temperatures. For example, a room that is set to a temperature close to the freezing point (freezing temperature) is called a "chilled room." The volumes and shapes of the multiple storage compartments 403H are different, with the refrigeration compartment 403B being the largest. In addition, in order to further divide the inside of the storage compartment 403H into multiple compartments, partitions and lids (or doors) may be provided to increase the independent storage space.

[0104] Refrigerator 403 includes, as a cooling device (not shown), an electric compressor 403C, refrigerant piping (not shown), a cold air circulation fan (not shown), a damper (shutter) (not shown) for controlling the inflow of cold air into storage chamber 403H, and the like, in order to configure a refrigeration cycle. In order to control the temperature inside the refrigerator, the operating frequency of the electric compressor may be changed, or the air volume of the cold air circulation fan may be changed.

[0105] Refrigerator 403 has display unit (display screen) 403D at the top center of the front surface (front face) of the door (not shown). Inside the housing of refrigerator 403 are storage device 403M (not shown) such as a semiconductor memory, and control device 403U (not shown) mainly consisting of a microcomputer. The control device 403U issues command signals to a drive circuit (inverter circuit, not shown) of electric compressor 403C, the cool air circulation fan (not shown), the damper (not shown), etc. The control device 403U has a control program (not shown) for controlling the operation of refrigerator 403 as a whole.

[0106] A wireless communication unit 403T (not shown) installed inside the housing of the refrigerator 403 or on the ceiling of the housing is controlled by the control device 403U (not shown). The wireless communication unit 403T can wirelessly communicate with a communication unit of the home gateway 411.

[0107] Because of the above configuration, the refrigerator 403 is capable of wireless communication with the cooking appliance 1 via the home gateway 411 and can also be connected to the network NW, so that it can obtain various information and data about the cooking appliance 1 (including the "recipe data CD" described later). Furthermore, refrigerator 403 can also transmit and receive data to and from communication terminal 200 via wireless communication.

[0108] When a Peltier element is used as a cooling device for the storage room 403H, the temperature inside the storage room can be adjusted by adjusting the power supplied to the Peltier element. The refrigerator 403 may use both the electric compressor 403C and the Peltier element.

[0109] Furthermore, a weight sensor (not shown) for measuring the weight of specific food ingredients (such as eggs, milk, butter, etc.) may be placed in storage room 403H. The weight sensor may periodically measure the weight, and the data may be collected by control device 403U (not shown) of refrigerator 403. Such weight data may become part of the inventory data of refrigerator 403, and is used when home gateway 411, which is a type of information processing device, queries the inventory data.

[0110] The management database held by the memory unit 403M of the control device 403U of the refrigerator 403 holds the inside temperature (standard value, adjustable temperature range, and adjustable minimum temperature width) of each storage room 403H, the volume, and identification information such as the type and name of the main target food material. For example, the freezer room 403A holds information such as the standard inside temperature being minus 10 degrees Celsius, the range being minus 5 degrees Celsius to minus 15 degrees Celsius, and the volume being 30 liters. In addition, the maximum dimension (inner dimension) data of the storage room 403H may be held. This is because it is used to determine whether solid objects such as pots can be stored as they are. The refrigerator 403 can provide all of these data to the outside when responding to an inventory data inquiry from the home gateway 411. In other words, the home gateway 411 can also obtain various data of the storage room 403H each time.

[0111] (3. Configuration of cooking device) The configuration of the cooking device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. Cooking device 1 is installed in kitchen furniture 600. Reference numeral 6 denotes a heating chamber formed inside cooking device 1, and reference numeral 7 denotes a door that covers a front opening of heating chamber 113 in an openable and closable manner.

[0112] Cooking device 1 has a top plate 3 that covers the upper surface thereof, on which an object to be heated N (such as a pot made of magnetic metal) is placed, and induction heating is performed by IH coils 9 (9C, 9L, 9R). 32 is a bottom wall surface that divides the inside of cooking device 1 into two independent spaces, an upper space and an lower space. Reference numeral 33 denotes an installation space located above the bottom wall surface 32 inside the cooking appliance 1, in which the IH coil 9 is housed.

[0113] 2 and 3, the cooking device 1 is a built-in type IH cooking heater that is incorporated into kitchen furniture 600 that has a cooking counter on top. The top plate 3 is exposed on the kitchen countertop that constitutes the top surface of the kitchen furniture 600. 600D is a water inlet installed in the kitchen furniture 600.

[0114] The top plate 3 is composed of, for example, a heat-resistant glass plate and a metal frame attached to the periphery of the glass plate. On the upper surface of the top plate 3, three heating ports 4 are provided: a left heating port 4L, a right heating port 4R, and a central heating port 4C.

[0115] The left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C indicate the area where a metal cooking container such as a pot or a frying pan (also referred to as the "heated object" N related to the first heating means HM1) is placed. Guide marks (not shown) serving as guides for placing the heated object are printed on the upper surface of the top plate 3 for the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C.

[0116] An exhaust port cover 5 is provided on the back side (rear side) of the top plate 3. The exhaust port cover 5 is made of a punched metal or a lattice-shaped metal member with numerous small through holes, and has good ventilation throughout and low ventilation resistance. Exhaust air released from inside the cooking appliance 1 passes through the exhaust port cover 5 and exits to the outside of the cooking appliance 1.

[0117] A door (heating door) 7 for opening and closing a front opening of a heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3) disposed inside the main body 2 is provided on the front of the main body 2 of the cooking device 1. The door 7 is provided with a handle 8 for opening and closing the door 7.

[0118] Fig. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device 1 according to embodiment 1 as viewed from the side. As shown in Fig. 3, an induction heating coil 9L (hereinafter referred to as "left IH coil") serving as a left induction heating means is provided below the left heating port 4L.

[0119] Similarly, an induction heating coil 9R (hereinafter referred to as the "right IH coil") serving as a right induction heating means is provided below the right heating port 4R, and an induction heating coil 9C (hereinafter referred to as the "central IH coil") serving as a central induction heating means is provided below the central heating port 4C.

[0120] These IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R are circular heating coils made by winding thin conductors such as copper or aluminum wires, and generate a high-frequency magnetic field when a high-frequency current is supplied to them, which inductively heats the cooking vessels (objects to be heated N) placed over the left heating port 4L, right heating port 4R, and center heating port 4C.

[0121] The heating means including the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R and their drive circuits (high frequency power supply circuits such as inverter circuits, not shown) may be referred to as the induction heating source or first heating means HM1. In the following description, unless there is a particular contradiction, the term "first heating means" HM1 is used. Note that when one heating means (heating source) shares one drive circuit or the like with another heating means (heating source), there are two heating means referred to here.

[0122] A temperature sensor group 30 (see FIG. 9) consisting of a plurality of temperature sensors (not shown) is mounted near the IH coils 9C, 9L, 9R to detect the temperature of the top plate 3 and the cooking vessel (the object to be heated N). One temperature sensor 30A (not shown) constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30. The temperature sensor here may be either or both of a contact type temperature sensor such as a thermistor and a non-contact type temperature sensor such as an infrared sensor.

[0123] The heating chamber 6 is provided inside the main body 2 and below the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R. The heating chamber 6 is surrounded by a metal wall such as stainless steel, and is a space for heating the food (foodstuffs, ingredients) contained in the heating chamber 6.

[0124] The food to be cooked may be placed on a heat-resistant plastic container, a porcelain or heat-resistant glass dish, or may be placed inside a container and placed in the heating chamber 6, in which case the dish or container may be called the "heated container." However, since the container is not induction-heated by the IH coils 9C, 9L, 9R, even if it is placed on the heating port 4 of the top plate 3, it is not called the "heated food" N of the IH coils 9C, 9L, 9R.

[0125] A horizontally long rectangular opening (not shown) is formed in the front of the heating chamber 6 for putting in and taking out the food to be cooked. The opening in the front of the heating chamber 6 is covered by a door 7 which can be opened and closed freely. The door 7 is supported by the main body 2 so as to be rotatable via a hinge and an arm (not shown). This allows the door 7 to open forward to a horizontal position with its lower end portion as a fulcrum (center of rotation). The door 7 may be pulled forward integrally with a support member (a structure such as a shelf, not shown) that supports the container to be heated from below, by a slide rail (not shown).

[0126] Door 7 is provided with an opening / closing detector 10 for detecting opening / closing of door 7. Opening / closing detector 10 is, for example, a microswitch or an infrared sensor. A microwave oscillator 11 for heating the food placed in heating chamber 6 is provided behind heating chamber 6. Microwave oscillator 11 is, for example, composed of a magnetron, and irradiates microwaves into heating chamber 6 to heat the food placed in the heating chamber, that is, perform so-called range heating.

[0127] The heating means including the microwave oscillator 11 and its drive circuit (which refers to a high-frequency power supply circuit such as an inverter circuit, not shown) may be called second heating means HM2.

[0128] Additionally, upper radiant heat heating means 12a and lower radiant heat heating means 12b, which heat the food from above and below with so-called heaters, are provided in heating chamber 6. Upper radiant heat heating means 12a is disposed on the outer or inner ceiling wall surface of heating chamber 6, and lower radiant heat heating means 12b is disposed on the inner or outer wall surface of heating chamber 6, and both are sheath heaters.

[0129] Other types of radiant heat heating means (e.g., mica heaters, carbon heaters, etc.) may be installed outside the heating chamber 6. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b are both installed in close contact with the outer wall surface of the heating chamber 6.

[0130] The heating means including the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b and their drive circuits (not shown) may be referred to as the third heating means HM3. The upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b may be collectively referred to as the "radiant heat heating means", in which case the reference number "12" is used.

[0131] Furthermore, in the heating chamber 6, an infrared sensor 13 is provided as a non-contact temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the food inside the heating chamber 6 in a non-contact manner. The temperature range detected by this infrared sensor 13 is set to, for example, -20°C to 100°C. This makes it possible to detect the heating degree of the food in real time with high accuracy, for example, in increments of 1°C. This infrared sensor 13 also constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30 (see FIG. 16).

[0132] In addition, the heating chamber 6 is also provided with a contact-type temperature sensor (eg, a thermistor sensor) 14 which is an interior temperature sensor that detects the atmospheric temperature inside the heating chamber 6 or the wall surface temperature of the heating chamber 6.

[0133] The thermistor sensor 14 has the characteristic of detecting temperature by detecting a change in electrical resistance, and therefore the upper limit of the temperature that can be detected is approximately 250° C. This thermistor sensor 14 also constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30. Note that this thermistor sensor 14 may be installed in two locations, near the bottom surface and near the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 6, as shown in FIG.

[0134] Next, we will explain FIG. Fig. 4 is a top view of the cooking device 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, a left operation unit 15L, a central operation unit 15M, and a right operation unit 15R are provided on the front side of the upper surface of the top plate 3 of the cooking device 1. These three operation units may be collectively referred to as "input operation units", in which case the reference numeral 15 is used.

[0135] The central operation unit 15M is used for cooking in the coordinated cooking mode and the combined cooking mode using the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2, and is therefore sometimes called a "shared operation unit." The left operation unit 15L may be referred to as a "first operation unit," and the right operation unit 15R may be referred to as a "second operation unit."

[0136] A left display unit 16L, a central display unit 16M, a right display unit 16R, a left auxiliary display unit 16L, and a right auxiliary display unit 16R are provided at the rear (rear) of the left operation unit 15L, the central operation unit (shared operation unit) 15M, and the right operation unit 15R.

[0137] The left display unit 16L, the central display unit 16M, and the right display unit 16R may be collectively referred to as the "display unit", in which case the reference numeral 16 is used. Each of the three display units 16L, 16M, and 16R has a horizontally long liquid crystal display screen.

[0138] The left auxiliary display unit 17L and the right auxiliary display unit 17R display the heat level using light-emitting elements (such as LEDs) and do not have a display screen. When preheat cooking is selected for the left heating port 4L, the left auxiliary display unit 17L displays the automatically set temperature (default temperature) or the current temperature. The automatically set temperature (default temperature) refers to the target temperature of the bottom surface of an object to be heated (e.g., a metal pan) N when the object is heated at the left heating port 4L. The default temperature can be changed arbitrarily within a certain range by the user US. In addition, when timer cooking is set, the time is displayed, and the remaining time and elapsed time can be displayed in a timely manner according to the progress of cooking.

[0139] The left auxiliary display unit 17L is composed of multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in a horizontal line, and displays the heating power of the left heating port 4L in multiple stages. The left auxiliary display unit 17L expresses the heating power by switching the lighting state (on, off, blinking, etc.) of the multiple LEDs or by switching the lighting color. This allows the user US to be informed of the heating power in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0140] The right auxiliary display unit 17R has basically the same configuration as the left auxiliary display unit 17L, and when preheat cooking using the right heating port 4R is selected, it displays the automatically set temperature (default temperature) or the current temperature, etc.

[0141] The left auxiliary display unit 17L and the right auxiliary display unit 17R display the set time for "timer cooking" for the heated object N placed on the left heating port 4L or the right heating port 4R, and in the case of timer cooking, the elapsed time since the heating operation at the left heating port 4L or the right heating port 4R began, or the remaining time until the timer set time ends.

[0142] The central heating status display section 17M displays the high temperature status of the three heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R, etc., and will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0143] The left heating power display unit 17L, the right heating power display unit 17R and the central heating status display unit 17M may be collectively referred to as the "auxiliary display units", in which case the reference number 17 will be used.

[0144] In addition, an operation button (key) 20A for a main power switch 20 (see FIG. 9) is provided adjacent to the right operation unit 15R. The main power switch 20 turns on and off the main power of the cooking appliance 1. The button (key) that is pressed to turn the power on and off is the operation button 20A.

[0145] When the main power supply of the cooking device 1 is OFF, pressing the operation button 20A for, for example, several seconds turns the main power supply ON. Also, when the main power supply of the cooking device 1 is ON, pressing the operation button 20A for, for example, several seconds turns the main power supply OFF.

[0146] In Fig. 4, reference numeral 180 denotes an input key 180 (dedicated) for selecting a voice input mode, which is disposed in the central operation section 15M of the input operation section 15. This input key 180 may be a mechanical switch, or may be an input key of a touch-type input switch like input keys 107 to 109 described later.

[0147] The input key 180 for selecting this voice input is such that, when pressed once, the next input can be made by voice. When this input key 180 is pressed, the state is switched to "voice input mode 2." However, this input key 180 cannot select the heating means or the heating port (first heating means HM1) by voice.

[0148] Therefore, the input key 180 must be operated after, for example, touching the input key of the left operation unit 15L to operate the heating port 4C. In other words, if the input key of the left operation unit 15L is "pressed and held", it can be switched to voice input mode 2. However, if the input key is "short pressed" instead of "pressed and held", it can be switched to voice input mode 2 from that point on by pressing the input key 180 afterwards.

[0149] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement and operation of central input operation section 15M, central display section 16M, and central heating status display section 17M. The input keys 107, 108, and 109 of the central operation section 16M are shown diagrammatically by dashed lines so that their positional relationship on the central display section 16M can be seen. The state shown in FIG. 5 shows the display screen before the main power switch 20 is turned on.

[0150] 5, central display unit 16M is configured with a liquid crystal display and displays information and warnings regarding the entire cooking device 1. The display screen of central display unit 16M displays the selection result of induction heating means (first heating means) HM1, microwave heating means (second heating means) HM2, and radiant heat heating means (third heating means) HM3, the operating state of each heating means, and caution information or warning information regarding cooking using each heating means.

[0151] The central display unit 16M is a single LCD display in terms of hardware, but as shown in Figure 5, it has three display areas: a first display area 22 on the left, a second display area 23 in the center left and right, and a third display area 24 on the right, and it is possible to display different things in each display area.

[0152] Also, the three display areas 22-24 may be linked together as one (wide) display area depending on the display scene, and may display one or more purposes. In the following, the first display area 22 will be referred to as the first area (left display area) 22. The second display area 23 will be referred to as the second area (center display area) 23. The third display area 24 will be referred to as the third area (right display area) 24.

[0153] The central heating status display section 17M is divided into two sections in the front-to-rear direction, and the lower section (front side) has a microwave light-emitting element (LED) 310 behind the section displaying the characters "Microwave", a grill light-emitting element (LED) 311 behind the section displaying the characters "Grill", an oven light-emitting element (LED) 312 behind the section displaying the characters "Oven", and a central IH light-emitting element (LED) 313 behind the section displaying the characters "Central IH". The light-emitting elements 310-313 are disposed below the top plate 3.

[0154] On the upper row (rear side) are arranged warning letters saying "Caution: High Temperature" and a group of high temperature caution light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 314 arranged in front of and below a figure which diagrammatically represents the heating chamber 6 and the three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R.

[0155] The high temperature caution light emitting element (LED) group 314 is made up of a heating chamber high temperature caution light emitting element (LED) 314a and an IH high temperature caution light emitting element (LED) 314b aligned on the left and right.

[0156] The heating chamber high temperature warning light emitting element (LED) 314a lights up when the temperature inside the heating chamber 6 is high, for example, 50° C. or higher. The IH high temperature warning light emitting element (LED) 314b lights up when any of the left IH coil 9L, right IH coil 9R, and center IH coil 9C is in operation or when the temperature of the top plate 3 is high, for example, 50° C. or higher.

[0157] Next, referring to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of central display unit 16M and the arrangement of central operation unit 15M. Input keys 107, 108, and 109 of central operation section 16M are shown diagrammatically by dashed dotted lines so that their positional relationship with central display section 16M can be seen.

[0158] 6 is a display example of the second specific screen 16M2 when the composite cooking mode KM2 is selected. Display information (identification information) 160 for identifying the control menu "Microwave Manual" of one control menu belonging to the composite cooking mode KM2 is displayed in the center of the first area 22 in the front-rear direction. When the input key 107 described later is touched, the "Microwave Manual" control menu moves backward. At the same time, the display information 162 of "Pre-boil leafy vegetables" displayed in the front is displayed in the center. 161 is the display information of "Warm" which is one of the control menus.

[0159] In addition, when such a control menu is selected, the input key 107 does not function as a "voice input switching key" (described later), so the input function does not change between a "short press" and a "long press" (described later). In response to one touch, the control menus displayed in the first area 22 are updated one by one in sequence.

[0160] In this manner, the user US can select a particular control menu item (for example, "manual range") from among the "control menus" by operating the input keys 107.

[0161] It should be noted that the "manual range" control menu originally belongs to the "single cooking mode KM1" which uses only the second heating means HM2, but in addition to this, control menus (for composite cooking) belonging to the "composite cooking mode M2" and "linked cooking mode KM3", respectively, and control menus and linked cooking menus (for example, "hamburger steak") belonging to linked cooking menus are also displayed in the first area 22.

[0162] As shown in Fig. 6, in the combined cooking mode KM2, the wattage (microwave output value) (Fig. 6 shows "500W") is displayed in the second area 23. If you want to change this wattage, you can touch the input key 108 described later. For example, you can change it to "600W" or conversely, for example, to 200W, but there is a limit to the wattage you can select. 34W is heating intensity information that indicates the amount of power consumed when heating and the amount of microwave output, etc.

[0163] By operating the input keys 108, the user US can select the wattage (microwave output value) for range cooking to be performed in the heating chamber 6 (a type of "single cooking mode M3" using the microwave oscillator 11).

[0164] As shown in Fig. 6, in the combined cooking mode KM2, the heating operation time (set time) is displayed in the third area 24. This heating operation time can be changed by touching the input key 109 described in Fig. 13. For example, the set time for range cooking to be performed in the heating chamber 6 can be selected. 34M is the set time information. Incidentally, 34W is heating intensity information indicating the magnitude of power consumption during heating and the magnitude of microwave output, etc.

[0165] Next, referring to FIG. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the display operation of central display unit 16M and the arrangement of central operation unit 15M. In Fig. 7, input keys 107, 108, and 109 of central operation unit 16M are shown diagrammatically by dashed lines so that their positional relationship with central display unit 16M can be seen.

[0166] 7 is a display example of the first specific screen 16M1 when the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected. Identification information 167 of “Hamburger”, one of the cooking menus belonging to the cooperative cooking mode KM1, is displayed in the center of the first area 22 in the front-rear direction. When the input key 107 described later is touched, the cooking menu of "Hamburger" moves backward. At the same time, the identification information 169 of "Roast Beef" displayed in the front is displayed in the center. 168 is the identification information of "Gratin", another cooking menu.

[0167] In addition, when selecting such a cooking menu, the input key 107 does not function as a "voice input switching key" described later, so the input function does not change between a "short press" and a "long press" described later. In response to one touch, the cooking menus displayed in the first area 22 are updated one by one in sequence.

[0168] In this manner, the user US can select a specific cooking menu (for example, "hamburger steak") from among the "cooking menu" by operating the input keys 107. In Fig. 7, 170 is operation support information. In the example of Fig. 7, it displays "Press the start button to start heating the left IH." This means that by pressing the input key 113 on the central operation unit 15M, induction heating (in the coordinated cooking mode KM1) can be started by the left IH coil 9L. However, in this embodiment 1, after pressing the input key 113M, it is necessary to press a specific input key once on the left operation unit 15L.

[0169] In the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, 172 denotes process information displayed on the first specific screen 16M1. In the example of Fig. 7, when "hamburger" is selected as the cooking menu, first there is a preheating process with the left IH coil 9L, the first cooking process 1 is heating cooking with the left IH coil 9L, and the next cooking process 2 is performed by using the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) and the oven heating means (third heating means HM3) in combination to perform range grill cooking (RG cooking).

[0170] The left display unit 16L and right display unit 16R basically have the same display function as the central display unit 16M, and have a first area 22 to a third area 24, but the corresponding heating sources are only the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R.

[0171] The display screens of the central display unit 16M, left display unit 16L and right display unit 16R are each a single LCD display screen in terms of hardware, but are divided into up to three areas, the first area 22 to the third area 24, as described above, by the control display 40 described below or a dedicated drive circuit (not shown).

