Cooking appliance and cooking system

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker and a heating cooking system that are highly convenient for users and can accurately acquire recipe data from a communication terminal.SOLUTION: A heating cooker includes a plurality of specific input keys, a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the outside, notification means, a storage device, and a control device which executes cooking using recipe data acquired through the communication unit. The storage device holds correspondence information of a specific input key to be used for cooking for each cooking menu. The control device successively executes a key identification step of extracting one of the specific input keys based on the correspondence information stored in the storage device when the control device acquires notice information regarding the recipe data from an external communication terminal via the communication unit, and a notification step of notifying, via notification means, information that can identify the specific input key extracted in the key identification step, and a confirmation step of determining whether the notified specific input key has been operated, and transmitting selection information to the communication terminal when the notified specific input key has been operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 59

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] Many "built-in" cooking appliances are equipped with multiple heat sources and are popular for their ability to handle a variety of cooking methods. However, because they are installed inside kitchen furniture, the external dimensions must be designed to conform to the standards of general kitchen furniture, meaning there is significantly less freedom in design compared to "freestanding" or "tabletop" appliances, making it difficult to create a practical product.

[0004] A typical built-in cooking appliance has multiple heating ports arranged on the top of the main body, which perform induction heating, and a grill chamber (also called an "oven chamber" or "heating chamber," but hereinafter collectively referred to as the "heating chamber") inside the main body, in which microwaves from a microwave heating source are introduced to cook food (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Appliances equipped with multiple heating sources using different heating principles like this are called combined cooking appliances. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-177467 A (Page 1, Figure 135) [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-158345 A (Page 1, Figure 15) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As proposed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in the case of a combined heating cooker, the number of heating means and input operation units increases, and the task of the user individually setting one cooking menu becomes more complicated. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 2, it has been proposed to transmit recipe data from a smartphone (communication terminal) to each heat source of a cooking appliance, and to cook using the recipe data. However, in order to set recipe data in a cooking device via a communication terminal, the user must consider the timing of communication between the cooking device and the communication terminal and the selection of the heat source to be used. Furthermore, when a cooking menu requires the use of multiple heating means, there is a concern that the user may be confused about how to operate the input operation unit. However, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not adequately address these issues. This may lead to user confusion and may result in failure of data communication for the cooking menu. In other words, it is necessary to notify the user in a timely manner depending on the connection status between the cooking device and the communication terminal.

[0007] A first object of the present disclosure is to provide a highly convenient cooking device and cooking system that allows users to set various cooking menus in the cooking device from a communication terminal by improving operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cooking device according to the first disclosure includes: A plurality of specific input keys; a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the outside; A notification means; A storage device; a control device that executes cooking using the recipe data acquired via the communication unit, the storage device stores corresponding information of the specific input keys for each cooking menu; The control device (1) a key specifying step of extracting a key to be operated from the specific input keys according to the correspondence information when the advance notice information A about the cooking menu is received from the communication unit; (2) a notification step of notifying, by the notification means, information capable of identifying the specific input key extracted in the key identification step; (3) a confirmation step of determining whether the specific input key notified by the notifying means has been operated, and transmitting selection information A if the specific input key has been operated; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0009] The cooking system according to the second disclosure includes: a cooking device having a plurality of input operation units, a display unit, a communication function, and a plurality of heating means; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the input operation unit has an individual operation unit corresponding to only one of the heating means and a common operation unit corresponding to a plurality of the heating means, the cooking device has a first specific input key in the individual operation unit and a second specific input key in the shared operation unit, By selecting the first specific input key, first menu information can be displayed on the display unit, By selecting the second specific input key, second menu information can be displayed on the display unit, The communication terminal (1) In response to a user's input, one cooking menu corresponding to specific recipe data is selected from the range of the first menu information and the second menu information, and a first menu is displayed on the terminal display unit. screen and display it as (2) When the cooking menu displayed on the first screen is confirmed, the second screen is displayed. (3) On the second screen, advance notice information A is displayed, which prompts the user to select the first specific input key or the second specific input key corresponding to the recipe data displayed on the second screen, (4) When a transmission command is received at a point in time when the selection operation of the first specific input key or the second specific input key is completed, the recipe data is transmitted to the cooking device. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0010] The cooking system according to the third disclosure includes: a cooking device having a plurality of input operation units, a display unit, a communication function, and a plurality of heating means; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the input operation unit has an individual operation unit corresponding to only one of the heating means and a common operation unit corresponding to a plurality of the heating means, the cooking device has a first specific input key arranged on the individual operation unit and a second specific input key arranged on the shared operation unit, By selecting the first specific input key, first menu information can be displayed on the display unit, By selecting the second specific input key, second menu information can be displayed on the display unit, The communication terminal (1) displaying either the first menu information or the second menu information on the first screen in response to a user input; (2) When one cooking menu belonging to either the first menu information or the second menu information displayed on the first screen is selected, the display is switched to the second screen, (3) On the second screen, advance notice information A regarding the operation of the first specific input key or the second specific input key corresponding to the selected one of the cooking menus is displayed, (4) When the selection of the first specific input key or the second specific input key has been completed, upon receiving a transmission command, The aforementionedRecipe data corresponding to either the first menu information or the second menu information of The function of transmitting to the cooking device is enabled, When either the first specific input key or the second specific input key indicated in the advance notice information A is operated, the cooking appliance (1) a selection step of transmitting selection information A indicating an operation of either the first specific input key or the second specific input key; (2) a receiving step of acquiring the recipe data corresponding to either the first menu information or the second menu information from the communication terminal; Execute the following in sequence: This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0011] The cooking device according to the fourth disclosure is a first unit incorporating a first operation unit, a first display unit, a first communication unit, a heat source, and a storage means; a second unit that is placed on the first unit and is capable of performing a cooking operation using the heat source in a first state; Equipped with the second unit has a second display unit, a second operation unit, a second communication unit, a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external communication device, and a sub-control device; the first unit includes a main control device that operates in accordance with recipe data acquired from the wireless communication unit, the first operation unit and the second operation unit each have a specific input key; the storage means stores correspondence information for specifying the specific input key for each cooking menu; The sub-controller comprises: (1) a key specifying step of extracting one of the specific input keys according to the correspondence information when advance notice information A regarding the cooking menu is acquired from the wireless communication unit; (2) a notification step of notifying, on the first display unit or the second display unit, information capable of identifying the specific input key extracted in the key identification step; The configuration is characterized by sequentially executing the above.

