Heating cooker

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker without deteriorating safety or usability by making a user intentionally receive setting information for control from external communication equipment.SOLUTION: The cooker comprises a heating part for heating a heated object, an operation part for setting the heating part, a communication part for communicating with external communication equipment, and a control part for controlling heating means by setting the communication part and the operation part. The operation part is provided with a standby button capable of inputting setting of the heating part, and a heating start button for starting heating of the heating part. When the standby button is operated, the control part sends a condition that the setting of the heating can be inputted to the external communication equipment, so as to receive heating setting sent from the external communication equipment at the communication part. After the communication part receives the heating setting sent from the external communication equipment, when the heating start button is operated, the heating of the heating part according to the heating setting received from the external communication equipment starts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance capable of receiving a heating setting from an external communication device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cooking system is known in which information for controlling a cooking appliance is transmitted from a communication terminal to the cooking appliance between the communication terminal and a cooking appliance provided with communication means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the cooking system described in Patent Document 1, the communication state is automatically connected when the communication terminal and the cooking appliance are within a communicable range. Therefore, even if there is no intention to use the cooking appliance, when a person having a communication terminal in a state where information for controlling the cooking appliance can be transmitted enters the communicable range, there is a risk that the control information of the cooking appliance may be unintentionally transmitted to the cooking appliance.

[0005] In addition, when another person uses the cooking appliance, heating may be started by control information transmitted from the communication terminal, which is different from the desired setting of the user, and there is also a risk of impairing safety and usability.

[0006] The cooking appliance of the present disclosure solves the above problems, and when receiving setting information for control from an external communication device, it is an object to provide a cooking appliance that does not impair safety and usability by allowing the user to receive it intentionally.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The cooking heater according to the present disclosure includes a heating unit that heats an object to be heated, an operation unit that sets the heating unit, A display unit that displays the set information of the heating unit, a communication unit for communicating with an external communication device, and a control unit that controls heating according to the settings of the communication unit and the operation unit. Unit The operation unit is provided with a standby button that enables input of settings for the heating unit and a heating start button that starts heating of the heating unit. When the standby button is operated, the control unit sends a message to the external communication device indicating that the input of the settings for the heating unit is enabled, enables the communication unit to receive the heating settings transmitted by the external communication device, and The communication unit receives from an external communication device after the communication unit receives the heating settings transmitted from the external communication device, when the heating start button is operated, Of the unit the heating of the heating unit according to the heating settings received from the external communication device is started. Of the unit received And displays the received heating unit settings on the display unit After that, when the heating start button is operated, The control unit releases the state where the input of the heating unit settings from the external communication device is possible, the heating of the heating unit according to the heating settings received from the external communication device is started.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when the standby button is operated, the control unit sends a message to the external communication device indicating that the input of the settings for the heating unit is enabled, enables the communication unit to receive the heating settings transmitted by the external communication device, and after the communication unit receives the heating settings transmitted from the external communication device, when the heating start button is operated, the heating of the heating unit according to the heating settings received from the external communication device is started. Therefore, when the user operates with intention, unintended reception is not performed by accepting only when the user operates with intention, and since the user operates with intention to start heating, a cooking heater that is safe and easy for the user to use can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cooking appliance of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Further, the present disclosure includes all combinations of configurations that can be combined among the configurations shown in the following embodiments. In addition, the cooking appliance shown in the drawings is an example of a device to which the cooking appliance of the present disclosure is applied, and the applicable devices of the present disclosure are not limited by the cooking appliance shown in the drawings. Further, in the following description, terms indicating directions (for example, "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear", etc.) are used as appropriate for easy understanding, but these are for the purpose of explanation and do not limit the present disclosure. In the embodiments described below, "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear", etc. are used in a state where the cooking appliance is viewed from the front. Also, in each figure, those with the same reference numerals are the same or corresponding ones, which is common throughout the entire specification.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a cooking heater according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of kitchen furniture (system kitchen) in which the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 is incorporated. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 is incorporated into kitchen furniture (system kitchen). FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the kitchen furniture (system kitchen) in the front-rear direction in a state where the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 is incorporated into the kitchen furniture (system kitchen). FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing another example of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a built-in induction cooking heater as another example of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 is incorporated into kitchen furniture (system kitchen). FIG. 7 is an external plan view showing a state of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the top plate of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 and the cover of the operation display substrate are removed and viewed from the upper side.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking heater 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a box-shaped main body 101 and a flat top plate 102. As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 101 has a main body case 101A with an open upper surface, and a power supply board 111, a first inverter board (drive control board) 112, a second inverter board 113, a filter board 114, an operation display board unit 101B, a left induction heating coil unit 101C, a right induction heating coil unit 101D, a central induction heating coil unit 101E, a cooling fan 121, etc., which will be described later, are accommodated therein, and a flat top plate 102 is provided so as to cover the upper surface opening of the main body case 101A.

[0013] The main body case 101A is formed by bending a flat sheet metal such as an aluminum-plated steel sheet. The top plate 102 includes a top plate 102A made of a non-metallic material such as heat-resistant glass or ceramic, and a frame 102B made of metal so as to surround the outer periphery of the top plate 102A.

[0014] Furthermore, on the top plate 102A of the top plate 102, a heating port display serving as a mark is displayed by means such as printing when a cooking container to be heated, such as a pan, is placed on the heating port. Since the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 is described by way of an example having three heating ports, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, three heating port displays, namely, a left heating port display 102C, a right heating port display 102D, and a center heating port display 102E, are provided.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cooking heater 1 is used by being incorporated into kitchen furniture (system kitchen) 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the cooking heater 1 is inserted into an incorporation opening 2B formed in a countertop 2A on the upper surface of the kitchen furniture (system kitchen) 2 by dropping the main body 101, and is supported by the top plate 102 on the countertop 2A.

[0016] The incorporation opening 2B formed in the countertop 2A has an opening with a dimension W in the width direction, a dimension D in the depth direction, and four corner dimensions R. For the kitchen furniture (system kitchen) 2, the dimensions of the incorporation opening 2B of the countertop 2A are defined in the Long-Term Use Compatible Member Standard Document for IH Cooking Heaters (Built-in) (the cooking heater of the present disclosure) by the Long-Term Use Compatible Housing Member Standardization Promotion Council (abbreviation: Long-Term Housing Council), which aims at the commonization and standardization of members related to the housing industry and building materials and housing equipment industries. According to the definition, the dimension in the width direction is 560 to 564 mm, the dimension in the depth direction is 460 to 464 mm, and the four corner dimensions are R25 or less. The dimension W in the width direction, the dimension D in the depth direction, and the four corner dimensions R may be dimensions within the ranges of the aforementioned defined dimensions respectively.

[0017] Also, the Long-Term Use Compatible Member Standard Document defines the dimension in the thickness direction of the countertop 2A. The dimension T in the thickness direction of the front end portion (referred to as the front downward portion according to the Long-Term Use Compatible Member Standard Document) 2Aa of the countertop 2A shown in FIG. 4 may be a dimension of 40 mm or less according to the definition.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of the main body 101 is within the range of the dimension T in the thickness direction of the front end portion 2Aa of the countertop 2A. That is, the thickness of the main body 101 is set to be 40 mm or less. By setting the dimension in the thickness direction of the main body 101 to be 40 mm or less, the internal space 2D formed by the back panel 2G, the bottom panel 2H, and the side panels can be effectively utilized.

[0019] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, storage compartments 2E are provided at both ends of the front opening 2C. By setting the dimension in the thickness direction of the main body 101 to be 40 mm or less, as shown in FIG. 3, by providing a storage compartment 2F larger than the storage compartment 2E in the internal space 2D shown in FIG. 4, the storage space can be expanded, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0020] Note that below the cooking heater 1, the internal space 2D is not only effectively utilized as a storage space, but also with the main body 101 of the cooking heater 1 as an upper unit, a main body lower unit 103 that encloses a cooking oven (not shown) below it is connected as shown in FIG. 5, and the main body lower unit 103 can be accommodated in the internal space 2D to form a cooking heater 1A having a cooking oven. By setting the dimension in the thickness direction of the main body 101 to be 40 mm or less, the accommodation space for the main body lower unit 103 can be increased.

[0021] The lower unit 103 of the main body contains a cooking oven (not shown as described above). By opening the front cooking oven door 3, the object to be cooked can be placed in the cooking oven for cooking. When the lower unit 103 of the main body is connected and incorporated into the kitchen furniture (system kitchen) 2 as the cooking appliance 1A with a cooking oven, the cooking oven door 3 will fit into the position of the storage cabinet 2F shown in Fig. 3, that is, the front opening 2C (see Fig. 2), as shown in Fig. 6. Hereinafter, the cooking appliance 1 will be described including the cooking appliance 1A with a cooking oven. Although it will be described later, the cooking appliance 1 incorporates a communication unit 150 that receives signals containing various information transmitted from an external communication device as shown in Fig. 15, or transmits signals containing various information of the cooking appliance 1 to the external communication device. A communication abnormality detection means 170 for monitoring whether the communication of the communication unit 150 is performed normally is also provided. In addition, the cooking appliance 1 incorporates a voice output unit 160 that emits various information of the cooking appliance 1 or various information transmitted from an external communication device by voice.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 8, inside the main body case 101A, there are housed a power supply board 111, a first inverter board (drive control board) 112, a second inverter board 113, a filter board 114, an operation display board unit 101B, a left induction heating coil unit (left heating unit) 101C which is the heating part of the present disclosure, a right induction heating coil unit (right heating unit) 101D which is the heating part of the present disclosure, and a central induction heating coil unit (central heating unit) 101E which is the heating part of the present disclosure. A cooling fan 121 for cooling them is also housed.

[0023] The cooling air generated when the cooling fan 121 operates cools the first inverter board (drive control board) 112, the left induction heating coil unit 101C, etc., and then passes through the exhaust paths 101F and 101G provided at the rear of the main body 101, and is discharged outside the main body 101 from the exhaust ports 102N and 102P provided in the frame body 102B behind the top plate 102.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an exhaust port cover 104 is provided to cover the exhaust ports 102N and 102P. An air-permeable opening is formed in the exhaust port cover 104, allowing the discharged air to pass through with less resistance. By providing the exhaust port cover 104, the intrusion of foreign matter from the exhaust ports 102N and 102P located below the exhaust port cover 104 into the interior of the main body 101 is suppressed.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 7, on the top plate 102A of the top plate 102, three heating port indicators indicating the positions for placing the object to be heated are displayed by methods such as printing, specifically, the left heating port indicator 102C, the right heating port indicator 102D, and the central heating port indicator 102E. Below the left heating port indicator 102C, the right heating port indicator 102D, and the central heating port indicator 102E, heating parts corresponding to each heating port indicator are arranged inside the main body case 101A. In the heating cooker 1 of the present disclosure, an example with three heating ports is described, but the number of heating ports may be two and can be selected according to the specifications.

[0026] Below the left heating port indicator 102C, a left induction heating coil unit 101C, which is a heating part of the present disclosure, is arranged. Below the right heating port indicator 102D, a right induction heating coil unit 101D, which is a heating part of the present disclosure, is arranged. Below the central heating port indicator 102E, a central induction heating coil unit 101E, which is a heating part of the present disclosure, is arranged. In the heating cooker 1 of the present disclosure, although all three heating ports are described as heating parts using the induction heating method, it is not necessary for all three to be heating source parts using the induction heating method. For example, one of the three heating parts, such as the central heating part, may be a heating part using the radiant heating method and can be selected according to the specifications.

[0027] The left induction heating coil unit 101C includes a left induction heating coil 101Ca and a left anti-magnetic ring 101Cb. The right induction heating coil unit 101D includes a right induction heating coil 101Da and a right anti-magnetic ring 101Db. The central induction heating coil unit 101E includes a central induction heating coil 101Ea and a central anti-magnetic ring 101Eb.

[0028] The left induction heating coil 101Ca, the right induction heating coil 101Da, and the central induction heating coil 101Ea are each formed by bundling about 30 thin copper wires or aluminum wires having a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm into a bundle, and winding this bundle annularly while twisting a plurality of them, and are configured to heat an object to be heated by induction heating. Note that the winding shape of the illustrated coil is an example and is not limited to this shape.

[0029] The left induction heating coil unit 101C and the right induction heating coil unit 101D are arranged side by side in the left - right direction on the front side of the top plate 102. Further, the central induction heating coil unit 101E is provided on the back side of the left induction heating coil unit 101C and the right induction heating coil unit 101D, and is provided at substantially the center position in the left - right direction of the top plate 102. The heating cooker 1 is provided with heating part abnormality detection means 180 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) for detecting abnormalities before operation and during operation of the left induction heating coil unit 101C, the right induction heating coil unit 101D, and the central induction heating coil unit 101E. Here, the heating part abnormality does not refer to a single phenomenon, but includes abnormal states that affect the heating of the heating part, such as the current flowing through the heating coil being an over - current outside the allowable range, the temperature rise of the heating coil being a temperature rise outside the allowable range, and the abnormality of temperature detection means (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the heating coil.

[0030] The output of the left induction heating coil 101Ca of the left induction heating coil unit 101C and the output of the right induction heating coil 101Da of the right induction heating coil unit 101D are, for example, 3.2 kW, and the output of the central induction heating coil 101Ea of the central induction heating coil unit 101E is, for example, 1.5 kW, and the output of the central induction heating coil 101Ea is set lower than the outputs of the left induction heating coil 101Ca and the right induction heating coil 101Da. Note that this output is an example, and all three heating coils may be different or all the same, and the output combination can be appropriately selected according to the specifications.

[0031] On the top plate 102, specifically, further on the front side of the left heating port display 102C and the right heating port display 102D of the top plate 102A, as shown in FIG. 7, there are provided operation parts, specifically, a left operation part 102G, a central operation part 102H, and a right operation part 102J. The left operation part 102G is an operation part for performing operation input for the left induction heating coil unit 101C, the central operation part 102H is an operation part for performing operation input for the central induction heating coil unit 101E, and the right operation part 102J is an operation part for performing operation input for the right induction heating coil unit 101D, and they have operation parts corresponding to the heating ports. Further, a main power switch 102F is provided at the right end of the operation part to turn on and off the power of the entire cooking heater 1. In the cooking heater 1 of the present disclosure, a touch switch type operation part that detects input by a change in capacitance is assumed for the operation part, and the description and the drawings relate to the touch switch type operation part. However, it is not limited to the touch switch type operation part, and an operation part using a mechanical switch may also be used.

[0032] Also, a left display part 102K, a central display part (main display part) 102L, and a right display part 102M are provided between the heating port and the operation part. The central display part (main display part) 102L is an integrated display part regarding the three heating sources, and displays the input results of cooking, the firepower setting, the menu setting, etc. for each of the left operation part 102G, the central operation part 102H, and the right operation part 102J for the three heating sources, and further displays the progress status of cooking for each heating source.

[0033] The left display part 102K displays the timer time set when performing timer cooking using the left induction heating coil unit 101C, and displays the remaining cooking time, the remaining time, from the start of the set timer cooking. Similarly, the right display part 102M displays the timer time set when performing timer cooking using the right induction heating coil unit 101D, and displays the remaining cooking time, the remaining time, from the start of the set timer cooking.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 9, when the top plate 102 is removed, the operation switch substrates 131A and 131B are arranged at positions corresponding to the left operation section 102G, the central operation section 102H, and the right operation section 102J under the top plate 102A. The operation switch substrates 131A and 131B have a plurality of electrodes 132 for detecting changes in capacitance.