[0172] This method of dividing a single display screen into multiple areas and displaying them in this manner has been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 5425171 and JP 2017-172940 A, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0173] Next, referring to FIG. FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing main functions of the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the cooking device 1 includes a control device 40 that performs overall control of the cooking device 1.

[0174] The control device 40 is an electronic circuit board mounted with electronic components such as a control circuit that controls the operation of each part of the cooking device 1. The control device 40 controls the driving of the left IH coil 9L, the right IH coil 9R, and the center IH coil 9C based on the operation of the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R and the temperature of the object to be heated on the top plate 3.

[0175] The control device 40 controls the operation of the central IH coil 9C, the microwave heating means 11, the upper radiant heat heating means 12a, and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b based on the operation of the central operation unit 15M, the temperature of the heated object N on the top plate 3, and the detection results of the infrared sensor 13 and the thermistor sensor 14.

[0176] Furthermore, the control device 40 controls the displays of the left display unit 16L, the right display unit 16R, the left heating power display unit 17L, and the right heating power display unit 17R based on the operations of the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R.

[0177] Furthermore, the control device 40 controls the display of the central display unit 16M and the central heating status display unit 17M based on an open signal from the open / close detection unit 10 and the operations of the left operation unit 15L, the right operation unit 15R and the central operation unit 15M.

[0178] The control device 40 has a storage device 41 that stores data such as various programs and parameters used to control the cooking appliance 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control data") and data of the display screens displayed on the display units 16L, 16R, 16M, 17L, and 17R (hereinafter referred to as "display condition data"). The control device 40 also activates an audio notification unit 50 as necessary to notify the user US of the operating status of the cooking appliance 1 by audio.

[0179] The control device 40 stores data in a specific format, such as various programs and information on parameters used in the heating control of the heating control section 43, in the recipe data storage section 42 of the storage device 41. This data is the above-mentioned recipe data CD. As will be described later, in the cooking device 1, recipe data CD corresponding to each of the eight cooking menus of the combined cooking mode KM3 is prepared from the beginning.

[0180] The "recipe data" CD and the "display condition data" can be acquired by the cooking appliance 1 for each individual cooking menu (for example, "hamburger steak") from an external device such as a communication terminal.

[0181] Reference numeral 42 denotes a recipe data storage unit that stores the recipe data CD and the display condition data. The storage unit 42 may constitute one section (area) in the storage device 41, or may be configured as a separate unit from the storage device 41 in terms of hardware.

[0182] Reference numeral 43 denotes a heating control section that performs integrated control of the entire heating operation of the cooking device 1, and is mainly composed of a microcomputer. Reference numeral 53 denotes a data acquisition unit, which acquires the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51. There are also cases where the "display condition data" is acquired from the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51, which will be described later.

[0183] Reference numeral 51 denotes a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the outside, and has a function of wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 1. Also, it has a function of connecting to the cloud server 300 via the network NW.

[0184] Reference numeral 54 denotes an authorization condition determination unit that performs a process of determining whether or not cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 or the combined cooking mode KM2 is permitted. Reference numeral 57 denotes a power supply circuit, which supplies power of a constant voltage to the control device 40. Reference numeral 20 denotes a main power supply switch inserted in this power supply circuit 57.

[0185] A limiting section 55 limits the acquisition of the recipe data CD. The restriction unit 55 has a function of restricting the data acquisition unit 53 from acquiring the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51 during the waiting period before starting cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 (i.e., before the “cooking process 1” described below).

[0186] Furthermore, the restriction unit 55 has a function of restricting acquisition of new recipe data CD from the communication unit 51 until the cooking process of one cooking menu is completed based on recipe data CD acquired from outside. The limiting unit 55 may be realized by a single control program of a computer (not shown) constituting the control device 40, and it is not necessarily required that the limiting unit 55 is configured as a separate hardware component from the control device 40.

[0187] The input operation unit 15 has a voice signal receiving unit 56 that receives voice uttered by the user US through a microphone (not shown) and converts it into a predetermined voice signal. 15R is the right operating section, 15L is the left operating section, and 15M is the central operating section.

[0188] On the other hand, the control device 40 is provided with an audio signal analysis unit 58 that receives an audio signal from the audio signal receiving unit 56 and analyzes the content of the audio. The audio signal analysis unit 58 compares the content of the audio received by the audio signal receiving unit 56 with information in a voice database in the storage device 41, analyzes the content of the audio, and transmits the analysis result to the heating control unit 43.

[0189] Reference numeral 70 denotes an input processing unit. Upon receiving an input signal from the input operation unit 15, the input processing unit 70 switches its own input reception mode to "voice input mode 1". It also controls the input signal analysis unit 52, which will be described later. Furthermore, upon receiving an analysis result from the voice signal analysis unit 58, it transmits control data to the heating control unit 43.

[0190] In Fig. 8, 59 is a human detection sensor. It also has a receiving section (not shown) that radiates ultrasonic waves or infrared rays forward of the cooking appliance 1 and receives the reflected input. This human detection sensor 59 is installed so as to radiate infrared rays in the front (forward) direction of the heating chamber 6. Note that there is no dedicated circuit for processing the signal received by the receiving section, and the received signal is analyzed by the control device 40 to determine whether or not a person is present.

[0191] As indicated by the dashed frame in FIG. 8, the audio notification unit 50 and the display unit 16 etc. may be collectively referred to as the "notification unit", in which case the reference numeral 90 is used. Reference numeral 26 denotes a light emission control unit. This light emission control unit controls the light emission of a large number of light emitting elements. The light emission of a light emitting element 27A composed of an LED or the like arranged on the individual light emitting unit 21M and a light emitting element 27B arranged on the input key 154M is controlled by this light emission control unit 26. When two or more light emitting elements 27 with different light emission colors are arranged in one place, the light emission state of the multiple light emitting elements provides a visual effect to the user US as if the light emission color has changed.

[0192] In FIG. 8, reference numeral 52 denotes an input signal analysis unit that analyzes an input signal from the input operation unit 15 . The input signal analysis unit 52 individually analyzes the input signals transmitted from the right operation unit 15R, the left operation unit 15L, and the central operation unit 15M. In particular, the input signal analysis unit 52 has a determination function for determining whether the input mode switching command (signal corresponding to voice input mode) MC1 has been received. When it is determined that the input mode switching command (signal corresponding to voice input mode) MC1 has been received, it issues a switching command for switching the input mode from the "touch input mode" to the "voice input mode 1".

[0193] In the following description, the "input mode switching command MC1" is called the "voice input mode setting signal MC1." When the input processing unit 70 receives this voice input mode setting signal MC1, it issues a control signal to the voice signal analysis unit 52 to transition to a voice input standby state (for example, to start up a dedicated voice analysis program).

[0194] The input operation unit 15 has various input keys. For example, as described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the central operation unit 15M has input keys 107 to 109. The touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when the input key 107, which is one of the "voice input switching keys", is touched, the central operation unit 15M determines whether the touch state is a "long press" or a "short press", and the determination result (a command signal for voice input mode 1) is input to the control device 40.

[0195] Similarly, the right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L each have various input keys, and the touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when input keys 107L and 107R, which are one of the "voice input switching keys", are touched, the left operation unit 15L or the right operation unit 15R determines whether the touch state is a "long press" or a "short press", and the determination result (a command signal for voice input mode 1) is input to the control device 40.

[0196] Furthermore, the central operation unit 15M has a start key 113 and a stop key 114, and the touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In addition, the touch states of the start keys 113R, 113L and the stop keys 114R, 114L in the right operation section 15R and the left operation section 15L are also input to the input signal analysis section 52.

[0197] Next, FIG. 9 will be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the relationship between the control device 40 and the central operation unit 15M. Note that the voice signal receiving unit 56 explained in Fig. 8 is omitted. Note that the right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L have basically the same configuration as the central operation unit 15M.

[0198] In Fig. 9, 15A is an input key identification unit. This input key identification unit 15A identifies the input key that has been touched. For example, when the input key 107 is touched, an identification signal unique to the input key is generated. Also, when the input key 108 is touched, an identification signal unique to the input key is generated.

[0199] Reference numeral 15B denotes a touch detection unit. When the fingertip FG of a user US or the like approaches the touch electrode unit, the detection circuit generates an "ON" signal, and when the fingertip FG moves away, the detection circuit generates an "OFF" signal. A time measurement unit 15T measures the time from when the touch detection unit 15B outputs an "ON" signal to when the touch detection unit 15B changes to an "OFF" signal, and transmits the measured time data.

[0200] 15C is an input mode determination unit. This input mode determination unit 15C receives the measured time data from the time measurement unit 15T, and, as described above, determines that the input mode is "voice input mode 1" if the measured time is 5 seconds or more, with the threshold value of 5 seconds as the boundary. If the measured time is less than this threshold, it determines that the input mode is a normal "short press" operation.

[0201] In the following description, an embodiment will be described in which the input mode determination unit 15C of the central operation unit 15M determines whether or not a "long press" has occurred. However, although not adopted in the first embodiment, there is also a method in which the central operation unit 15M measures the time from the time of the "ON" signal to the time of the change to the "OFF" signal, transmits the data to the control device 40, and the control device 40 determines whether or not a "long press" has occurred.

[0202] In the first embodiment, a specific input key (for example, input key 107 described later in the central operation unit 15M) has a function of determining the above-mentioned "long press" and switching to the "voice input mode 1". This will be explained in more detail later.

[0203] Note that a touch operation that is not a "long press", that is, for example, a continuous touch state for less than 5 seconds, may be called a "short press". Since this is also related to the detection capability of the central operation unit 15M, for example, if the touch time is within the range of 0.1 to 4.9 seconds, the input mode determination unit 15C determines that it is a "short press".

[0204] Not only the central operation unit 15M, but also the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R each have a judgment unit equivalent to the input mode judgment unit 15C, but it is also possible to provide a single (common) input mode judgment unit 15C that individually acquires data from all of the operation units and makes a centralized judgment.

[0205] The input mode determination unit 15C transmits to the control device 40 a signal (voice input mode corresponding signal MC1) indicating the determination result as to whether the mode is "voice input mode 1".

[0206] A storage unit 15D stores various control parameters and thresholds for the touch detection unit 15A, the time measurement unit 15T, the input mode determination unit 15C, and the like, program information for the determination process, and the like.

[0207] Reference numeral 15E denotes a central processing unit (CPU) that performs various information processing operations as an input operation unit (central operation unit 15M). An input signal transmitting unit 15F transmits to the input signal analyzing unit 58 of the control device 40 a unique identification signal of the input key as described above and a voice input mode corresponding signal MC1 as a result of determining whether the mode is "voice input mode 1".

[0208] 15G is a dial rotation detection unit that detects a pulse signal generated in response to the rotation of dial-type input means 123 described later, converts it into a command signal corresponding to the angle of rotation, and inputs the command signal to input key identification unit 15A. Dial-type selection means (dial-type input means) 123 rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise, and the direction of rotation is also identified.

[0209] In FIG. 9, the touch detection unit 15A, the time measurement unit 15T, the input mode determination unit 15C, etc. are depicted as individual independent blocks, but each of these functions may be realized, for example, by software on a single microcomputer rather than being configured as separate hardware.

[0210] 9, the central operation unit 15M is used as an example for explanation, but the control device 40 also identifies the input of each of the right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L. Therefore, in the input key identification unit 15A in the right operation unit 15R, data identifying the input key present in the right operation unit 15R is included in the signal from the input key. The same applies to the left operation unit 15L.

[0211] As is clear from the above description, the cooking device 1 is a first heating means HM1 for induction heating an object to be heated on the top plate 3; A heating chamber 6 having a metal wall; A second heating means HM2 that supplies microwaves to the heating chamber 6; a third heating means HM3 for heating the heating chamber 6 by radiant heat; A notification unit 90; A communication unit 51; A display unit 16; The control device 40 is configured as follows.

[0212] , The control device 40 displays an initial standby screen on the display unit 16, and then displays a display screen (first specific screen 16M1 to third specific screen 16M3) dedicated to each cooking mode.

[0213] There are three types of cooking modes: a single cooking mode KM1, a combined cooking mode KM2, and a cooperative cooking mode KM3.

[0214] The single cooking mode KM1 has the following three types. (1) IH only mode in which the first heating means HM1 is operated alone (2) A range-only cooking mode in which the second heating means HM2 is operated alone (3) Oven-only cooking mode in which the third heating means HM3 is operated alone

[0215] The composite cooking mode KM2 is a heating pattern in which cooking is performed in the heating chamber 6 by simultaneously operating both the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3, or by automatically operating them at different times.

[0216] The collaborative cooking mode KM1 is a heating pattern in which the second heating means HM2 and / or the third heating means HM3 and the first heating means HM1 are operated sequentially after a transition period TR whose length is determined by instructions from the user US.

[0217] The control device 40 has an operation program for executing the three cooking modes KM1 to KM3. The data acquisition unit 53 of the control device 40 can acquire the recipe data CD from the cloud server 300 or the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 51.

[0218] In the input operation section 15, the "voice input mode 2" can be selected by using the input key 180 provided on the central operation section 15M. Furthermore, among the input keys arranged on the central operation unit 15M, the right operation unit 15R, and the left operation unit 15L, specific input keys (107, 107R, 107L) can select "voice input mode 1" depending on the "long press" state, which is one of the touch forms.

[0219] (4. Configuration of the control menu on the central operation unit) Next, the selectable control menu displayed on central display unit 16M by central operation unit 15M will be described with reference to FIG.

[0220] FIG. 10 shows the entire control menu that can be selected by the central operation unit 15M. In the table of FIG. 10, the first area 22 is labeled "left display area," the second display area 23 is labeled "center display area," and the third area 24 is labeled "right display area."

[0221] The control menus that can be selected by the central operating unit 15M are divided into an RG (range grill) menu group that uses the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) and one or both of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b, and an IH menu group that uses the central IH coil 9C corresponding to the central heating port 4C.

[0222] The control menu shown in Fig. 10 is classified into four categories (categories 1 to 4) in Fig. 11. As is clear from Fig. 11, the control menu is roughly classified into a single cooking mode KM1 and a combined cooking mode KM2. Although Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 do not show the combined cooking mode KM1, the central operation unit 15M can execute a combined cooking menu in the combined cooking mode.

[0223] When the main power switch 20 is turned "ON" and the input key 108 of the central operation unit 15M is pressed for the first time, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected.

[0224] Therefore, the display screen of the central display portion 16M is switched to the second specific screen 16M2. 6, in the first area 22 of the second specific screen 16M2, for example, a control menu "Warm" is always displayed first in the first area (left display area) 22. This is because the control menu "Warm" is set as the default.

[0225] 10 is a display area that corresponds to the first area 22. In other words, the various control menus listed in the "left display area" of the table in FIG.

[0226] As shown in the "left display area" of the list in Figure 10, in addition to "Warm," there are a total of 13 control menus, including "Microwave manual," "Pre-boil leafy vegetables," "Pre-boil root vegetables," "Defrost meat," "Microwave grill (RG) cooking," "Microwave grill (RG) re-heat," "Microwave grill (RG) manual," "Grill," "Oven," "IH keep warm," "IH rice cooking," and "IH heat."

[0227] The control menus "Warm", "Manual microwave", "Pre-boil leafy vegetables", "Pre-boil root vegetables", "Defrost meat", "Range grill (RG) cooking", "Range grill (RG) reheat", "Range grill (RG) manual", "Grill", and "Oven" are included in the RG menu group. In addition, "IH warming," "IH rice cooking," and "IH heating" are included in the "IH menu group" which uses an induction heating source.

[0228] The contents described in the "central display area" in Fig. 10 are the contents displayed in the second area 23 of the central display unit 16M, and relate to adjustments of the heating conditions during cooking, such as temperature, time, heat, "high", "low", etc. In other words, the various control conditions described in the "central display area" are displayed in the second area 23. The contents of the default settings in this "central display area" are listed in the "default" column in the right column of the "central display area".

[0229] The contents written in the "right display area" of the table in FIG. 10 indicate the information to be displayed in the third area 24 of the central display section 16M. The default settings for the "Right Display Area" are listed in the "Default" column in the right column of the "Right Display Area." A blank space does not represent a control condition that can be changed, but rather represents that no information is displayed, or that an appropriate explanatory text that cannot be selected or changed (by the user US) is displayed in the right display area (third area 24).

[0230] Next, a total of 13 types of control menus displayed in the "left display area" of the table in FIG. 10 will be described. (1) Warming: This refers to heating the food in the heating chamber 6 using microwave heating means (second heating means HM2). This "warming" is also suitable for reheating the food. The default setting is "80°C", so microwave heating automatically stops when the food is heated to 80°C. Note that "80°C" is the target temperature, which can be adjusted by the user US before heating begins. As shown in the central display area of ​​Figure 10, for example, the range from 0°C to 90°C can be set in 5°C increments.

[0231] (2) Manual Range: This refers to using the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) to heat the food in the heating chamber 6. The heating time is set by the user US to a specific time between 10 seconds and 60 minutes.

[0232] (3) Leafy vegetable parboiling: This is suitable for boiling food in the heating chamber 6, particularly vegetables whose leaves are edible, such as spinach, Chinese cabbage, etc., using microwave heating means (second heating means HM2). The infrared sensor 13 measures the temperature rise of the food in real time and automatically stops.

[0233] (4) Parboiling of root vegetables: This is suitable for parboiling food items in the heating chamber 6, particularly roots, rhizomes, potatoes, and other root vegetables, using microwave heating means (second heating means HM2).

[0234] (5) Meat thawing: Suitable for thawing various kinds of frozen meat in the heating chamber 6. (6) Range grill (RG) cooking: Food items in the heating chamber 6 are cooked by combining microwave heating using a microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) with oven heating using upper radiant heat heating means 12a and lower radiant heat heating means 12b.

[0235] (7) Range Grill (RG) Re-cooking: Suitable for re-heating food that has already been cooked in the heating chamber 6. (8) Range Grill (RG) Manual: The user US appropriately selects between microwave heating and oven heating to heat and cook the food in the heating chamber 6.

[0236] (9) Grill: Uses either or both of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b to heat food in the heating chamber 6. That is, this is a control menu using the third heating means HM3.

[0237] In the "Grill" mode, the temperature of the heating chamber 6 is not controlled, and the heating operation is not stopped when a rise in temperature of the food to be cooked is not detected. The heating operation is performed for a period of time designated by the user US within a range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0238] (10) Oven: An oven that uses one or both of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b to heat food in the heating chamber 6. The temperature of the heating chamber 6 is measured in real time by a thermistor sensor 14, and the power supply to the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b is controlled so that the temperature reaches a set target temperature.

[0239] (11) IH Warm: Heats an object to be heated, such as a pot, above the central heating port 4C, so as to keep it at a temperature set by the user US. A low to medium heat of 200W to 750W is used for induction heating, and a temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C detects the temperature of the object to be heated in real time, and the heating control section 43 of the control device 40 controls the heat based on the detected temperature. The default temperature is 80°C, as shown in Fig. 10. For example, this is suitable for keeping soup warm.

[0240] (12) IH rice cooking: Heats according to the total amount (amount of rice cooked) set by the user US. The induction heating power ranges from low to high, from 200W to 1500W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C is used to detect abnormal heating of the object to be heated (also called an overheated state or overheating; the same applies below), and if an abnormal temperature is detected, the control device 40 reduces the heat or stops the heating operation.

[0241] (13) IH heating: Heating is performed according to the induction heating power set by the user US. There are five levels of heat that can be set: heat 1: 200W, heat 2: 500W, heat 3: 750W, heat 4: 1000W, and heat 5: 1500W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C is used to detect abnormal heating of the object to be heated, and if an abnormal temperature is detected, the control device 40 reduces the heat or stops the heating operation. The default heat is 500W (heat 2).

[0242] Next, referring to FIG. FIG. 11 is a classification table of the RG control menus ("RG menu group" in FIG. 10) and the IH control menus ("IH menu group" in FIG. 10) of the single cooking mode KM3 by the first heating means HM1.

[0243] As is clear from category 2 in the table of FIG. 11, the names of the control menus are also displayed in text in the first area 22 of the central display section 16M and are used by the user US to select a control menu.

[0244] Next, FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 is a table showing the correspondence between the cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 and the operational support information 170 (see FIG. 7).

[0245] 12, the cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is hamburger steak, roast beef, etc., and the contents of the process display section 172 and the support information A and support information B are determined in advance in correspondence with the identification information 167 that identifies each of the cooking menus, as described in FIG. 7. In other words, the display data that determines the display information to be displayed on the display section 16 is stored in the storage section 41.

[0246] As can be seen from Fig. 12, there are two types of operation support information 170: operation support information A and operation support information B. One is information that says "Press the start button to start heating the left IH cooker," and the other is information that says "Press the start button to confirm." This "start button" refers to the input key 113 (see Fig. 13).

[0247] The above-mentioned two types of operation support information 170 are automatically switched before the start of the cooking process in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, and are displayed alternately, for example, every few seconds. As is clear from FIG. 12, there are at least eight types of cooking menus in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, such as hamburger steak and roast beef, and they are broadly divided into two types: cooking menus in which microwave heating is performed first and cooking menus in which induction heating is performed first.

[0248] In the table of FIG. 12, the entry "IH preheating" in the column "Display of process display section 172" will be described. In this embodiment 1, a "cooperative pre-heat cooking mode" KM1A is provided as one type of the cooperative cooking mode KM1. There are two types of linked preheat cooking modes KM1A.

[0249] An example of a cooking menu that utilizes the linked preheat cooking mode KM1A is "hamburger steak." In the case of "hamburger steak," the preheating process is performed by the first heating means HM1.

[0250] If the cooking process 1 is started while the preheating process is being performed, the heating operation of the preheating process has not been stopped at the time when the cooking process 1 is started. Therefore, the energization of the first heating means HM1 and the energization of the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) and the third heating means HM3 in charge of the cooking process 1 are performed in parallel during the same time period.