[0012] The cooking device according to the fifth disclosure is a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside, a notification unit, a heating unit, and a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit; The control device (1) a key specifying step of specifying a specific input key to be operated when advance notice information A regarding one cooking menu is acquired from the communication unit; (2) a notification step of notifying, by the notification means, information capable of identifying the specific input key extracted in the key identification step; (3) When the specific input key notified by the notification means is operated, a confirmation step of transmitting selection information A is executed, and then a reception restriction period is started during which a selection of a new cooking menu using the specific input key is restricted. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0013] The cooking system according to the sixth disclosure is a cooking device having a plurality of input operation units, a display unit, a communication function, and a plurality of heating means; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the input operation unit has an individual operation unit corresponding to only one of the heating means and a common operation unit corresponding to a plurality of the heating means, the cooking device has a first specific input key arranged on the individual operation unit and a second specific input key arranged on the shared operation unit, By selecting the first specific input key, first menu information can be displayed on the display unit, By selecting the second specific input key, second menu information can be displayed on the display unit, The communication terminal (1) displaying either the first menu information or the second menu information on the first screen in response to a user input; (2) When one cooking menu belonging to either the first menu information or the second menu information displayed on the first screen is selected, the display switches to the second screen, (3) On the second screen, advance notice information B is displayed, which prompts the user to select the first specific input key or the second specific input key corresponding to the selected cooking menu. (4) When a command to transmit the advance notice information B is received, the advance notice information B corresponds to the recipe data displayed on the first screen. The aforementioned transmitting correspondence information identifying the first specific input key or the second specific input key to the cooking device; This is a configuration characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooking device that can be connected to a communication terminal to handle a wide variety of cooking methods, contributing to improving the efficiency of user input operations and reducing input load, and a cooking system that uses the cooking device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram 1 of a heating and cooking system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the cooking device of FIG. 1 in a state of installation; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 3 is an enlarged plan view of a central display unit and a central operation unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is an enlarged plan view of the left display unit, left heating power display unit, and left operation unit of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3 is an enlarged plan view of the right display unit, right heating power display unit, and right operation unit of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 3 is an enlarged plan view of the central display unit, central operation unit, and central heating status display unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 3 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of operation of the central display unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control device and an input operation unit (central operation unit) of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of control menus that can be selected by the central operation unit of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2; FIG. [Figure 13] A classification table of the control menu for the heating cooker shown in Figure 2. [Figure 14] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage structure of various cooking control menus for the cooperative cooking mode and the combined cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2, and the correspondence between the menus and input keys. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the central display unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in a combined cooking mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in a combined cooking mode. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the cooking device shown in the figure when in a combined cooking mode. [Figure 18] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation section and the central display section in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in the combined cooking mode. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation section and the central display section in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation section and the central display section in the cooperative cooking mode of the cooking device shown in FIG. [Figure 21] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation section and the central display section in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in the cooperative cooking mode. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 of a modified example showing the display contents of the input operation section and the central display section in the cooperative cooking mode of the heating cooker shown in FIG. [Figure 23] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the cooperative cooking mode of the cooking device shown in FIG. 2, and a display example of the cooperative cooking menu. FIG. [Figure 24] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2 in the cooperative cooking mode. FIG. [Figure 25] 3 is a table showing various cooperative cooking menus in the cooperative cooking mode of the heating cooker shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of operation of the cooperative preheating cooking mode among the cooperative cooking modes shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of operation of the cooperative preheating cooking mode among the cooperative cooking modes shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 28] FIG. 26 is a step explanatory diagram showing the operation of the cooperative cooking mode shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 29] 26 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the collaborative cooking mode shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 30] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing permission conditions and determination results before transitioning to the cooperative cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 31] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 32] 3 is a flowchart showing the main input steps for the three cooking modes after the main power is turned on in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 33] 3 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process after the main power is turned on in the cooking device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 34] 34 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process in the case of the cooperative cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 35] 34 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process in the case of a combined cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 36] 34 is a flowchart 1 showing an input process in the case of a single cooking mode in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 37]3 is a flowchart showing the main input steps when recipe data is acquired and cooked using the central operation unit in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 38] 34 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 39] 34 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 40] 34 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the control device in a voice input mode in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 41] 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the initial standby screen of the central display unit at the time of start-up in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 33. FIG. [Figure 42] 34 is an explanatory diagram of the central display section showing the state before cooking by the first heating means is started in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33. FIG. [Figure 43] 34 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation before transitioning to the cooperative cooking mode due to the acquisition of recipe data in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 44] FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the central display unit and the central operation unit in the cooking device shown in FIG. 33 before acquiring recipe data from an external device and transitioning to the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 45] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing a chronological relationship between cooking steps of a cooperative cooking menu and operations on an input operation unit when recipe data is acquired from an external device in the cooking device of the first embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between the cooking steps of a cooperative cooking menu and the operation of an input operation unit in chronological order in the cooking device of the first embodiment. [Figure 47] 1 is a time chart 1 for explaining the entire period during which recipe data can be acquired and the control operations in the cooperative cooking mode in the cooking device of the first embodiment. [Figure 48] 1 is a time chart 1 for explaining the entire recipe data obtainable period and control operation in a composite cooking mode in the cooking device of the first embodiment. [Figure 49]47 is a time chart showing a first modification of the time chart shown in FIG. 46. [Figure 50] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit when recipe data for the cooperative cooking mode is acquired in the cooking device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 51] 47 is a time chart showing a second modification of the time chart shown in FIG. 46. [Figure 52] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of displaying food ingredients and nutritional components before transitioning to heat cooking operation in the linked cooking mode using recipe data acquired from an external source. [Figure 53] 2 is a block diagram showing the main internal configuration of a communication terminal (information processing terminal device) used in the cooking system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 54] 54 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal device) shown in FIG. 53. [Figure 55] 54 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cooking device after receiving data from the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in FIG. 53. [Figure 56] FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal device) shown in FIG. [Figure 57] FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in FIG. 53. [Figure 58] 54A and 54B are explanatory diagrams 3 and 4 showing the display operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in FIG. 53. [Figure 59] 1 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between a communication terminal (information processing terminal device) and a cooking device in the cooking system of the first embodiment. [Figure 60] 6 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal (information processing terminal device) and the cooking device in the cooking system of the first embodiment. [Figure 61] 10 is an enlarged plan view of a central display unit, a central operation unit, and a central heating status display unit of a cooking device used in a cooking system according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 62] 62 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content on the terminal display unit of the communication terminal used in the cooking system shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 63] FIG. 62 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the control device and the central operating unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 64] 62 is a plan view of the central display unit, central operation unit, left and right operation units, and central heating status display unit of the cooking appliance 1 shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 65] 62 is an enlarged plan view of the central display unit, central operation unit, and central heating status display unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 66] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a display on the cooking device that indicates that recipe data for one cooking menu has been received from a communication terminal. [Figure 67] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a display on the cooking device that indicates that recipe data for one cooking menu has been received from the communication terminal. [Figure 68] FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display contents on the terminal display unit of the communication terminal used in the cooking system shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 69] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the display content on the terminal display unit shown in FIG. 68. [Figure 70] FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display content on the terminal display unit shown in FIG. 68. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a heating and cooking system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 72] FIG. 72 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the center of a cooking device used in the heating system of FIG. 71. [Figure 73] FIG. 73 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 72. [Figure 74] FIG. 73 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 72. [Figure 75] An enlarged view 1 of the input operation section and display section of the heating cooker shown in Figure 72, seen from the front (front) side. [Figure 76] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the heating cooker shown in FIG. 72, viewed from above. [Figure 77] 72 is a time chart showing the operation of the cooking device and the communication terminal used in the heating system of FIG. 71 in chronological order. [Figure 78]FIG. 73 is a plan view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 72, viewed from above. [Figure 79] FIG. 73 is a plan view of the cooking device 1 shown in FIG. 72, viewed from above. [Figure 80] 73 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the input operation section and display section of the cooking device shown in FIG. 72, seen from the front (front) side. [Figure 81] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the center of a cooking device used in a cooking system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 82] 8 is a time chart showing the operation of the cooking device and the communication terminal used in the heating system of FIG. 81 in chronological order. [Figure 83] 10 is a time chart showing the operation between a cooking device and a communication terminal used in the cooking system of the fifth embodiment in chronological order. [Figure 84] 84 is an enlarged plan view showing the operating states of the central display unit, central operation unit, and central heating status display unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 83. [Figure 85] 84 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cooking device shown in FIG. 83. [Figure 86] FIG. 84 is an explanatory diagram showing the display operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in FIG. 83. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The cooking system according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating directions (e.g., "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "rear," etc.) are used to facilitate understanding, but these are for explanatory purposes only. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following description, a composite cooking device equipped with a plurality of types of heating means will also be simply referred to as a "cooking device." Cooking appliances that have a cooking space such as an inner pot, such as a rice cooker equipped with one heating means (e.g., an induction heating coil or a sheath heater), are also called heating cookers. For example, even if such rice cookers have only one heating means, they can cook multiple types of food, such as regular white rice or porridge, and may also have several or more cooking methods. Such rice cookers are equipped with multiple input keys (touch keys, push button keys, etc.) that allow the user US to select the various food items and cooking modes, and improving operability is one of the challenges.