[0035] When touching an operation key (not shown) on any operation section on the top plate 102A of the top plate 102, a change in capacitance is detected by the electrode 132 corresponding to the operation key of the operation switch substrate 131A or the operation switch substrate 131B under the top plate 102A. That the operation key has been input is input as a signal to the operation display control microcomputer 115D mounted on the operation display substrate 115 described later, and the operation content is displayed on the central display device (main display device) 115B.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 9, the operation display substrate 115 is accommodated closer to the front side of the main body case 101A. Originally, the operation display substrate 115 is combined with the operation display substrate cover 116 as shown in Fig. 8 and accommodated in the main body case 101A as the operation display substrate unit 101B. However, in Fig. 9, for the convenience of explanation, it is explained that it is shown in a state where the operation display substrate cover 116 is removed.

[0037] The operation display substrate 115, the operation switch substrate 131A, and the operation switch substrate 131B are connected by an operation switch substrate connection line (not shown) such as a flat cable. On the operation display substrate 115, a left display device 115A, a central display device (main display device) 115B, and a right display device 115C corresponding to the left display section 102K, the central display section (main display section) 102L, and the right display section 102M of the top plate 102A are respectively mounted. The left display device 115A, the central display device (main display device) 115B, and the right display device 115C are LCDs (Liquid Crystal Devices). Since the central display device (main display device) 115B has a large amount of information to be displayed, it is a full dot LCD.

[0038] The setting information and the like displayed on the left display device 115A, the central display device (main display device) 115B, and the right display device 115C are visually observed by the user through the top plate 102A in the left display section 102K, the central display section (main display section) 102L, and the right display section 102M, which are the transparent sections of the top plate 102A.

[0039] Various substrates are accommodated in the main body case 101A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the aforementioned operation display substrate 115, a power supply substrate 111, a first inverter substrate (drive control substrate) 112, a second inverter substrate 113, and a filter substrate 114 are accommodated.

[0040] The filter substrate 114 is provided with a filter circuit (not shown) for removing noise from the commercial AC voltage of 200V input from an external power supply. The power supply substrate 111 is provided with a constant voltage circuit (not shown) for generating a constant voltage of 24V or less to be supplied to the operation display substrate 115 and the like. In the heating cooker 1 of the present disclosure, an example in which the filter substrate 113 and the power supply substrate 114 are separately configured is described, but they may be integrally configured.

[0041] The second inverter substrate 113 is a drive control substrate on which a circuit for driving the central induction heating coil 101Ea of the central induction heating coil unit 101E at a high frequency is mounted. In the heating cooker 1 of the present disclosure, a form with three heating ports is described, but the number of heating ports may be two. When there are two heating ports, the central induction heating coil 101Ea disappears, and thus the second inverter substrate 113 for driving the central induction heating coil 101Ea at a high frequency becomes unnecessary.

[0042] The first inverter substrate (drive control substrate) 112 is a drive control substrate on which a circuit for driving the left induction heating coil 101Ca of the left induction heating coil unit 101C and the right induction heating coil 101Da of the right induction heating coil unit 101D, which are arranged side by side in the left - right direction, at a high frequency, a circuit generally called an inverter circuit, is mounted.

[0043] Next, the reception of settings from an external communication device by the cooking heater of the present disclosure and the operation of the cooking heater of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 30, 119, and 120. FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 11 is a detailed diagram extracting the parts related to the control unit from the schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of power consumption settings on the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 is in a setting input reception state, FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 receives a setting input, FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display on the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 when receiving a setting input, FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing an example when inputting a setting from an external communication device, FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing an example when selecting a heating unit in the setting input from an external communication device, FIG. 17(c) is a diagram showing an example of the notification performed by the external communication device when the setting input reception becomes possible, FIG. 17(d) is a diagram showing another example of the notification performed by the external communication device when the setting input reception becomes possible, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the operation when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 receives a setting input from an external communication device, FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display on the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 when receiving a setting input, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration and operation when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 receives a setting input from an external communication device, FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration and operation when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 receives a setting input from an external communication device, FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the voice notification when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 is in a setting input reception state, FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 25(a) is a diagram showing an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 when it is close to the time to cancel the setting input reception, FIG. 25(b) isFIG. 25(a) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the time is approaching the cancellation of setting input reception. FIG. 25(c) shows an example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the time is approaching the cancellation of setting input reception. FIG. 25(d) shows another example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the time is approaching the cancellation of setting input reception. FIG. 26(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 26(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 26(c) shows an example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 26(d) shows another example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 27(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the cancellation of setting input reception from an external communication device occurs after heating has started. FIG. 27(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the cancellation of setting input reception from an external communication device occurs after heating has started. FIG. 27(c) shows an example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the cancellation of setting input reception from an external communication device occurs after heating has started. FIG. 27(d) shows another example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the cancellation of setting input reception from an external communication device occurs after heating has started. FIG. 28(a) is a schematic diagram of a display representing an example when the heating power is increased. FIG. 28(b) is a schematic diagram of a display representing an example when the heating power is decreased. FIG. 29(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 29(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 29(c) shows an example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 29(d) shows another example of the notification performed on an external communication device when the setting input reception is cancelled. FIG. 30(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 when the setting input reception is aborted. FIG. 30(b) isFIG. 30(a) shows an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 1 when setting input reception is canceled. FIG. 30(c) shows an example of notification performed on an external communication device when setting input reception is canceled. FIG. 30(d) shows another example of notification performed on an external communication device when setting input reception is canceled. FIG. 119(a) shows an example of inputting settings other than heating settings from an external communication device by voice. FIG. 119(b) shows an example of inputting settings other than heating settings from an external communication device by operation. FIG. 120(a) shows an example of notification that settings other than heating settings have been input at the voice output unit of the cooking heater. FIG. 120(b) shows an example of notification that settings other than heating settings have been input on the display of the cooking heater. FIG. 120(c) shows an example of notification that settings other than heating settings have been input by voice from an external communication device. FIG. 120(d) shows another example of notification that settings other than heating settings have been input and performed on the display of the external communication device.

[0044] The above-described first inverter board (drive control board) 112 is equipped with a control unit 190 that controls the cooking heater 1 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The control unit 190 has power setting means 191 for setting the power consumption of the cooking heater 1. Further, the control unit 190 has timing means 192 for measuring the cooking time or the elapsed time from an operation input to the next operation input.

[0045] The control unit 190 drives and controls the left induction heating coil unit 101C, which is the left heating unit, the right induction heating coil unit 101D, which is the right heating unit, and the central induction heating coil unit 101E, which is the central heating unit, according to the settings input by operations from the corresponding left operation unit 102G, right operation unit 102J, and central operation unit 102H.

[0046] Each operation unit has a plurality of operation buttons. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the left operation unit 102G has a left standby button 102Ga, a left heating start / stop button 102Gb, a left up button 102Gc, a left down button 102Gd, and a left menu button 102Ge.

[0047] The left standby button 102Ga is a button for enabling the control unit 190 to receive an input of the heating setting for the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit). The input of the heating setting can be received in two ways at this time. One is to perform the setting from the operation buttons of the operation unit, and the other is to perform the setting from an external communication device. This will be described in detail later.

[0048] The left heating start / stop button 102Gb is a button for supplying power from the inverter circuit for the left heating unit to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) to start heating. When the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated during the heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit), the supply of power from the inverter circuit for the left heating unit is stopped and the heating stops.

[0049] The left up button 102Gc and the left down button 102Gd are buttons for increasing or decreasing the heating power setting for cooking performed by the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) when input is from the left operation unit 120G, rather than from an external communication device as described later. They are also used for increasing or decreasing the set temperature when selecting the deep-fried food menu, etc.

[0050] The left menu button 102Ge is a button for selecting the cooking menu for cooking performed by the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit). In particular, if the left standby button 102Ga is operated and then the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated without selecting a menu, heating by general induction heating starts in the left induction heating coil unit 101C. However, if the left menu button 102Ge is operated after the left standby button 102Ga is operated, the cooking performed by the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) can be changed to, for example, deep-fried cooking or grilled food cooking using a frying pan.

[0051] The right operation unit 102J has a right standby button 102Ja, a right heating start / stop button 102Jb, a right up button 102Jc, a right down button 102Jd, and a right menu button 102Je.

[0052] The right standby button 102Ja is a button for putting the control unit 190 into a state where it can receive the input of the heating setting of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit). The input of the heating setting at this time can also be received in two ways, one is to set from the operation buttons of the operation unit, and the other is to set from an external communication device.

[0053] The right heating start / stop button 102Jb is a button for supplying power from the inverter circuit for the right heating unit to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) to start heating. When the right heating start / stop button 102Jb is operated during the heating of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit), the supply of power from the inverter circuit for the right heating unit is stopped and the heating stops.

[0054] The right up button 102Jc and the right down button 102Jd are buttons for increasing or decreasing the heating power of the cooking heating setting performed by the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) when inputting from the right operation unit 120J, increasing or decreasing the set temperature when selecting the deep-fried food menu, etc., rather than inputting the heating setting from the external communication device described later.

[0055] The right menu button 102Je is a button for selecting the cooking menu of the cooking performed by the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit). In particular, if the right standby button 102Ja is operated without selecting a menu and then the right heating start / stop button 102Jb is operated, heating by general induction heating starts in the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit). However, if the right menu button 102Je is operated after the right standby button 102Ja is operated, the cooking performed by the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) can be changed to, for example, deep-fried cooking or grilled food cooking using a frying pan.

[0056] The central operation unit 102H has a central standby button 102Ha, a central heating start / stop button 102Hb, a central up button 102Hc, a central down button 102Hd, and a central menu button Je.

[0057] The central standby button 102Ha is a button for putting the control unit 190 in a state where it can receive the input of the heating setting of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit). The input of the heating setting at this time can also be received in two ways. One is to set from the operation buttons of the operation unit, and the other is to set from an external communication device.

[0058] The central heating start / stop button 102Hb is a button for supplying power from the inverter circuit for the central heating unit to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) to start heating. When the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated during the heating of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit), the supply of power from the inverter circuit for the central heating unit is stopped and the heating stops.

[0059] The central up button 102Hc and the central down button 102Hd are buttons for increasing or decreasing the heating power of the cooking heating setting performed by the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit). Since the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) has a lower heating power than the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) and the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit), deep-frying cooking is not provided, and the set temperature cannot be increased or decreased.

[0060] The central menu button 102He is a button for selecting the cooking menu for cooking performed by the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit). In particular, when the central standby button 102Ha is operated and then the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated without selecting a menu, heating by general induction heating starts in the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit). However, when the central menu button 102He is operated after the central standby button 102Ha is operated, the cooking performed by the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) can be changed.

[0061] As described above, since the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) has a lower heating power than the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) and the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit), the same cooking menu as that of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) and the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is not set, and cooking menus suitable for low heating powers such as keeping warm are prepared.

[0062] The cooking heater 1 can change the available power consumption. The power setting button 102Q shown in FIG. 12 is an operation button for changing the power consumption that the cooking heater 1 can consume.

[0063] In the cooking heater 1, the default power consumption is set to 5700W, the maximum value. When it is desired to keep the power consumption of the cooking heater 1 low in consideration of the power consumption of other electrical devices, operating the power setting button 102Q causes an instruction to be issued from the control unit 190 to the central (main) display unit 102L, and a power selection screen is displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 13.

[0064] Next to the display of the default power consumption of 5700 W, a marker indicating the current set value is displayed. By operating the central up button 102Hc or the central down button 102Hd located below the central (main) display unit 102L, the maximum power consumption can be changed to 4800 W or 4000 W displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L. The marker moves up and down according to the selected power consumption, and the marker is displayed next to the display of the selected power consumption.

[0065] For example, when 4800 W is selected, a marker is displayed next to the display of 4800 W. When the power setting button 102Q is operated with the marker displayed next to the display of 4800 W, the change to 4800 W is confirmed by the power setting means 191, and the maximum power consumption is changed to 4800 W.

[0066] When the maximum power consumption is changed to 4800 W, for example, assume that the left induction heating coil unit 101C and the right induction heating coil unit 101D can each be heated at 3000 W individually.

[0067] When the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating part) is heated at 2500 W, the right induction heating coil unit 101D cannot be set to a heating power exceeding 2500 W. That is, since 4800 W is the maximum power consumption, the setting for heating with a total power exceeding that value cannot be accepted, so such a setting is not accepted.

[0068] If no power setting is made, the cooking heater 1 can be used at the pre-set power consumption of 5700 W. When a power setting is made and the maximum power consumption is changed to 4800 W, if the main power switch 102F is operated after this use, it can be used at the maximum power consumption of 4800 W.

[0069] The flow from the reception of the heating setting to the start and stop of heating in FIG. 20 will be described. When the main power switch 102F is operated (S1), the LED mounted on the substrate (not shown) below the top plate 102A emits light, and as shown in FIG. 13, the power indicator 102Fa lights up, indicating that the power of the heating cooker 1 has been turned on, and the operation standby state (S2) where operation input is received is entered.

[0070] After entering the operation standby state (S2), by operating the standby button of any one of the left, right, and central heating parts, it becomes possible to receive the heating setting input of the heating part for which the standby button is operated. For example, taking the case of cooking using the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating part) as an example, when the left standby button 102Ga corresponding to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating part) is operated (S3), the heating setting input reception state (S4) is entered, and while transmitting to the external communication device that the setting input reception state has been entered, notifying that the setting input reception state has been entered and performing a notification to prompt the setting (S5).

[0071] The notification here includes, as shown in FIG. 14, that the left standby button 102Ga has been input, for example, the display 102Gg that lights up by the emission of the LED indicates that the setting input reception state has been entered, the central (main) display unit 102L is in the state of receiving the setting input, the method of displaying the prompt for setting in characters, or as shown in FIG. 23, the voice output unit 160 is in the state of receiving the setting input, and the method of emitting the prompt for setting by voice, etc.

[0072] In addition, since operation input from the left up button 102Gc and the left down button 102Gd of the left operation unit 102G is also possible, as shown in FIG. 14, the display 102Gh of the heating power setting blinks, and after operating the left standby button 102Ga, a display is made to guide to the next button to be operated, making it easy for the user to understand the operation procedure and providing good usability.

[0073] As described above, with regard to the notification method, any method that can make the user recognize the notification is acceptable, which improves the user experience. Also, it is effective in improving the user experience to perform notifications both visually and audibly and to use multiple means to make the user recognize them.