[0251] In other words, in the coordinated preheating cooking mode KM1A, the heating source (in the above description, the first heating means HM1) that starts operating before cooking process 1 is not necessarily stopped at the start of cooking process 1, and during cooking process 1, power may be applied to either or both of the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) and the third heating means HM3.

[0252] Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given on the assumption that the cooperative cooking mode KM1 includes the cooperative pre-heating cooking mode KM1A.

[0253] When the collaborative cooking mode KM1A is selected, once identification information 167 indicating the name of the food to be cooked is displayed on the central display unit 16M, the left operating unit 15L cannot be used for other cooking menus (also referred to as the "occupied state").

[0254] Specifically, among the various input keys of the left operation unit 15L, at least the input key 107L (not shown) for selecting the left heating port 4L is disabled by the heating control unit 43. This "disabled" means that a valid command signal is not sent from the input key 107L (not shown) to the heating control unit 43, and that even if a valid command signal is sent, the heating control unit 43 does not process the command signal as a valid command signal. In either case, heating with the left IH coil 9L cannot be selected.

[0255] At the same time, when the identification information 167 is displayed, the right operation unit 15R of the right heating port 4R may be made unavailable. As in the case of the left operation unit 15L, this is done by "disabling" the input key 107R (not shown). However, if the user US has set the function in advance on the input operation unit 15 (using the function setting key 115 shown in FIG. 13) so as not to "disable" the right IH coil 9R, the right IH coil 9R can be used as is if it is already being used for another control menu (heating operation is ongoing). On the other hand, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, it is determined (by the heating control unit 43) that the right IH coil 9R cannot be used due to the fact that it has already been used.

[0256] Therefore, only the left IH coil 9L is "occupied" by the selection of the linked cooking mode KM1. Also, when viewed from the perspective of the first heating source HM1 as a whole, the use of only a portion (the left IH coil 9L) of the three heating sections 4L, 4C, 4R is "restricted." Note that if the right IH coil 9R is not being used for other cooking, the right IH coil 9R may also be placed in an occupied state.

[0257] Next, FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of central display section 16M when cooking appliance 1 is on standby. The display screen 16MH of the central display portion 16M is a standby initial screen. The standby initial screen 16MH will be described in detail in Fig. 28. There are a plurality of types of standby initial screens 16MH, and the screen in Fig. 13 may be called a display screen 2D to distinguish it from the display screens 2A to 2C shown in Fig. 28.

[0258] In FIG. 13, reference numeral 102 denotes a display unit showing information for specifying the input key 107 for selecting the cooperative cooking mode KM1, and the information shows the characters "TO KEY 1". Reference numeral 103 denotes a display section showing information for specifying the input key 108 for selecting the composite cooking mode, and displays the text "Go to key 2." Reference numeral 104 denotes a display section showing information for specifying an input key 109 for selecting a single cooking mode using induction heating (IH), and displays the text "Go to key 3." It should be noted that the three display units 102 to 104 do not have a touch input function, and therefore no input can be made by touching these units.

[0259] The input key 107 is an input key that can select the collaborative cooking mode KM1. The input key 107 is configured as a touch switch. The input key 107 is disposed on the front side of the first area 22. 107A is the first identification information, and is displayed as the number “1.” In other words, this first identification information 107A corresponds to the display content of the display unit 102, “To key 1.”

[0260] The input key 108 is an input key for selecting the combined cooking mode KM2. The input key 108 is configured as a touch switch. The input key 108 is disposed on the front side of the second area 23. Reference numeral 108A denotes second identification information, and is displayed as the number “2.” In other words, this second identification information 108A corresponds to the display content of the display unit 103.

[0261] The input key 109 is an input key for selecting the single cooking mode KM3 by induction heating (IH). It is configured with a touch-type switch. This input key 109 is disposed on the front side of the third area 24. 109A is third identification information, and is displayed as the number “3.” In other words, this third identification information 109A corresponds to the display content of the display unit 104.

[0262] The correspondence between the first identification information 107A to the third identification information 109A and the display contents of the display units 102 to 104 is indicated by the numbers "1" to "3" as shown in Figure 5, but the correspondence may be indicated by symbols or letters other than numbers, the same figures, etc.

[0263] This allows the user to know that, for example, to select the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the user should operate the input key 107 on which the first identification information 107A is displayed. In addition to the number "1", a name or abbreviation indicating the cooking mode, such as "Cooperative cooking", may be displayed.

[0264] Several types of first identification information 107A are prepared. Only in the first operation scene of input key 107, the number "1" is displayed as shown in Fig. 15, but in the next scene, the word "Menu" is displayed as shown in Fig. 14. In this way, the display content of first identification information 107A changes appropriately depending on the display of a light-emitting portion (not shown) below the operation surface (visible light transmitting material) of input key 107.

[0265] The information displayed on the display screen of the central display portion 16M1 is updated sequentially in response to an input operation by a display program of the control device 40, which will be described later, or a dedicated drive circuit (not shown).

[0266] When the input key 107 is operated, a first specific screen 16M1 used in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 is displayed on the central display section 16M. An example of the first specific screen 16M1 is shown in FIG. By operating the input key 108, a second specific screen 16M2 (see FIG. 41) used in the combination cooking mode KM2 is displayed on the central display section 16M. When the input key 109 is operated, a third specific screen 16M3 (not shown) used in the single cooking mode KM3 by induction heating (IH) is displayed on the central display section 16M. An example of the third specific screen 16L3 when the left operation section 16L is used is shown in FIG.

[0267] The first to third specific screens 16M1 to 16M3 are not simultaneously displayed on the central display section 16M but are alternatively displayed.

[0268] Reference numeral 113 denotes an input key for starting three types of cooking on central operation unit 15M. The input key is a touch-type input key, and an input command signal is generated when the input key is touched. This input key 113 will be referred to as a "start key" hereinafter. Reference numeral 114 denotes an input key that can stop the three types of heating cooking (three types) cooking modes in this central operation unit 15M at any timing. This is a touch-type input key, and an input command signal is issued when touched. This input key 114 will be referred to as the "stop key" hereinafter.

[0269] The three types of heating and cooking in the central operation unit 15M are as follows. (1) Coordinated cooking mode KM1 using heating chamber 6 (2) Combined cooking mode KM2 using heating chamber 6 (3) Single cooking mode KM3 using microwave heating means (second heating means) HM2 using heating chamber 6 (4) Single cooking mode KM3 using the induction heating means (first heating means) HM1 using the central heating port 4C

[0270] Input keys 115 arranged at the leftmost side of central operation unit 15M are provided for enabling the user to set various operations, displays, etc. of the entire cooking appliance 1 as desired.

[0271] When the input key 115 is pressed, the control device 40, which will be described later, switches to a "function mode," and displays a "function setting menu" such as the one shown below on the display screen of the central display unit 16M. (1) Child lock settings (disable operation of various input keys) (2) Ventilator linkage mode setting (3) Cleaning guide setting (automatic notification function setting for cleaning time of heating chamber 6 and exhaust cover 5) (4) Peak cut setting (maximum power consumption can be selected from four levels: 5700W, 5000W, 4800W, and 4000W) (5) Audio guide settings (6) Audio guide volume settings (7) Setting to prevent forgetting to remove food or cooking utensils from the heating chamber 6 (whether or not to issue an alarm on the audio notification unit 50 and the three display units 16L, 16M, and 16R) (8) HEMS registration settings (settings related to the power usage limit function of the home power control device) (9) Time unit for timer cooking (change from 1 minute to 5 or 30 minutes) (10) Switching between beginner mode and normal (expert) mode (11) Setting the type (range) of inventory information to be acquired from the refrigerator 403 (12) Setting the display priority of each cooking menu (e.g., “hamburger steak”) in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 (specific cooking menu to be displayed as the default, identification information 167) (13) Setting the display priority (specific control menu to be displayed as default) of each control menu of the composite cooking mode KM2 (e.g., "Grill in the microwave" and "Pre-boil leafy vegetables") (14) Setting of the cooking mode to be automatically displayed on the central display unit 16M when the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned on (such as the display priority between the linked cooking mode KM1 and the combined cooking mode KM2) (15) When each cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is displayed on the central display unit 16M, the ingredients and nutritional components of the target cooking item (food) are displayed individually each time. Note that either the food ingredients or the nutrients or both may be displayed, but in this embodiment 1, a single press (short press) of the input key 109 is used as a display command key for food ingredients, and a double press (short press) is used as a display command key for nutritional components. When the input keys 19 are operated once or twice within a specified period, or when voice input mode 1 is set and a command is given by voice, food ingredients or nutritional ingredients are displayed. In other words, they are not always displayed together with cooking menu identification information 167 (described later) but are displayed in response to the operation (including voice) of the user US. Details will be explained in FIG. 20. (16) When selecting individual cooking menus in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, cooking menu candidates are searched for based on the ingredients and nutritional components of the food and displayed on the central display unit 16M. In this case, the user US can search by voice by pressing the input key 180 to set to "voice input mode 2." Details will be described in FIG. 20. (17) Setting the display priority of each cooking menu of the collaborative cooking mode KM1. In relation to the setting of a specific cooking menu to be displayed by default, either the food ingredients or the nutritional ingredients should be set as the top priority item for display. By setting this, for example, cooking menus can be displayed in ascending order of energy amount (calorie value) among nutritional ingredients as shown in Figure 20. Or cooking menus can be displayed in descending order of "iron" content as a nutritional ingredient.

[0272] The "beginner mode" is an optional function for people (users) who are not familiar with using the cooking appliance 1, and when the beginner mode is set, the contents of the voice guidance in the voice notification unit 50 become more detailed and thorough. Also, the number of voice guidance regarding the input operation in the input operation unit 15 increases, and the display information on the display screens of the display units 16L, 16M, and 16R increases.

[0273] When the beginner mode is set, particularly in the case of cooking in the composite cooking mode KM2 and the linked cooking mode KM1, the amount of reference information displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M increases, or the content of the voice guidance in the voice notification unit 50 increases, in cooking steps 1 and 2. This enhances the function of supporting the user's input operations.

[0274] When the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the cooking mode setting that is automatically displayed on the central display unit 16M is to set either the linked cooking mode KM1 or the combined cooking mode KM2. Since both the linked cooking mode KM1 and the combined cooking mode KM2 use the same central display unit 16M, the user can set which one of the modes is to be given priority.

[0275] When the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 40 detects that the door 7 has been opened. This function assumes that the user will be cooking using the heating chamber 6, and automatically displays either the first specific screen 16M1 for the linked cooking mode KM1 or the second specific screen 16M2 for the combined cooking mode KM2 on the central display unit 16M. The first specific screen 16M1 or the second specific screen 16M2 is automatically displayed immediately after the door 7 is opened after the above-mentioned standby initial screen is displayed.

[0276] When the input key 115 is pressed, a "function setting menu" is displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M. After that, when a specific input key (e.g., 107) other than the input key 15 is "pressed for a long time" (hereinafter referred to as "long press") on the central operation unit 16M, one setting menu from the "function setting menu" is selected, and the setting contents can be changed to the desired contents.

[0277] Alternatively, when two specific input keys (e.g., 107 and 108) other than the input key 115 are simultaneously "pressed and held," one of the setting menus in the "function setting menu" described above can be called up and the desired setting contents can be changed.

[0278] The "long press" refers to a state in which the button is pressed continuously for five seconds or more, for example. Whether or not it is in the "long press" state is determined by input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 9) comparing the timing of touch input on central operation unit 15M with a reference value. That is, the timing when the input key (e.g., 107) is pressed on central operation unit 15M can be determined by an ON (when touched)-OFF (when not touched) signal, and the time from the ON signal to the point when it changes to an OFF signal is measured to determine whether or not it is a "long press." This is the same as the "long press" process for input key 107, and will be described in detail later.

[0279] In FIG. 13, 123 denotes a dial-type selection means disposed at the right end of the central operation unit 40M. When the user turns this selection means 123 after pressing any one of the input keys 107 to 109, the user can set the cooking menu of the combined cooking mode KM1 or the control conditions (heat power during induction heating, microwave output, etc.) to be applied to a specific cooking menu. This will be described in the next Figure 14.

[0280] The selection means can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation center point CP as shown by the arrow in Fig. 13. It can also be rotated one or more times, but the rotation range may be limited to a certain range. The selection means 123 is rotatably fixed to the central operation unit 15M by a rotation axis (not shown) at the center point CP.

[0281] 21M1 to 21M5 are individual light-emitting units, which indicate that the input functions of the six input keys 107, 108, 109, 113, 114, and 115 are valid. These individual light-emitting units 21M1 to 21M5 receive light from light-emitting elements 27 such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and radiate the light upward from the central operation unit 15M. In addition, in FIG. 13, the individual light-emitting units 21M1, 21M2, 21M3, and 21M5 are each marked with a star-shaped mark, which indicates that the corresponding light-emitting element 27 is emitting light. In other words, in the example of FIG. 13, all of the four input keys 107, 108, 109, and 115 indicate that their input functions are valid.

[0282] Next, FIG. 14 will be described. When the input key 107 is touched in the state shown in Fig. 13, the central display unit 16M switches to the first specific screen 16M1 as shown in Fig. 14. That is, the screen switches from the initial standby screen (Fig. 13) to a state in which the first specific screen 30SP for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is displayed, and the identification information 167 of "hamburger" is displayed as the default cooking menu. Note that the touch operation of the input key 107 in this case may be a "short press" or a "long press."

[0283] 14, the first identification information 107A displayed on the input keys 107 is changed from a number to a name indicating a type of function, namely, "menu." In this case, "menu" refers to a cooking menu. Further, the second specification information 108A displayed on the input keys 108 changes from the number "2" to "left / right", information for selecting the heating ports 4L, 4R of the induction heating source 9. Note that, since there is no item to be inputted on the input keys 109, nothing is displayed as the third specification information 109A.

[0284] 14, the input key 107 has a function of selecting "menu" as indicated by the first identification information 16M1. Therefore, when the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by the thick arrow after the input key 107 is operated, the identification information 167 of the cooking menu displayed in the first area 22 changes in a certain order according to the range of rotation. In other words, it changes to the identification information of the cooking menu of another food to be cooked.

[0285] As described above, the arrow portion displayed on the dial portion of the selection means 123 emits light from the moment the input key 107 is selected. This prompts the user to turn the selection means 123. The color of the light emitted by the arrow portion may be changed before and after the input key 107 is operated.

[0286] As shown in FIG. 14, the heating unit specifying parts 116L and 116R are also displayed together with the identification information 167. Either one of the heating unit specifying units 116L, 116R can be selected by operating the input key 108. Specifically, the input key 108 is pressed, and then the dial-type selection means 523 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as shown by the thick arrow. Alternatively, when the input key 107 is pressed once, "left" is selected first (by default) as shown in FIG. 14, and when the input key 108 is subsequently pressed once, "right" is selected. Furthermore, when the same input key 108 is pressed, "left" is selected again.

[0287] As can be seen from the above description, in the input operation unit 40, when the input key 107 is operated once (either a short press or a long press) to select the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the input key 107 is operated once (either a short press or a long press) immediately thereafter. This initiates a selection process for a cooking menu to be displayed in the first area 22. Then, by rotating the selection means 123, cooking menus are displayed one after another in the first area 22 according to the rotation range of the selection means 123. That is, a selection signal for a cooking menu corresponding to the rotation of the selection means 123 is provided to the control device 40.

[0288] 14, star marks are added to the individual light emitting units 21M1, 21M2, and 21M4 corresponding to the three input keys 107, 108, and 113. In other words, the three input keys 107, 108, and 113 all indicate that their input functions are enabled.

[0289] Next, FIG. 15 will be described. When one of the heating unit specifying sections 116L and 116R shown in FIG. 14 is selected, the display content of the first specifying screen 16M1 is switched to the content shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 15, input key 109 becomes active, and pressing this switches to an input mode for "heat," which is one of the control conditions. Therefore, when selection means 123 is rotated, four-level heat display band 117 lights up. Therefore, when selection means 123 is rotated, the illuminated range changes left and right according to the angle of rotation. At the same time, a specific heat value, such as "1000W," is displayed as additional information 118 (a level, such as "medium" heat, may also be displayed).

[0290] In this way, the user US can select the desired heating power value in one go by simply holding the dial-type selection means 123 and gently turning it clockwise. This significantly reduces the operational burden on the user US compared to a method of selecting a heating power value by repeatedly performing touch operations, such as with a touch input switch.

[0291] As is clear from Fig. 15, at the stage of setting the heating power value of the induction heating source 9, the input function of only the two input keys 109, 113 is enabled, as indicated by the star marks on the individual light-emitting portions 21M3, 21M4 corresponding to these two input keys 109, 113. The input function of the dial-type selection means 123 is also enabled, as indicated by the thick arrow portion lit up, as shown in Fig. 15.

[0292] Therefore, pressing the input key 113 in the state of Fig. 15 causes a transition to the coordinated cooking mode KM1. Therefore, a preheating process (IH preheating) of the object to be heated N such as a frying pan can be started in either the heating port 4L or 4R.

[0293] In Fig. 15, 109A is the third specific information displayed on the input key 109. In the scene of Fig. 15, this third specific information 109A is displayed as characters saying "heat", but it automatically changes to information showing other control conditions such as "time" and "temperature" depending on the input scene.

[0294] FIG. 16 shows a first modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, and is a plan view of the front portion for illustrating the arrangement of a central operation unit 15M and a central display unit 16M.

[0295] The characteristic configuration of FIG. 16 will be described. The cooking device 1 of this modified example 1 is A main body 2 having three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R arranged on the upper surface thereof on which an object to be heated N is placed; A first heating means HM1 (induction heating source 9) is installed inside the main body 2 and heats the object to be heated N; A heating chamber 6 formed inside the main body 2; A second heating means HM2 (microwave heating source 11) and a third heating means HM3 (radiant heat heating means 12) for heating the food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6; A display means (central display unit) 16M having a display screen that can be viewed from above the main body 2; An input operation unit 15 is provided on the front part of the upper surface of the main body 2 and is elongated in the left-right direction; A control device 40 that receives a command from the input operation unit 15 and controls the heating operation, The input operation unit 15 is adjacent to the display means (central display unit 16M) and is located in front of it. The input operation unit 15 has a first cooking mode selection means (input key) 107 and a second cooking mode selection means (input key) 108 for displaying a cooking menu of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 and a control menu of the composite cooking mode M2 ​​on the display screen, respectively; A first identification information 107A indicating that the mode is for the combined cooking mode KM1 is displayed on an operation unit (operation surface) of the first cooking mode selection means 107 or a position adjacent thereto, and a second identification information 108A indicating that the mode is for the combined cooking mode KM2 is displayed on an operation unit (operation surface) of the second cooking mode selection means 108 or a position adjacent thereto, Furthermore, the configuration includes a dial-type selection means 123 for displaying the cooking menu of the combined cooking mode KM1 in a selectable manner after the first cooking mode selection means (input key) 107 is selected.

[0296] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the touch operation of the input key 107 which is the first cooking mode selection means and the touch operation of the input key 108 which is the second cooking mode selection means are performed. The display unit 16B is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 2 and in front of the central display unit 16M. Furthermore, the central operation unit 15M is provided with a dial-type selection means 123 which, after the first cooking mode selection means 107 is touched, sequentially displays identification information 167 indicating the cooking menu on the central display unit 16M (the first specific screen 16M1 displayed) in response to a rotation operation.

[0297] Furthermore, after the input key 108, which is the second cooking mode selection means, is touched, the central operation unit 15M utilizes the dial-type selection means 123 as a means for displaying identification information 160 indicating the control menu in sequence in response to a rotation operation on the central display unit 16M (the displayed second specific screen 16M2).

[0298] The display screen of the central display unit has a first area 22 for displaying the cooking menu and the control menu, and a second area 23 for displaying information related to the information displayed in the first area 22, arranged side by side. The first area 22 displays the identification information 167 or the identification information 160, The second area 23 is configured to display, in response to rotating the dial-type selection means 123, "control conditions" (heat power, heating time, etc.) that can be applied to either the cooking menu or the control menu, which are updated one by one in sequence.

[0299] The "control conditions" here are basically the same as those described in embodiment 1. That is, they are at least one of the following: heating power value indicating heating intensity or power consumption, level value indicating the hierarchy of heating intensity (heating power "high" or "low", etc.), microwave output value, heating target temperature, and heating time, but are not limited to these.

[0300] In FIG. 16, 120 is display information displayed in place of the display "Cooperative Cooking" in FIG. 13, and there are three types: "Menu", "Heat and Time", and "Reference", but an example of "Reference" is not shown in FIG. 16.

[0301] The display information 120 called “Menu” is always displayed in the first area 22. The display information 120 "heat level and time" is always displayed in the second area 23. Also, the display information 120 "reference" is displayed in the third area 24, but there are also cases where the second area 23 and the third area 24 are combined to form a larger display area and the display information 120 is displayed in that area.

[0302] 16, the first identification information 107A and the second identification information 108A are not displayed on the top surface of the central operation unit 15 itself, but are displayed as characters on the touch operation units (operation surfaces) of the first cooking mode selection means (input keys) 107 and the second cooking mode selection means (input keys) 108. However, the configuration may be changed to something other than this, and the information may be displayed (printed, engraved, etc.) as characters adjacent to and in front of the touch operation surfaces of the input keys 107 and 108.

[0303] In the modification of FIG. 16, 180 is an input key 180 (dedicated) for selecting the voice input mode shown in FIG. 4. In this modification, the input key 180 is not a mechanical switch, but a touch-type input switch like the input keys 107 to 109. 21M6 is an individual light-emitting part that emits light to notify when the input function of the input key 180 is enabled. In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 16, star-shaped shapes are attached to the three individual light-emitting parts 21M1, 21M2, and 21M3. In other words, it is indicated that the input functions of all three input keys are enabled, and that any one of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the combined cooking mode KM2, and the single cooking mode KM3 can be selected by touching any one of them.