[0018] In the following explanation, when we say "a heated object placed on the top plate," it means both cases where a heated object such as a pot is placed directly on the top surface of the top plate 3 described below and heated, and cases where a heated object is placed on a support member such as a trivet arranged above the top plate, such as a gas burner, and heated.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the "second heating means" HM2 refers to a heat source for heating food placed inside the heating chamber 6, which will be described later. It may also be one that uses radiant heat or steam.

[0020] In the first embodiment, a magnetron is used as the microwave heating source, but there is no limitation on the microwave oscillation principle or method, and it may be a microwave oscillator using a semiconductor element, etc. Also, a plurality of heating sources may be provided.

[0021] In this first embodiment, the "third heating means" HM3 is called "third" to indicate the difference from the second heating means HM2, but does not imply a superiority or inferiority relationship. In addition, in embodiment 1, a heat source using a radiant electric heat source (sheath heater, mica heater, carbon heater, ceramic heater, infrared heater, radiant heater, etc.) is used, but a heat source that generates heat in other forms or methods may also be used.

[0022] The third heating means HM3 is capable of cooking in one heating chamber 6. It may be configured to use a combination of multiple heating sources with different heating principles, such as a heating source composed of an electric heater and a gas combustor (burner). An induction heating source may also be used as the heating source for heating the heating chamber 6. A steam generator (boiler) (not shown) that supplies high-temperature steam (such as superheated steam) may also be used.

[0023] Furthermore, the third heating means may be either a heat source that heats the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside, or a heat source that is installed in the internal space of the heating chamber 6 and heats the atmosphere in the internal space to a high temperature. In addition, a heat-generating element that becomes hot by induction heating may be placed in the heating chamber, and this heat-generating element may heat the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside, or may heat the air inside the heating chamber 6.

[0024] A typical example of the induction heating coil (IH coil) referred to in this first embodiment is one made by bundling about 30 thin copper or aluminum wires of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, twisting several of these bundles together, and winding them into a spiral. Another example is one made by winding about 1,000 to 1,500 wires of about 0.05 mm. Another proposal is to use a ring-shaped conductor made of a flat conductive material. Any of these forms corresponds to the "IH coil" which is the main part of the first heating means HM1 (induction heating source).

[0025] In this embodiment 1, "coordinated cooking" refers to cooking performed using two or more heating sources that heat a single item (including food, meat, vegetables, etc.) in different locations and whose heating operation conditions can be set independently.

[0026] The "coordinated cooking" mentioned above refers to the use of multiple heating means with a time lag. For example, in the process of completing a single cooking step, after preheating with a microwave heating source, the food to be cooked is moved to another location, and then heated with an induction coil at the new location to complete the cooking, which is a type of "coordinated cooking" as defined here.

[0027] Another type of "cooperative cooking" is to heat the food inside the heating chamber 6 using a gas burner (burner), and then move the food onto the top plate 3 and heat it again using a gas burner (burner) or an induction heating source to improve the cooking quality.

[0028] The "voice input mode" refers to a control mode in which the user US inputs by speaking, without touching or pressing the buttons or operation surfaces of the input switches (input keys). There are two types of "voice input mode": "voice input mode 1" and "voice input mode 2".