[0074] In addition, as described above, an example of the audible notification and display on the display unit by the cooking heater 1 has been described. However, an audible notification by an external communication device capable of audio output and a display on the display unit may also be used. As shown in Fig. 17(c), the state of receiving a setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200, and an instruction to set may be issued audibly. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 17(d), the state of receiving a setting input on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, and an instruction to set may be displayed in characters. Also, audible sounds may be emitted from both the cooking heater 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, or displays may be made on both the cooking heater 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0075] After entering the setting input reception state, as an example, an example in which the heating power is set to 5 for the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) will be described. When there is a heating setting input in S6, as shown in Fig. 15, the voice output unit 160 audibly notifies (S7) that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) has been set to 5 and prompts the user to operate the heating start button. Also, as shown in Fig. 16, the set heating power of 5 is displayed on the left display unit 102K, the fact that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C has been set to 5 is displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L, and a prompt to operate the heating start button is displayed (S8). Operation input from the left operation unit 102G is possible even before operating the heating start button. For example, if the left up button 102Gc is operated once, the set heating power of 5 can be increased to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and if the left down button 102Gd is operated twice, the set heating power of 5 can be decreased to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0076] In addition, the display 102Gi blinks to guide the user to the left heating start / stop button 102Gb, which is the heating start button, so that the user can know which button to operate next, improving usability.

[0077] Figures 18 and 19 show an example of selecting another cooking menu. As an example of the input method, it will be described in detail later. As shown in Figure 18, when voice input is made to a mobile communication terminal 200, which is an example of an external communication device, the voice output unit 160 audibly notifies that the left induction heating coil unit 101C is set to 180 degrees for deep-frying and prompts the user to operate the left heating start / stop button 102Gb. Further, as shown in Figure 19, the left display unit 102K shows that deep-frying is set to 180 degrees, the central (main) display unit 102L shows that the cooking performed by the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is set to deep-frying at 180 degrees, and prompts the user to operate the heating start button.

[0078] In this example, both audible notification and visual notification on the display are performed. However, as long as the user can be made aware, notification by either one of the methods may be sufficient.

[0079] There are multiple methods for setting input. For example, when setting the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit), there are a method of inputting from the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G and a method of inputting from an external communication device. As a method of inputting from an external communication device, there are a method of voice input to a mobile communication terminal 200, which is an example of an external communication device, as shown in Figure 15, and a method of using an application for heating setting input installed in the mobile communication terminal 200, as shown in Figure 17(a). In this case, an example where the mobile communication terminal 200 can perform voice input and voice output is described.

[0080] When voice is input to the mobile communication terminal 200, the mobile communication terminal 200 converts the voice into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the cooking heater 1. The control signal received by the communication unit 150 is sent to the control unit 190 shown in FIG. 10. The control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) (S6). When there is a setting input, the voice output unit 160 audibly notifies that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C is set to 5 and prompts the operation of the left heating start / stop button 102Gb (S7). The central (main) display unit 102L displays that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is set to 5 and prompts the operation of the left heating start / stop button 102Gb, and the set heating power 5 is also displayed on the left display unit 102K (S8).

[0081] As an example of input by a method different from voice input, there is a method of inputting from an application for heating setting input on the mobile communication terminal 200. When the application is started on the mobile communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 17(a), operation buttons for heating setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 202 is a heating unit selection button. When this operation button is operated, the left heating unit selection button 203a, the central heating unit selection button 203b, and the right heating unit selection button 203c are displayed.

[0082] Among the displayed heating unit selection buttons, for example, when the left heating unit selection button 203a is operated to select the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit), as shown in FIG. 17(b), the display is inverted and changed to a display indicating that the left induction heating coil unit 101C is selected.

[0083] Note that making the display indicate selection by inversion in this description is just an example, and any display that can indicate selection is acceptable. For example, the size of the button may change, or the color of the button may change, etc.

[0084] After selecting the heating part and operating the heating power setting button 204, an up button 205a for increasing the heating power setting and a down button 205b for decreasing the heating power setting are displayed. When either the up button 205a or the down button 205b is operated, the heating power is displayed on the operation display unit 201. An example of the display in the state where the heating power is set to 5 is shown in FIG. 17(b).

[0085] After entering the heating setting input reception state (S4), the control unit 190 determines (S6) whether there is a setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating part). When the left standby button 102Ga corresponding to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating part) is operated (S3), the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the time since the left standby button 102Ga was operated. When the preset time T1 (first set time) elapses without a setting input after the measurement starts, it returns to the state before the operation of the left standby button 102Ga. However, when it becomes t1 (fourth set time) before reaching the set time T1 (first set time) (S15), a notification is made (S16). Note that the time T1 can be either 10 minutes or 15 minutes, and it is a time that can be appropriately set by judging the operability.

[0086] For example, assuming that t1 (the fourth set time) is set to 3 minutes, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice such as "The setting input reception state will be canceled in 3 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 25(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the setting input reception state from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 3 minutes, and as shown in FIG. 25(c), it is emitted in voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in FIG. 25(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). In this way, by making such a notification, in a situation where the user may have forgotten to make a setting input, the user can be prompted to make a setting input.

[0087] When the preset time T1 (first set time) elapses (S17) without any setting input since the start of measurement, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and it is announced (S18) by means such as emitting a voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 26(a), or displaying it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 26(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(d), and it returns to the state before the left standby button 102Ga is operated.

[0088] When the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated (S19) without any setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) and before the preset time T1 (first set time) has elapsed, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced (S20) by means such as emitting a voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 27(a), or displaying it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 27(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 27(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 27(d), and heating starts (S11) with the default cooking menu and heating power. Here, as an example, the case where the default cooking menu and heating power are set to, for example, IH heating and heating power 4 (power consumption 750W) is described, but it is not limited to this.

[0089] After heating is started, setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not accepted, but setting inputs during heating can be changed from the operation buttons on the left operation unit 102G. For example, as shown in Fig. 28(a), if the left up button 102Gc is operated twice, the heating power can be increased to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and as shown in Fig. 28(b), if the left down button 102Gd is operated once, the heating power can be decreased to 3 (power consumption 500W). Then the changed heating power is displayed on the left display unit 102K.

[0090] When a setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is made from the left operation unit 102G of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 in S6, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring time from the point when the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is made, and measures the time during which the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) continues (S9). When the preset time T3 (third set time) elapses while the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) continues from the start of measurement in S9, the control unit 190 determines that the setting input is not in the normal state and aborts the setting input, and emits an audio signal from the audio output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 30(a), or displays it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 30(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information that the acceptance of the setting input has been aborted from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and emits an audio signal from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 30(c), or displays it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 30(d), and notifies in such a manner (S25). T3 is, for example, 15 minutes, which means that when the setting input continues for 15 minutes, it is determined that it is not in the normal input state (abnormal input state). Note that T3 being 15 minutes is just an example and is not limited thereto, and the time for determining that it is not in the normal state (abnormal state) can be appropriately set in the specification setting.

[0091] Thereafter, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 26(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 26(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information that the reception state of setting inputs from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(d), and notification (S26) is made by such means, and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0092] After a setting input from the left operation unit 102G of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is made in S6, if the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G is operated (S10) while the preset time T3 (third set time) has not elapsed, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 27(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 27(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information that the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 27(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 27(d), and notification (S11) is made by such means, and IH heating is started (S12) at the heating power 5 (1000W) set as described above. The heating power 5 set in the left display unit 102K is displayed in S8, but the heating power 5 is displayed as the heating power in the left display unit 102K in S12.

[0093] Since the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released in S11, the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not received, but the change of the setting input during heating from the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is received. For example, as shown in Fig. 28(a), if the left up button 102Gc is operated once, the heating power can be increased to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and as shown in Fig. 28(b), if the left down button 102Gd is operated twice, the heating power can be decreased to 3 (power consumption 500W). Then the changed heating power is displayed on the left display unit 102K.

[0094] When the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C from the left operation unit 102G of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 is made in S6, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring time. If the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G is not operated and the preset time T2 (second set time) elapses from the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the operation of the left standby button 102Ga. However, if it becomes before t2 when the set time T2 (second set time) is reached (S21), a notification is made (S22). Note that the time T2 can be 15 minutes or 20 minutes, and it is a time that can be appropriately set by judging the operability.

[0095] For example, assuming that t2 is set to 5 minutes, as shown in Fig. 29(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice saying "The setting input reception state will be cancelled in 5 minutes." Or, as shown in Fig. 29(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the reception enable state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 5 minutes, and as shown in Fig. 29(c), it is emitted in voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in Fig. 29(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Notification is made by such means. By making such a notification, in a situation where the user may have forgotten to operate, the user can be prompted to operate. In the description of the present disclosure, t1 (the fourth set time) and t2 are described as different times, but t1 (the fourth set time) and t2 may be the same time t1 = t2, and t1 and t2 can be set as appropriate.

[0096] In addition, the operations that can be performed to input settings from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not limited to operations such as starting the operation of the ventilation fan and changing the wind force (rotation speed) of the ventilation fan, i.e., operations for setting and changing the heating power. After operating any of the standby buttons on the left, right, or center, operations other than setting and changing the heating power can also be performed.

[0097] In the description here, an example of operating the left standby button 102Ga of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is used for explanation. Therefore, for example, in the case of the configuration and settings of a device where the ventilation fan operates in conjunction with the start of heating of the heating cooker 1 (not shown), after operating the left standby button 102Ga, as shown in Fig. 119(a), the wind force setting of the ventilation fan is input in voice to the portable communication terminal 200, which is an example of an external communication device. Or, as shown in Fig. 119(b), the wind force setting of the ventilation fan is input using the application for setting input in the portable communication terminal 200.

[0098] When an application is launched on the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 119(b), operation buttons for setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 210 is a ventilation fan operation button. When this operation button is operated, a weak wind force selection button 211a, a medium wind force selection button 211b, and a strong wind force selection button 211c are displayed. For example, when the medium wind force selection button 211b is selected and the setting button 212 is operated, the ventilation fan is set to medium wind force for the setting input.

[0099] When the wind force setting of the ventilation fan is input, as shown in Fig. 120(a), it is announced audibly from the audio output unit 160 that the wind force setting of the ventilation fan has been changed, or as shown in Fig. 120(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L, or the control unit 190 transmits information that the wind force setting of the ventilation fan has been changed from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in Fig. 120(c), it is announced audibly from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in Fig. 120(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) by such means.

[0100] When settings other than the heating setting, such as the wind force setting of the ventilation fan, are made, the control unit 190 stops the measurement of the time T1 (the first setting time) by the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) that measures the elapsed time since the left standby button 102Ga was operated. After the settings other than the heating setting are completed, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring the time T1 (the first setting time) again from the beginning. This is a consideration to prevent a situation where the reception state of the setting input is released before the user completes the heating setting when the settings other than the heating setting take time, so as not to impair the user's convenience.

[0101] When a preset time T2 (second set time) elapses (S23) without the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G being operated since the start of measurement, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and an announcement is made by voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 26(a), or it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 26(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information releasing the reception enabled state of setting inputs from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and an announcement is made by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(c), or it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(d), and it returns to the state before the operation of the left standby button 102Ga by means of such notification (S24).

[0102] After the heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is started, when the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated (S13), the heating of the left heating unit is stopped (S14), and it returns to the state before the operation of the standby button.

[0103] As described above, when the user of the cooking heater 1 of the present disclosure makes a setting input, particularly a setting input from an external communication device, the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is permitted by intentionally operating the operation buttons of the cooking heater, and heating is started by operating the operation buttons of the cooking heater. Therefore, the setting input from the external communication device is not performed arbitrarily, and unintentional heating is not started, so that the cooking heater can be used safely as intended by the user.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, although an example has been described in which the mobile communication terminal 200 is used as an external communication device and communication is exchanged between the cooking heater 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, as shown in FIG. 21, settings may be input by voice to the mobile communication terminal 200, and the voice data may be transmitted to a cloud server 300, which is a type of external communication device. The cloud server 300 may convert the voice data into a control signal and transmit the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the cooking heater 1 to perform setting input.

[0105] Also, as shown in FIG. 22, voice input may be performed not by the mobile communication terminal 200 but by a smart (AI) speaker 250, which is a type of external communication device. Settings may be input by voice to the smart (AI) speaker 250, and the voice data may be transmitted to the cloud server 300. The cloud server 300 may convert the voice data into a control signal and transmit the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the cooking heater 1 to perform setting input. The route and method of communication between the external communication device and the cooking heater 1 are not particularly limited.

[0106] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 12, an example has been described in which each operation unit has a heating start / stop button, which is an operation button for starting heating for each heating unit. However, as shown in FIG. 24, even if each operation unit does not have a heating start / stop button, setting input, starting, and stopping of heating are possible.

[0107] In the case of the operation unit shown in FIG. 24, for example, when described with reference to the left operation unit 102G, the left standby button 102Ga is operated to enter the setting input reception state. After receiving setting input from an external communication device or operating either the left up button 102Gc or the left down button 102Gd from the default setting state, heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C is started. After heating starts, increasing the heating power with the left up button 102Gc and decreasing the heating power with the left down button 102Gd are accepted, and the heating may be stopped by operating the left standby button 102Ga again during heating.

[0108] Embodiment 2 In Embodiment 1, an example using one heating unit has been described. However, it is different in that a plurality of heating units are used. The operation in the example of using a plurality of heating units will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 110, 119, and 120. The description from here on is based on the premise that the maximum power consumption has been changed to 4800W. Since the main body configuration is the same as that in Embodiment 1, the description of the main body configuration here will basically be omitted, but may be described with the figures used in Embodiment 1 as necessary.