[0304] Next, we will explain FIG. Steps ST1 to ST8 are operation steps defined in the operation program (including recipe data CD) of the heating control unit 43 for the collaborative cooking mode KM1. First, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (ST1), the next step ST2 is a step in which the heating control unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0305] At step ST2, central display unit 16M is activated and displays a message that "Since there is no abnormality, cooking can be started." At this stage, heating control unit 43 also checks whether it has received a setting command from input operation unit 15 regarding the upper limit of the total power consumption.

[0306] Further, the right operation unit 15R and the right display unit 16R as well as the left operation unit 15L and the left display unit 16L are also activated at the stage of step ST2, and display the same contents as those of the central display unit 16M.

[0307] At step ST2, if the setting is such that startup information is to be sent from the cooking appliance 1 to the communication terminal 200 or the external server 417 (cloud server 300), the startup information (a type of operating status data OS) is wirelessly transmitted from the communication unit 51 at this stage.

[0308] In the next step ST3, the central display unit 16M and the audio notification unit 51 also provide a notification and audio guidance to prompt the user to select the heating means. In the next step ST4, the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed on the central display section 16M, and also usage precautions for the user US are displayed.

[0309] In addition, the right display unit 16R and the left display unit 16L also issue a notification to prompt the user to select a heating means at the step ST3 stage. However, since the audio notification unit 50 has already issued a notification, no duplicate notification is issued.

[0310] Then, it is determined whether an input key (e.g., 108M) other than the input key 107 of the central operation unit 15M has been operated (ST5). If the input key 107 has been operated, step ST5 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step ST6. In other words, the process proceeds to a step of using the "combined cooking mode" KM1.

[0311] In step ST6, the permission condition determination unit 54 (see FIG. 8) checks whether the "permission conditions" are met. For example, it checks the usage state of the heat source used in the cooking steps (cooking step 1, cooking step 2, etc.) of the "combined cooking mode" KM1. For example, it checks whether microwave cooking is being performed in the heating chamber 6.

[0312] In step ST5, the first input operation is checked. For example, it is determined whether the left operation unit 15L or the right operation unit 15R has been operated before the input key 107 is pressed, and it is also determined whether the "combined cooking mode" KM2 has been selected by the central operation unit 15M (by the input key 108). It is also determined whether the input key 109 has been pressed.

[0313] If the input key 107 on the central operation unit 15M is operated for the first time (by touch operation, either a "short press" or a "long press") within a certain grace period (e.g., 30 seconds) from step ST3, the display for the "collaborative cooking mode" KM1 will begin as described above.

[0314] On the other hand, if the input key 107 is not operated and another input key (for example, the input key 108 or 109) is touched, the result of step ST5 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step ST9 for starting cooking other than the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3. Note that a detailed description of step ST9 will be omitted here.

[0315] In FIG. 17, steps ST6 and ST7 are operation steps of "permission condition 1" that determine whether or not cooking in the "combined cooking mode" KM1 is permitted. Step ST6 is a stage for judging "permission condition 1".

[0316] Here, "Permission Condition 1" means: (1) The "peak cut value," which specifies the upper limit of the maximum power consumption that can be used by the heating cooker 1, is 5,000 W or more. (2) When there is a power reduction command signal received by the control device 40 via the communication unit 51 from the external cloud server 300 or the communication terminal 200, the peak cut value of the reduction command is 5000 W or more; If these two conditions are met, the result of step ST6 will be "Yes."

[0317] The "permission condition 2" in the next step ST7 is the following four. (1) In the first heating means HM1, the central heating port 4C is not in heating operation. (2) Either or both of the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are not in heating operation.

[0318] (3) In the first heating means HM1, neither the right heating port 4R nor the left heating port 4L is being used for the heating operation (or only one of them is being used for the heating operation). In other words, neither the left IH coil 9L nor the right IH coil 9R is being used for the heating operation. (4) The "Permission Condition 4" described later is satisfied. In other words, the latest temperature of the top plate 3 is not higher than the limit value (for example, not higher than 80°C or 100°C).

[0319] If the above four conditions are met, the determination in step ST7 is "Yes." Then, the process proceeds to step ST10. That is, the process can proceed to the step of inputting a command to start cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0320] If the determinations in steps ST6 and STR7 are "No", the process proceeds to step ST8, and the central display unit 16M and / or the audio notification unit 50 notify the user US that the combined cooking mode KM1 cannot be selected.

[0321] Here, the meaning of the above-mentioned "permission condition 1" being specified as "5000 W or more" will be explained. For simplicity, the following description will not specifically mention the power consumption of electrical components other than the heat source, such as an internal cooling fan (not shown) of the main body 2.

[0322] The reason why the required demand (pre-securing the amount of power demand) when implementing the "Cooperative cooking mode" KM3 is 5000W or more is because the maximum (instantaneous) power of each heating source during operation when the cooperative cooking mode is executed is as follows:

[0323] (1) When operating the microwave (second heating means HM2): 1000W (2) When the oven is operating: 2000 W (upper radiant heat heating means 12a: 1000 W, lower radiant heat heating means 12b: 1000 W) (3) When the range grill is operating: 1500 W (second heating means HM2: 500 W, upper radiant heat heating means 12a: 1000 W)

[0324] On the other hand, the maximum power for the cooking menu in "integrated cooking mode" KM1 is 1500W. Therefore, in the combined cooking mode, the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 may operate simultaneously.

[0325] In other words, the maximum power is 3500W in total, which is the sum of the "1000W" of the second heating means HM2, the "1000W" of the third heating means HM3 (2000W is achieved by alternating current of 1000W each time), and the "1500W" of the first heating means HM1 which performs induction heating.

[0326] When the demand (pre-securing power demand) is 5000W: When the right IH coil 9R is heating at 3000W (normal heating), the remaining demand is 2000W. If you implement the "linked cooking mode" KM1 from this state, the remaining demand is 1500W short of the 3500W of power required for linked cooking, so the heat output of the right IH coil 9R is reduced to 1500W (from 3000W) and linked cooking can be started.

[0327] If the demand (pre-securing power demand) is 4000W: When frying food using right heating outlet 4R (requiring a maximum of 1500W), the remaining demand will be 2500W. If you start coordinated cooking from this state, the remaining demand is 1000W short of the 3500W of power required for coordinated cooking, so you need to turn down the heat of the right IH coil. However, if you turn down the heat while the automatic control menu is running, cooking will not go well, so you cannot turn down the heat in the automatic control menu. In the end, 4000W is not enough to provide the required heat for the automatic control menu.

[0328] As is clear from the above explanation, before starting the "coordinated cooking mode" KM1, it is necessary to determine (confirm) whether there is a demand (pre-securing of power demand) of 5000 W, which is the sum of the power required for coordinated cooking (3500 W) and the power required for the cooking menu of the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L (1500 W).

[0329] The first specific screen 16M1 is not displayed unless the prerequisites for transitioning to the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1 (permission conditions 1 and 2) are met. Therefore, it is not the case that after the user US sets (selects) various conditions for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (e.g., the identification information 167), it is determined that permission condition 1 or permission condition 2 is not met, and the screen returns to the initial standby screen stage. Therefore, the user US is not forced to perform unnecessary input operations.

[0330] Next, we will explain FIG. FIG. 18 illustrates an operation from when the cooking appliance 1 is started up until when recipe data CD for the cooking appliance 1 is acquired from the communication terminal 200 or the external server 417 (cloud server 300).

[0331] In this embodiment 1, the recipe data CD of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 includes, but is not limited to, the number of the cooperative cooking menu (identification information 167), the order of the multiple heating means used, the heating means used in cooking step 1, the heating means used in cooking step 2, if there are cooking steps 3 and onwards, the heating means used for each of those cooking steps, and if there are default (standard settings) control conditions (heat, heating time, target heating temperature, etc.), the setting values ​​or range of setting values ​​for each cooking step. Also, it is not necessary that all of this information is required, and only a portion of it may be included.

[0332] In FIG. 18, steps SS1 to SS8 are operation steps defined in the integrated control program of the control device 40, and basically coincide with the contents defined in the operation program of the combined cooking mode KM1 described in FIG.

[0333] First, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (SS1), the next step SS2 is a step in which the heating control unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0334] Steps SS1 to SS4 are the same as steps ST1 to ST4 described with reference to FIG. 17, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0335] Step SS5 is a step in which the cooking appliance 1 asks the user US for confirmation in advance as to whether or not to transmit a signal requesting provision of cooking recipe data CD to a communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone that has been registered in advance, or to the cloud server 300. A "confirmation screen" is displayed on the central display unit 16M, and is also notified by the audio notification unit 50. This "confirmation screen" is one type of the initial standby screen 16MH described later.

[0336] If the user US sets in advance using the function setting keys 115 (see FIG. 13) of the input operation section 15 to automatically execute the external connection in step SS5, it will be executed automatically at a specified timing.

[0337] That is, as described with reference to FIG. 1, pairing between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be automatically performed, and wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be established.

[0338] The external connection in step SS5 is a process in which transmission and reception are repeated several times between the cooking appliance 1 and an external communication device (such as the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300). For example, when the cooking appliance 1 first transmits a standby signal 1, the external communication device receives the standby signal 1 and transmits a setting signal 1 including setting information. In response to this, the cooking appliance 1 checks its internal standby state (such as the set value of the total power consumption) and, if there are no problems, transmits a standby signal 2 to proceed to the next step.

[0339] Then, finally, reception of the necessary setting information (including the recipe data CD) from the external communication device is completed. In other words, on the cooking appliance 1 side, after receiving the information once, it performs several alternating communications, such as returning a confirmation signal immediately thereafter, and finally receives the necessary setting information. In this series of flows, there is a step that asks the user US to decide whether or not to receive the recipe data CD. In other words, in this cooking appliance 1, there is a step that allows the user US to clearly and in advance recognize that the recipe data CD will be received, and therefore it is prevented from proceeding to the execution stage of the recipe data CD without the user US knowing.

[0340] On the other hand, if the above-mentioned external connection is not set to be automatically executed, in step SS6, a predetermined icon or the like is displayed on the central display section 16M to inform the user US that recipe data CD can be provided. This is shown on the display screen 2C (initial screen 16MH in standby mode) in FIG. 35. The display to inform the user US is, for example, simply displayed in text, as shown by 60P on the display screen 2C. 60P is called acquisition operation support information.

[0341] If in step SS6 the user US does not consent to connection to the external device (such as the communication terminal 200), then as shown in step SS9, a non-reception message such as "receipt of recipe data CD is not currently being received" is sent to the registered external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300). In this way, the user US can also set to refuse reception.

[0342] On the other hand, if the connection to the external device is agreed to and data acquisition is instructed in step SS6, the data acquisition unit 53 of the cooking appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD from the external device via the communication unit 51. The acquired recipe data CD is stored in a predetermined "temporary storage unit" (not shown) in the recipe data storage unit 42 (step SS7).

[0343] In the next step SS8, the contents of the recipe data CD acquired from the external device, particularly the identification information 167, are displayed on the central display unit 16M. Also, the audio notification unit 50 notifies the fact of reception, for example, by saying "A hamburger recipe has been received."

[0344] In this embodiment 1, the control device 40 is programmed to permit the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD when the input key 180, which is the selection unit for the voice input mode 2, is operated during the standby period in which the control device 40 waits for a command to start the heating operation after the main power switch 20 is turned on and power supply is started.

[0345] That is, if the user US presses the input key 180 at the stage of step SS6, the step is judged as "Yes" and acquisition of the recipe data CD is permitted. However, several conditions must be satisfied before the recipe data CD is actually acquired by the control device 40, which will be described in detail later.

[0346] Next, a description will be given of FIGS. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the main input steps for the three cooking modes after the main power is turned on in the cooking device 1. Fig. 20 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps after the main power is turned on in the cooking device 1. Fig. 21 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps in the case of the coordinated cooking mode in the cooking device 1. Fig. 22 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps in the case of the combined cooking mode in the cooking device 1. Fig. 23 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps in the case of the single cooking mode in the cooking device 1. Fig. 24 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking appliance 1 to acquire recipe data CD from the outside. Fig. 25 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the cooking appliance 1 to acquire recipe data CD from the outside.

[0347] 19 to 25 show the case of the above-mentioned "voice input mode 1A." That is, in one input operation unit 15 (for example, central operation unit 15M), input key 107 (see FIG. 13) is provided as the "combined key" among a plurality of input keys.

[0348] Therefore, when the input mode is changed to the "voice input mode 1A" by the input key 107, the input functions of the input keys (input keys 108 and 109 in the central operation unit 15M) other than the input key (dual-purpose key) 107 are disabled from that point on (the state of the "voice input mode 1A").

[0349] Referring to FIG. In FIG. 19, outlined reference numerals (107, 108, etc.) indicate input keys 107, 108, etc. to be operated in the following steps S2 to S15. 19, the main input keys are also displayed with outline characters, and the selection means 123 is also displayed with outline characters (numbers). The range enclosed by the dashed line indicates the range in which voice input is possible in "voice input mode 1" which is switched to when the input keys (multipurpose keys) 107, 108, and 109 are "pressed and held."

[0350] FIG. 19 shows the operational steps for starting cooking using central operation unit 15M, which are slightly different from those for left operation unit 15L and right operation unit 15R.

[0351] Steps S2 to S6 show the operation steps in the coordinated cooking mode KM1. Steps S7 to S11 show the operation steps in the combined cooking mode KM2. Steps S12 to S15 show operation steps in the single cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 (central heating port 4C).

[0352] When the main power switch 20 is turned on, the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed on the central display section 16M first (step S1). In this case, the standby initial screen 16MH on the central display section 16M is the one shown in FIG. Next, when the input key 107 is touched, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected (step S2), and the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed (step S3).

[0353] Step S2A indicates a process of acquiring recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200, a cloud server 300, or the like.

[0354] At this stage, at least three cooking menus are displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 as described in FIG. 14, but by touching the input key 107 and rotating the dial-type selection means 123 by one step (a specified angle), different cooking menus can be displayed one after another (step S4).

[0355] In step S5, if the control conditions for one coordinated cooking menu are satisfactory, pressing the input key 113 allows the user to move to cooking step 1 of the coordinated cooking mode KM1 (step S6).

[0356] As is clear from Fig. 19, if the input key (combined key) 107 is "long pressed" at step S2, the control device 40 switches to a voice "input standby state", so that the range of conditions from step S4 to S5 can be input by voice. For example, the cooking menu and control conditions can be input as a set by the user US speaking, such as "Hamburg steak preheat 180°C". Note that only the control conditions other than the food to be cooked may be input by voice, such as "heat 7 hours 10 minutes".

[0357] Continuing with the explanation of FIG. In step S2, if the input key 108 is touched instead of the input key 107, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected (step S7), and the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed (step S8). Each time the input key 108 is touched once more (in step S9) (regardless of whether it is a "long press" or a "short press") to rotate the dial-type selection means 123 by one step (a predetermined angle), a different control menu (see Figs. 6 and 10) can be displayed (step S9). For example, control menus such as "warm", "manual microwave", and "pre-boil leafy vegetables" can be displayed in sequence in the center of the first area 22 of the second specific screen 16M1.

[0358] Step S7A indicates a process of acquiring recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200, a cloud server 300, or the like.

[0359] In step S9, if one of the control menus (e.g., "warm") displayed on the second specific screen 16M2 is satisfactory, then by pressing the input key 108, the input process moves to an input process for selecting the control conditions (microwave output, heating time, etc.) displayed in the second area 23, and each time the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated by one step (a specified angle), different control conditions can be displayed one after another (step S10).

[0360] In step S10, if the control conditions for one composite cooking mode are sufficient, pressing the input key 113 allows the user to move to cooking step 1 of the composite cooking mode KM2 (step S11). Depending on the control menu, the control conditions may be displayed in the third area 24 (see FIG. 6). In this case, after pressing the corresponding input key 109, the control conditions in the third area 24 can be selected by rotating the dial-type selection means 123 by one step (a predetermined angle).

[0361] As is clear from Fig. 19, if the input key (combined key) 108 is "pressed and held" at step S7, the control device 40 switches to a voice "input standby state" at step S7, so that the range of conditions can be input by voice from step S9 to S10. For example, the control menu (in this case, "warm") and the control conditions can be input as a set by the user US speaking, such as "warm 500W". Note that only the control conditions may be input by voice, such as "500W, time 10 minutes".

[0362] Continuing with the explanation of FIG. In step S2, if input key 109 is touched without touching input key 107, without touching input key 108 in step S7, the single cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 is selected in the central heating port 4C managed by the central operation unit 15M (step S12), and the third specific screen 16M3 is displayed on the central display unit 16M (step S13).

[0363] Step S12A indicates a process of acquiring recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200, a cloud server 300, or the like.

[0364] In step S14, if one of the control menus (e.g., "Microwave Manual"; see FIG. 6) displayed (by default) in the first area 22 of the third specific screen 16M3 is acceptable, pressing the enter key 113 will start the heating and cooking operation.

[0365] If a user wishes to select a control menu other than the one displayed in the first area 22 (see FIG. 6), in step S14, the user touches the input key 107 once (either a "short press" or a "long press"), and then rotates the dial-type selection means 123 by one step (a predetermined angle). This allows the control menu displayed in the first area 22 to be changed to a desired control menu.

[0366] FIG. 19 also shows a case where the control condition is displayed in the third area 24. In this case, the desired control condition can be displayed in the third area 24 by touching the input key 109 once (either a "short press" or a "long press") and then rotating the dial-type selection means 123.

[0367] In step S14, if one of the control menus (see FIG. 6) displayed on the third specific screen 16M3 is acceptable, the user then presses the input key 113 to finalize the control conditions (such as the heat power of induction heating and heating time) (step S15).

[0368] In step S15, if the control condition for the single cooking mode KM3 is sufficient, the heating operation may be automatically started after a certain period of time (10 seconds) has elapsed without pressing an input key.

[0369] FIG. 19 also shows a case where the control condition is displayed in the third area 24. In this case, the desired control condition can be displayed in the third area 24 by touching the input key 109 once (either a "short press" or a "long press") and then rotating the dial-type selection means 123.

[0370] As is clear from Fig. 19, if the input key (combined key) 109 is "long pressed" at the stage of step S12, the control device 40 switches to a voice "input standby state", so that the control condition selection in the range from step S14 to S15 and the selection of the control condition can be input by voice. For example, from the stage of step S14, the control menu (in this case, "boil water") and the control condition can be input as a set by the user US speaking, such as "boil water, heat level 6". Note that only the control condition may be input by voice.

[0371] In addition, in steps S14 and S15, the user can select timer cooking and input the timer setting time by voice. For example, when the user advances to step S14, the user can say something like "heat level 6, timer, 10 minutes."

[0372] As is clear from FIG. 19, the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following features: The input operation unit 15 has three input keys 107 to 109 corresponding to three cooking modes, The control device 40 validates the touch input of only one of the input keys 107 to 109, which is the earliest, and selects one of the heating cooking modes (the coordinated cooking mode KM1, the combined cooking mode KM2, and the single cooking mode KM3).

[0373] Furthermore, the configuration was such that a "long press" input of the earliest touched input key out of the three input keys 107-109 was detected, and an operation for switching to the voice input mode was performed. The configuration was characterized in that the touch input of only the earliest touched input key was validated, and during the period from when the input of the cooking menu, control menu, and control conditions (heat, heating time, etc.) required to start cooking in the heat cooking mode is completed until the start of heat cooking is performed with input key 113, the input process for other cooking modes is not started.

[0374] In other words, for the three heating cooking modes (cooperative cooking mode KM1, composite cooking mode KM2, and single cooking mode KM3), only one of the input keys 107, 108, and 109 that is touched first will be accepted by the control device 40, and the other input keys will be in a state where they cannot accept input commands.

[0375] Therefore, for example, when input key 107 is touched and then pressed and held down to switch to voice input mode, other input keys (e.g., 108, 109) cannot be used for input. However, start key 113 maintains its input function until cooking begins. Also, once cooking begins, stop key 114 maintains its input function.

[0376] Therefore, when the voice input mode is started by any one of the input keys 107, 108, 109, it becomes impossible to select other cooking modes or control modes by the "touch input keys", and control conditions are not inadvertently input by voice input. When the voice input mode is started by any one of the input keys 107, 108, and 109, if the stop key 114 is pressed one or more times before the start key 113 is pressed, all input settings made up to that point are cancelled.

[0377] Furthermore, if the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is entered using one input key (e.g., 107) in the voice input mode, the voice input mode is released when the start key 113 is pressed to start cooking. After that, the voice input mode is not set again until all cooking steps are completed. Therefore, when the user US subsequently selects another cooking mode by performing a touch operation, confusion does not occur. In addition, a situation does not occur in which a voice input for setting another cooking mode is mistakenly received and the cooking mode being performed is changed.

[0378] Next, FIG. 20 will be described. In FIG. 20, the outlined symbols (107, 108, 109) indicate the input keys (107, 108, 109) operated in steps SM3, SM4, and SM8.

[0379] In Fig. 20, step SM1 performs processing equivalent to the processing of steps ST2 and ST3 in Fig. 17. That is, the central display unit 16M is started and the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed. An abnormality determination is performed, and if no abnormality is found, a message is displayed saying "Since there is no abnormality, cooking can be started." Then, the standby initial screen 16MH and the audio notification unit 51 provide a notification and audio guidance to encourage the selection of heating means.

[0380] Furthermore, at this step SM1, if the cooking appliance 1 is set to transmit startup information to the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300, the startup information (a type of operating status data OS) is wirelessly transmitted from the communication unit 51 at this stage. Note that the standby initial screen 16MH also displays usage precautions for the user US, which will be described in detail later.

[0381] In the next step SM2, the input functions of all input operation units 15M, 15L, and 15R are enabled to prepare for touch input operation of each input key (107 to 109, etc.). Also, the time measurement unit 15T (see FIG. 9) included in the input operation unit 15 starts measuring the elapsed time. Note that while FIG. 9 shows an example of the central operation unit 15M, the right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L have the same configuration as the central operation unit 15M. Therefore, they have a configuration equivalent to the time measurement unit 15T.