[0029] The "voice input mode 1" is selected by operating an input key (hereinafter referred to as a "dual-purpose key") that supports both voice input and touch (including pressure) input. The "voice input mode 2" is selected by operating an input key 180 dedicated to voice input (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "voice input dedicated key"), which will be described later.

[0030] In a single input operation unit having multiple input keys, including the "dual-purpose key," when the mode is changed to "voice input mode 1" by the dual-purpose key, there are two cases: one in which the input functions of (some of) the input keys (e.g., 156M) other than the dual-purpose key are temporarily disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 1A"), and one in which they are not disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 1B"). Both cases fall under the "voice input mode 1" mentioned here.

[0031] In one input operation unit, when the "dedicated voice input key" 180 is pressed during touch input using an input key (for example, 153M or 153L), "voice input mode 2" is selected. In this case, after the selection of voice input mode 2, there are two cases: one in which the input functions of (a part of) the input keys (for example, 156M) other than the dedicated voice input key 180 are temporarily disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 2A"), and one in which they are not disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 2B"). Either case corresponds to the "voice input mode 2" referred to here.

[0032] In this first embodiment, there are three input operation units 15 in total: a central operation unit 15M, a left operation unit 15L, and a right operation unit 15R. The central operation unit 15M may be called a "common operation unit." The left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R may be called "individual operation units."

[0033] The individual operation units 15L and 15R are provided with first specific input keys 152L and 152R, respectively. The common operation section 15M has a second specific input key 153M. When recipe data CD is acquired and heating cooking is performed by operating the individual operation units 15L, 15R, a first cooking program is selected from the memory device 42 of the control device 40 (described later) by selecting the first specific input keys 152L, 152R. This "first cooking program" drives the first heating means HM1 to perform induction heating cooking. Individual cooking menus belonging to the first cooking program are displayed on the left display unit 16L and the right display unit 16R, respectively.

[0034] When the above-mentioned three specific input keys (152L, 152R, and 153M) are operated, they generate individual selection information A (202A, 202B, 202C) corresponding to the specific input key. In other words, since they generate different selection information A (202A, 202B, 202C), it is possible to uniquely identify which specific input key has been operated in the input key identification unit 15A of the input operation unit 15. The selection information of the specific input key 152L is 202A. The selection information of the specific input key 152R is 202B. The selection information of the specific input key 153 is 202C. This allows the control device 40 to determine which specific input keys (152L, 152R, and 153M) have been operated for input, based on the input information from the input operation unit 15. If the specific input keys themselves do not have the function of generating unique selection information A (202A, 202B, 202C), the input operation unit 15 on which the specific input keys are arranged may assign a unique identification number (code) to each specific input key and transmit the identification information of each specific input key to the control device 40. In the following description, the selection information A will use the representative code 202. In other words, the code 202 encompasses all of the selection information 202A to 202C, and may mean any one of them.

[0035] When recipe data CD is acquired and the common operation unit 15M is operated to cook by heating, the (second) specific input key 153M is selected, whereby a second cooking program is selected from the memory device 42 of the control device 40, which will be described later. This "second cooking program" performs cooking by driving a combination of two groups: the first heating means HM1, the second heating means HM2, and the third heating means HM3. Specifically, it can execute individual cooking menus belonging to the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1, which will be described later. This cooperative cooking mode KM1 has two or more cooking processes. A cooking menu can be selected using the central operation unit 15M while viewing the central display unit 16M. Note that before cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 begins, input keys other than the (second) specific input key 153M are also used to set control conditions (heat power, heating time, etc.). By selecting and operating the (second) specific input key 153M, a second cooking program is selected from the memory device 42 of the control device 40, and identification information 167 such as the name of a cooking menu that can be executed by the second cooking program can be displayed on the display unit 16.

[0036] The "second cooking program" also includes cooking by independently driving the first heating means HM1, the second heating means HM2, and the third heating means HM3. For example, it is also possible to perform induction heating in a specific heating port (central heating port 4C) or to perform cooking by only microwave heating in the heating chamber 6.

[0037] "Recipe data" CD refers to data used to control the cooker 1 in order to heat and cook one food item. One form of recipe data CD includes data specifying the heating means, data specifying the heating process and order, and control conditions during heating (including, but not limited to, heat power, target temperature, heating and cooking time, etc.).

[0038] Another form of the recipe data CD does not include data specifying the heating means or data specifying the heating process or order, but only includes some of the data required to execute a cooking menu (e.g., hamburger steak). For example, when cooking in the linked cooking mode described later, one cooking menu is executed. This does not include information specific to the heating means (including information indicating the attributes of the heating means and information on the heating port), information on the cooking process, information indicating the order in which the heating means are driven, etc. In this case, the data mainly consists of instructions and data (hereinafter referred to as "commands" or "command data") that determine control conditions such as heating capacity, heating time, etc. In this case, if the recipe data CD held in the cooking appliance 1 is configured on the assumption that one serving of food is to be cooked, for example, the cooking appliance may be adapted to two or four servings, etc., by changing the control conditions (for example, one parameter, the heating time) using a built-in program in response to an external command.

[0039] In the following embodiments, the above-mentioned forms of recipe data CD will not be particularly distinguished from each other. The "display screen" in the following embodiments includes a liquid crystal display screen using a liquid crystal display element (liquid crystal panel) and a display screen using other light-emitting methods (organic EL panel, etc.). It also includes "pop-up screens" that automatically appear on the display screen. A "pop-up" is a separate window that automatically appears (starts up and begins displaying) on ​​the screen of an Internet browser (also called a "web browser"). For example, in the terminal display unit (display screen) 216 of the communication terminal 200 described later, the first screen 216A, the second screen 216B, etc. will be described, but these may be configured as pop-up screens.

[0040] Embodiment 1 (1. Configuration of the cooking system) The first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. Referring to FIG. The cooking system of the first embodiment is configured to include a cooking appliance 1, a smartphone 200 (also called a high-function communication terminal, but in the following description, referred to as a "communication terminal") having the function of wirelessly communicating with the cooking appliance 1, and a cloud server 300. Note that the communication terminal 200 may be a device other than a smartphone, such as a tablet terminal or a personal computer with a communication function. In the first embodiment, all of these devices are collectively referred to as the communication terminal 200.

[0041] The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication using a communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark) with a wireless router 340 (FIG. 2) installed in a house (not shown) in which the cooking appliance 1 is used.