[0109] Figs. 31 to 42 are flowcharts showing an example of a series of operations of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 43 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 44 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation when setting input is received by the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 45 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 46(a) is a diagram showing an example when setting input is made from an external communication device, Fig. 46(b) is a diagram showing an example when a heating unit is selected in the setting input from the external communication device, Fig. 46(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception becomes possible, Fig. 46(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception becomes possible, Fig. 47 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 48 is a schematic diagram showing an example of audio notification when the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 is in a state of receiving setting input, Fig. 49(a) is a diagram showing an example when setting input is made from an external communication device, Fig. 49(b) is a diagram showing an example when heating power is selected in the setting input from the external communication device, Fig. 49(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception becomes possible, Fig. 49(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception becomes possible, Fig. 50 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation when setting input is received by the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 51(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception fails, Fig. 51(b) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception fails, Fig. 52 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 53 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 54 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation when setting input is received by the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2, Fig. 55(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the audio output unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started, Fig. 55(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the display of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started, Fig. 55(c) is after heating is started,FIG. 55(d) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by an external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled; FIG. 55(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 56(a) is a schematic diagram of a display showing an example when the heating power is increased; FIG. 56(b) is a schematic diagram of a display showing an example when the heating power is decreased; FIG. 57(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 57(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 57(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 57(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram showing an example of voice notification when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 is in a setting input reception state; FIG. 60(a) is a diagram showing an example when the heating power is selected in the setting input from the external communication device; FIG. 60(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception becomes possible; FIG. 60(c) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when setting input reception becomes possible; FIG. 61 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation when the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 receives setting input; FIG. 62 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 63(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 63(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 63(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 63(d) is a diagram showing an example after heating is started, whenFIG. showing another example of notification performed by an external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled. FIG. 64 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit when the heating power of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 is reduced. FIG. 65(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 65(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 65(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 65(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 66(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 66(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 66(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 66(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started. FIG. 67 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 68(a) is a diagram showing an example when setting input is performed from the external communication device. FIG. 68(b) is a diagram showing an example when the heating unit is selected in the setting input from the external communication device. FIG. 68(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input is enabled. FIG. 68(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by the external communication device when reception of setting input is enabled. FIG. 69 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 70 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation when reception of setting input of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 is enabled. FIG. 71(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started.FIG. 71(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 71(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 71(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 72(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 72(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 72(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 72(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 73 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 74(a) is a diagram showing an example when setting input is performed from an external communication device; FIG. 74(b) is a diagram showing an example when a heating power is selected in the setting input from the external communication device; FIG. 74(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input becomes possible; FIG. 74(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input becomes possible; FIG. 75 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input is accepted; FIG. 76(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input cannot be accepted; FIG. 76(b) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when reception of setting input cannot be accepted; FIG. 77 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input is accepted; FIG. 78 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 79 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 80(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after heating is started; FIG. 80(b) is after heating is started,FIG. 80(a) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled. FIG. 80(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled during the heating operation. FIG. 80(c) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 80(d) shows another example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 81(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 81(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 81(c) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 81(d) shows another example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 82(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 82(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 82(c) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 82(d) shows another example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating. FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 84(a) shows an example when the heating power is selected in the setting input from the external communication device. FIG. 84(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input is enabled. FIG. 84(c) shows another example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of the setting input is enabled. FIG. 85 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 86(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the start of heating.FIG. 86(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 86(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 86(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 87 shows Embodiment 2, FIG. 87 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit when the heating power of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 is reduced. FIG. 88 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 89(a) is a diagram showing an example when the heating power is selected in the setting input from an external communication device. FIG. 89(b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the setting input reception becomes possible. FIG. 89(c) is a diagram showing another example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the setting input reception becomes possible. FIG. 90 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 91(a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 91(b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the display of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 91(c) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 91(d) is a diagram showing another example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 92(a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 92(b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the display of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 92(c) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 92(d) is a diagram showing another example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the reception of the setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after the heating is started. FIG. 93 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit when the heating power of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 is reduced. FIG. 94 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 95(a) is a diagram showing an example when the heating power is selected in the setting input from an external communication device. FIG. 95(b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the setting input reception becomes possible. FIG. 95(c) is a diagram showing another example of a notification performed by the external communication device when the setting input reception becomes possible.FIG. 96 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit of a cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 97(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 97(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 97(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 97(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 98(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 98(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 98(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 98(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 99 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the heating power is reduced. FIG. 100 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 101(a) is a diagram showing an example when the heating power is selected in the setting input from an external communication device. FIG. 101(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input becomes possible. FIG. 101(c) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input becomes possible. FIG. 102 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation when the reception of setting input of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 103 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 104(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled after heating has started. FIG. 104(b) is after heating has started,FIG. 104(a) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from an external communication device is canceled. FIG. 104(c) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 104(d) shows another example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 105(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 105(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 105(c) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 105(d) shows another example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 106 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation unit and the display unit when the heating power of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 is reduced. FIG. 107(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 107(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 107(c) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 107(d) shows another example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 108(a) shows an example of the notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 108(b) shows an example of the notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating. FIG. 108(c) shows an example of the notification performed on the external communication device when the reception of setting input from the external communication device is canceled after the start of heating.FIG. 108(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by an external communication device when reception of setting input from the external communication device is cancelled after heating is started; FIG. 109(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input is cancelled; FIG. 109(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input is cancelled; FIG. 109(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by an external communication device when reception of setting input is cancelled; FIG. 109(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by an external communication device when reception of setting input is cancelled; FIG. 110(a) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by the voice output unit of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input is cancelled; FIG. 110(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed on the display of the cooking heater according to Embodiment 2 when reception of setting input is cancelled; FIG. 110(c) is a diagram showing an example of notification performed by an external communication device when reception of setting input is cancelled; FIG. 110(d) is a diagram showing another example of notification performed by an external communication device when reception of setting input is cancelled.,

[0110] As shown in FIG. 31, when the main power switch 102F is operated (S31), the LED mounted on a substrate (not shown) below the top plate 102A emits light, so that as shown in FIG. 43, the power indicator 102Fa lights up, indicating that the power of the cooking heater 1 has been turned on, and the operation standby state (S32) in which operation inputs are received is entered.,

[0111] After entering the operation standby state (S32), by operating the standby button of any one of the left, right, and central heating units, it becomes possible to receive the input of heating settings for the heating unit for which the standby button is operated. For example, when operating the left standby button 102Ga corresponding to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) (S33), as shown in FIG. 32, it enters the heating setting input reception state (S36), transmits to the external communication device that the setting input reception state has been entered, notifies that the setting input reception state has been entered, and performs a notification prompting the setting (S37). When one heating unit is in the setting input reception state from the portable communication terminal 200 which is an external communication device, the reception of setting input from the external communication device to other heating units is prohibited so as not to be mistaken for the setting input to other heating units. In this case, since it is in the setting input reception state for the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit), at this time, the operation of the right standby button or the central standby button is not accepted, and the reception of setting input from the external communication device to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) or the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is prohibited.

[0112] Similar to the first embodiment, the notification here includes, as shown in FIG. 14, that the left standby button 102Ga has been input, for example, the display 102Gg that lights up by the emission of the LED indicates that it is in the setting input reception state, that the central (main) display unit 102L is in the state of receiving the setting input, the method of displaying in characters to prompt the setting, or as shown in FIG. 23, that the voice output unit 160 is in the state of receiving the setting input, the method of emitting the voice to prompt the setting, and the like.

[0113] Also, since it is possible to perform operation inputs from the left up button 102Gc and the left down button 102Gd of the left operation unit 102G, as shown in FIG. 14, the display 102Gh of the heating power setting blinks, and after operating the left standby button 102Ga, it guides to the next button to be operated for display.

[0114] As described above, regarding the notification method, any method can be used as long as the user can be made aware, which improves the user experience. Also, it is effective in improving the user experience to provide notifications both visually and audibly and to have multiple means of making the user aware.

[0115] In addition, as described above, an example of the audible notification and display on the display unit by the cooking heater 1 has been described, but an audible notification and display on the display unit by an external communication device may also be used. As shown in Fig. 46(c), the state of receiving a setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 may be indicated, and an audible prompt to set may be issued. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 46(d), the state of receiving a setting input on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 may be indicated, and a prompt to set may be displayed in characters. Also, audible sounds may be emitted from both the cooking heater 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, or the setting may be displayed on both the cooking heater 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0116] After entering the setting input reception state, as an example, an example in which the heating power is set to 8 (2500 W) for the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) will be described. When there is a heating setting input in S38, as shown in Fig. 44, the voice output unit 160 audibly notifies (S39) that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) has been set to 8 and prompts the user to operate the heating start button. Also, as shown in Fig. 45, the set heating power of 8 (2500 W) is displayed on the left display unit 102K, the fact that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) has been set to 8 is displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L, and a prompt to operate the heating start button is displayed (S40). Operation inputs can be made from the left operation unit 102G even before the heating start button is operated. For example, if the left down button 102Gd is operated twice, the set heating power of 8 can be reduced to 6 (power consumption 1500 W), and if the left down button 102Gd is operated five times, the set heating power of 8 can be reduced to 3 (power consumption 500 W).

[0117] Also, the display 102Gi blinks to guide the user to the left heating start / stop button 102Gb, which is the heating start button, so that the user can know which button to operate next, improving usability.

[0118] In this example, both voice notification and display notification on the display unit are performed. However, if the user can be made aware, notification by either one of the methods may be sufficient.

[0119] Similar to the first embodiment, there are multiple methods for setting input. For example, when setting the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit), there are a method of inputting from the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G and a method of inputting from an external communication device. As a method of inputting from an external communication device, as shown in FIG. 44, there is a method of voice input to a mobile communication terminal 200, which is an example of an external communication device, and as shown in FIG. 46(a), there is a method of using an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200 for input.

[0120] When voice input is made to the mobile communication terminal 200, the mobile communication terminal 200 converts the voice into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the heating cooker 1. The control signal received by the communication unit 150 is sent to the control unit 190 shown in FIG. 10. The control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) (S38). If there is a setting input, the voice output unit 160 notifies by voice that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C is set to 8 and prompts the user to operate the left heating start / stop button 102Gb (S39). The central (main) display unit 102L displays that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is set to 8 and prompts the user to operate the left heating start / stop button 102Gb, and the left display unit 102K also displays the set heating power 8 (S40).

[0121] As an example of input in a method different from voice input, there is a method of inputting from an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200. When the application is launched on the mobile communication terminal 200 shown in Fig. 46(a), operation buttons for heating setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 202 is a heating unit selection button. When this operation button is operated, a left heating unit selection button 203a, a center heating unit selection button 203b, and a right heating unit selection button 203c are displayed.

[0122] Among the displayed heating unit selection buttons, for example, when the left heating unit selection button 203a is operated to select the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit), as shown in Fig. 46(b), the display is inverted and changes to a display indicating that the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) has been selected.

[0123] Note that making the display inverted to indicate selection in this description is just an example. Any display that can show the selection is acceptable, such as changing the size of the button or the color of the button.

[0124] After selecting the heating unit, when the heating power setting button 204 is operated, an up button 205a for increasing the heating power setting and a down button 205b for decreasing the heating power setting are displayed. When either the up button 205a or the down button 205b is operated, the heating power is displayed on the operation display unit 201. An example of the display in the state where the heating power is set to 8 is shown in Fig. 46(b).

[0125] After entering the heating setting input reception state (S36), the control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) (S38). When the left standby button 102Ga corresponding to the left induction heating coil unit 101C is operated (S33), the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the time since the left standby button 102Ga was operated. If the set time T1 (first set time) elapses without a setting input after the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the operation of the left standby button 102Ga. However, when it becomes t1 (fourth set time) before reaching the set time T1 (first set time) (S49), a notification is made (S50).

[0126] For example, assuming that t1 (the fourth set time) is set to 3 minutes, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice message such as "The setting input reception state will be cancelled in 3 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 25(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the setting input reception state from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 3 minutes, and as shown in FIG. 25(c), it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in FIG. 25(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). In this way, by making such a notification, it is possible to prompt the user to make a setting input in a situation where the user may have forgotten to make a setting input.

[0127] When the preset time T1 (the first set time) elapses (S51) without any setting input from the start of measurement, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and it is announced (S52) by means such as the voice output unit 160 emitting a voice indicating that the release has been made as shown in Fig. 26(a), or the center (main) display unit 102L displaying characters as shown in Fig. 26(b), or the control unit 190 transmitting information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) emitting a voice as shown in Fig. 26(c), or the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) displaying characters as shown in Fig. 26(d), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0128] When the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated (S57) without any setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) and before the preset time T1 (the first set time) has elapsed, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced (S58) by means such as the voice output unit 160 emitting a voice indicating that the release has been made as shown in Fig. 27(a), or the center (main) display unit 102L displaying characters as shown in Fig. 27(b), or the control unit 190 transmitting information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) emitting a voice as shown in Fig. 27(c), or the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) displaying characters as shown in Fig. 27(d), and heating starts (S44) with the default cooking menu and heating power. Here, as an example, an example where the default cooking menu and heating power are set to, for example, IH heating and heating power 4 (power consumption 750W) is described, but it is not limited to this.

[0129] After heating is started, setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not accepted, but setting inputs during heating can be changed from the operation buttons on the left operation unit 102G. For example, as shown in Fig. 28(a), if the left up button 102Gc is operated twice, the heating power can be increased to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and as shown in Fig. 28(b), if the left down button 102Gd is operated once, the heating power can be decreased to 3 (power consumption 500W). Then the changed heating power is displayed on the left display unit 102K.

[0130] When a setting input is made to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) from the left operation unit 102G of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 in S38, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring time from the point when the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is made, and measures the time during which the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) continues (S41). When the preset time T3 (third set time) elapses while the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) continues from the start of measurement in S41, the control unit 190 determines that the setting input is not in the normal state and aborts the setting input, and issues an audible notification from the audio output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 30(a), or displays it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 30(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information that the acceptance of the setting input has been aborted from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and issues an audible notification from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 30(c), or displays it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 30(d), and notifies in such a manner (S59). T3 is, for example, 15 minutes, which means that if the setting input continues for 15 minutes, it is determined that it is not in the normal input state (abnormal input state). Note that the fact that T3 is 15 minutes is just an example and is not limited thereto, and the time for determining that it is not in the normal state (abnormal state) can be appropriately set in the specification setting.

[0131] After that, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 26(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 26(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 26(d) (notification (S60)), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0132] After a setting input is made from the left operation unit 102G of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) in S38, if the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G is operated (S42) before the preset time T3 (third set time) has elapsed, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 27(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 27(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 27(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 27(d) (notification (S43)), and IH heating is started (S44) at the heating power 8 (2500W) set as described above. The heating power 8 set in the left display unit 102K is displayed in S40, but the heating power 8 is displayed as the heating power in the left display unit 102K in S44.

[0133] Since the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released in S43, the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not received, but the change of the setting input during heating from the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is received. For example, as shown in Fig. 28(a), if the left down button 102Gd is operated twice, the heating power can be reduced to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and as shown in Fig. 28(b), if the left down button 102Gd is operated five times, the heating power can be reduced to 3 (power consumption 500W). Then the changed heating power is displayed on the left display unit 102K.

[0134] In addition, the operations that can be performed for setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not only operations such as starting the operation of the ventilation fan and changing the wind power (rotation speed) of the ventilation fan, but also operations other than the setting and change of the heating power. After operating any of the standby buttons on the left, right, or center, operations other than the setting and change of the heating power can also be performed.

[0135] In the description here, since the case of operating the left standby button 102Ga of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is described, for example, in the case of the configuration and setting of a device in which the ventilation fan operates in conjunction with the start of heating of the cooking heater 1 (not shown), after operating the left standby button 102Ga, as shown in Fig. 119(a), input the setting of the wind power of the ventilation fan by voice to the mobile communication terminal 200 which is an example of an external communication device, or as shown in Fig. 119(b), use the application for setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200 to input the setting of the wind power of the ventilation fan.

[0136] When the application is started on the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 119(b), the operation buttons for setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 210 is the ventilation fan operation button. When this operation button is operated, the weak wind power selection button 211a, the medium wind power selection button 211b, and the strong wind power selection button 211c are displayed. For example, if the medium wind power selection button 211b is selected and the setting button 212 is operated, the ventilation fan is set to medium wind power.

[0137] When the wind force setting of the ventilation fan is input, as shown in Fig. 120(a), it is announced audibly from the voice output unit 160 that the wind force setting of the ventilation fan has been changed, or as shown in Fig. 120(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L, or the control unit 190 transmits information that the wind force setting of the ventilation fan has been changed from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in Fig. 120(c), it is announced audibly from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in Fig. 120(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and notification is performed by such means.

[0138] When settings other than the heating setting, such as the wind force setting of the ventilation fan, are made, the control unit 190 stops the measurement of the time T1 (first setting time) by the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) that measures the elapsed time since the left standby button 102Ga was operated. After the setting other than the heating setting is completed, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring the time T1 (first setting time) from the beginning again. This is a consideration so that when the settings other than the heating setting take time, the situation where the reception state of the setting input is canceled before the user completes the heating setting does not occur, and the usability of the user is not impaired.