[0382] In the next step SM3, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected. In step SM4, the composite cooking mode KM2 is selected. In step SM8, the single cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 is selected.

[0383] First, in step SM3, it is determined whether or not the input key 107 has been touched. If it has been touched, the process proceeds to the route A1 shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. In step SM3, if there is no touch operation, the determination is "No" and the process proceeds to step SM4. In step SM4, if the input key 108 is touched, the determination is "Yes" and the process proceeds to the route B1 shown in Figs. 20 and 22.

[0384] In step SM4, if there is no touch operation, the determination becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SM8. In step SM8, if the input key 109 is touched, the determination becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the route C1 shown in Figs. 20 and 23.

[0385] In step SM8 shown in Fig. 20, if there is no touch operation, the determination is "No" and the process proceeds to step SM5. In this step SM5, the time measurement unit 15T (see Fig. 9) determines whether or not a preset time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SM3.

[0386] On the other hand, if it is determined in step SM5 that the preset time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM6, where a process for automatically shutting off the main power supply (hereinafter referred to as "automatic shutoff process 1") is performed. Then, the series of operations ends (SM7). In this way, if no input operation is performed, the main power switch 20 is automatically opened when the time limit (for example, 30 minutes) is exceeded.

[0387] Next, we will explain FIG. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the operation after the input key 107 is touched in step SM3. When the input key 107 is touched, if the touch operation is a "long press", it is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 9) of the central operation unit 15M.

[0388] Then, the determination in step SM40 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM41. On the other hand, if it is a "short press", the determination becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step SM50. Step SM41 is a step for determining whether or not the above-mentioned "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are satisfied. If these permission conditions are not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM47). The denial process is the process of step ST8 described in FIG. 17.

[0389] If the determination in step SM41 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM42. In step SM42, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed. In the center of the first area 22 of the first specific screen 16M1, identification information 167 of one cooking menu set as default, “Hamburger” is displayed (see FIG. 7).

[0390] After that, in order to select another cooking menu (eg roast beef), the input key 107 is further touched and the selection means 123 is rotated.

[0391] 21, in step SM43, the timer 15T (see FIG. 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not a preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After this step SM43, if voice input is made from the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 8), the result in step SM44 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM45.

[0392] By the way, at the stage of step SM43, the control device 40 has already switched to "voice input mode 1A". Therefore, if the input keys 108, 109 are touched after the time of step SM43, the input of the input keys 108, 109 is not accepted by the control device 40 because of the "voice input mode 1A".

[0393] In other words, unless voice input is performed, step SM44 will not become "Yes", and it is not possible to proceed to step SM46 for completing input. If "voice input mode 1B" is set, touch input can continue as described above. Also, exceptionally, the voice input control program may be modified so that the "voice input mode" is released when touch input (in this case, "short press") is performed again on the input key 107, whose touch input function is still maintained at this point.

[0394] In this manner, in this embodiment 1, immediately after "long pressing" the input key 107, the mode switches to the voice input mode 1A, and the voice input mode 1A continues automatically thereafter. However, the voice input mode 1A is released when the heating operation is started (that is, released when the start key 114 is touched).

[0395] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM46. In step SM46, a determination is made as to whether or not input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM46 is "Yes", the process goes into a standby state waiting for input from the start key 114 (A21).

[0396] On the other hand, if steps SM44 and SM46 are "No", the process returns to step SM44 and waits for voice input from the user US. Also, if it is determined in step SM45 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM45 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to error processing step SM48. Note that the error processing here is slightly different from the automatic shutoff processing 1 shown in step SM6 of Fig. 20, and refers to returning the display from the first specific screen 16M1 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input has not been made properly, or notifying by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process may proceed to step SM5 and then to step SM6 where the automatic shutoff processing is performed.

[0397] Furthermore, steps SM50 and after will be described with reference to FIG. Step SM50 is a step for determining whether or not the above-mentioned "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are satisfied. If "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM56). The denial process is the process of step ST8 described in FIG. 17.

[0398] If the determination in step SM50 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM51. In step SM51, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed. After the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the input key 107 is further touched once to select a specific cooking menu (for example, roast beef), and the selection means 123 is operated (may be operated multiple times).

[0399] 21, in step SM52, the timer 15T (see FIG. 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not a preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After this step SM52, if an input is made by the user US via the voice signal receiver 56 (see FIG. 8) using, for example, the input key 107 or the selection means 123, the result of step SM53 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM54.

[0400] By the way, at the stage of step SM53, the control device 40 has already switched to the touch input mode. Therefore, if the input key 107 is touch-inputted after step SM52, the input of the input keys 107 to 109 is accepted by the control device 40 due to the touch input mode. In other words, as long as it is a touch input, step SM53 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM46 for input completion. However, exceptionally, if the input key 107 is touch-inputted again (in this case, "long press"), the touch input mode may be released and changed back to "voice input mode 1".

[0401] In this manner, in the first embodiment, the touch input mode is maintained unless the input key 107 is "long pressed", and the touch input mode continues automatically thereafter. The touch input mode is automatically released when the heating operation starts.

[0402] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM55. Then, a determination is made as to whether input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM55 is "Yes", the process goes into a standby state waiting for input from the start key 113 (A22).

[0403] On the other hand, if steps SM53 and SM55 are "No", the process returns to step SM53 and waits for touch input from the user US. Also, if it is determined in step SM54 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM54 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SM57 for error processing. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutoff processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 20, and refers to returning the display of the first specific screen 16M1 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input has not been made properly, or notifying by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6 for automatic shutoff processing.

[0404] Next, we will explain Figure 22. FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the operations that occur after the input key 108 is touched in step SM4. When the input key 108 is touched, if the touch operation is a "long press", it is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 9) of the central operation unit 15M.

[0405] Then, the determination in step SM60 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM61. On the other hand, if it is a "short press", the determination becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step SM70. Step SM61 is a step for determining whether or not "permission condition 3" is satisfied. The "permission condition 3" here is different from the permission conditions 1 and 2 (see FIG. 17) of the combined cooking mode. "Permission condition 3" in this combined cooking mode is when the latest temperature of the heating chamber 6 is checked by the temperature sensor group 30 and is, for example, 100°C. This is because it exceeds the temperature detection range for the "warm" mode (90°C or less).

[0406] If "permission condition 3" is not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM67). The denial process is a process in which a message such as "The heating chamber is too hot to cook" is displayed on the initial standby screen 16MH, or a similar notification is given by the audio notification unit 50. When cooking is performed in the heating chamber 6 by the third heating means HM3, the heating chamber 6 may remain hot for a while due to residual heat even after the cooking is completed.

[0407] If the determination in step SM61 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM62. In step SM62, the second special screen 16M2 is displayed. After the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed, the input key 107 is further touched (or may be touched multiple times) to select a specific control menu (e.g., warming). Then, the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated to select the control menu.

[0408] 22, in step SM63, the timer 15T (see FIG. 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not a preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After this step SM63, if voice input is made from the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 8), the result in step SM64 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM65.

[0409] By the way, at the stage of step SM63, the control device 40 has already switched to the voice input mode 1. Therefore, even if the input keys 108 and 109 are touch-inputted after the point of step SM63, the input of the input keys 108 and 109 is not accepted by the control device 40 due to the voice input mode (because it is set to the "voice input mode 1A"). In other words, unless there is voice input, step SM64 does not become "Yes", and the process does not proceed to step SM66 for input completion. Exceptionally, when the input key 107 is touch-inputted again (in this case, "short press"), the "voice input mode 1" may be changed so that it is released. On the other hand, when it is set to the "voice input mode 1B", the touch input of the input keys 108 and 109 is accepted by the control device 40.

[0410] In this manner, in this embodiment 1, immediately after the input key 107 is “pressed and held”, the mode switches to voice input mode 1, but the voice input mode 1 is automatically released when a command to start cooking is given (by touching the start key 114).

[0411] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM66. In step SM65, a determination is made as to whether or not input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM66 is "Yes", the process goes into a standby state waiting for input from the start key 114 (B21).

[0412] On the other hand, if steps SM64 and SM66 return "No", the process returns to step SM64 and waits for voice input from the user US. Also, if it is determined in step SM65 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM65 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SM68 for error processing. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutoff processing shown in step SM6 in Fig. 20, and refers to returning the display from the second specific screen 16M2 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input has not been made properly, or notifying the user by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6 for automatic shutoff processing.

[0413] Next, steps SM60 and after will be described with reference to FIG. Step SM70 is a step for determining whether or not the above-mentioned "permission condition 3" is satisfied. If permission condition 3 is not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM76). The "denial process" in this case is the same as the denial process of step SM67.

[0414] If the determination in step SM70 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM71. In step SM71, the second special screen 16M2 is displayed. The state at the time when this second specific screen 16M2 is displayed is shown, for example, in Fig. 6. After that, in order to select a specific control menu (for example, warm), input key 107 is further touch-operated and dial-type selection means 123 is rotated.

[0415] In this manner, in the first embodiment, immediately after the input key 107 is "long pressed" in selecting the composite cooking mode KM2 or in a control menu (e.g., warm), the mode switches to voice input mode 1, but the voice input mode 1 does not continue automatically thereafter, but is released at the start of the heating operation. Note that the voice input mode 1 may be changed so that when the same input key 107 is "short pressed," the voice input mode 1 is released at this point.

[0416] 22, in step SM72, timer 15T (see FIG. 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not a preset time limit TY has been exceeded. If a touch input is performed using input keys 108 or 109 after step SM72, step SM73 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM74.

[0417] Incidentally, at the stage of step SM72, the control device 40 has already switched to the touch input mode. Therefore, if the input key 108 or 109 is touch-inputted after this step SM72, the input of the input key 107, 108 or 109 is accepted by the control device 40 since it is in the touch input mode. In other words, as long as it is a touch input, step SM73 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM75 for input completion. However, as an exception, if the input key 107 is touch-inputted again (in this case, "long press"), the touch input mode may be released and changed back to "voice input mode 1".

[0418] In this manner, in the first embodiment, the touch input mode of the composite cooking mode KM2 is maintained unless the input key 108 is "long pressed", and the touch input mode continues automatically thereafter. The touch input mode is automatically released when the heating operation is started. Therefore, the normal touch input mode is restored.

[0419] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM75. Then, a determination is made as to whether input has been completed, and if the determination at step SM75 is "Yes", the process goes into a standby state waiting for input from the input key 113 (B22).

[0420] On the other hand, if steps SM73 and SM75 are "No", the process returns to step SM73 and waits for touch input from the user US. Also, if it is determined in step SM74 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM74 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SM77 for error processing. Note that the error processing here is slightly different from the automatic shutoff processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 20, and refers to returning the display from the second specific screen 16M2 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input has not been made properly, or notifying the user by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6 for automatic shutoff processing.

[0421] Next, we will explain Figure 23. FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the operation after the input key 109 is touched in step SM8 of FIG.

[0422] If the touch operation of the input key 109 is a "long press", it is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 9) of the central operation unit 15M. Note that, although FIG. 9 shows an example of the central operation unit 15M, the left operation unit 15L has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 9, so the left operation unit 15L or the right operation unit 15R basically performs the same operation.

[0423] Then, the determination in step SM80 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM81. On the other hand, if it is a "short press", the determination becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step SM90. Step SM81 is a step for determining whether or not "permission condition 4" is satisfied. The "permission condition 4" here is different from the permission condition 1 and permission condition 2 of the coordinated cooking mode KM1 and the above-mentioned "permission condition 3." The "permission condition 4" in the independent cooking mode KM3 is, for example, when the latest temperature of the top plate 3 is checked by the temperature sensor group 30 and the result is a high temperature, for example, exceeding 80°C or 100°C. This is because when the temperature of the object N to be heated is detected non-contact to perform induction heating control, a high temperature from the start of the heating operation can hinder accurate temperature control and induction heating control.

[0424] If "permission condition 4" is not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM87). The denial process is a process in which a message such as "The top plate is too hot to cook" is displayed on the initial standby screen 16MH, or a similar notification is given by the audio notification unit 50. When induction heating cooking is performed, the top plate 3 may remain hot for a while even after the cooking is completed.

[0425] If the determination in step SM81 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM82. In step SM82, the third special screen 16M3 is displayed. This third specific screen 16M3 will be described in detail later. After this third specific screen 16M3 is displayed, input key 107 may be touched once more to select a specific control menu (e.g., preheat), and then dial type selection means 123 may be rotated.

[0426] Incidentally, since the mode has already been switched to "voice input mode 1" at this stage, in the next step SM83, the timing unit 15T (see FIG. 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. If, after this step SM83, voice input is made from the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 8), the result of step SM84 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM85. For example, if the user US utters “preheat 200° C.”, the voice signal receiving unit 56 converts this voice input into an electrical signal and inputs it to the voice signal analyzing unit 58 .

[0427] In step SM85, it is determined whether the time limit TY has been exceeded, and if not, the process proceeds to step SM86. In step SM86, it is determined whether the input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM86 is "Yes", the induction heating operation is automatically started within a certain time (for example, 10 seconds). In other words, in the first heating means HM1 using the central operation unit 15M (in the case of the single cooking mode HM1), no special input key operation is required to start heating, and the process proceeds directly to the heating operation (C21). Note that the heating operation may also be started when the start key 113 is touched.

[0428] On the other hand, if steps SM84 and SM86 are "No", the process returns to step SM84 and waits for voice input from the user US. Also, if it is determined in step SM85 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM85 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to error processing step SM88. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutoff processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 20, and refers to returning the display of the third specific screen 16M3 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input has not been made properly, or notifying the user by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6 for automatic shutoff processing.

[0429] Next, steps SM80 and after will be described with reference to FIG. Step SM90 is a step for determining whether or not the above-mentioned "permission condition 4" is satisfied. If permission condition 4 is not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM96). The "denial process" in this case is the same as the denial process of step SM87.

[0430] If the determination in step SM90 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM91. In step SM91, the third special screen 16M3 is displayed. After this third specific screen 16M3 is displayed, input key 17 is further touched once to select a specific control menu (eg, preheat), and then dial type selection means 123 is rotated.

[0431] In FIG. 23, in step SM92, the timer 15T (see FIG. 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not the elapsed time has exceeded a preset time limit TY.

[0432] Incidentally, since the mode is "touch input mode" at this stage, in the next step SM93, the timer 15T (see FIG. 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not the preset time limit TY has been exceeded.

[0433] The input key 107 is touched once to select a control menu (e.g., preheat) with the dial type selection means 123. The control conditions such as the preheat temperature can be input by touching the input key 107 once and then rotating the selection means 123.

[0434] In this way, when the user US performs a touch input or an input using the dial type selection means 123, step SM93 becomes "Yes", and if the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds from step SM94 to the next step SM95. For example, if the user US touches the input keys 107 once to input the conditions "preheat" and "200°C" using the dial-type selection means 123, the left operation unit 15L converts this input into an electrical signal and inputs it to the input signal analysis unit 52 (see FIG. 8).

[0435] Note that even if input key 109 is pressed and held at the stage of step SM95, the stage for switching to voice input mode (step SM80) has already passed, and therefore, at the stage of step SM95, even if the input key is pressed and held, it is not possible to switch to voice input mode 1.

[0436] Thus, in this embodiment 1, immediately after the first "long press" of the input key 109 to select the single cooking mode HM3 of the first heating means HM1, the mode switches to voice input mode 1, and the voice input mode 1 continues automatically thereafter.

[0437] In other words, once the input key 109 is "pressed and held," voice input mode 1 is maintained regardless of subsequent operations of the voice input key (if the "voice input mode 1B" is set). Even if the input key 109 is "pressed and held" again (twice in succession), voice input mode 1 remains.

[0438] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded in the judgment of step SM94, the process proceeds to step SM95. Then, a judgment is made as to whether the input has been completed. If the judgment of step SM95 is "Yes", the induction heating operation starts automatically within a certain time (for example, 10 seconds). In other words, in the first heating means HM1 using the left operation unit 16L (in the case of the single cooking mode HM1), no special input key operation is required to start heating, and the process proceeds directly to the heating operation (C22). Note that the heating operation may be started only when the start key 113 is touched.

[0439] On the other hand, if steps SM93 and SM95 are "No", the process returns to step SM93 and waits for touch input from the user US. Also, if it is determined in step SM94 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM94 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SM97 for error processing. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutoff processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 20, and refers to returning the display of the third specific screen 16M3 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input has not been made properly, or notifying the user by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6 for automatic shutoff processing.

[0440] Next, we will explain Figure 24. FIG. 24 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking appliance 1 for acquiring recipe data CD from the outside.

[0441] In Fig. 24, step SL1 performs processing equivalent to the processing of step SM1 in Fig. 20. The next step SL2 performs processing equivalent to the processing of step SM2 in Fig. 20. Step SL3 is a process equivalent to step SS5 of connecting and notifying an external connection described in Fig. 18. That is, this step is intended to ask the user US to confirm in advance whether or not to transmit a signal requesting provision of recipe data CD to the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 that has been registered and set in advance.

[0442] As described above, it is also possible to automatically execute an external connection from this step SL3 (SS5) (if previously set by the function setting key 115 described above). If the control device 40 has acquired the recipe data CD, the next step SL4 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SL5.

[0443] The next step SL5 is a process for determining whether the received recipe data CD meets the predefined permission conditions. As described above, for example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, anything that does not meet "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" is not permitted as a cooking menu (see FIG. 21). Also, in the combined cooking mode KM2, a determination is made as to whether a specific "permission condition 3" is met. Note that the permission condition 3 is the same as that described in step SM61 of FIG. 22. Furthermore, the first heating means HM1 must meet the above-mentioned "permission condition 4" (see step SM81 of FIG. 23).

[0444] If it is determined in step SL5 that the permission conditions are not met, a signal (data) is sent from the communication unit 51 to the outside to notify that the recipe data CD cannot be received (step SL9), as explained in step ST8 of Fig. 17. Note that, although Fig. 17 shows the case of the coordinated cooking mode KM1, such a "non-reception message" is also sent for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the single cooking mode KM3.

[0445] If the permission conditions are met, the determined recipe data CD is stored as regular data in a predetermined storage area of ​​the recipe data storage unit 42 (step SL6). Furthermore, the identification information 160, 167, 168, 169 and control conditions (heat, heating time, target temperature, etc.) included in the recipe data CD are displayed on the central display section 16M. For example, in the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, they are displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SL6).

[0446] The next step SL7 is a step for modifying the control conditions. For example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the control conditions (e.g., heating time, target heating temperature, heat, etc.) displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 can be appropriately changed by operating the dial-type selection means 123 of the central operation unit 15M. Note that, since the recipe data CD is acquired on a cooking menu basis, it is already determined that the cooking menu is a specific one (e.g., hamburger steak), and this cannot be changed to another cooking menu (e.g., roast beef).

[0447] If you want to modify the control conditions, for example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, you can input the appropriate changes using the central operation unit 15M (step SL10). In this case, you can select either "voice input mode 1" or "voice input mode 2," and you can also input by voice.

[0448] If it is determined in step SL4 that the recipe data CD has not been received, the process proceeds to step SL8. In this step SL8, it is determined whether a preset time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SL4. However, if the time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SL11. Step SL11 is an "automatic shutoff process 1" that automatically shuts off the main power supply, similar to step SM6 described in FIG. 20. Note that the time limit TX of this step SL8 and the time limit TX of step SM6 described in FIG. 20 do not have to be the same time, and different times may be set.

[0449] Next, we will explain Figure 25. FIG. 25 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the cooking appliance 1 for acquiring recipe data CD from the outside. FIG. 25 shows the operation when a (dedicated) input key 180 for selecting the voice input mode is used.

[0450] In FIG. 25, step SS5 is the same as that explained in FIG. 18, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Step SS10 is a step for judging whether or not the input key 180 of the voice input mode 2 has been operated. If the input key 180 is pressed once, the result here is "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SS11. If the input key 180 is not operated, the process proceeds to the normal touch input mode (step SS15).

[0451] If the data acquisition unit 53 can acquire the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51, step SS11 becomes "Yes." If it is determined in step SS11 that the recipe data CD has not been received, the process proceeds to step SS16. In step SS16, it is determined whether a preset time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS11. However, if the time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS17. Step SS17 is an "automatic shutoff process 1" that automatically shuts off the main power supply, similar to step SM6 described in FIG. 20. Note that the time limit TX of step SS17 and the time limit TX of step SM6 described in FIG. 39 do not have to be the same time, and different times may be set.

[0452] The contents of the recipe data CD received in step SS11 are judged as to whether or not they satisfy the above-mentioned "permission conditions" (see step SL5 in FIG. 24), and if they are satisfied, step SS12 becomes "Yes."

[0453] If the permission conditions are not met, as described in step SL9 of FIG. 24, the communication unit 51 transmits a signal (data) to the outside to inform the outside that the recipe data CD cannot be received (SS18).

[0454] If the permission conditions are met, the determined recipe data CD is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the recipe data storage unit 42 as regular data. Furthermore, the identification information 160, 167, 168, 169, etc. and the control conditions included in the recipe data are displayed on the central display unit 16. For example, when the recipe data CD is the cooperative cooking mode KM1, it is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS13).

[0455] The control conditions (eg, heating time, target heating temperature, heat power, etc.) displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 can be changed as appropriate by voice input acquired via the voice signal receiving unit 56 of the input operation unit 15 (steps SS14, SS15).

[0456] When "voice input mode 2" is selected by input key 180, "voice input mode 2" continues until a heating operation for one cooking menu is started. It does not switch to "touch input mode" during the input stage. This is because switching during the input process may cause confusion in the operation of the user US.

[0457] If you wish to switch to touch input mode, simply press input key 180 again at some point in the process. The touch input mode will be restored from the point at which it is pressed. Note that after returning to the touch input mode, if, for example, input key 107 is "pressed and held," the mode will switch to "voice input mode 1." Therefore, in the case of voice input mode 1 (set to voice input mode 1B), if, for example, input key 108 is operated for input, input is possible because the input function of that input key is not disabled.