[0042] The cooking appliance 1 can acquire at least the recipe data CD1 through wireless communication 330 with the communication terminal 200. The recipe data CD2 acquired by the cooking appliance 1 via a cloud server, which will be described later, will be described later. The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication 330 with the cooking appliance 1 using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0043] The communication terminal 200 accesses a cloud server 330 in an external space via the wireless router 340 (FIG. 2) and a network NW such as the Internet. The cloud server 300 has at least one recipe data providing server 301.

[0044] The recipe data providing server 301 is equipped with a recipe DB (database) 302 that stores data on recipes for performing various cooking methods, and the communication terminal 200 accesses a recipe providing site operated by the recipe data providing server 301 and acquires (downloads) various recipe data CD1 from the recipe DB 302.

[0045] The recipe data CD1, which will be explained in detail later, includes commands (command data) that specify heating means and control conditions (including at least one of heat, heating time, temperature, etc., but not limited to these) so that a specific food item (for example, "hamburger steak") can be cooked in the cooking appliance 1. However, as mentioned above, the data may be only unique data that identifies the recipe data CD1.

[0046] In the following explanation, recipe data may be referred to with symbols such as CD1, CD2, etc., but the contents of the recipe data do not necessarily differ depending on the symbol, and may even be the same. These symbols (CD1, CD2) are used based on the entity that sent the recipe data, making it easier to understand. When using a unified reference symbol for recipe data, "CD" is used.

[0047] The cooking device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first heating means HM1 arranged below a top plate 3 (described in Figure 2 and subsequent figures) covering the upper surface of the cooking device 1, a second heating means HM2 that supplies microwaves to a heating chamber 6 (see Figure 3) formed inside the cooking device 1, and a third heating means HM3 that is located inside or outside the heating chamber 6 and raises the temperature of the internal space of the heating chamber 6 to heat it.

[0048] If the upper surface of the top plate 3 is defined as the "first location," then induction heating means is used as the first heating means HM1 to heat an object to be heated (a magnetic metal pot) placed in this first location. Alternatively, a gas combustion device equipped with a gas burner for heating a pot made of magnetic or non-magnetic metal can be used as the first heating means HM1.

[0049] If a closed space located away from the first place is defined as a "second place," then the inside of the heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3) is the second place.

[0050] The cooking device 1 has a function of executing an "independent cooking mode" KM3 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven independently (independently).

[0051] The cooking appliance 1 has a function of executing a "combined cooking mode" KM2, which is a method of cooking one food item by simultaneously driving the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3, or by driving one of them first and then automatically driving the other. Even when the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously, whether the heating ends at the same time or at different times is one operation pattern belonging to the "combined cooking mode" KM2.

[0052] The "combined cooking mode" KM2 has at least the following patterns: a pattern in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously from the beginning (RG control mode 1), a pattern in which the third heating means HM3 starts to be driven after the second heating means HM2 (RG control mode 2), and a pattern in which the third heating means HM3 is driven first and then automatically switched to the second heating means HM3 (RG control mode 3). In these RG control modes 1 to 3, switching between the heating means is automatically performed when cooking begins in the heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3).

[0053] Unlike the linked cooking mode KM1, which will be described later, the "combined cooking mode" KM2 does not have a "cooking menu" corresponding to a specific food item (e.g., hamburger steak). In other words, a "control menu" is provided for each pattern for driving the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3. One control pattern can accommodate multiple food items (e.g., thawing meat or boiling vegetables).

[0054] For example, one of the "control menus" is the "RG control mode 1." In the RG control mode (RG combined cooking mode), various foods can be cooked. One of the "control menus," for example, the "RG control mode 1," is controlled by recipe data that defines the control mode, but is not set for each specific food to be cooked.

[0055] In other words, the operation pattern in which two or more heating sources (the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3) are operated in a predetermined sequence is the composite cooking mode KM2 having multiple "control menus."

[0056] In contrast to this, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 with a cooperative cooking menu applies recipe data (corresponding to specific foods) to heat and cook foods placed inside the heating chamber 6 and above the top plate 3 in a predetermined order. That is, the contents of the recipe data differ between the combined cooking mode KM2 and the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0057] In the following description, when a type of control mode, such as a drive pattern of a heat source, is indicated, it is called a "control menu." For example, "thawing" is one of the control menus. On the other hand, when specifying the food to be cooked, the name of the dish, etc., it is called a "cooking menu." For example, "hamburger steak" is one of the cooking menus.

[0058] The cooking device 1 has the function of executing a "coordinated cooking mode" KM1 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven with a time difference determined depending on the operation of the user US (user).

[0059] The "combined cooking mode" KM1 has a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed by the first heating means HM1, and a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed by the second heating means HM2. For example, to move from cooking step 1 by the first heating means HM1 to cooking step 2, the food to be cooked is moved into the heating chamber 6, and then the second heating means HM2 starts to be driven, so there is a "heating pause period" (transition period TR) during which no heating operation is performed between cooking step 1 and cooking step 2. This heating pause period will be explained using Figures 45 and 46.

[0060] In this "cooperative cooking mode" KM1, the recipe data CD is prepared for each specific food to be cooked (for example, hamburger steak, roast beef, or gratin). The recipe data CD specifies the heating means to be used, the order in which the heating means are driven, and the control conditions for the heating means (including at least one of heating power, heating time, temperature, etc.).

[0061] The recipe data CD is stored in both the cooking appliance 1 and the recipe DB 302. The type of recipe data CD in the recipe DB does not have to be the same as the type of recipe data CD stored in the cooking appliance 1. For example, the recipe DB 302 may be configured such that recipe data CD for new cooperative cooking modes KM1 are sequentially added, and the recipe data CD for composite cooking menus are sequentially accumulated.

[0062] When the cooking appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD for executing the cooperative cooking mode KM1 from the communication terminal 200, the data is one cooking menu unit selected by the user US on the communication terminal 200. This is not limited to the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1, but is also common to the "combined cooking mode" KM2 and the "single cooking mode" KM3.

[0063] That is, in the cooking appliance 1, for example, a control menu called "warming" can be selected in the combined cooking mode KM2, but the recipe data CD provided from the communication terminal 200 to the cooking appliance 1 is not in units of such control menus. Therefore, although the control menu for microwave heating and the like includes various control menus such as "warming," "manual microwave," "pre-boil leafy vegetables," "pre-boil root vegetables," and "thaw meat," which will be described later, the communication terminal 200 does not provide recipe data CD in units of such control menus. For example, in the case of thawing, recipe data (including identification information) called "thawing XX," which specifies the object to be heated, is provided from the communication terminal 200.