[0139] When the setting input to the left operation unit 102G of the heating cooker 1 or to the left induction heating coil unit 101C from the mobile communication terminal 200 is made at S38, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring the time. If the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G is not operated after the start of the measurement and the preset time T2 (second setting time) elapses, it returns to the state before the operation of the left standby button 102Ga. However, if it is before t2 when the set time T2 (second setting time) is reached (S53), notification is made (S54).

[0140] For example, assuming that t2 is set to 5 minutes, as shown in Fig. 29(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice saying "The setting input reception state will be released in 5 minutes.", or as shown in Fig. 29(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L, or the control unit 190 transmits information to release the reception enable state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 5 minutes, and as shown in Fig. 29(c), it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in Fig. 29(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and notification is made by such means. By making such a notification, the user can be prompted to operate in a situation where the user may have forgotten to operate. In the description of the present disclosure, t1 and t2 are described as different times, but t1 and t2 may be the same time t1 = t2, and t1 and t2 can be set as appropriate.

[0141] When the preset time T2 (second set time) elapses (S55) without the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G being operated since the start of measurement, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and as shown in Fig. 26(a), the fact of the release is emitted as a voice from the voice output unit 160, or as shown in Fig. 26(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L, or the control unit 190 transmits information to release the reception enable state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in Fig. 26(c), it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in Fig. 26(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and notification (S56) is made by such means, and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0142] When heating starts at heating power 8 by IH heating in S44, reception of setting input from an external communication device to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) or the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) prohibited in S37 is permitted. That is, when heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) starts, reception of setting input from an external communication device to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) or the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) becomes possible.

[0143] Thereafter, the control unit 190 subtracts the power consumption of 2500W at heating power 8 of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) from the maximum power consumption set to 4800W by the power setting means 191, and calculates the remaining available power consumption (S45). In this example, since 2500W is subtracted from 4800W, the remaining available power consumption becomes 2300W or less.

[0144] After heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C which is the left heating unit starts, settings of the right induction heating coil unit 101D which is the right heating unit or the center induction heating coil unit 101E which is the center heating unit can be made.

[0145] After heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) starts, when the standby button of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) or the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) is not operated and the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated in S47, heating of the left heating unit is stopped (S48), and it returns to the state before the standby button was operated.

[0146] When either the right standby button 102Ja for setting the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) to the setting input reception state in S46 or the center standby button 102Ha for setting the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) to the setting input reception state is operated, if the right standby button 102Ja is operated (S61), as shown in Fig. 33, the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) enters the heating setting input reception state (S62), notifies that it has entered the setting input reception state, and performs a notification prompting the setting (S63).

[0147] The notification here includes, as shown in Fig. 47, that the right standby button 102Ja has been input, for example, the display 102Jg that lights up by the emission of the LED indicates that the setting input reception state has been entered, the center (main) display unit 102L is in the state of receiving the setting input, the method of displaying the prompt for setting in characters, or as shown in Fig. 48, the state of receiving the setting input from the audio output unit 160, and the method of emitting the prompt for setting by voice, etc.

[0148] Also, since operation inputs from the right up button 102Jc and the right down button 102Jd of the right operation unit 102J are also possible, as shown in Fig. 47, the display 102Jh of the heating power setting blinks, and after operating the right standby button 102Ja, it guides the user to the next button to be operated, making the operation procedure easy to understand and the usability good for the user.

[0149] As described above, regarding the method of notification, it is sufficient if the user can be made aware of the notification by any method, which improves the usability for the user. Also, it is effective in improving the usability for the user to perform notifications both visually and audibly and to have multiple means for the user to recognize them.

[0150] Although an example of voice notification by the cooking appliance 1 and display on the display unit has been described above, voice notification by an external communication device and display on the display unit may be used. As shown in Fig. 49(c), the cooking appliance 1 may be in a state of receiving setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200, and may issue a voice prompt for setting. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 49(d), the cooking appliance 1 may be in a state of receiving setting input on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, and may display a prompt for setting in characters. Further, voice may be emitted from both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, or display may be performed on both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0151] After entering the setting input enabled state, a heating setting input is made (S64). The setting input can be made by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 50, or from an application for heating setting input on the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 49(a).

[0152] It is determined (S65) whether the power consumption due to the setting input is less than or equal to the available power. Since the remaining available power calculated in S45 is 2300 W or less, for example, if the setting input is for the high heat level 8 (2500 W) with a power consumption exceeding 2300 W as shown in Fig. 49(a), the setting input is not reflected. In S85 of Fig. 34, since the high heat level that the right heating unit is trying to set exceeds the remaining available power, a notification is given that the high heat level 8 cannot be set, and advice is given to change to a lower heat level so that the available power consumption does not exceed 2300 W.

[0153] For example, as shown in FIG. 50, it is notified and advised by voice from the cooking appliance 1, or as shown in FIG. 52, it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L of the cooking appliance 1, or as shown in FIG. 51(a), the display of the heating power 8 is blinked by voice on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, or as shown in FIG. 51(b), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, and notification and advice are given in any of these ways. Note that, as shown in FIG. 52, on the central (main) display unit 102L of the cooking appliance 1, when there is a heating part during heating, reference information of the heating part during heating, in this example, reference information such as the heating power and power consumption of the left heating part during heating is displayed.

[0154] When the power consumption by setting input in S65 is less than or equal to the available power, as shown in FIG. 54, it is notified by voice from the voice output unit 160 that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) is set to heating power 7 (2000W) which is less than or equal to the remaining available power consumption, and to operate the right heating start / stop button 102Jb which is the heating start button (S66). Also, as shown in FIG. 53, it is displayed (S67) on the right display unit 102M that the set heating power is 7, on the central (main) display unit 102L that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) is set to 7, and to operate the heating start button. Operation input from the right operation unit 102J is possible even before operating the heating start button. For example, if the right down button 102Jd is operated once, the set heating power of 7 can be lowered to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and if the right down button 102Jd is operated four times, the set heating power of 7 can be lowered to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0155] Also, the display 102Ji blinks so as to guide the user to the right heating start / stop button 102Jb which is the heating start button, and it is easy to use as the user can know the button to be operated next.

[0156] Note that in this example, both notification by voice and notification by display on the display unit are performed, but if it is only to make the user recognize, notification by any one of the methods may be sufficient.

[0157] There are multiple ways to set the input. For example, when setting the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part), there are a method of inputting from the operation buttons of the right operation unit 102J and a method of inputting from an external communication device. As the method of inputting from an external communication device, as shown in FIG. 54, there is a method of voice input to a mobile communication terminal 200 which is an example of an external communication device, and as shown in FIG. 49(b), there is a method of inputting using an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0158] When voice input is made to the mobile communication terminal 200, the mobile communication terminal 200 converts the voice into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the cooking heater 1. The control signal received by the communication unit 150 is sent to the control unit 190 shown in FIG. 10. The control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) (S64). If there is a setting input, the voice output unit 160 notifies by voice that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) is set to 7 and prompts to operate the right heating start / stop button 102Jb (S66). The central (main) display unit 102L displays that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) is set to 7 and prompts to operate the right heating start / stop button 102Jb, and the right display unit 102M also displays the set heating power 7 (S67).

[0159] As an example of input in a method different from voice input, there is a method of inputting from an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200. When the application is started on the mobile communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 49(b), operation buttons for heating setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 202 is a heating part selection button. When this operation button is operated, a left heating part selection button 203a, a central heating part selection button 203b, and a right heating part selection button 203c are displayed.

[0160] Here, since the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is already in operation, as shown in Fig. 49(b), the left heating unit selection button 203a is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0161] When the right heating unit selection button 203c is operated to select the right induction heating coil unit 101C, the display that was black text on a white background is inverted to become white text on a black background, indicating that the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) has been selected.

[0162] Note that making the display inverted as described in this explanation to indicate selection is just an example. Any display that can indicate selection is acceptable, such as changing the size of the button or the color of the button.

[0163] After selecting the heating unit and operating the heating power setting button 204, an up button 205a for increasing the heating power setting and a down button 205b for decreasing the heating power setting are displayed. When either the up button 205a or the down button 205b is operated, the heating power is displayed on the operation display unit 201. An example of the display when the heating power is set to 7 is shown in Fig. 49(b).

[0164] When the right standby button 102Ja corresponding to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is operated (S61), the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring the time since the right standby button 102Ja was operated. When the preset time T1 (first set time) elapses without any setting input after the measurement starts, it returns to the state before the standby button was operated. However, when it reaches t1 (fourth set time) before the set time T1 (first set time) (S74), a notification is made (S75).

[0165] For example, assuming that t1 (the fourth set time) is set to 3 minutes, as shown in Fig. 25(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice saying "The setting input reception state will be released in 3 minutes." Or, as shown in Fig. 25(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to release the reception enabled state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 3 minutes, and as shown in Fig. 25(c), it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in Fig. 25(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Notification is made by such means. By making such a notification, in a situation where the user may have forgotten to make a setting input, the user can be prompted to make a setting input.

[0166] When the preset time T1 (the first set time) elapses (S76) without a setting input from the start of measurement, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the right operation unit 102J is released, and as shown in Fig. 55(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice indicating that the release has been made. Or, as shown in Fig. 55(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to release the reception enabled state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in Fig. 55(c), it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in Fig. 55(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Notification (S77) is made by such means, and the state before the standby button is operated is restored.

[0167] If the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) has no set input and the right heating start / stop button 102Jb is operated (S82) without the elapse of a preset time T1 (first set time), for example, when the default cooking menu is IH heating and the default heating power is set to heating power level 4 (power consumption 750W), it is determined whether the power consumption of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is equal to or less than the available power consumption (S83).

[0168] As described above, the remaining available power consumption is 2300W or less, and the power consumption of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is 750W at heating power level 4, which is within the range of the available power consumption, so heating is possible. Although an example has been described assuming that the default cooking menu and heating power are set to IH heating and heating power level 4 (power consumption 750W), respectively, it is not limited thereto.

[0169] If it is determined that heating is possible, the reception state of the set input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is cancelled, and it is announced (S84) by means such as the voice output unit 160 emitting a voice indicating the cancellation as shown in Fig. 57(a), or the central (main) display unit 102L displaying characters as shown in Fig. 57(b), or the control unit 190 sending information that the reception state of the set input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been cancelled to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) via the communication unit 150, and the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) emitting a voice as shown in Fig. 57(c), or the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) displaying characters as shown in Fig. 57(d), and heating is started (S71).

[0170] After heating starts, setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not accepted, but setting inputs during heating can be accepted from the operation buttons on the right operation unit 102J. For example, as shown in Fig. 56(a), if the right up button 102Jc is operated once, the heating power can be increased to 5 (power consumption 1000W), and as shown in Fig. 56(b), if the right down button 102Jd is operated once, the heating power can be decreased to 3 (power consumption 500W). Then the changed heating power is displayed on the right display unit 102M.

[0171] However, when increasing the heating power when setting the heating power, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the setting cannot exceed the remaining available power consumption of 2300W, so the heating power of 8 with a power consumption of 2500W cannot be set. That is, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the change in heating power can be performed within the range of the remaining available power consumption of 2300W.

[0172] When a setting input is made from the right operation unit 102J of the cooking appliance 1 or the portable communication terminal 200 to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) in S64, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time from the point when the setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is made, and measures the time during which the setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) continues (S68). When the preset time T3 (third set time) elapses while the setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) continues from the start of measurement in S68, the control unit 190 determines that the setting input is not in the normal state, aborts the setting input, and emits a voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that the input has been aborted as shown in FIG. 109(a), or displays it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 109(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception of the setting input has been aborted from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and emits a voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 109(c), or displays it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 109(d), and notifies in such a manner (S87).

[0173] Thereafter, the reception state of the setting input from the operation buttons of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the right operation unit 102J is released, and a voice is emitted from the voice output unit 160 indicating that the release has been made as shown in FIG. 55(a), or it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 55(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception enable state of the setting input has been released from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and a voice is emitted from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 55(c), or it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 55(d), and notifies in such a manner (S88) to return to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0174] When a setting input is made from the right operation unit 102J of the cooking appliance 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) at S64, it is determined whether it is below the available power consumption (S65). After determining that heating is possible, if the right heating start / stop button 102Jb of the right operation unit 102J is operated (S69) while the preset time T3 (third set time) has not elapsed, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 57(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 57(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information that the reception enable state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 57(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 57(d) (notification at S70). Then, IH heating is started (S67) at the heating power 7 (2000W) set as described above. The heating power 7 set at S67 is displayed on the right display unit 102M, but the heating power 7 is displayed as the heating power on the right display unit 102M at S71.

[0175] Since the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released at S70, the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not received, but the change of the heating setting input from the operation buttons of the right operation unit 102J is accepted.

[0176] However, as described above, when increasing the heating power when setting the heating power, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the setting cannot exceed the remaining available power consumption of 2300W. Therefore, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the change of the heating power is performed within the range of the remaining available power consumption of 2300W.

[0177] When the setting input to the right operation unit 102J of the cooking appliance 1 or the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) from the mobile communication terminal 200 is made at S64, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time. When the preset time T2 (second set time) elapses without the operation of the right heating start / stop button 102Jb of the right operation unit 102J from the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the standby button is operated. However, when it becomes before t2 at which the set time T2 (second set time) is reached (S78), notification is made (S79).

[0178] For example, if t2 is set to 5 minutes, as shown in FIG. 29(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice such as "The setting input reception state will be canceled in 5 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 29(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the setting input reception state after 5 minutes from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in FIG. 29(c), it is emitted by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in FIG. 29(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Notification is made by such means. By making such notification, in a situation where the user may have forgotten to operate, the user can be prompted to operate. In the description of the present disclosure, t1 and t2 are described as different times, but t1 and t2 may be the same time t1 = t2, and t1 and t2 can be set as appropriate.

[0179] When the set time T2 (second set time) elapses (S80) without the right heating start / stop button 102Jb of the right operation unit 102J being operated since the start of measurement, the reception state of the setting input from the operation buttons of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the right operation unit 102J is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 55(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 55(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information that the reception state of the setting input has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 55(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 55(d), and notification (S81) is performed by such means, and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0180] After the heating of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is started, when the right heating start / stop button 102Jb is operated (S72), the heating of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is stopped (S73), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0181] When the right heating start / stop button 102Jb is operated in S82, for example, when the default cooking menu is set to IH heating and the default heating power is set to heating power 8 (power consumption 2500W), it is determined in S79 that the setting exceeds the remaining available power consumption of 2300W, and it is notified that the heating power of 2500W cannot be set, and advice is notified to set to the available power consumption in the setting input (S85).

[0182] When either the right standby button 102Ja for setting the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating section) to the setting input reception state in S46 or the center standby button 102Ha for setting the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating section) to the setting input reception state is operated, if the center standby button 102Ha is operated (S89), as shown in Fig. 35, the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating section) enters the heating setting input reception state (S90), notifies that the setting input reception state has been entered, and performs a notification prompting the setting (S91).

[0183] The notification here includes, as shown in Fig. 58, that the center standby button 102Ha has been input, for example, a display 102Hg that lights up by the emission of light from an LED indicates that the setting input reception state has been entered, that the center (main) display section 102L is in a state of receiving a setting input, a method of displaying a prompt for setting in characters, or as shown in Fig. 59, a method of emitting a voice from the voice output section 160 indicating that the setting input is being received and a prompt for setting is being issued, etc.