[0458] Next, a description will be given of Figures 26 and 27. Fig. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control device 40 when the cooking appliance 1 is switched to voice input mode 1. Note that Fig. 26 shows the case of the combined cooking mode KM1, but the same is basically true for the other cooking modes.

[0459] In FIG. 26, step SS20 indicates the time when the input mode of the control device 40 is switched to the voice input mode 1. In the next step SS21, the voice notification unit 50 and the central display unit 16M notify that they have started accepting voice input. At this point in time, the state of the central display unit 16M is, for example, that a mark 179A indicating that the mode has been switched to voice input mode is displayed in the form of characters or the like in the second area 23 or the third area 24 of the central operation unit 15M (see FIG. 37). At the same time, information indicating that voice input is being accepted is displayed as auxiliary information 179.

[0460] In the next step SS22, the voice signal analysis unit 58 transitions to an input standby state for receiving a voice command from the user US. Also, a time measurement unit (not shown) inside the control device 40 starts measuring the elapsed time.

[0461] Speech input information uttered by the user US is acquired by the voice signal receiving unit 56 via a microphone (not shown). The voice signal receiving unit 56 converts the acquired voice information into a predetermined voice signal and transmits it to the voice signal analyzing unit 58 (step SS23).

[0462] The audio signal analysis unit 56 analyzes the received audio signal (step SS24), and displays the input content on the central display area 16M (first specific screen 16M1). FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the central display section 16M. As shown in Fig. 27, a message such as "Please select the left or right IH heater" is displayed in the range of the second area 23 and the third area 24 (step SS25). Also, a voice message is also displayed.

[0463] In step SS25, if the input information is insufficient, the voice notification unit 50 further guides the user by voice, for example, "Please specify the preheating temperature." Alternatively, the range of specific control conditions may be notified, for example, "A preheating temperature of 200° C. is recommended. Please specify the temperature."

[0464] If the input of the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation is insufficient, the process returns to step SS23. Before returning to step SS23, the audio notification unit 50 indicates the control conditions that are insufficient to be input and prompts the user to input them (not shown).

[0465] When heating control section 43 determines that input of control conditions required to start a heating operation has been completed (step SS26), the process proceeds to step SS27. In step SS27, since voice input has been completed, it is notified that voice input mode 1 will be cancelled, and it is recommended that start key 113 be touched (step SS27). Note that when start key 113 is touched, voice input mode 1 is cancelled.

[0466] On the other hand, if no voice command is received in step SS23, the process proceeds to step SS28. In step SS28, it is determined whether the time elapsed since step SS22 exceeds a predetermined time limit TZ. If the time limit TZ has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS23. However, if the time limit TZ (for example, 5 minutes) has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS29. Step SS29 is "automatic shutoff process 2" similar to step SM6 in FIG. 20. Note that this "automatic shutoff process 2" is a series of processes in which, in the state of the first specific screen 16M1, an alarm is issued to the user US by the voice notification unit 50, and then the screen is automatically switched to the initial screen 16MH during standby, and then the main power switch 20 is automatically opened. This prevents the input process from being left unattended for a long time for some reason, ensuring safety.

[0467] Next, FIG. 28 will be described. FIG. 28 shows the display contents of the central display section 16M corresponding to each of the main operation steps after the main power switch 20 is turned on.

[0468] Referring now to Figure 28, when the main power switch 20 is turned off, the central display unit 16M is not activated and therefore does not display any information. When the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 40 performs a self-diagnosis to check for abnormalities, etc., as described above, and then displays "Display Screen 1," which is one display form of the initial standby screen 16MH in Figure 28, on the central display unit 16M.

[0469] In the display screen 1 shown in Fig. 28, 60A is a display message notifying that the power is on. 60B is two-dimensional information (two-dimensional code) for guiding via the network NW to the recipe data providing server 301, which is a dedicated recipe posting site. 60C is a message explaining the meaning of the two-dimensional code (hereinafter, "two-dimensional information explanation message").

[0470] When the two-dimensional code 60B is optically read by the communication terminal 200, it can be guided and connected to the recipe data providing server 301 that holds information on various cooking recipes. This two-dimensional information explanation text 60C and the display text 60A are a type of "standby common information" 60N.

[0471] After the display screen 1 in FIG. 28 is displayed, the display screen 2A or 2B may be displayed automatically. Furthermore, after the display screen 1, 2A or 2B in Fig. 28 is displayed, the display screen 2C is automatically displayed. In this display screen 2C, a recommendation 60H is displayed to prompt the user US to perform an input operation to select a heating source. 28, the display screen 2D shown in FIG. 13 is always displayed. The display screen 2D may be displayed immediately after the display screen 1.

[0472] On the display screen 2A, the text display "Caution: Bumping" is one of the warning displays 60E. This "bumping" refers to the phenomenon in which, when a viscous food (liquid) such as curry or stew is heated, the inside of the food becomes overheated above the boiling point, causing sudden and violent boiling. As steam escapes from the heated liquid, hot droplets may fly off, which can be dangerous. The timing and cause of bumping are said to be the introduction of foreign matter or impact from the outside. For this reason, when a metal pot or the like containing food is placed on the top plate 3 and induction heated, caution is displayed when stirring the food. The information displayed in this warning is one type of "common information during standby" 60N.

[0473] The four display screens, ie, the display screen 1 and the display screens 2A to 2C shown in Fig. 28, are referred to as a "common screen" or "standby initial screen" 16MH. Note that the common screen 16MH may include forms other than these four.

[0474] In the display screen 2B, 60E is a caution display that warns against careless contact because the inside of the heating chamber 6 is at a high temperature. If the control device 40 detects that the heating chamber 6 has not yet cooled down sufficiently after oven cooking has been performed in the heating chamber 6, the display screen 2 automatically switches to this state.

[0475] Although the display screens 2A and 2B cannot be displayed simultaneously, they may be displayed alternately at intervals of several seconds to alert the user to both the bumping boiling indication and the high temperature indication. Also, the audio notification unit 50 may simultaneously output the alerts on the display screens 2A and 2B by audio.

[0476] In the display screen 2C of Fig. 28, 60P is the above-mentioned acquisition operation support information. As shown in Fig. 28, the cooking appliance 1 acquires recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or the like, and stores the acquired data in the recipe data storage unit 42 (see Fig. 8), so that the user US can recognize that the data can also be acquired by voice by pressing the input key 180 (for selecting voice input mode 2) (the voice notification unit 50 may notify the user by voice in accordance with this display).

[0477] As is clear from display screen 1 to display screen 2A to 2C in Fig. 28, the display of these various pieces of information, including the acquisition operation support information 60P, is performed by utilizing the entire display screen. In other words, rather than displaying it partially in any of the above-mentioned first area 22 to third area 24, in order to secure as large a display area as possible, the first area 22 to third area 24 are displayed as an integrated display so that they cannot be distinguished from one another, and the user US sees it as if it were displayed in the entire central display portion 16M.

[0478] 28 shows the central display unit 16M, but the left display unit 16L and the right display unit 16R also display information similar to that displayed on the central display unit 16M. In other words, when the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 40 performs a self-diagnosis to check for abnormalities, etc., as described above, and then causes the central display unit 16M, the left display unit 16L, and the right display unit 16R to simultaneously display "Display Screen 1," which is one display form of the initial standby screen 16MH in FIG. 28.

[0479] Next, we will explain Figure 29. FIG. 29 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the operation of the left display part 16L of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in FIG. Fig. 29 shows the third specific screen 16L3 on the left display unit 16L for the single cooking mode KM3. This Fig. 29 is displayed when the input key 107L (not shown) is operated after step SS4 in Fig. 18. The input key 107L corresponds to the input key 107 on the central operation unit 15M. In other words, the voice input mode can be started by "long pressing".

[0480] Next, when the dial-type selection means 123L (not shown) arranged on the left operation unit 15L is rotated, each time it is rotated by a predetermined angle, a control menu to be implemented by the left heating port 4L is displayed one by one on the left display unit 16L. As shown in the display screen 3A of FIG. 29, the user can separately set the control menu to be displayed first (default setting) to "Keep Warm", "Deep Fry" on the display screen 3B, or "Preheat" on the display screen 3C, using the input keys 115. The dial-type selection means 123L (not shown) corresponds to the dial-type selection means 123 of the central operation unit 15M, and has the same function.

[0481] Furthermore, by rotating dial-type selection means 123L (not shown) after operating input keys 107L (not shown), the display of the control menu changes one by one (such as keep warm, fry, preheat, etc.) in response to the rotation. One can be selected from a plurality of control menus.

[0482] The control menus that can be selected for the left heating port 4L (in the induction heating single cooking mode KM3) are, for example, "keep warm," "boil water," "stewing," "frying (automatic cooking)," "preheating," etc. The operating time, heat, or operating pattern of the left IH coil 9L differs for each control menu.

[0483] Display screen 3A in Fig. 29 shows the case where the "keep warm" control menu is selected. Display screen 3B shows the case where the "fry" control menu is selected. Display screen 3C shows the case where the "preheat" control menu is selected. 179A is the auxiliary information. After switching to the voice input mode, this auxiliary information 179A is displayed adjacent to the display portion of the name of each control menu on the third specific screen 16M3. Therefore, it is not displayed when the mode is not the voice input mode.

[0484] When "Keep Warm" is selected from the control menu (in induction heating only cooking mode KM3) using the central IH coil 9M that is responsible for the central heating port 4C, the central display unit 16M displays a screen similar to the display screen 3A shown in Fig. 29. In this case, the central display unit 16M has a display form similar to that of the display screen 3A, and this screen is called the "third specific screen" 16M3.

[0485] Next, FIG. 30 will be described. 30 illustrates the operation steps of the control device 40 of the cooking appliance 1 from when the cooking appliance 1 is started up until just before cooking starts. This is the case where the combined cooking mode KM1 is selected.

[0486] In FIG. 30, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed and the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed on the central display unit 16M, a determination is made as to whether recipe data CD for the collaborative cooking mode KM1 has been obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300) (step SU2).

[0487] In step SU3, the control device 40 compares the latest state of the cooking appliance 1 with the latest state, and determines whether or not the state satisfies the permission conditions 1 and 2.

[0488] When it is determined that permission conditions 1 and 2 are simultaneously satisfied (SU6), the identification information 167 included in the recipe data CD acquired from the external device (communications terminal 200 or cloud server 300) is displayed on the central display unit 16M. In this case, the identification information 167 (for example, "Name: Hamburger") is displayed in the first specific screen 16M1 (step SU7).

[0489] In step SU7, the identification information 167 (for example, "Name: Hamburger") is displayed as shown in FIG. Operation support information 170 is also displayed. This prompts the user US to press the start key 113 to start cooking. The audio notification unit 50 also notifies the user, for example, "Press the start key to start cooking" (step SU8).

[0490] After step SU7, if the user US presses the input key 109 once, the food component display screen 16M1A shown in Fig. 32(A) is displayed. If the user presses the input key 109 once again, the food component display screen 16M1B shown in Fig. 32(B) is displayed.

[0491] In addition, at the stage of step SU8, the user US may set the control conditions (for example, heating power value, heating time, etc.) as appropriate. In this case, by pressing the input key 180 dedicated to the voice input mode, the control conditions can be input by voice.

[0492] In addition, if the food component display screen 16M1A and the food component display screen 16M1B have been set in advance not to be displayed by the "function setting" using the input key 115, the setting of the control conditions (e.g., the heating power value) can be performed using the input key 109.

[0493] On the other hand, a case where, at the stage of step SU3, the control device 40 compares the latest state of the cooking appliance 1 and determines that the state does not satisfy the permission conditions 1 and 2 (step SU4) will be described.

[0494] The contents of the standby initial screen 16HM in the central display section 16M are partially changed, and a text message is displayed indicating that the recipe data CD acquired from the external device cannot be executed with the current cooking device 1. The same message is also notified by voice from the voice notification section 50 (step SU5). Then, the process returns to step SU1. This operation corresponds to the operation of step ST8 described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0495] Next, we will explain Figure 31. FIG. 31 is an enlarged plan view showing the central operation unit 15M and the central display unit 16M, which are the same as those described in FIG.

[0496] 31, 173 is an external recipe identification unit that indicates that the recipe data CD is obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300). The words "Received Recipe" are displayed in text, and it is easy to see that the cooking menu (for cooking hamburger steak) displayed on this first specific screen 16M1 is a recipe obtained from outside.

[0497] In Fig. 31, the individual light-emitting unit 21M4 corresponding to the input key 113 is in a standby state in which the heating operation can be started at any time. To indicate this, the individual light-emitting unit 21M4 is flashing to prompt the user to operate the input key 113. The dashed circle indicates that the individual light-emitting unit 21M4 is flashing.

[0498] In Fig. 31, star-shaped figures are drawn at the positions of the individual light-emitting units 21M2 and 21M3. These figures indicate that the input functions of the input keys (108, 109) arranged in front of the individual light-emitting unit 21M4 are valid, and that an input command can be given by performing a touch operation at this point.

[0499] 31, the individual light-emitting unit 21M2 corresponding to the input key 108 is emitting light. In other words, the user US can select either the heating unit specification unit 116L for selecting cooking using the left heating port 4L or the heating unit specification unit 116R for selecting cooking using the right heating port 4R.

[0500] Recipe data CD acquired from an external device is preferentially displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 by displaying the external recipe identification section 173. That is, the identification information 167 of the received recipe data CD is displayed at the center position in the front-rear direction of the first area 22 of the first specific screen 16M1. Therefore, by pressing the input key 113 as shown in Fig. 31, cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be started immediately.

[0501] As described above, there are two types of recipe data CD obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300): one where cooking is limited to specific heating parts (right heating port 4R, center heating port 4C, left heating port 4L), and one where cooking can be performed by specifying the range of heating parts that can be used according to the user US's wishes. Therefore, even when the user US uses recipe data CD obtained from an external device, usability is not impaired.

[0502] Next, we will explain Figure 32. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit 16M in the collaborative cooking mode KM1, and is an example in which standard ingredients and nutritional ingredients for "hamburger steak," one of the cooking menus, are displayed.

[0503] If, at step SU7A in Figure 30, the user US issues a command to display either the food ingredients or the nutritional ingredients by voice input, or if, at the stage where the operational support information 170 is being displayed (see Figure 31), the input key 109 is touched, the first specific screen 16M1 temporarily switches to the display screen of Figure 32(A) and Figure 32(B).

[0504] The display screen in FIG. 32(A) is the food component display screen 16M1A described above, as explained in FIG. 31, and the display screen in FIG. 30(B) is the nutritional component display screen 16M1B.

[0505] The food component display screen 16M1A and nutritional component display screen 16M1B automatically return to the original state of the first specific screen 16M1 after a certain time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since they were displayed. Alternatively, the display program of the control device 40 stipulates that if the user US gives any command by voice input, or if the input key 109 is operated once more within the certain period of time (10 seconds), the original state of the first specific screen 16M1 will be restored.

[0506] Next, we will explain Figure 33. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking steps of a cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (hereinafter referred to as a "cooperative cooking menu") and the operations of the input operation units (central operation unit 15M and right operation unit 15R). In the example of FIG. 33, the collaborative cooking menu is made up of three cooking steps: cooking step 1, cooking step 2, and cooking step 3. Cooking step 1 is an example in which the first heating means HM1 is used.

[0507] In the recipe data CD, in the example of Fig. 33, the following conditions are defined in a predetermined computer program format: Control conditions for heat power, etc. may also be defined. (1) Wait for input from the input key 113 and start induction heating operation at the right heating port 4R (or the left heating port 4L). (2) When the stop key 114R (114L) (not shown) is pressed to stop heating of the right heating port 4R (or the left heating port 4L), the heating operation is stopped, or when certain conditions (continuous cooking time or reaching of the target temperature) are met, the heating operation is stopped at that point. The stop key 114R is arranged on the right operation unit 15R, and the stop key 114L is arranged on the right operation unit 15R, and they are input keys corresponding to the stop key 114 on the central operation unit 15M.

[0508] The program included in the recipe data CD specifies heating pause periods P3 and P5, which will be described later, but the duration of these heating pause periods P3 and P5 is not specified. However, in order to prevent cooking from being interrupted for an excessively long time, for example, it is possible to count the elapsed time of each cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 based on the end point of each cooking step, and when 30 minutes have elapsed, for example, a warning is issued and the execution of the cooking menu is forcibly stopped.

[0509] In the example of recipe data CD in Figure 33, cooking process 1 is performed using the first heating means HM1, cooking process 2 is performed using a microwave heating source (second heating means HM2), and finally cooking process 3 is provided in which the food to be cooked is moved onto the top plate 3 and finishing induction heating is performed to compensate for insufficient heating.

[0510] It should be noted that this cooking device 1 has an additional measure for protecting the setting of cooking modes, control conditions, and the like from being inadvertently changed upon receipt of an external command signal.

[0511] In the example of Figure 33, the first heating means HM1 is operated first, and after that heating operation is completed, the second heating means HM2 is operated, but the radiant heat heating means 12 may also be operated as the third heating means at the same time as the second heating means HM2.

[0512] As shown in FIG. 33, the collaborative cooking menu shown here consists of four steps. P1 is the first stage (preparation period), which is the period from when input key 107 is operated to execute the collaborative cooking menu to when (induction) heating cooking operation is started at right heating port 4R by input key 113R (not shown).

[0513] When the input key 109 is operated, if the above-mentioned "permission condition" is satisfied, the control device 40 displays the first specific screen 16M1. Note that the first specific screen 16M1 is not shown in FIG.

[0514] When the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, one of the linked cooking menus can be selected by operating the input key 107 or the dial-type selection means 123. After that, by operating the input key 113R, the mode switches to linked cooking mode (using the right heating port 4R) and proceeds to the heating cooking step P2.

[0515] When the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed on the central display section 16M by pressing the input key 107 once, and the identification information 167 of the linked cooking menu desired by the user US is displayed in a predetermined position on the first specific screen 16M1 (default display), there is no need to press the input key 107 once again. Also, there is no need to select the linked cooking menu using the dial-type selection means 123.

[0516] P2 is a heating and cooking period (cooking step 1) by the first heating means HM1. In this cooking step 1, when an appropriate food item N such as a metal pan is placed on the right heating port 4R and an input key 113R (not shown) on the right operating section 15R is pressed, a heating and cooking operation is started.

[0517] At the stage when the cooking process 1 is started, the control device 40 has already finished judging the permission conditions (1 and 2) and therefore knows which heating part of the first heating means HM1 (induction heating means) is in use. In other words, it knows the usage status of both the right heating port 4R and the left heating port 4L. Therefore, as a default setting, the control device 40 determines to use the "right heating unit" 4R in cooking step 3 in the coordinated cooking mode, and occupies this right heating port 4R.

[0518] The cooking step 1 is basically determined in advance by the operation program of the linked cooking menu. For example, when the standard heating time has elapsed, the voice notification unit 50 notifies the user, and the first specific screen 16M1 displays a message such as "x minutes will soon elapse." In other words, the user US is notified that the cooking step 1 is nearing completion. To finish cooking step 1, the user US only needs to press the input key 114R (not shown) of the right operation section 15R once.

[0519] P3 is a heating pause period during which cooking step 1 by the first heating means HM1 is temporarily stopped and cooking step 2 by the second heating means HM2 is started.

[0520] This heating pause period P3 is a period required to check the degree of heating of the food in cooking step 1, to add seasonings, or to add another food to be cooked and perform cooking step 2. It is also a period required to move the food to be cooked into heating chamber 6. The heating pause step P3 ends when start key 113 is pressed, and the process proceeds to cooking step 2 of P4.

[0521] This cooking process 2 is started when the control device 40 confirms that the door 7 has been opened once during the pause period P3 and has been closed thereafter. The door open / close signal from the open / close detection unit 10 is used by the control device 40. The control device 40 measures the time required from when the door 7 is opened until it is closed again, and if a certain allowable time TX is exceeded, a safety measure is adopted such that the heating operation will not start even if the input key 113 is pressed from that point onwards.

[0522] The cooking step 2 basically ends automatically when a heating time predetermined by the operation program of the associated cooking menu has elapsed or when the temperature of the food to be cooked has risen to a set value (e.g., 90°C). For example, in one associated cooking menu, heating is started with a microwave output of 500 W. Furthermore, if the user US opens the door 7 at any time, the microwave irradiation is stopped instantly and the heating operation is stopped.

[0523] In cooking step 2 of P4, the user US may be able to individually set the control conditions (e.g., cooking time and target temperature) by operating at least one of the two input keys 108, 109 and the dial-type selection means 123, but depending on the cooking menu, the user US may not be able to change the control conditions.

[0524] 33 shows the case where the stop key 114 on the central operation unit 15M is pressed to end cooking process 2. When the cooking process 2 is stopped in this manner, cooking process 2 ends and the process proceeds to a heating pause period P5.

[0525] The heating pause period P5 is a period required for checking the degree of heating of the food in cooking step 2, adding seasonings, or adding another food to be cooked and carrying out the next cooking step 3. For example, in cooking step 2, only frozen food can be heated as the food to be cooked, and in cooking step 3, food that has been immersed in seasonings or cooking liquid, or that has been cooked separately by preheating, can be added to the same food to be heated N. This broadens the range of cooking possibilities.

[0526] During this heating pause period P5, the user US opens the door 7, removes the food to be cooked from inside the heating chamber 6, and places it on the top plate 3. The food to be cooked is placed inside an object to be heated N, such as a metal pot, and the like. Then, when input key 113R (not shown) for right heating unit 4 is pressed to command the start of cooking, the heating pause period of P5 ends and the heating cooking period of P6 (induction heating "cooking step 3") begins.

[0527] P6 switches from cooking step 2 by the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating source) to cooking step 3 by the first heating means HM1 (in this case, induction heating means, for example, the right heating port 4R). In this cooking step 3, when cooking with the right heating port 4R as described above, the user US can individually set control conditions (e.g., cooking time and target temperature) by operating input keys 108R, 109R (neither shown) arranged on the right operation unit 15R. Control conditions can also be selected by dial-type selection means 123.