[0064] As described above, the communication terminal 200 requests the recipe data providing server 301 to provide the recipe data CD for the desired food to be cooked, and downloads the recipe data CD1 corresponding to the desired recipe (see FIG. 1).

[0065] The communication terminal 200 can transmit recipe data CD2 corresponding to one recipe, which is generated by the recipe data providing server 301 and acquired from the server 301, to the cooking appliance 1 (see FIG. 1). To use this recipe data acquisition function, a user US of the cooking appliance 1 accesses the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301) and installs an application for selecting recipes (hereinafter referred to as the "recipe selection app") on the communication terminal 200.

[0066] When the user US installs the recipe selection app, the user US performs an operation to register identification information such as the model name of the cooking appliance as an initial setting. This registration enables the user US to obtain recipe data CD corresponding to the rated specifications of the cooking appliance 1 (such as the heating capacity of each of the heating means HM1 to HM3) from the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301).

[0067] Furthermore, the user US uses the recipe selection application to pair the communication terminal 200 with the cooking appliance 1, thereby establishing direct wireless communication 330BT between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. Note that this wireless communication 330BT may be one that uses a near field communication (NFC) method.

[0068] 2 indicates wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the wireless router 340. The communication method for wireless communication 330T between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 uses Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards. Moreover, the wireless communication 330WF between the communication terminal 200 and the wireless router 340 uses a wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark).

[0069] 1, in the cooking system of this embodiment 1, recipe data CD (corresponding to one recipe) created by the user US can be sent by the communication terminal 200 to the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301), temporarily stored in the recipe DB 302, and then provided to the cooker 1. In other words, even if the communication terminal 200 is located far away from the house in which the cooker 1 is installed (for example, when the user is out), the recipe data CD of the communication terminal 200 can be conveniently stored in the recipe data providing server 301.

[0070] A wireless router 340 (see FIG. 2) may be interposed between the cooking appliance 1 and the cloud server 300.

[0071] In the first embodiment, there are cases where the recipe data CD is described as being "acquired" or "restricted from being acquired," so this point will be explained. The explanation that "acquisition is restricted" does not mean that recipe data CD (specific information constituting all or part of it) cannot enter the cooking appliance 1 from outside via the communication unit 51, which will be described later. In the cooking appliance 1, the communication unit 51 first receives the recipe data CD from outside and temporarily stores it in an appropriate storage area in the storage device 41 (which will be described in FIG. 10). At that time, the content of the data (attributes, presence or absence of identification information 167, etc.) is analyzed. However, if the data was transmitted from outside during the "period during which acquisition is restricted" as described above, it will not be used in the subsequent execution of the cooking menu (i.e., the cooking process), and will be automatically deleted within a short period of time (at least when the main power switch 20 is turned off).

[0072] In the following description, when describing a network such as the Internet line, the unified symbol "NW" will be used.

[0073] The "device identification information" of the cooking appliance 1 is unique information for identifying the cooking appliance 1. Specifically, it is important information required for information communication, such as the MAC address, the manufacturer name of the cooking appliance 1, the type name (model name), the model number, the serial number, etc.

[0074] The cloud server 300 has a function of acquiring information about the current status of the cooking appliance 1, such as operation, stoppage, and standby state, via the network NW. The cloud server 300 is connected to the target cooker 1 using the device identification information.

[0075] The cloud server 300 includes an information providing server (not shown) in addition to the recipe database 302, and transmits useful information to the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200.

[0076] The information providing server (not shown) may be, for example, a server installed by an external organization such as an earthquake information providing organization in a specific region or an electric power company, or may be a server provided by the manufacturer of the cooking appliance 1.

[0077] The cloud server 300 stores and memorizes control application software that enables remote control of the cooking appliance 1. The communication terminal 200, which will be described in detail later, can realize the remote control by accessing the cloud server 300 and downloading (reading) the control application software.

[0078] The communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment 1 has a function of transmitting and receiving signals by short-range communication while being located within a few centimeters of (or may be in contact with) the input / output unit of the cooking appliance 1. Note that this short-range communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviated as NFC).

[0079] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the induction cooking appliance 1 side. On the other hand, it is also possible to send control data from the communication terminal 200 side to the NFC storage unit of the cooking appliance 1, and control the cooking appliance 1 in accordance with the control data.

[0080] Next, we will explain Figure 2. Reference numeral 600 denotes kitchen furniture in which the cooking appliance 1 and the like are installed. Reference numeral 600D denotes a water inlet for a water supply provided in the kitchen furniture 600. Reference numeral 340 denotes a wireless router capable of wireless communication with the cooking appliance 1. This wireless router 340 also serves as an access point to a network NW such as the Internet.

[0081] The cooking appliance 1 has a top plate 3 covering the upper surface, on which an object to be heated (such as a pot made of magnetic metal) is placed, and the object is induction heated by an IH coil 9 (reference numerals 9C, 9L, and 9R shown in Figs. 3 and 4). That is, the top plate 3 has a left heating port 4L, a right heating port 4R, and a center heating port 4C.

[0082] An exhaust port cover 5 is provided on the far side (rear side) of the top plate 3. The exhaust port cover 5 is made of a punched metal or lattice-shaped metal member with numerous small through-holes, and is breathable throughout with little air resistance. Exhaust air released from inside the cooking appliance 1 passes through the exhaust port cover 5 and exits to the outside of the cooking appliance 1.

[0083] A door (heating door) 7 is provided on the front of the main body 2 of the cooking appliance 1 to open and close the front opening of the heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3) located inside the main body 2. The door 7 is provided with a handle 8 for opening and closing the door.

[0084] (2. Detailed configuration of the cooking device) Next, a specific configuration of the cooking device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device 1 according to embodiment 1 as seen from the side. As shown in Fig. 3, an induction heating coil 9L (hereinafter referred to as "left IH coil") serving as left induction heating means is provided below the left heating port 4L.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, cooking appliance 1 is a built-in induction cooking heater that is incorporated into kitchen furniture 600 that has a cooking table on top. Cooking appliance 1 has a main body 2 and a top plate 3 that is installed on main body 2. Top plate 3 is exposed above the kitchen countertop that forms the top surface of kitchen furniture 600.