[0184] Also, since operation inputs from the center up button 102Hc and the center down button 102Hd of the center operation section 102H are also possible, as shown in Fig. 58, the display 102Hh of the heating power setting blinks, and after operating the center standby button 102Ha, a display guiding to the next button to be operated is performed, making it easy for the user to understand the operation procedure and providing good usability.

[0185] As described above, regarding the method of notification, any method that can make the user recognize it is acceptable, which improves the user's usability. Also, performing notifications both visually and audibly and using multiple means to make the user recognize them are also effective in improving the user's usability.

[0186] Note that, as described above, an example of the voice notification by the cooking appliance 1 and the display on the display unit has been described. However, the voice notification by an external communication device and the display on the display unit may be used. As shown in Fig. 60(b), the state of receiving the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 may be indicated, and the setting may be prompted by voice. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 60(c), the state of receiving the setting input on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 may be indicated, and the setting may be prompted by displaying text. Further, voice may be emitted from both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, or the display may be made on both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0187] After entering the setting input reception state, the heating setting input is performed (S92). The setting input can be made by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 61, or can be input from an application for heating setting input on the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 60(a).

[0188] When the maximum power consumption is 4800 W, the maximum settable power consumption of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is within the range of 4800 W even when added to the power consumption during use of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) at the maximum set heating power. Therefore, when a setting input is made in S92, the total power consumption is calculated (S93), and as shown in Fig. 61, it is notified by voice from the voice output unit 160 that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is set to 4 and the user is prompted to operate the heating start button (S94). As shown in Fig. 62, it is displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is set to 4 and the user is prompted to operate the heating start button (S95). The operation input from the central operation unit 102H is possible even before operating the heating start button. For example, if the central down button 102Hd is operated once, the heating power set to 4 can be lowered to 3 (power consumption 500 W).

[0189] In addition, the display 102Hi blinks to guide the user to the central heating start / stop button 102Hb, which is the heating start button, so that the user can know which button to operate next, improving usability.

[0190] In this example, both voice notification and display notification on the display unit are performed. However, as long as the user can be made aware, notification by either one method is sufficient.

[0191] There are multiple methods for setting input. For example, when setting the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit), there are a method of inputting from the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H and a method of inputting from an external communication device. As the method of inputting from an external communication device, as shown in FIG. 61, there is a method of voice input to a mobile communication terminal 200, which is an example of an external communication device, and as shown in FIG. 60(a), there is a method of using an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200 for input.

[0192] When voice input is made to the mobile communication terminal 200, the mobile communication terminal 200 converts the voice into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the heating cooker 1. The control signal received by the communication unit 150 is sent to the control unit 190 shown in FIG. 10. The control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) (S92). If there is a setting input, it calculates the total power consumption (S93), and notifies by voice from the voice output unit 160 that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E is set to 4 and that the central heating start / stop button 102Hb should be operated (S94), and displays on the central (main) display unit 102L that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is set to 4 and that the central heating start / stop button 102Hb should be operated (S95).

[0193] As an example of input in a method different from voice input, there is a method of inputting from an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200. When the application is launched on the mobile communication terminal 200 shown in Fig. 60(a), operation buttons for heating setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 202 is a heating unit selection button. When this operation button is operated, a left heating unit selection button 203a, a center heating unit selection button 203b, and a right heating unit selection button 203c are displayed.

[0194] Here, since the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is already operating, as shown in Fig. 60(a), the left heating unit selection button 203a is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0195] When the center heating unit selection button 203b is operated to select the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit), the display that was white with black characters is inverted to become black with white-outlined characters, indicating that the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) has been selected.

[0196] Note that making the selection indicated by the inverted display in this explanation is just an example. Any display that indicates the selection can be used, such as changing the size of the button or the color of the button.

[0197] After selecting the heating unit, when the heating power setting button 204 is operated, an up button 205a for increasing the heating power setting and a down button 205b for decreasing the heating power setting are displayed. When either the up button 205a or the down button 205b is operated, the heating power is displayed on the operation display unit 201. An example of the display in the state where the heating power is set to 4 is shown in Fig. 60(a).

[0198] When the central standby button 102Ha corresponding to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is operated (S89), the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the time since the central standby button 102Ha was operated. When the preset time T1 (first set time) elapses without any setting input after the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the operation of the standby button. However, when it becomes t1 (fourth set time) before reaching the set time T1 (first set time) (S102), a notification is made (S103).

[0199] For example, assuming that t1 (fourth set time) is set to 3 minutes, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice such as "The setting input reception state will be canceled in 3 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 25(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the setting input reception state from the communication unit 150 after 3 minutes to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in FIG. 25(c), it is emitted by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in FIG. 25(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). In this way, by making such a notification, the user can be prompted to make a setting input in a situation where the user may have forgotten to make a setting input.

[0200] When the preset time T1 (the first set time) elapses (S104) without any setting input since the measurement start, the reception state of the setting input from the operation buttons of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the central operation unit 102H is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 63(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 63(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 63(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 63(d), by such means (S105), and returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0201] When the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated (S110) without any setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) and before the preset time T1 (the first set time) has elapsed, for example, when the default cooking menu is set to IH heating and the default heating power is set to heating power 4 (power consumption 750W), the total power consumption is calculated (S111), the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 65(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 65(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 65(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 65(d), by such means (S112), and heating is started (S99).

[0202] After heating is started, setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not accepted, but setting inputs during heating can be changed from the operation buttons on the central operation unit 102H. For example, as shown in FIG. 64, if the central down button 102Hd is operated once, the heating power can be reduced to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0203] When a setting input is made to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) from the central operation unit 102H of the cooking heater 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 in S92, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time from the point when the setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is made, and measures the time during which the setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) continues (S96). When the preset time T3 (third set time) elapses while the setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) continues from the start of measurement in S96, the control unit 190 determines that the setting input is not in the normal state, stops the setting input, and emits a voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that it has been stopped as shown in FIG. 110(a), or displays it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 110(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception of the setting input has been stopped from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and emits a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 110(c), or displays it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 110(d), and notifies in such a manner (S113).

[0204] After that, the reception state of the setting input from the operation buttons of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the central operation unit 102H is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 63(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 63(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 63(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 63(d) (notification (S114)), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0205] In S92, a setting input is made from the central operation unit 102H of the cooking heater 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit), the total power consumption is calculated (S93), and when the central heating start / stop button 102Hb of the central operation unit 102H is operated (S97) before the preset time T3 (third set time) has elapsed, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 65(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 65(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 65(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 65(d) (notification (S98)), and IH heating is started (S99) at the heating power 4 (750W) set as described above.

[0206] Since S98 releases the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not received, but changes to setting inputs during heating from the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H are received.

[0207] When a setting input is made to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) from the central operation unit 102H of the cooking heater 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 in S92, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time. If the start / stop button 102Hb of the central operation unit 102H is not operated from the start of measurement and a preset time T2 (second set time) elapses, it returns to the state before the standby button is operated. However, if it is before t2 when the set time T2 is reached (S106), notification is made (S107).

[0208] For example, if t2 is set to 5 minutes, as shown in FIG. 29(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice such as "The setting input reception state will be released in 5 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 29(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or the control unit 190 transmits information to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) to release the setting input reception enabled state from the communication unit 150 after 5 minutes, and as shown in FIG. 29(c), it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in FIG. 29(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Notification is made by such means. By making such a notification, the user can be prompted to operate in a situation where the user may have forgotten to operate. In the description of the present disclosure, t1 and t2 are described as different times, but t1 and t2 may be the same time t1 = t2, and t1 and t2 can be set as appropriate.

[0209] When a preset time T2 (second set time) elapses (S108) without the central heating start / stop button 102Hb of the central operation unit 102H being operated since the measurement start, the reception state of setting inputs from the operation buttons of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the central operation unit 102H is released, and the fact of the release is audibly emitted from the audio output unit 160 as shown in FIG. 63(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 63(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the information is audibly emitted from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 63(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 63(d), and notification (S109) is made by such means, and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0210] After the heating of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is started and the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated (S100), the heating of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is stopped (S101), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0211] When the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated (S110) without setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) and before the elapse of the preset time T1 (first set time), the total power consumption is calculated (S111), the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced (S112) by means such as emitting a voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 65(a), or displaying it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 65(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information releasing the reception enable state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and emits a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 65(c), or displays it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 65(d), and heating is started (S99) with the default cooking menu and heating power. Here, as an example, the default cooking menu and heating power are described with an example where they are set to, for example, IH heating and heating power 4 (power consumption 750W), but it is not limited to this.

[0212] After heating is started, setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not accepted, but setting input during heating can be accepted from the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H. For example, as shown in Fig. 64, if the central down button 102Hd is operated once, the heating power can be reduced to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0213] After entering the operation standby state (S32), by operating the standby button of any of the left, right, or central heating units, it becomes possible to receive input for setting the heating of the heating unit for which the standby button is operated. For example, when the right standby button 102Ja corresponding to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is operated (S34), as shown in FIG. 36, it enters the heating setting input reception state (S115), transmits to the external communication device that the setting input reception state has been entered, notifies that the setting input reception state has been entered, and performs a notification prompting the setting (S116). When one heating unit is in the setting input reception state from the portable communication terminal 200 which is an external communication device, the reception of setting input from the external communication device to other heating units is prohibited so as not to be mistaken for the setting input to other heating units. In this case, since the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is in the setting input reception state, at this time, the operation of the left standby button 102Ga or the central standby button 102Ha is not accepted, and the reception of setting input from the external communication device to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) or the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is prohibited.

[0214] The notification here includes, as shown in FIG. 67, that the right standby button 102Ja has been input, for example, the display 102Jg which lights up by the emission of light from an LED indicates that it is in the setting input reception state, that the central (main) display unit 102L is in the state of receiving setting input, a method of displaying in characters to prompt the setting, or as shown in FIG. 48, a method of emitting a voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that it is in the state of receiving setting input and prompting the setting.

[0215] Also, since operation inputs from the right up button 102Jc and the right down button 102Jd of the right operation unit 102J are also possible, as shown in FIG. 67, the display 102Jh of the heating power setting blinks, and after operating the right standby button 102Ja, it guides to the next button to be operated, making it easy for the user to understand the operation procedure and having good usability.

[0216] As described above, regarding the notification method, any method can be used as long as it can make the user recognize it, which improves the user experience. Also, it is effective in improving the user experience to use multiple means of notification, including both display and voice, to make the user recognize.

[0217] In addition, as described above, an example of voice notification by the cooking heater 1 and display on the display unit has been explained. However, voice notification by an external communication device and display on the display unit may also be used. As shown in Fig. 68(c), the state of receiving setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 may be set, and a voice may be emitted to prompt the setting. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 68(d), the state of receiving setting input may be set on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, and a prompt for setting may be displayed in characters. Also, voices may be emitted from both the cooking heater 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, or displays may be made on both the cooking heater 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0218] After entering the setting input reception state, as an example, an example of setting the heating power to 8 (2500W) for the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) will be described. When there is a heating setting input at S117, as shown in Fig. 70, the voice output unit 160 notifies by voice that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) has been set to 8 and prompts the user to operate the heating start button (S118). Also, as shown in Fig. 69, the set heating power of 8 (2500W) is displayed on the right display unit 102M, and it is displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) has been set to 8 and prompts the user to operate the heating start button (S119). Operation input from the right operation unit 102J is possible even before operating the heating start button. For example, if the right down button 102Jd is operated twice, the set heating power of 8 can be reduced to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and if the right down button 102Jd is operated five times, the set heating power of 8 can be reduced to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0219] Also, the display 102Ji blinks to guide the user to the right heating start / stop button 102Jb, which is the heating start button, so that the user can know which button to operate next, improving usability.

[0220] In this example, both voice notification and display notification on the display unit are performed. However, if the user can be made aware, notification by either one of the methods may be sufficient.

[0221] There are multiple methods for setting input. When setting the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit), there are a method of inputting from the operation buttons of the right operation unit 102J and a method of inputting from an external communication device. As a method of inputting from an external communication device, as shown in FIG. 70, there is a method of voice input to a mobile communication terminal 200, which is an example of an external communication device, and as shown in FIG. 68(a), there is a method of using an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200 for input.

[0222] When voice input is made to the mobile communication terminal 200, the mobile communication terminal 200 converts the voice into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the heating cooker 1. The control signal received by the communication unit 150 is sent to the control unit 190 shown in FIG. 10. The control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) (S117). If there is a setting input, the control unit 190 notifies by voice from the voice output unit 160 that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is set to 8 and prompts the user to operate the right heating start / stop button 102Jb (S118). The central (main) display unit 102L displays that the heating power of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is set to 8 and prompts the user to operate the right heating start / stop button 102Jb, and the right display unit 102M also displays the set heating power 8 (S119).

[0223] As an example of input in a method different from voice input, there is a method of inputting from an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200. When the application is launched on the mobile communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 68(a), operation buttons for heating setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 202 is a heating unit selection button. When this operation button is operated, a left heating unit selection button 203a, a center heating unit selection button 203b, and a right heating unit selection button 203c are displayed.

[0224] Among the displayed heating unit selection buttons, for example, when the right heating unit selection button 203c is operated to select the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit), as shown in FIG. 68(b), the display is inverted and changes to a display indicating that the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) has been selected.

[0225] Note that making the display indicate selection by inversion in this description is just an example, and any display that indicates selection may be used, such as changing the size of the button or the color of the button.

[0226] After selecting the heating unit, when the heating power setting button 204 is operated, an up button 205a for increasing the heating power setting and a down button 205b for decreasing the heating power setting are displayed. When either the up button 205a or the down button 205b is operated, the heating power is displayed on the operation display unit 201. FIG. 68(b) shows an example of the display in a state where the heating power is set to 8.

[0227] After entering the heating setting input reception state (S115), the control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) (S117). When the right standby button 102Ja corresponding to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is operated (S34), the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the time since the right standby button 102Ja was operated. If the set time T1 (first set time) elapses without a setting input from the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the operation of the standby button. However, when it reaches t1 (fourth set time) before the set time T1 (first set time) arrives (S128), a notification is made (S129).

[0228] For example, if t1 (the fourth set time) is set to 3 minutes, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice such as "The setting input reception state will be canceled in 3 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 25(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the setting input reception enabled state from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 3 minutes, and as shown in FIG. 25(c), it is emitted by voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in FIG. 25(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). In this way, by making such a notification, it is possible to prompt the user to make a setting input in a situation where the user may have forgotten to make a setting input.

[0229] When the preset time T1 (the first set time) elapses (S130) without any setting input from the start of measurement, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the right operation unit 102J is released, and it is announced (S131) by means such as the voice output unit 160 emitting a voice indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 72(a), or the central (main) display unit 102L displaying characters as shown in Fig. 72(b), or the control unit 190 transmitting information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) emitting a voice as shown in Fig. 72(c), or the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) displaying characters as shown in Fig. 72(d), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0230] When the right heating start / stop button 102Jb is operated (S136) without any setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) and the preset time T1 (the first set time) has not elapsed, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced (S137) by means such as the voice output unit 160 emitting a voice indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 71(a), or the central (main) display unit 102L displaying characters as shown in Fig. 71(b), or the control unit 190 transmitting information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) emitting a voice as shown in Fig. 71(c), or the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) displaying characters as shown in Fig. 71(d), and heating starts (S123) with the default cooking menu and heating power. Here, as an example, the case where the default cooking menu and heating power are set to, for example, IH heating and heating power 4 (power consumption 750W) will be described, but it is not limited to this.