[0528] If cooking step 3 is performed using the left heating port 4L, the user US can individually set control conditions (e.g., cooking time and target temperature) by operating input keys 108L and 109L (neither shown) arranged on the left operation unit 15L. Control conditions can also be selected using the dial-type selection means 123.

[0529] Then, when the stop key 114R (not shown) on the right operation unit 15R is pressed to command the cooking to stop, cooking step 3 ends and the operation of the linked cooking mode KM1 ends. In the case of timer cooking, induction heating cooking ends automatically when the time has elapsed, and cooking step 3 ends.

[0530] As is clear from Fig. 33, the right operation unit 15R of the right heating port 4R becomes unusable from the point in time when the start of cooking is decided by the start key 113 of the central operation unit 15M, not when the coordinated cooking menu is selected, i.e., when the identification information 167 indicating the name of the cooking of the coordinated cooking menu is displayed on the central display unit 16M. If the left heating port 4L is set by default, the left heating port 4L will be occupied.

[0531] As is clear from the above description, the control device 40 performs the following function restriction process. (1) The input signal from the right operation unit 15R is disabled or the input is restricted. For example, the input functions of the input keys 107R, 108R, and 109R are disabled. As a result, the right heating port 4R cannot be used (input) during the heating cooking period (cooking step 1) to the heating cooking period (cooking step 3) except when input is required in the linked cooking mode KM1. (2) Even when the heating and cooking period (cooking step 1) begins, the left operation unit 15L can be used (the input signal from the left operation unit 15L is not invalidated).

[0532] In this way, when the heating cooking period (cooking step 1) begins, the control device 40 occupies only the right heating port 4R for cooking step 3 from the cooking step 1 stage.

[0533] Therefore, the right heating port 4R is "occupied" by the selection of the linked cooking menu. Also, when viewed from the perspective of the first heating means HM1 as a whole, the use of only a part (the right side) of the three heating parts is "restricted."

[0534] Even when the heating cooking period (cooking step 1) ends, the above-mentioned restricted state of the right heating port 4R is not released. During the preparation period P1, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed on the central display unit 16M, and the user US can easily understand that the cooperative cooking mode is being entered. After that, during the cooking process 1, the display of the first specific screen 16M1 on the central display unit 15M disappears, and instead the first specific screen 16R1 (not shown) is displayed on the right display unit 15R. Therefore, when operating the right operation unit 15R, the user US can easily see on the right display unit 16R that the cooperative cooking mode is in effect. The same is true for cooking step 3.

[0535] Even if the control device 40 detects that the door 7 has changed from an open state to a closed state before the heating cooking period (cooking process 2) begins, if the temperature inside the heating chamber 6 is higher than the reference value, there is a concern that the control device 40, the non-contact (infrared) sensor 13, and thermistor sensor 14 may mistakenly recognize the abnormally high temperature in the heating chamber 6 as indicating that cooking is complete even before cooking has begun. Therefore, before the start of the heating cooking period (cooking process 1), if the temperature in the heating chamber 6 is too high, the first specific screen 16M1 displayed on the central display unit 16M will display the message "The second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) cannot be used immediately due to high temperature."

[0536] The periods indicated by the thick arrows in FIG. 33 are the period during which reception of one recipe data CD is restricted and the period during which acquisition of additional recipe data CD is restricted.

[0537] In the central operation section 15M, after the input key 107 is touched once and the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the limiting operation is performed by the limiting section 55 as follows. It should be noted that the communication unit 51 has its reception and transmission functions enabled at the point in time when the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed (at least its reception function is disabled before that).

[0538] That is, the limiting unit 55 built into the control device 40 operates as follows. As shown in Fig. 33, it is not possible to change a specific coordinated cooking menu A obtained from outside to another coordinated cooking menu B (e.g. "Hamburger steak") in the same coordinated cooking mode KM1. To change it, it is necessary to operate the stop key 114 to cancel the coordinated cooking mode KM1 once and return to the initial standby screen 16MH.

[0539] In other words, once the time limit indicated by the thick arrow in Fig. 33 has arrived, the cooking using the specific linked cooking menu A once obtained from outside can be cancelled at any time by operating the stop key 114. Once a cancellation operation has been performed in this way, the display returns to the initial standby screen 16MH, and in this state, it is necessary to touch the input key 107 again.

[0540] Furthermore, for a specific linked cooking menu A based on recipe data CD acquired from outside, during the period until all cooking processes are completed, the control device 40 cannot acquire recipe data CD of another linked cooking menu C from outside (such as communication terminal 200).

[0541] In other words, when the time limit indicated by the thick arrow in Fig. 33 is reached, the start of cooking step 1 of the linked cooking mode KM1 can be decided by operating the start key 113 of the central operation unit 15M, and cooking can be performed using the recipe data CD of the specific linked cooking menu A acquired immediately before this decision. However, until all cooking steps of this cooking menu A are completed, additional recipe data CD cannot be acquired from outside.

[0542] Furthermore, if a specific linked cooking menu D based on recipe data CD acquired from outside is one in which cooking step 1 is performed using the right heating port 4L, when the start key 113R (not shown) located on the right operation unit 15R is pressed, the control device 40 will not be able to acquire recipe data CD for another linked cooking menu from outside (such as the communication terminal 200) until all cooking steps for that specific linked cooking menu D are completed.

[0543] Next, a description will be given of FIGS. FIG. 34 is a time chart 1 for explaining the recipe data obtainable section and control operations in the combined cooking mode KM1 in the cooking appliance 1. In FIG.

[0544] In FIG. 34, SA1 to SA9 indicate the operations of the control device 40. First, the control device 40 detects that the main power switch 20 is turned on (step SA1), transmits data indicating that it has been started (a type of operating status data OS) from the communication unit 51 to the outside, and starts a self-diagnosis mode (SA2). That is, it checks whether the components of the cooking appliance 1, such as the circuits and sensors, are normal.

[0545] Next, the display units 16 are started up, and the initial standby screen is displayed on each of the three display units 16, that is, the central display unit 16M, the right display unit 16R, and the left display unit 16L.

[0546] The heating cooking mode can be selected using any of the three operating units: central operating unit 15M, right operating unit 15R, and left operating unit 15L. However, since central operating unit 15M allows selection of coordinated cooking mode KM1 and composite cooking mode KM2, Figures 34 to 36 will be limited to the case where heating cooking is started using central operating unit 15M.

[0547] The standby initial screen 16MH is displayed on the central display section 16M. After this, a display is displayed on the standby initial screen 16MH to prompt the user US to select a heating means, and similar audio guidance is provided by the audio notification section 50 (SA3A).

[0548] Next, the user US presses the input key 107 of the central operation unit 15M to select the collaborative cooking mode KM1. This is step SA4 in FIG.

[0549] The "initial standby period" TP in this embodiment 1 is a period starting from step SA3A, and the timing at which this initial standby period TP ends is the time when the input key for starting the heating operation is pressed (SA7). In the coordinated cooking mode KM1, the input key for starting is input key 113. SA9 indicates the time when the heating operation or oscillation operation of the heating coils 9L, 9C, 9R and the microwave oscillation source 11 actually starts.

[0550] The initial waiting period TP cannot exceed the first limit period (first time limit TX), that is, the initial waiting period TP is set to, for example, a maximum of 30 minutes by the process of step SM5 described with reference to FIG.

[0551] Next, during the initial waiting period TP while waiting for a command to start the heating operation as described above, if the input key 107, which also serves as the selection section for the voice input mode 1, is "pressed and held," the voice input mode is started. If the user does not consent to the acquisition of recipe acquisition data CD from outside during the initial standby period TP, the recipe data CD for the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the combined cooking mode KM2, etc. cannot be acquired.

[0552] However, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, when the input key 107 is pressed and held at the stage of step SA4, a "recipe acquisition permission condition" described later is satisfied. That is, the program permits the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD.

[0553] Incidentally, even if the input key 107 is "short-pressed" at the stage of step SA4, the "recipe acquisition permission condition" described later is satisfied.

[0554] In the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, when the input key 108 is "long-pressed" or "short-pressed" at the stage of step SA4, a "recipe acquisition permission condition" described later is satisfied. That is, the program permits the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD (of the composite cooking mode KM2).

[0555] Incidentally, the input key 107 also serves as a selection section for the voice input mode 1. Therefore, if the input key 107 is "long pressed" at the stage of step SA4 and the touch time TA exceeds the threshold value (5 seconds), the mode automatically switches to the voice input mode 1 at the time of exceeding the threshold value (step SA5).

[0556] Therefore, the mode is switched to voice input mode 1 from step SA5 shown in FIG. 34, and during the period of voice input mode 1, the control conditions for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be set by voice input. The voice input mode 1 is automatically terminated when a command to start the heating operation is given by input key 113.

[0557] Within the initial standby period TP, the period from steps SA4 to SA7 is the period TB1 during which the recipe data CD of the combined cooking mode KM2 can be acquired, and the period from steps SA4 to SA7 is the period TB1 during which the recipe data CD of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be cancelled. Furthermore, the period from steps SA4 to SA7 is a period TB3 during which the control conditions (control data) of the recipe data CD of the collaborative cooking mode KM1 can be changed.

[0558] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 35. Fig. 35 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between the input operation section (central operation section 15M) and central display section 16M in chronological order. In FIG. 35, the user US operates the input key 154M to select the combined cooking mode KM2 (step SA4). Then, during the initial waiting period TP, at the time of step SA4 when the input key 108 is pressed, the "recipe acquisition condition" is met.

[0559] During the initial standby period TP, if the "recipe acquisition condition" is satisfied, the data acquisition unit 53 can acquire the recipe data CD of the control menu (for example, "warming") of the combined cooking mode KM2 via the communication unit 51 only once.

[0560] Furthermore, during the initial standby period TP, the recipe data CD for the cooking menu of the combined cooking mode KM2 acquired from outside can be cancelled by pressing the stop key 114. In actuality, in the initial standby period TP, the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed first, and after the identification information 160 of the recipe data CD is displayed on that screen, the display can be cancelled by pressing the stop key 114.

[0561] Furthermore, during the initial standby period TP, the control conditions of the acquired recipe data CD can be changed as appropriate (some control conditions cannot be changed) by operating the input keys 108, 109 or the dial-type selection means 123. Again, the control conditions are displayed in the displayed second specific screen 16M1, so that the displayed contents can be confirmed before being changed.

[0562] Incidentally, the input key 108 also serves as a selection section for the voice input mode 1. Therefore, if the input key 108 is "long pressed" at the stage of step SA4 and the touch time TA exceeds the threshold value (5 seconds), the mode automatically switches to the voice input mode 1 at the time of exceeding the threshold value (step SA5).

[0563] Therefore, the mode is switched to voice input mode 1 from step SA5 shown in FIG. 35, and during the period of voice input mode 1, the control conditions of the combination cooking mode KM2 can be set by voice input. The voice input mode 1 is automatically terminated when a command to start the heating operation is given by input key 113.

[0564] 35, the initial standby period TP also ends when the input key 113 is operated (SA7). Then, the actual heating operation starts immediately thereafter (SA9). As described above, the initial waiting period TP ends at step SA9 when the start key 113 is pressed, so after this, recipe data CD for another composite cooking mode KM2 cannot be obtained from outside (however, if the composite cooking mode KM2 is canceled with the stop key 114 during the cooking process, it is possible to obtain the recipe data CD again).

[0565] The time difference between the acquisition of recipe data CD by step SA3 and step SA4 in Fig. 35 is limited to 30 minutes. If 30 minutes is exceeded, the control device 40 forcibly turns off the main power switch 20 for safety reasons, since there is a possibility that the user US has forgotten to input the operation, or issues a command to the audio notification unit 51 to issue an alarm or the like (see step SL8 in Fig. 24).

[0566] Note that, instead of restricting the time difference between the acquisition of recipe data CD by steps SA3 and SA4 to within 30 minutes, the period from step SA3A to step SA4, which is the point at which the initial waiting period TP begins, may be restricted to within 30 minutes.

[0567] As is clear from FIG. 35, the period from steps SA4 to SA7 in the initial standby period TP is a period TB1 during which the recipe data CD of the combined cooking mode KM2 can be acquired.

[0568] Within the initial standby period TP, the period from steps SA4 to SA7 is a cancelable period TB2 for the recipe data CD in the combined cooking mode. The period from steps SA4 to SA7 is a period TB3 during which the control conditions (control data) of the recipe data CD of the combined cooking mode KM2 can be changed.

[0569] Next, we will explain Figure 36. Fig. 36 is a time chart showing a first modified example of the time chart shown in Fig. 34. Similar to Fig. 34, SA1 to SA9 show the operation of the heating control unit 43 of the control device 40 when cooking in the combined cooking mode KM1 is performed. Step SA4 is the time when the user US selects the collaborative cooking mode KM1 by touching the input key 107. In the case of Fig. 36 as well, the initial standby period TP starts from step SA3A and ends when the start key 113 is pressed.

[0570] Even in the case of the collaborative cooking mode KM1 shown in FIG. 36, the input key 107 is pressed during the initial waiting period TP, which is limited to a predetermined time (for example, within 30 minutes), so that the "recipe acquisition permission condition" is satisfied at the time of step SA4.

[0571] When the “recipe acquisition permission condition” is satisfied, the data acquisition unit 53 can acquire the recipe data CD of the collaborative cooking mode KM1 via the communication unit 51 only once. In FIG. 36, the timing of obtaining the recipe data CD is different from that in the example shown in FIG. 34, as will be described below.

[0572] During the initial standby period TP, if the input key 107, which also serves as the selection section for the voice input mode 1, is not pressed, the cooking menu of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 cannot be selected, that is, the recipe data CD to be acquired cannot be specified.

[0573] Then, when the input key 107 is operated, the "recipe acquisition permission condition" is satisfied. That is, the data acquisition unit 53 is programmed to permit acquisition of the recipe data CD. The recipe data CD can be acquired from the point of this step SA4 (note that in reality, since the recipe data CD is subject to restrictions such as the performance of the communication infrastructure, acquisition may not be completed instantly, and may take several to 20 seconds).

[0574] Incidentally, the input key 107 also serves as a selection section for the voice input mode 1. Therefore, if the input key 107 is "long pressed" at the stage of step SA4 and the touch time TA exceeds the threshold value (5 seconds), the mode automatically switches to the voice input mode 1 at the time of exceeding the threshold value (step SA5).

[0575] However, there are cases where the user US does not realize that the mode has been switched to the voice input mode 1 at the above-mentioned stage. Alternatively, there are cases where the user US is not aware of the long press operation. 36, after the automatic switching, when the first specific screen 16M1 displays that the recipe data CD has been acquired, the screen displays that the mode has been switched to the voice input mode 1. At the same time, the voice notification unit 50 also notifies the user. An actual example of the first specific screen 16M1 is shown in FIG. 37.

[0576] Therefore, from step SA5 shown in Fig. 36, input in voice input mode 1 is accepted. Therefore, from step SA5, the control conditions for the coordinated cooking mode KM1 can be set by voice input. The voice input mode 1 is automatically terminated when a command to start the heating operation is given by input key 113.

[0577] Next, we will explain Figure 37. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation section 15 and the central display section 16M in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 corresponding to the modified example of FIG. There are two types of auxiliary information 179 shown in Fig. 37. One is voice input mode display information 179D indicating that voice input is being accepted because the mode is voice input mode. The other is reference information 179E recommending the input of control conditions and including examples (standard values) of control conditions that can be input.

[0578] Reference numeral 173 denotes an external recipe identification section, as explained in Fig. 31. This makes it easy to know that the linked cooking menu currently displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 has been obtained from an external source.

[0579] Next, we will explain Figure 38. FIG. 38 is a time chart for explaining the period during which recipe data CD can be acquired and the control operations in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 as a whole, and shows a second modified example of the time chart shown in FIG.

[0580] In FIG. 38, SA1 to SA9 indicate the operation of the control device 40, similarly to FIG. 38, the hardware configuration of the voice input dedicated key 180 is changed. Specifically, the operation surface of the input key 180 is configured to be illuminated from below by a light emitting element (LED) (not shown) arranged below the operation surface.

[0581] The input function of the input key 180 is enabled when the input key 107, 108 or 109 is touched (step SA4) after the control device 40 is started. After the input function is enabled, the input key 180 is illuminated by the light-emitting element (not shown) and stands out among the operation unit 15.

[0582] The initial standby period TP starts from the time when the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed to prompt the user US to select a cooking mode (step SA3A).

[0583] Step SA4 is the time when any one of input keys 107, 108, or 109 is touched, as in Fig. 34. At this point, the "recipe acquisition permission condition" is satisfied, so that acquisition of recipe data CD can be executed. Thereafter, when input key 113 is operated, the initial standby period TP ends.

[0584] In the example of Fig. 38, after the input key 107 is touched, recipe data for the coordinated cooking mode KM1 can be obtained from the outside via the communication unit 51. When the input key 108 is touched without touching the input key 107, recipe data for the combined cooking mode KM2 can be obtained.

[0585] If the input key 180 is touch-input operated at the time of step SA5 after the input key 107 or 108 is operated, the control device 40 transitions to the voice input mode 2. Therefore, after this step SA5, the user US can input the control conditions by voice. In the example of Fig. 38, since the voice input mode 2A is selected, the input functions of (some of) the input keys (e.g., 107) other than the voice input dedicated key 180 are temporarily disabled after the voice input key is started. Therefore, even if the input keys 107 and 108 are touched, no input can be made. The input function of the start key 113 is not disabled.

[0586] Next, we will explain Figure 39. 39 shows the main processing of the control device 40 up to the start of cooking based on recipe data CD obtained from the outside. In particular, it shows the processing for displaying data on food ingredients and nutritional ingredients.

[0587] 39, the recipe data CD acquired from the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51 is stored in the recipe data storage unit 42 of the storage device 41 (step SS30). Then, the recipe data CD is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS31).

[0588] At the stage of step SS31, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed in the central display section 16M. That is, at least the identification information 167 is displayed.

[0589] In the next step SS32, in order to display the food ingredients, it is determined whether or not a display command has been issued from the user US. Since the mode has already shifted to voice input mode 1, if a prescribed term (phrase) such as "food ingredients" or "calories" is uttered by voice, the determination in step SS32 is "Yes." This voice signal is analyzed by the voice signal analysis unit 58 (see FIG. 8), and data on the food ingredients of the target cooking menu is read from the storage device 41.

[0590] A food component display screen 16M1A as shown in Fig. 32(A) is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS33). Then, the amounts of energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate are displayed. Next, the process proceeds to step SS34, which determines whether the start key 113 has been pressed. In this step SS34, the process waits for a certain period of time until an operation is performed by the user US. If the start key 113 is pressed during this waiting period, the display returns to the first specific screen 16M1. Then, the driving of the heating means (such as the first heating means HM1) is started (SS35).

[0591] If the input key 109 is not pressed and no voice command is given to display food ingredients within a certain period of time from step SS31, the determination in step SS32 becomes "No."

[0592] If the determination in step SS32 is "No", the process proceeds to step SS36. In step SS36, it is determined whether or not a command to display the nutritional components of the food has been issued. Since the process has already shifted to voice input mode 1, in this step SS36, a specified term (phrase) such as "nutrient" or "nutrition" is spoken.

[0593] Then, the voice signal is analyzed by the voice signal analysis unit 58 (see FIG. 8), and the nutritional component data of the target cooking menu is read from the storage device 41. Then, the determination in step SS36 is "Yes." Note that even if the input key 180 is pressed again to release the voice input mode 2 and then the input key 156M is pressed, the determination in step SS36 is "Yes."

[0594] If the result of the determination in step SS36 is "Yes", the display unit 16 displays a nutritional component display screen 16M1B as shown in Fig. 32(B) (step SS37). Then, the amounts of energy, protein, fat, and iron are displayed. Then, the process proceeds to step SS34.

[0595] As described above, if the function setting input key 115 has not been operated in advance to set the food ingredients and nutritional components to be displayed individually each time before cooking begins, the operations of steps SS33 and SS37 shown in Figure 39 will not be performed.

[0596] Although the examples of Figures 34 to 38 do not show the single cooking mode KM3, it can be acquired from outside via the communication unit 51 during the initial standby period TP, similar to the recipe data CD for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0597] Next, we will explain Figure 40. Fig. 40 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control device 40 when the cooking appliance 1 is switched to the voice input mode. Note that Fig. 40 shows the case of the combined cooking mode KM3, but the same is basically true for other cooking modes.

[0598] In FIG. 40, step SS20 indicates the time when the input mode of the control device 40 is switched to the voice input mode 1. In the next step SS21, the voice notification unit 50 and the central display unit 16M notify that they have started accepting voice input. The state of the central display unit 16M at this point in time is, for example, as shown in Fig. 27. That is, as auxiliary information 179, voice input mode display information 179A indicating that voice input is being accepted is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1.

[0599] In the next step SS22, the voice signal analysis unit 58 transitions to an input standby state for receiving a voice command from the user US. Also, a time measurement unit (not shown) inside the control device 40 starts measuring the elapsed time.

[0600] Speech input information uttered by the user US is acquired by the voice signal receiving unit 56 via a microphone (not shown). The voice signal receiving unit 56 converts the acquired voice information into a predetermined voice signal and transmits it to the voice signal analyzing unit 58 (step SS23).

[0601] The voice signal analysis unit 56 analyzes the received voice signal (step SS24) and displays the input content on the central display unit 16M (first specific screen 16M1). For example, it notifies by voice such as "Hamburg steak right IH accepted" and also displays by text on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS25).

[0602] In step SS25, if the input information is insufficient, the voice notification unit 50 further guides the user by voice, for example, "Please specify the preheating temperature." Alternatively, the range of specific control conditions may be notified, for example, "A preheating temperature of 200° C. is recommended. Please specify the temperature."