[0086] The top plate 3 is composed of, for example, a heat-resistant glass plate and a metal frame attached to the periphery of the glass plate. Three heating ports 4, namely, the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the center heating port 4C, are provided on the upper surface of the top plate 3.

[0087] The left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C indicate the areas where a metal cooking container such as a pot or a frying pan (also referred to as the "heated object" N related to the first heating means HM1) is placed. Guide marks (not shown) that serve as guides for placing the heated object on the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C are printed on the upper surface of the top plate 3.

[0088] Cooking device 1 has a top plate 3 that covers the upper surface, on which an object to be heated N (not shown) (such as a pot made of magnetic metal) is placed, and induction heating is performed by an IH coil 9. Reference numeral 32 denotes a bottom wall surface that divides the interior of cooking device 1 into two independent spaces, an upper space and an lower space. 33 is an installation space located above the bottom wall surface 32 inside the cooking appliance 1, and the IH coil 9 (9C, 9L, 9R) is housed at a position corresponding to (directly below) the three heating ports 4L, 4R, 4C.

[0089] That is, a right IH coil 9R serving as a right induction heating means is provided below the right heating port 4R, and a central IH coil 9C serving as a central induction heating means is provided below the central heating port 4C.

[0090] These IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R are circular heating coils made of wound thin conductors such as copper or aluminum wire, and generate a high-frequency magnetic field when a high-frequency current is supplied to them, which inductively heats the cooking vessel (object to be heated N) placed over the left heating port 4L, right heating port 4R, and center heating port 4C.

[0091] The heating means including the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R and their drive circuits (high-frequency power supply circuits such as inverter circuits, not shown) may be referred to as the induction heating source or first heating means HM1. In the following description, unless there is a particular contradiction, the term "first heating means" HM1 will be used consistently.

[0092] A temperature sensor group 30 (see FIG. 10) consisting of multiple temperature sensors (not shown) is mounted near the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R to detect the temperatures of the top plate 3 and cooking vessel (heated object). One temperature sensor 30A (not shown) constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30. The temperature sensor referred to here may be either or both of a contact-type temperature sensor such as a thermistor and a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared sensor.

[0093] The heating chamber 6 is provided inside the main body 2 and below the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R. The heating chamber 6 is surrounded by a metal wall such as stainless steel, and is a space for heating the food (foodstuffs, ingredients) contained within the heating chamber 6.

[0094] The food to be cooked may be placed on a heat-resistant plastic container, a porcelain or heat-resistant glass dish, or may be placed inside a container and placed in the heating chamber 6. In such cases, the dish or container may be called the "heated container." However, since these containers are not induction-heated by the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R, even if they are placed on the heating port 4 of the top plate 3, they are not called the "heated object" N of the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R.

[0095] A horizontally long rectangular opening (not shown) is formed in the front of the heating chamber 6 for putting in and taking out the food to be cooked. The opening in the front of the heating chamber 6 is covered by a door 7 that can be opened and closed freely. The door 7 is supported by the main body 2 so that it can rotate freely via a hinge and an arm (not shown). This allows the door 7 to open forward to a horizontal position with its lower end as a fulcrum (center of rotation). The door 7 may also be pulled forward integrally with a support member (a structure such as a shelf, not shown) that supports the container to be heated from below, by a slide rail (not shown).

[0096] Door 7 is provided with an open / close detector 10 for detecting whether door 7 is open or closed. Open / close detector 10 is, for example, a microswitch or an infrared sensor. A microwave oscillator 11 is provided behind heating chamber 6 to heat the food placed in heating chamber 6. Microwave oscillator 11 is, for example, made up of a magnetron, and irradiates microwaves into heating chamber 6 to heat the food placed in the heating chamber, i.e., perform so-called range heating.

[0097] The heating means including the microwave oscillator 11 and its drive circuit (which refers to a high frequency power supply circuit such as an inverter circuit, not shown) may be called second heating means HM2.

[0098] Additionally, upper radiant heat heating means 12a and lower radiant heat heating means 12b, which heat the food from above and below using so-called heaters, are provided in heating chamber 6. Upper radiant heat heating means 12a is located on the ceiling wall surface on the outside or inside of heating chamber 6, and lower radiant heat heating means 12b is located on the inside or outside wall surface of heating chamber 6, and both are sheath heaters.

[0099] Other types of radiant heat heating means (for example, a mica heater or a carbon heater) may be installed outside the heating chamber 6. Figure 3 shows an example in which the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b are both installed in close contact with the outer wall surface of the heating chamber 6.

[0100] The heating means including the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b and their drive circuits (not shown) may be referred to as the third heating means HM3. The upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b may be collectively referred to as the "radiant heat heating means," in which case the reference numeral "12" is used.

[0101] Additionally, an infrared sensor 13 is provided in the heating chamber 6 as a non-contact temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the food inside the heating chamber 6 without contact. The temperature range detected by this infrared sensor 13 is set to, for example, -20°C to 100°C. This allows the degree of heating of the food to be detected accurately in real time, for example, in 1°C increments. This infrared sensor 13 also constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30 (see FIG. 16).

[0102] The heating chamber 6 is also provided with a contact temperature sensor (for example, a thermistor sensor) 14, which is an interior temperature sensor that detects the atmospheric temperature inside the heating chamber 6 or the wall temperature of the heating chamber 6.

[0103] The thermistor sensor 14 detects temperature by detecting changes in electrical resistance, and therefore the upper limit of the temperature that can be detected is approximately 250°C. This thermistor sensor 14 also constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30. Note that this thermistor sensor 14 may be installed in two locations, near the bottom and near the ceiling of the heating chamber 6, as shown in Figure 3.

[0104] Next, FIG. 4 will be described. Fig. 4 is a top view of the cooking appliance 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, a left operating unit 15L, a central operating unit 15M, and a right operating unit 15R are provided on the front side of the upper surface of the top plate 3 of the cooking appliance 1. These three operating units may be collectively referred to as "input operating units," in which case the reference numeral 15 is used.

[0105] At the rear (rear side) of the left operating unit 15L, the central operating unit 15M and the right operating unit 15R, there are provided a left heating power display unit 17L, a central display unit 16M and a right heating power display unit 17R, a left display unit 16L and a right display unit 16R and a central heating status display unit 17M.