[0231] After heating starts, the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not accepted, but the operation buttons on the right operation unit 102J can accept changes to the settings during heating. For example, as shown in Fig. 56(a), if the right up button 102Jc is operated once, the heating power can be increased to 5 (power consumption 1000W), and as shown in Fig. 56(b), if the right down button 102Jd is operated once, the heating power can be decreased to 3 (power consumption 500W). The changed heating power is displayed on the left display unit 102M.

[0232] When a setting input is made to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) from the right operation unit 102J of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 in S117, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring time from the point when the setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is made, and measures the time during which the setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) continues (S120). When the preset time T3 (third setting time) elapses while the setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) continues from the start of measurement in S120, the control unit 190 determines that the setting input is not in the normal state, stops the setting input, and notifies (S138) it by means such as emitting a voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 109(a), or displaying it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 109(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the acceptance of the setting input has been stopped from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and emits a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 109(c), or displays it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 109(d).

[0233] After that, the reception state of the setting input from the operation buttons of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the right operation unit 102J is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 72(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 72(b), or the control unit 190 transmits the information that the reception state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 72(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 72(d) (notification (S139)), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0234] After a setting input is made from the right operation unit 102J of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) in S117, if the right heating start / stop button 102Jb of the right operation unit 102J is operated (S121) before the preset time T3 (third set time) has elapsed, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 71(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 71(b), or the control unit 190 transmits the information that the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 71(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 71(d) (notification (S122)), and IH heating is started (S123) at the heating power 8 (2500W) set as described above. The heating power 8 set in the right display unit 102M is displayed in S119, but the heating power 8 is displayed as the heating power in the right display unit 102M in S123.

[0235] Since the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released at S122, the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not received, but the change of the setting input during heating from the operation buttons of the right operation unit 102J is received. For example, as shown in Fig. 56(a), if the right down button 102Jd is operated three times, the heating power can be reduced to 5 (power consumption 1000W), and as shown in Fig. 56(b), if the right down button 102Jd is operated five times, the heating power can be reduced to 3 (power consumption 500W). Then the changed heating power is displayed on the right display unit 102M.

[0236] When the setting input to the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) from the right operation unit 102J of the cooking heater 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 is made at S117, the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring time. When the preset time T2 (second set time) elapses without the operation of the right heating start / stop button 102Jb of the right operation unit 102J from the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the standby button is operated. However, if it is before t2 when the set time T2 (second set time) is reached (S132), a notification is made (S133).

[0237] For example, assuming that t2 is set to 5 minutes, as shown in Fig. 29(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice saying "The setting input reception state will be released in 5 minutes.", or as shown in Fig. 29(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L, or the control unit 190 transmits information to release the reception enabled state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 5 minutes, and as shown in Fig. 29(c), it is emitted as a voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in Fig. 29(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and notification is made by such means. By making such a notification, it is possible to prompt the user to operate in a situation where the user may have forgotten to operate. In the description of the present disclosure, t1 and t2 are described as different times, but t1 and t2 may be the same time t1 = t2, and t1 and t2 can be set as appropriate.

[0238] When the preset time T2 (second set time) has elapsed (S134) without the right heating start / stop button 102Jb of the right operation unit 102J being operated since the start of measurement, the reception state of the setting input from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the right operation unit 102J is released, and as shown in Fig. 72(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice indicating that the release has been made, or as shown in Fig. 72(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L, or the control unit 190 transmits information to release the reception enabled state of the setting input from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in Fig. 72(c), it is emitted as a voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in Fig. 72(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and notification (S135) is made by such means, and the state before the operation of the standby button is restored.

[0239] When heating starts with a heating power of 8 in IH heating at S123, reception of setting input from an external communication device to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) or the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) prohibited at S116 is permitted. That is, when heating of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) starts, reception of setting input from an external communication device to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) or the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) becomes possible.

[0240] Thereafter, the control unit 190 subtracts the power consumption of 2500W at heating power 8 of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) from the maximum power consumption set to 4800W by the power setting means 191, and calculates the remaining available power consumption (S124). In this example, since 2500W is subtracted from 4800W, the remaining available power consumption becomes 2300W or less.

[0241] After heating of the right induction heating coil unit 101D which is the right heating unit starts, settings of the left induction heating coil unit 101C which is the left heating unit or the center induction heating coil unit 101E which is the center heating unit can be performed.

[0242] After heating of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) starts, when the standby button of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) or the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) is not operated at S125 and the right heating start / stop button 102Jb is operated (S126), heating of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is stopped (S127), and it returns to the state before the standby button was operated.

[0243] When either the left standby button 102Ga for setting the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) to the setting input reception state at S125 or the center standby button 102Ha for setting the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) to the setting input reception state is operated, if the left standby button 102Ga is operated (S140), as shown in FIG. 37, the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) enters the heating setting input reception state (S141), notifies that the setting input reception state has been reached, and performs a notification prompting the setting (S142).

[0244] The notification here includes, as shown in FIG. 73, that the left standby button 102Ga has been input, for example, the display 102Gg that lights up by the emission of light from an LED indicates that the setting input reception state has been reached, that the central (main) display unit 102L is in the state of receiving the setting input, a method of displaying a prompt for setting in characters, or as shown in FIG. 23, that the voice output unit 160 is in the state of receiving the setting input, a method of emitting a prompt for setting by voice, and so on.

[0245] Also, since operation inputs from the left up button 102Gc and the left down button 102Gd of the left operation unit 102G are also possible, as shown in FIG. 73, the display 102Gh of the heating power setting blinks, and after operating the left standby button 102Ga, a display is made to guide to the next button to be operated, making it easy for the user to understand the operation procedure and providing good usability.

[0246] As described above, regarding the method of notification, any method of notification may be used as long as the user can recognize it, which improves the usability of the user. Also, it is effective in improving the usability of the user to perform notifications both by display and voice and to use a plurality of means for the user to recognize.

[0247] Incidentally, although an example of voice notification by the cooking appliance 1 and display on the display unit has been described above, voice notification by an external communication device and display on the display unit may be used. As shown in Fig. 74(c), the state of receiving setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 may be indicated, and voice may be emitted to prompt the setting. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 74(d), the state of receiving setting input on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 may be indicated, and the setting may be prompted by displaying characters. Also, voice may be emitted from both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, or the display may be made on both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0248] After entering the setting input reception state, a heating setting input is performed (S143). The setting input can be made by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 50, or input can be made from an application for heating setting input on the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 74(a).

[0249] It is determined (S144) whether the power consumption due to the setting input is equal to or less than the available power. Since the remaining available power calculated in S124 is 2300 W or less, for example, if the setting input is for a heating power of 8 (2500 W) with a power consumption exceeding 2300 W as shown in Fig. 74(a), the setting input is not reflected. In S165 of Fig. 38, since the heating power to be set in the right heating unit exceeds the remaining available power, a notification that the heating power 8 cannot be set and advice to change to a lower heating power so that the available power consumption does not exceed 2300 W are given.

[0250] For example, as shown in Fig. 75, it is notified and advised by voice using the cooking appliance 1, or as shown in Fig. 78, it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L of the cooking appliance 1, or as shown in Fig. 76(a), the display of the heating power 8 is blinked and notified by voice on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, or as shown in Fig. 76(b), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, and notification and advice are given by any of these methods. As shown in Fig. 78, on the central (main) display unit 102L of the cooking appliance 1, when there is a heating part during heating, reference information of the heating part during heating, in this example, reference information such as the heating power and power consumption of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating part) during heating is displayed.

[0251] When the power consumption by setting input in S144 is less than or equal to the available power, as shown in Fig. 77, the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating part) is set to heating power 7 (2000W) which is less than or equal to the remaining available power consumption, and it is notified by voice from the voice output unit 160 to prompt to operate the left heating start / stop button 102Gb which is the heating start button (S145). Also, as shown in Fig. 79, the set heating power 7 is displayed on the left display unit 102K, it is displayed that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating part) is set to 7 on the central (main) display unit 102L, and it is displayed to prompt to operate the heating start button (S146). Even before operating the heating start button, operation input from the left operation unit 102G is possible. For example, if the left down button 102Gd is operated once, the set heating power 7 can be lowered to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and if the left down button 102Gd is operated four times, the set heating power 7 can be lowered to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0252] Also, the display 102Gi blinks so as to guide to the left heating start / stop button 102Gb which is the heating start button, and it is easy to use as the user can know the button to be operated next.

[0253] In this example, both notification by voice and notification by display on the display unit are performed, but if it is only to make the user recognize, notification by any one method may be sufficient.

[0254] There are multiple ways to set the input. For example, when setting the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit), there are a method of inputting from the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G and a method of inputting from an external communication device. As the method of inputting from an external communication device, as shown in FIG. 77, there is a method of inputting by voice to a mobile communication terminal 200 which is an example of an external communication device, and as shown in FIG. 74(b), there is a method of inputting using an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0255] When voice input is made to the mobile communication terminal 200, the mobile communication terminal 200 converts the voice into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the heating cooker 1. The control signal received by the communication unit 150 is sent to the control unit 190 shown in FIG. 10. The control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) (S143). If there is a setting input, it is notified by voice from the voice output unit 160 that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is set to 7 and to operate the left heating start / stop button 102Gb (S145). It is displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L that the heating power of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is set to 7 and to operate the left heating start / stop button 102Gb, and the set heating power 7 is also displayed on the left display unit 102K (S146).

[0256] As an example of input in a method different from voice input, there is a method of inputting from an application for heating setting input on the mobile communication terminal 200. When the application is started on the mobile communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 74(b), operation buttons for heating setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 202 is a heating unit selection button. When this operation button is operated, a left heating unit selection button 203a, a central heating unit selection button 203b, and a right heating unit selection button 203c are displayed.

[0257] Here, since the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is already in operation, as shown in Fig. 74(b), the right heating unit selection button 203c is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0258] When the left heating unit selection button 203a is operated to select the left induction heating coil unit 101D (left heating unit), the display that was white with black characters is reversed to display black characters on a white background, indicating that the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) has been selected.

[0259] Note that making the display reversed to indicate selection in this description is just an example. Any display that can indicate selection is acceptable, such as changing the size of the button or the color of the button.

[0260] After selecting the heating unit and operating the heating power setting button 204, an up button 205a for increasing the heating power setting and a down button 205b for decreasing the heating power setting are displayed. When either the up button 205a or the down button 205b is operated, the heating power is displayed on the operation display unit 201. An example of the display when the heating power is set to 7 is shown in Fig. 74(b).

[0261] When the left standby button 102Ga corresponding to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is operated (S140), the timing means 192 (see Fig. 11) starts measuring the time since the left standby button 102Ga was operated. When the preset time T1 (first set time) elapses without any setting input after the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the standby button was operated. However, when it reaches t1 (fourth set time) before the set time T1 (first set time) (S153), a notification is made (S154).

[0262] For example, assuming that t1 (the fourth set time) is set to 3 minutes, as shown in Fig. 25(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice saying "The setting input reception state will be released in 3 minutes." Or, as shown in Fig. 25(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to release the setting input reception state from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) after 3 minutes, and as shown in Fig. 25(c), it is emitted as a voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in Fig. 25(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). In this way, notification is made. By notifying in this way, in a situation where the user may have forgotten to make a setting input, the user can be prompted to make a setting input.

[0263] When the preset time T1 (the first set time) elapses (S155) without a setting input from the start of measurement, the reception state of the setting input from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and as shown in Fig. 80(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice indicating that it has been released. Or, as shown in Fig. 80(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to release the setting input reception state from the communication unit 150 to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in Fig. 80(c), it is emitted as a voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in Fig. 80(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Notification (S156) is made in this way, and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0264] If the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) has no set input and the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated (S161) without the elapse of the preset time T1 (first set time), as shown in Fig. 38, for example, when the default cooking menu is IH heating and the default heating power is set to heating power 4 (power consumption 750W), it is determined whether the power consumption of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is below the available power consumption (S162).

[0265] As described above, the remaining available power consumption is 2300W or less, and the power consumption of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is 750W at heating power 4, which is within the range of the available power consumption, so heating is possible. Although an example has been described assuming that the default cooking menu and heating power are set to IH heating and heating power 4 (power consumption 750W), respectively, it is not limited thereto.

[0266] If it is determined that heating is possible, the reception state of the set input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced (S163) by means such as the voice output unit 160 audibly announcing the release as shown in Fig. 81(a), or the central (main) display unit 102L displaying it in characters as shown in Fig. 81(b), or the control unit 190 transmitting information indicating that the reception state of the set input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) via the communication unit 150, and the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) audibly announcing it as shown in Fig. 81(c), or the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) displaying it in characters as shown in Fig. 81(d), and heating is started (S150).

[0267] After heating is started, setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not accepted, but setting inputs during heating can be accepted from the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G. For example, as shown in Fig. 28(a), if the left up button 102Gc is operated twice, the heating power can be increased to 6 (power consumption 1500W), and as shown in Fig. 28(b), if the left down button 102Gd is operated once, the heating power can be decreased to 3 (power consumption 500W). Then the changed heating power is displayed on the left display unit 102K.

[0268] However, when increasing the heating power when setting the heating power, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the setting cannot exceed the remaining available power consumption of 2300W, so the heating power of 8 with a power consumption of 2500W cannot be set. That is, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the change in heating power can be performed within the range of the remaining available power consumption of 2300W.

[0269] When a setting input is made to the left operation unit 102G of the cooking appliance 1 or to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) from the mobile communication terminal 200 at S143, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time from the point in time when the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is made, and measures (S147) the time during which the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) continues. When the preset time T3 (third set time) elapses while the setting input to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) continues from the start of measurement at S147, the control unit 190 determines that the setting input is not in the normal state, stops the setting input, and notifies (S166) it by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in FIG. 30(a), or displays it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 30(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception of the setting input has been stopped from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is notified by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 30(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 30(d).

[0270] After that, the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and it is notified (S167) by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in FIG. 80(a) that the release has been made, or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 80(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception enabled state of the setting input has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is notified by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 80(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 80(d), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0271] When a setting input is made from the left operation unit 102G of the cooking appliance 1 or the portable communication terminal 200 to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) in S143, it is determined whether it is below the available power consumption (S144). After determining that heating is possible, if the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G is operated (S148) while the preset time T3 (third set time) has not elapsed, the reception state of the setting input from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 81(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 81(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of the setting input from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released to the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150, and it is announced by voice from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 81(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 81(d) (notification in such a manner in S149), and IH heating is started (S150) at the heating power level 7 (2000W) set as described above. The heating power level 7 set in the left display unit 102K is displayed in S146, but the heating power level 7 is displayed as the heating power on the left display unit 102K in S150.

[0272] Since the reception state of the setting input from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released in S149, the setting input from the portable communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not accepted, but the change of the setting input during heating from the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is accepted.