[0603] If the input of the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation is insufficient, the process returns to step SS23. Before returning to step SS23, the audio notification unit 50 indicates the control conditions that are insufficient to be input and prompts the user to input them (not shown).

[0604] When the heating control unit 43 determines that the input of the control conditions required to start the heating operation has been completed (step SS26), the process proceeds to step SS27. In step SS27, since the voice input has been completed, a notice is given that voice input mode 1 will be cancelled, and it is recommended that the start key 113 be touched (step SS27). Note that when the touch key 113 is touched, the voice input mode 1 is cancelled.

[0605] On the other hand, if no voice command is received in step SS23, the process proceeds to step SS28. In step SS28, it is determined whether the time elapsed since step SS22 exceeds a predetermined time limit TZ. If the time limit TZ has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS23. However, if the time limit TZ (for example, 5 minutes) has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS29. Step SS29 is "automatic shutoff process 2" similar to step SM6 in FIG. 20. Note that this "automatic shutoff process 2" is a series of processes in which, in the state of the first specific screen 16M1, an alarm is issued to the user US by the voice notification unit 50, and then the screen is automatically switched to the initial screen 16MH during standby, and then the main power switch 20 is automatically opened. This prevents the input process from being left unattended for a long time for some reason, ensuring safety.

[0606] Next, we will explain Figure 41. FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a control menu displayed on the central display unit 16M when the central operation unit 15M is operated for the combination cooking mode KM2. First, when the user US turns on the main power by pressing the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 (see FIG. 8), the input functions of the left operation unit 15L, the central operation unit 15M, and the right operation unit 15R are enabled. In other words, the control device 40 is ready to accept operation signals from each of these operation units 15L, 15M, and 15R, and the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed on the central display unit 16M.

[0607] In this state, when the user US presses the input key 108, a display screen 16ST (with default settings) is displayed as shown in FIG. FIG. 41 shows a change in the second special screen 16M2. As is clear from display screen 16ST, a name (identification information) 160 of the control menu "Warm" is displayed large in the center of first area 22 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0608] Behind the control menu identification information 160 "Warm" displayed in the center of the first area 22 are the words "IH heating" (control menu identification information) 161, and conversely, in front of it are the words "Microwave manual" (control menu identification information) 162, displayed slightly smaller.

[0609] As a result, when the user US selects the control menu, it is clear that the next options are "IH heating" and "Microwave manual." If, at this stage, the input key 107 is pressed once more and the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated (for example, clockwise), the control menu identification information 162 for "Microwave manual" is displayed large, as if it has moved (backwards) to the position of the characters "Warm" (control menu identification information) 160. Note that the characters of the control menu identification information 162 have not actually moved; the displayed information has simply switched.

[0610] Furthermore, the characters "IH heating" (control menu identification information) 161 are displayed larger, as if they have moved (forward) to the position of the characters "Warm" (control menu identification information) 160. Note that in this case as well, the control menu identification information 162 has not actually moved, but the display information has simply been switched.

[0611] 41, the display screen 16ST displays a target temperature of "80°C" in the second area 23. When microwave heating is performed at this target temperature, the microwave heating is automatically stopped when the infrared sensor 13 detects that the temperature of the food to be cooked is 80°C.

[0612] If one wishes to change the temperature displayed in this second area 23 and change the automatic stop temperature, one need only press the input key 108 corresponding to the second area 23 once and rotate the dial type selection means 123. For example, when the dial type selection means 123 is rotated clockwise, the temperature rises by 5°C to 85°C, as shown in display screen 16UP1. Conversely, when it is rotated counterclockwise, the temperature falls by 5°C to 75°C, as shown in display screen 16DN1.

[0613] Also, in the second area 23, a heat source display section 163 is displayed which displays in text that the heat source is microwave heating means (second heating means HM2).

[0614] As described above, 164 is reference information that is automatically displayed to indicate that this is a recommended control menu for heating side dishes, etc. The content of this reference information may be other additional information 165, and two or more types of information may be displayed alternately or sequentially for several seconds each on the display screen (for example, the third area 24) of the central display unit 16M.

[0615] Furthermore, as shown in category 2 of FIG. 11, information (reference information) 164 indicating the main points of each control menu may be displayed at any time in response to the rotation operation of dial type selection means 123. In other words, in this embodiment 1, the reference information 164 that corresponds one-to-one with each control menu (e.g., "warm up") is displayed so that the user US does not hesitate as to whether or not to select each control menu (e.g., "warm up").

[0616] 41, when reference information 164 is displayed in third area 24, the reference information 164 displayed in the third area can be changed by touching input key 109 located in front of the reference information 164 once and rotating dial-type selection means 123. In other words, by rotating dial-type selection means 123, more detailed additional information 166 may be displayed in third area 24 instead of reference information 164. Note that a plurality of pieces of additional information 166 may be prepared, rather than one piece.

[0617] As shown in Figure 41, the aforementioned "composite cooking mode" KM2 is characterized by a mode in which multiple heating means with different heating principles, such as the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3, are driven simultaneously or automatically switched with a time lag to heat and cook a common food item.

[0618] Next, we will explain Figure 42. FIG. 42 is a time chart for explaining a countermeasure to prevent interference in the voice input mode when cooking is performed simultaneously in central operation unit 15M and left operation unit 15L. 42, the number "107" indicates the input key 107, and "113" indicates the start key 113. "123" indicates the dial type selection means 123.

[0619] As shown in FIG. 42, when input key 107 is "short pressed" on central operation unit 15M, input key 107 is followed by pressing dial type selection means 123 and then pressing start key 1113, and the heating and cooking operation (cooking process) is started. On the other hand, if the initial touch operation of input key 107 is a "long press", the mode switches to voice input mode, and the heating cooking operation (cooking process) is started by pressing start key 113.

[0620] When the input process for one cooking cycle is completed and cooking starts, the voice input mode is automatically cancelled (the voice input mode ends and the system automatically returns to the default touch input mode). Therefore, during the cooking process, it is not possible to stop or restart cooking by voice input, or to control conditions such as heat level by voice input.

[0621] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the control device 40 is configured not to simultaneously accept a command to start the voice input mode for the central operation unit (15M) and a command to start the voice input mode for the right operation unit 15R or the left operation unit 15L. This is shown in FIG. 42.

[0622] As shown in FIG. 42, when the input key 107 of the central operation unit 15M is “pressed and held” to start the voice input mode, if the left operation unit 15L is not in the “occupied” state described above, the input function of the input keys 108L to 109R (none of which are shown in the figure) of the left operation unit 15L is valid. However, even in this case, the voice input mode cannot be set even by performing a "long press" operation on the input key 107L (not shown) of the left operation section 15L.

[0623] As shown in Fig. 42, the "prohibited period ET" of voice input starts when the input key 107 of the central operation unit 15M is "pressed and held" to start the voice input mode, and during this prohibited period, command signals from the left operation unit 15L are refused. Therefore, no input can be made by either a "long press" or a "short press." Such "refusal to accept" may be notified on the left display unit 16L.

[0624] Therefore, when the central operation unit 15M is in voice input mode, the left operation unit 15L cannot be set to voice input mode, and therefore the voice signal issued by the user US (for the central operation unit 15M) is not received by the voice signal receiving unit 56L (not shown) of the left operation unit 15L if it is an input command for the left operation unit 15L.

[0625] As shown in Fig. 42, after the "voice input mode" of central operation unit 15M is ended by operating start key 113, the voice input mode can be started in left operation unit 15L by "long pressing" input key 107L (not shown). At that point, central operation unit 15M has already returned to touch input mode, so that voice input to left operation unit 15L will not be an erroneous command to central operation unit 15M.

[0626] 42, the measures to prevent interference in the voice input mode between the central operation unit 15M and the left operation unit 15L are described, but similar measures are also taken between the central operation unit 15M and the right operation unit 15R. In addition, measures to prevent interference in the voice input mode are also taken between the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R. For example, this is the case when cooking is performed simultaneously in the single cooking mode KM3 in the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R.

[0627] Summary of embodiment 1. As is clear from the above description, in the first embodiment, the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure is disclosed as follows. That is, one embodiment of the cooking device according to the first disclosure is as follows: Main unit 2 and A heating chamber 6 formed inside the main body 2; A first heating means HM1 for heating an object N placed on an upper surface of the main body 2; A second heating means HM2 for cooking in the heating chamber 6; an input operation unit 15 for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2; Notification means 90; A control device 40 that receives commands from the input operation unit 15, The input operation unit 15 includes first selection means (input keys) 107, 108, 109 for selecting one of a plurality of cooking modes (linked, combined, independent) KM1 to KM3 using the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2, and second selection means (dial-type selection means) 123 for selecting one cooking menu or control menu from the cooking modes selected by the first selection means, The first selection means 107, 108, 109 are touch-type input keys (provided for each cooking mode), The second selection means 123 is a dial-type selection means, The first selection means 107, 108, 109 issues a voice input mode setting signal MC1 when the length of the operation time is equal to or longer than a threshold value. The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0628] With this configuration, the touch-type input keys 107, 108, and 109 on the input operation unit can be used to switch to voice input mode, so that the troublesome input process before starting the heating operation can be input by voice. This improves operability and reduces the workload of the user US.

[0629] Furthermore, by rotating the dial-type selection means 123, candidates for cooking menus and control menus can be easily displayed on the display unit 16 in a selectable manner, improving the operability of preparation work before starting cooking.

[0630] Incidentally, in comparison with the past, for example, if the action of selecting the heat source or control menu to be used in cooking is performed using the touch input keys, and then the settings of heat power, etc. are performed using the touch input keys or push button input keys (sometimes called "plus keys" or "minus keys"). After first pressing the touch keys one or more times to select the heat source, etc., several touch operations are required to select one of ten menus that determine the cooking contents, for example. Furthermore, if there are ten levels of heat power, etc., several touch operations are required to select one of them. Therefore, several to about ten touch operations are required before cooking can begin. In comparison, in embodiment 1, for example, after pressing the input key once to select the coordinated cooking mode KM1, the input key 107 is pressed once to select the first area 22 for selecting a coordinated cooking menu, the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated, and when selecting the second area 23 to set the heat level or the like, the input key 107 is touched once, and the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated again, so that only three touches are required, and even including the dial-type selection means 123, it is often only about five touches.

[0631] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure, The input operation unit 15 issues the voice input mode corresponding signal MC1, The control device 40 is configured such that, when it receives the voice input mode corresponding signal MC1, it is capable of acquiring the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51, and also accepts a command to set control conditions from the user US.

[0632] With this configuration, the timing of obtaining various recipe data CD from outside can be controlled by the input operation unit 15, preventing a situation in which the operation of receiving recipe data CD starts at an unintended timing before cooking begins.

[0633] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure, The control device 40 has an integrated cooking mode KM1 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven with a time lag to perform one cooking operation, When the control device 40 receives a command 1 to select a cooking menu of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 from the input operation unit 15, if the permission conditions (see FIG. 17) are satisfied, the control device 40 displays a first specific screen 16M1 for executing the cooperative cooking mode KM1 on the display unit 16, The control device 40 is configured such that, when command 2 is received from the input operation unit 15 (input keys 109 or audio signal receiving unit 56) while the first specific screen 16M1 is being displayed (see Figure 31), information on at least one of the amounts of food ingredients or nutritional ingredients for a specific dish (see Figure 32) that can be executed in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 is displayed on the display unit 16.

[0634] With this configuration, when selecting a specific cooking menu (e.g., "hamburger steak") in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the user US can easily obtain information on ingredients and nutrients of the food related to the cooking menu. This improves the convenience of the cooking menu selection operation by the user US.

[0635] For example, the user US can select an appropriate cooking menu based on information on the amounts of food ingredients and nutrients depending on the family's health management, dietary restrictions, etc., which can contribute to improving their eating habits.

[0636] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure, The display is switched between a dedicated food ingredient display screen 16M1A showing the identification information 167 of one cooking menu (e.g., "hamburger steak") and the food ingredients, and a dedicated nutritional ingredient display screen 16M1B showing the identification information 167 and the nutritional ingredients, so that the user US can easily and clearly identify each piece of information.

[0637] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure is realized in the following form. That is, one embodiment of the cooking device 1 disclosed in the first embodiment is as follows: A first heating means HM1 for heating an object to be heated; A second heating means HM2 for heating the food in the heating chamber 6; An input operation unit 15; A notification unit 90 having a display unit 16; A communication unit 51 that receives recipe data CD for executing cooking from an external device; A control device 40, The control device 40 has an integrated cooking menu KM3 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven with a time lag to perform one cooking operation, The input operation unit includes a voice signal receiving unit 56 serving as a voice input unit, various input keys 107 to 109 (107L to 109L, 107R to 109R) serving as a touch input unit, and a dial-type selection unit 123 for selecting a control condition. The control device 40 includes a heating control unit 43 that controls a heating operation corresponding to the cooperative cooking mode KM1, and a data acquisition unit 53 that acquires the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51 for a specific food to be cooked. The control device 40 enables the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD during an initial standby period TP, When the control device 40 receives a command 1 to select the cooperative cooking menu KM1 from either the voice input means or the touch input means, if the permission conditions are satisfied, the control device 40 displays a specific cooking menu (e.g., "hamburger steak") of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 as a first specific screen 16M1 on the display unit 16, When the control device 40 receives a command 2 from either the voice input means or the touch input means while the first specific screen 16M1 is being displayed, it displays at least one of information on food ingredients or nutrients related to the cooking menu (food ingredient display screen 16M1A or nutritional ingredient display screen 16M1B), The control device 40 acquires the recipe data CD when the voice input means and the touch input means are operated within a first limited period TX, The input operation unit 15 judges whether or not it is necessary to switch to a voice input mode (voice input mode 1) based on the touch state of the input key, and issues a voice input mode corresponding signal MC1. when the control device 40 receives the voice input mode compatible signal MC1 from the input operation unit 15 during a display period of the first specific screen 16M1, the control device 40 enables acquisition of the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51, and also receives a control condition setting command by voice of the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0638] With this configuration, when selecting a specific cooking menu (e.g., "hamburger steak") in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the user US can easily obtain information on the ingredients and nutrients of each food item. This improves the convenience of the cooking menu selection operation by the user US. For example, the user US can select an appropriate cooking menu from information on food ingredients and nutritional components depending on the situation, such as family health management and dietary restrictions, which can contribute to improving eating habits.

[0639] Furthermore, by rotating dial type selection means 123, candidates for control conditions can be easily displayed on display unit 16, improving the operability of the operation for setting cooking conditions.

[0640] Furthermore, since the recipe data CD for the collaborative cooking mode KM1 is received through a special operation by the user US, the timing of data acquisition from outside is controlled. In other words, when the voice input means and the touch input means satisfy the condition of being operated within the first limit period TX (see FIG. 24 in particular), the recipe data CD can be acquired, so that the recipe data CD is not inadvertently received due to the communication terminal 200 approaching, etc. This can improve the sense of security of the user US.

[0641] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure, specific input keys (input keys 107 to 109) of the input operation unit 15 are also used as a selection unit for the voice input mode 1. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid increasing the number of operation keys (operation units) of the input operation unit 15, and the user US can easily switch to the voice input mode 1, thereby preventing a decrease in operability.

[0642] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure, specific input keys (input keys 107 to 109) which are the selection section for the voice input mode 1 are also used for acquiring the recipe data CD. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid increasing the number of operation keys (operation units) of the input operation unit 15, and to prevent a decrease in operability for the user US.

[0643] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure, the first specific screen 16M1 is not displayed unless the prerequisites for starting the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (permission conditions 1 and 2) are met. Therefore, after the user US sets (selects) various conditions for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (e.g., heat level, target temperature, heating time, etc.), it is not determined that permission condition 1 or permission condition 2 is not met, and the steps are not forcibly returned to the first standby initial screen 16MH. Therefore, the user US is not forced to perform unnecessary input operations.

[0644] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure, the input operation unit 15 is provided with a selection key 180 for selecting a voice input mode 2 using the voice input means. Therefore, even if the user US has his / her hands full during cooking and cannot perform touch operations, he / she can conveniently give instructions by voice.

[0645] Furthermore, in the cooking appliance 1 according to the first disclosure, the acquisition condition for acquiring recipe data CD from outside is met when the input key 180 and one input key of the touch input unit (e.g., input key 107) are operated within the first time limit (TX).

[0646] In other words, the initial waiting period TP cannot exceed the first limit period (first time limit TX), for example, a maximum of 30 minutes.

[0647] Therefore, even if the user US stops operating the input operation unit 15 midway for some reason, the cooking appliance 1 automatically disables input (by forcibly opening the main power switch 20). This prevents cooking control data and the like from being acquired from outside without the user US's knowledge, improving safety.

[0648] The input operation unit 15 is provided with an input key 180 as a selection unit for voice input mode 2, and an input key (e.g., input key 107) for commanding the display of information of the food component data DD, thereby providing good operability for the user US.

[0649] In particular, in a configuration in which the input keys 180 and an input key for commanding display of information on food composition data DD (see input key 109 in FIG. 31) are located on central operation unit 15M as shown in FIG. 11 of embodiment 1, since central display unit 16M...

Claims

1. The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; A control device that receives commands from the input operation unit; A communication unit having a wireless communication function; a data acquisition unit that acquires recipe data from an external source via the communication unit, the input operation unit includes a first selection means for selecting one of a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting one cooking menu or control menu executable in the cooking mode when one of the cooking modes is selected by the first selection means, the first selection means has a touch input key; the input operation unit generates a voice input mode setting signal in response to an operation time of the input key; when the control device receives the voice input mode setting signal from the input operation unit, the control device enables acquisition of the recipe data via the communication unit and receives a setting command for a control condition for the recipe data; A heating cooker characterized by the above.

2. The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; a control device that receives a command from the input operation unit, the input operation unit includes a first selection means for selecting one of a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting one cooking menu or control menu executable in the cooking mode when one of the cooking modes is selected by the first selection means, the first selection means has a touch input key; the input operation unit generates a voice input mode setting signal in response to an operation time of the input key; the control device performs an automatic cut-off process to cut off power when a command to set a control condition by voice is not completed within a time limit after receiving the voice input mode setting signal; A heating cooker characterized by the above.

3. The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; a control device that receives a command from the input operation unit, the input operation unit includes a first selection means for selecting one of a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting one cooking menu or control menu executable in the cooking mode when one of the cooking modes is selected by the first selection means, the first selection means has a touch input key; the input operation unit generates a voice input mode setting signal in response to an operation time of the input key; The notification means further includes a display unit, the control device displays an initial screen during standby on the display unit, and thereafter, when the control device receives the voice input mode setting signal, displays a specific screen specific to the selected one of the cooking modes instead of the initial screen during standby; A heating cooker characterized by the above.

4. A heating cooker; A cloud server or a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance via wireless communication; Equipped with The communication terminal or the cloud server has a function of transmitting recipe data to the cooking appliance, the cooking device has a function of acquiring the recipe data from the communication terminal or the cloud server after an initial standby screen is displayed, The cooking device has an operation unit equipped with touch-type input keys, The operation unit has a function of selecting one cooking mode and a function of switching from a touch input mode to a voice input mode according to a touch state of the input key, The cooking device is provided with a dial-type selection means for selecting one of a plurality of linked cooking menus or a plurality of control menus for cooking in the cooking mode in response to a rotation operation; A heating and cooking system comprising:

5. The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; an input signal analysis unit that determines an input from the input operation unit; A control device that receives commands from the input operation unit; Equipped with the input operation unit includes a first selection means for selecting one from a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting at least one of a cooking menu or a control menu in the cooking mode selected by the first selection means, the first selection means is a touch-type input key provided for each of the cooking modes, the input operation unit transmits time information corresponding to the touch operation of the input key to the input signal analysis unit; when the input signal analysis unit determines that a voice input mode command has been received, the control device enables acquisition of recipe data from an external device and receives command data for executing the recipe data; A heating cooker characterized by the above.

6. A heating cooker; A cloud server connected to the cooking appliance via a network using wireless communication; It is equipped with The cloud server has a function of transmitting recipe data to the cooking appliance, the cooking device has a function of switching from a touch input mode to a voice input mode in response to a touch state of a touch-type input key, and a function of selecting at least one of a cooking menu, a control menu, and a control condition by a dial-type selection means for each cooking mode selected in the touch input mode; The cooking appliance is switched to the voice input mode and is in a standby state in which the recipe data can be acquired, When the cloud server receives a request to provide the recipe data, the cloud server transmits the recipe data to the cooking appliance; The cooking device acquires command data related to the recipe data in the voice input mode; A heating and cooking system comprising:

7. The main body, A heating chamber formed inside the body; A first heating means for heating an object to be heated placed on an upper surface of the main body; A second heating means for cooking in the heating chamber; an input operation unit for inputting drive conditions of the first heating means and the second heating means; A notification means; a control device that receives a command from the input operation unit, the input operation unit has, as touch input means, a first selection means for selecting one from a plurality of cooking modes using the first heating means and the second heating means, a second selection means for selecting one cooking menu or control menu from the cooking modes selected by the first selection means, and a third selection means for selecting a control condition to be applied to the cooking menu or the control menu selected by the second selection means; The input operation unit has a dial type selection means, The dial type selection means is (1) selecting at least one of the cooking menu, the control menu, or the control condition in response to a rotation operation; and (2) When an operation other than the rotation operation is performed, a voice input mode setting signal A is generated. A heating cooker characterized by the above.

8. A cooking device and a communication terminal connected to a cloud server via a network, The communication terminal or the cloud server has a function of transmitting recipe data to the cooking appliance, The cooking device has a function of acquiring the recipe data from the communication terminal or the cloud server, The cooking device is provided with a touch-type input key for selecting one cooking mode from among a plurality of cooking modes using a combination of a plurality of heating means, and a dial-type selection means for selecting at least one from among a plurality of cooking menus or control menus provided for each of the cooking modes in response to a rotation operation, The cooking device has a function of moving the dial-type selection means in the axial direction of the rotation center to set the mode to a voice input mode; A heating and cooking system comprising:

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