[0273] However, as described above, when increasing the heating power level, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the setting cannot exceed 2300W which is the remaining available power consumption. Therefore, when the maximum power consumption is 4800W, the change of the heating power level is performed within the range of 2300W which is the remaining available power consumption.

[0274] When setting input is made to the left operation unit 102G of the cooking appliance 1 or to the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) from the mobile communication terminal 200 at S143, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time. If the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G has not been operated after the start of measurement and a preset time T2 (second set time) has elapsed, it returns to the state before the standby button is operated. However, if it becomes t2 before reaching the set time T2 (S157), notification is made (S158).

[0275] For example, if t2 is set to 5 minutes, as shown in FIG. 29(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice such as "The setting input reception state will be canceled in 5 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 29(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the set input reception state after 5 minutes from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in FIG. 29(c), it is emitted by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in FIG. 29(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Notification is made by such means. By making such notification, it is possible to prompt the user to operate in a situation where the user may have forgotten to operate. In the description of the present disclosure, t1 and t2 are described as different times, but t1 and t2 may be the same time t1 = t2, and t1 and t2 can be set as appropriate.

[0276] When the preset time T2 (second set time) elapses (S159) without the left heating start / stop button 102Gb of the left operation unit 102G being operated since the start of measurement, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the left operation unit 102G is released, and it is announced by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 82(a), or displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 82(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and it is announced by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 82(c), or displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 82(d), and notification (S160) is made by such means, and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0277] After the heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is started, when the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated (S151), the heating of the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) is stopped (S152), and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0278] When the left heating start / stop button 102Gb is operated in S161, for example, when the default cooking menu is set to IH heating and the default heating power is set to heating power 8 (power consumption 2500W), if it is determined in S162 that the setting exceeds the remaining available power consumption of 2300W, it is notified that the heating power of 2500W cannot be set, and advice is notified to set to the available power consumption in the setting input (S164).

[0279] When either the left standby button 102Ga for setting the left induction heating coil unit 101C (left heating unit) to the setting input reception state at S125 or the center standby button 102Ha for setting the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) to the setting input reception state is operated, if the center standby button 102Ha is operated (S168), as shown in FIG. 39, the center induction heating coil unit 101E (center heating unit) enters the heating setting input reception state (S169), notifies that the setting input reception state has been entered, and performs a notification prompting the setting (S170).

[0280] The notification here includes, as shown in FIG. 83, that the center standby button 102Ha has been input, for example, a display 102Hg that lights up by the emission of light from an LED indicates that the setting input reception state has been entered, that the center (main) display unit 102L is in a state of receiving a setting input, a method of displaying a prompt for setting in characters, or, as shown in FIG. 59, a method of emitting a voice from the voice output unit 160 indicating that the setting input is being received and a voice prompt for setting.

[0281] Also, since operation inputs from the center up button 102Hc and the center down button 102Hd of the center operation unit 102H are also possible, as shown in FIG. 83, the display 102Hh of the heating power setting blinks, and after operating the center standby button 102Ha, a display is made to guide to the next button to be operated, making it easy for the user to understand the operation procedure and providing good usability.

[0282] As described above, regarding the method of notification, any method of notification may be used as long as the user can recognize it, which improves the usability of the user. Also, it is effective in improving the usability of the user to perform notifications both visually and audibly and to use a plurality of means for the user to recognize.

[0283] As described above, an example of the voice notification by the cooking appliance 1 and the display on the display unit has been described. However, voice notification by an external communication device and display on the display unit may be used. As shown in Fig. 84(b), the state of receiving a setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200, or the voice may be emitted to prompt the setting. As shown in Fig. 84(c), the state of receiving a setting input on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200, or the setting may be prompted by displaying it in characters. Also, voices may be emitted from both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200, or the display may be made on both the cooking appliance 1 and the mobile communication terminal 200.

[0284] After entering the setting input reception state, a heating setting input is performed (S171). The setting input can be made by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 61, or input can be made from an application for heating setting input on the mobile communication terminal 200 as shown in Fig. 84(a).

[0285] When the maximum power consumption is 4800W, since the maximum settable power consumption of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is within the range of 4800W even when added to the power consumption during use of the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) at the maximum set heating power, when a setting input is made in S171, the total power consumption is calculated (S172). As shown in Fig. 61, it is notified by voice from the voice output unit 160 that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is set to 4 and to operate the heating start button (S173). As shown in Fig. 85, it is displayed on the central (main) display unit 102L that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is set to 4 and to operate the heating start button (S174). Operation input from the central operation unit 102H is possible even before operating the heating start button. For example, if the central down button 102Hd is operated once, the heating power set to 4 can be lowered to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0286] In addition, the display 102Hi blinks to guide the user to the central heating start / stop button 102Hb, which is the heating start button, so that the user can know which button to operate next, which is convenient to use.

[0287] In this example, both voice notification and display notification on the display unit are performed. However, as long as the user can recognize it, notification by either one of the methods may be sufficient.

[0288] There are multiple methods for setting input. For example, when setting the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit), there are a method of inputting from the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H and a method of inputting from an external communication device. As a method of inputting from an external communication device, as shown in FIG. 61, there is a method of voice input to a mobile communication terminal 200, which is an example of an external communication device, and as shown in FIG. 84(a), there is a method of using an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200 for input.

[0289] When voice input is made to the mobile communication terminal 200, the mobile communication terminal 200 converts the voice into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the communication unit 150 of the heating cooker 1. The control signal received by the communication unit 150 is sent to the control unit 190 shown in FIG. 10. The control unit 190 determines whether there is a setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) (S171). If there is a setting input, it calculates the total power consumption (S172), notifies by voice from the voice output unit 160 that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E is set to 4 and prompts the user to operate the central heating start / stop button 102Hb (S173), and displays on the central (main) display unit 102L that the heating power of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is set to 4 and prompts the user to operate the central heating start / stop button 102Hb (S174).

[0290] As an example of input in a method different from voice input, there is a method of inputting from an application for heating setting input in the mobile communication terminal 200. When the application is launched on the mobile communication terminal 200 shown in Fig. 84(a), operation buttons for heating setting input are displayed on the operation display unit 201. 202 is a heating unit selection button. When this operation button is operated, a left heating unit selection button 203a, a central heating unit selection button 203b, and a right heating unit selection button 203c are displayed.

[0291] Here, since the right induction heating coil unit 101D (right heating unit) is already in operation, as shown in Fig. 84(a), the right heating unit selection button 203c is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0292] When the central heating unit selection button 203b is operated to select the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit), the display that was white with black characters is inverted to become black with white-outlined characters, indicating that the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) has been selected.

[0293] Note that making the display inverted to indicate selection in this description is just an example. Any display that can indicate selection is acceptable, such as changing the size of the button or the color of the button.

[0294] After selecting the heating unit, when the heating power setting button 204 is operated, an up button 205a for increasing the heating power setting and a down button 205b for decreasing the heating power setting are displayed. When either the up button 205a or the down button 205b is operated, the heating power is displayed on the operation display unit 201. An example of the display when the heating power is set to 4 is shown in Fig. 84(a).

[0295] When the central standby button 102Ha corresponding to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is operated (S168), the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the time since the central standby button 102Ha was operated. When the preset time T1 (first set time) elapses without any setting input after the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the operation of the standby button. However, when it reaches t1 (fourth set time) before the set time T1 (first set time) (S180), a notification is made (S181).

[0296] For example, assuming that t1 (the fourth set time) is set to 3 minutes, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice message such as "The setting input reception state will be canceled in 3 minutes." Or, as shown in FIG. 25(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L. Or, the control unit 190 transmits information to cancel the setting input reception state from the communication unit 150 after 3 minutes to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and as shown in FIG. 25(c), it is emitted as a voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). Or, as shown in FIG. 25(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). In this way, by making such a notification, it is possible to prompt the user to make a setting input in a situation where the user may have forgotten to make a setting input.

[0297] When the preset time T1 (first set time) elapses (S182) without any setting input from the start of measurement, the reception state of setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H is released, and it is announced (S183) by means such as audibly emitting from the voice output unit 160 that the release has been made as shown in Fig. 66(a), or displaying it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 66(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information releasing the reception enable state of setting input from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and audibly emitting from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 66(c), or displaying it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 66(d), and returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0298] When the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated (S188) without any setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) and before the preset time T1 (first set time) has elapsed, for example, when the default cooking menu is set to IH heating and the default heating power is set to heating power 4 (power consumption 750W), the total power consumption is calculated (S189), the reception state of setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced (S190) by means such as audibly emitting from the voice output unit 160 that the release has been made as shown in Fig. 86(a), or displaying it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 86(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information releasing the reception enable state of setting input from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and audibly emitting from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 86(c), or displaying it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 86(d), and heating is started (S177).

[0299] After heating is started, setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not accepted, but changes to the setting inputs during heating are accepted from the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H. For example, as shown in FIG. 87, if the central down button 102Hd is operated once, the heating power can be reduced to 3 (power consumption: 500 W).

[0300] When a setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is made from the central operation unit 102H of the cooking heater 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 in S171, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time from the point in time when the setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is made, and measures the time during which the setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) continues (S174a). When the preset time T3 (third set time) elapses while the setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) continues from the start of measurement in S171, the control unit 190 determines that the setting input is not in the normal state, aborts the setting input, and notifies it by voice from the voice output unit 160 as shown in FIG. 110(a), or displays it in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in FIG. 110(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information that the acceptance of the setting input has been aborted from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and notifies it by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 110(c), or displays it in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in FIG. 110(d) (S191).

[0301] Thereafter, the reception state of setting inputs from the operation buttons of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the central operation unit 102H is released, and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the audio output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 66(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 66(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 66(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 66(d), and notification (S192) is made by such means, and it returns to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0302] In S171, a setting input is made from the central operation unit 102H of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit), the total power consumption is calculated (S172), and when the central heating start / stop button 102Hb of the central operation unit 102H is operated (S175) before the preset time T3 (third set time) has elapsed, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the audio output unit 160 as shown in Fig. 86(a), or is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L as shown in Fig. 86(b), or the control unit 190 transmits information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the communication unit 150 has been released to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the fact that it has been released is audibly emitted from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 86(c), or is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 86(d), and notification (S176) is made by such means, and IH heating is started (S177) at the heating power 4 (750W) set as described above.

[0303] Since the reception state of the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released in S176, the setting input from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is not received, but the change of the setting input during heating from the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H is received.

[0304] When a setting input is made to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) from the central operation unit 102H of the heating cooker 1 or the mobile communication terminal 200 in S171, the timing means 192 (see FIG. 11) starts measuring time. When the preset time T2 (second set time) elapses without the operation of the central heating start / stop button 102Hb of the central operation unit 102H from the start of measurement, it returns to the state before the standby button is operated. However, when it is before t2 when the set time T2 (second set time) is reached (S184), a notification is made (S185).

[0305] For example, if t2 is set to 5 minutes, as shown in FIG. 29(a), the voice output unit 160 emits a voice such as "The setting input reception state will be released in 5 minutes.", or as shown in FIG. 29(b), it is displayed in characters on the central (main) display unit 102L, or the control unit 190 transmits information to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) from the communication unit 150 to release the setting input reception state after 5 minutes, and as shown in FIG. 29(c), it is emitted by voice from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), or as shown in FIG. 29(d), it is displayed in characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device). In this way, by making such a notification, the user can be prompted to operate in a situation where the user may have forgotten to operate. In the description of the present disclosure, t1 and t2 are described as different times, but t1 and t2 may be the same time t1 = t2, and t1 and t2 can be set as appropriate.

[0306] When the preset time T2 (second set time) elapses (S186) without the central heating start / stop button 102Hb of the central operation unit 102H being operated since the start of measurement, the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) and the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H is released, and it is announced (S187) by means such as the voice output unit 160 emitting a voice indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 66(a), or the central (main) display unit 102L displaying characters as shown in Fig. 66(b), or the control unit 190 transmitting information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), and the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) emitting a voice as shown in Fig. 66(c), or the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) displaying characters as shown in Fig. 66(d), so as to return to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0307] After the heating of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is started, when the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated (S178), the heating of the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is stopped (S179), and it is configured to return to the state before the standby button is operated.

[0308] When the central heating start / stop button 102Hb is operated (S188) without any setting input to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) and before the preset time T1 (first set time) has elapsed, for example, when the default cooking menu is set to IH heating and the default heating power is set to heating power 4 (power consumption 750W), the total power consumption is calculated (S189), the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) is released, and it is announced by means such as the voice output unit 160 emitting a voice indicating that it has been released as shown in Fig. 86(a), or the central (main) display unit 102L displaying characters as shown in Fig. 86(b), or the control unit 190 transmitting information indicating that the reception state of setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) has been released from the communication unit 150 to the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device), Fig. Notification (S190) is performed by means such as emitting an audio from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 86(c) or displaying characters on the operation display unit 201 of the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) as shown in Fig. 86(d), and heating is started (S201) with the default cooking menu and heating power. Here, as an example, an example where the default cooking menu and heating power are set to, for example, IH heating and heating power 4 (power consumption 750W) will be described, but it is not limited to this.

[0309] After heating is started, setting inputs from the mobile communication terminal 200 (external communication device) are not accepted, but setting input changes during heating are accepted from the operation buttons of the central operation unit 102H. For example, as shown in Fig. 87, if the central down button 102Hd is operated once, the heating power can be reduced to 3 (power consumption 500W).

[0310] After entering the operation standby state (S32), by operating the standby button of any of the left, right, and central heating units, it becomes possible to accept setting inputs for heating of the heating unit for which the standby button is operated. For example, when the central standby button 102Ha corresponding to the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is operated (S35), as shown in Fig. 40, it enters the setting input acceptance state (S193). It transmits to the external communication device that it has entered the setting input acceptance state, notifies that it has entered the setting input acceptance state, and performs a notification prompting for settings (S194). When one heating unit is in the setting input acceptance state from the mobile communication terminal 200 which is an external communication device, the acceptance of setting inputs from the external communication device to other heating units is prohibited so as not to be mistaken for setting inputs to other heating units. In this case, since the central induction heating coil unit 101E (central heating unit) is in the setting input acceptance state, at this time, operati...

Claims

1. A heating unit that heats an object to be heated, an operation unit that sets the heating unit, a display unit that displays the set information of the heating unit, a communication unit for communicating with an external communication device, the communication unit, and a control unit that controls the heating unit according to the setting of the operation unit, the operation unit is provided with a standby button that enables input of the setting of the heating unit and a heating start button that starts heating of the heating unit, when the standby button is operated, the control unit transmits to the external communication device that the communication unit is in a state where input of the setting of the heating unit from the external communication device is possible, enables the communication unit to receive the setting of the heating unit transmitted by the external communication device, after receiving the setting of the heating unit transmitted from the external communication device and displaying the received setting of the heating unit on the display unit, when the heating start button is operated, the control unit releases the state where input of the setting of the heating unit from the external communication device is possible, and starts heating of the heating unit according to the heating setting received from the external communication device.

2. The heating setting transmitted from the external communication device is transmitted to the communication unit by voice input to the external communication device, and the heating cooker according to claim 1, which is sent from the communication unit to the control unit.

Images