[0106] The left display unit 16L, the center display unit 16M, and the right display unit 16R may be collectively referred to as the "display unit," in which case the reference numeral 16 is used. The center display unit 16M has a horizontally long liquid crystal display screen.

[0107] The left heating power display unit 17L and the right heating power display unit 17R display the heating power level using light-emitting elements (LEDs, etc.), and do not have a display screen.

[0108] The left heating power display unit 17L, the right heating power display unit 17R, and the center heating status display unit 17M may be collectively referred to as the "heat power display units," in which case the reference numeral 17 is used.

[0109] Also, adjacent to the right operation unit 15R is provided an operation button (key) 20A for a main power switch 20 (see FIG. 10). The main power switch 20 turns on or off the main power supply of the cooking appliance 1. The button (key) that is pressed to turn the power on or off is the operation button 20A.

[0110] When the main power supply of the cooking appliance 1 is OFF, pressing the operation button 20A for a few seconds, for example, turns the main power supply ON. When the main power supply of the cooking appliance 1 is ON, pressing the operation button 20A for a few seconds, for example, turns the main power supply OFF.

[0111] Next, FIG. 5 will be described. 5, an input key 180 for selecting a voice input mode is arranged in a central operation section 15M of the input operation section 15. This input key 180 may be a mechanical switch, or may be an input key of a touch-type input switch like input keys 153M to 159M described later.

[0112] The input key 180 for selecting this voice input is such that, when pressed once, the next input can be made by voice. When this input key 180 is pressed, the state switches to "voice input mode 2." However, this input key 180 cannot be used to select the heating means or heating port (first heating means HM1) by voice.

[0113] Therefore, input key 180 must be operated immediately after touching input key 153L ("short press") to select heating outlet 4L, for example. In other words, if input key 153L is "long pressed," it can be switched to voice input mode 2, but if input key 153L is "short pressed" instead of "long pressed," it can be switched to voice input mode 2 from that point on by pressing input key 180 afterwards.

[0114] In the central operation unit 15M, if one of the input keys 153M, 154M, or 155M is touched and then the input key 180 is operated, the mode is switched to the "voice input mode 2," and the input processing unit (input limiting unit) 70 in the control device 40 sets the voice signal analysis unit 58 (see FIG. 10) to an input standby state. Note that touching this input key 180 does not affect the input functions of the five input keys: the input key 153M, the input key 151M for starting the heating operation, the input key 152M for stopping the heating operation, and the input keys 153L and 153R of the left and right operation units 15L and 15R. Furthermore, when these five input keys are touched, the "voice input mode 2" set by the input key 180 is canceled.

[0115] As described above, the "voice input mode 2" set by inputting the input key 180 is different from the "voice input mode 1" set according to the touch pattern of specific (touch-type) input keys such as various touch-type input keys 153M, 154M, 155M, etc., as will be described later.

[0116] When the input key 180 is pressed, the "voice input mode 2" is activated from that moment. That is, the mode is set to "voice input mode 2." Then, as will be described with reference to FIG. 10, when a voice signal is received from the voice signal receiving unit 56, the voice signal analyzing unit 58 analyzes the content of the voice one by one and outputs the analysis results to the heating control unit 43.

[0117] The input key 180 for selecting voice input may limit the "range in which touch input is disabled" to only the central operation unit 15M. In this way, when the input key 180 is pressed, the input function of specific (touch-type) input keys such as the various touch-type input keys 154M to 159M arranged on the central operation unit 15M is disabled, as will be described later. Then, the device transitions to an input standby state in which it accepts voice commands from the user US. Note that once the heating operation has started, touch input cannot be disabled by this input key 180, and therefore there is no restriction whatsoever on input of various input keys (for example, a stop command by 152M) during the heating operation.

[0118] 21M is a (central) light emitting section that constitutes part of the light emitting section 21, and emits light when the input function of the input key 180 is enabled, and continues to emit light until the input function is disabled. Each of the light emitting sections 21M is provided with one or more light emitting elements 27 (see FIG. 10) such as LEDs, and is driven by a light emission control section 26 (see FIG. 10).

[0119] As will be explained in detail later, the light-emitting unit 21 includes, in addition to the (center) light-emitting unit 21M, a (right) light-emitting unit 21R corresponding to the right operating unit 15R and a (left) light-emitting unit 21L corresponding to the left operating unit 15L. The light emitting section 21 has a function of indicating that the input function of an adjacent input key is valid, and prompting the user to operate one of the input keys. This light-emitting unit 21 also serves as a "key identifying unit." That is, light-emitting unit 21 has a function of displaying, by light emission, an input key to be operated (for example, 152L in FIG. 6) immediately after receiving "advance notice information A" 201 (described in FIG. 59 and FIG. 60) from communication terminal 200 in order to perform a linked operation with communication terminal 200, which will be described later. This point will be described in FIG. 59.

[0120] In the central operation unit 15M, an input key 151KP for setting functions is arranged adjacent to the left side of the input key 153M. The function of this input key 151KP will be explained later.

[0121] In this first embodiment, an input mode in which the user US controls the cooking appliance 1 by pressing with a fingertip or the like (including light contact) is called a "touch input mode." Therefore, various input keys 151M to 159M, 151R to 155R, and 151L to 155L, which will be described later, may be called a "touch input mode selection unit."

[0122] Next, FIG. 6 will be described. 6 is an enlarged view of left display unit 16L, left heating power display unit 17L, and left operation unit 15L according to embodiment 1. Left display unit 16L displays information related to cooking in left heating port 4L, and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display.

[0123] The left display unit 16L displays the set time for "timer cooking" for the heated item placed on the left heating port 4L, the elapsed time since the heating operation at the left heating port 4L began, or the remaining time until the timer set time ends.

[0124] The "timer cooking" is a cooking method in which heating is performed for a period of time (set time) set (input) by the user US (for example, using input key 151L, etc.), and since the heating operation automatically stops once the set time has elapsed, it is a convenient function for the user US.

[0125] When preheat cooking is selected for the left heating port 4L, the left display unit 16L displays the automatically set temperature (default temperature) or the current temperature. The automatically set temperature (default temperature) refers to the target temperature of the bottom of an object (e.g., a metal pot) when the object is heated using the left heating port 4L. The default temperature can be changed by the user US within a certain range. The target temperature can also be set to any desired temperature by touching the input keys 155L and 154L, for example (however, any temperature setting that exceeds a predetermined allowable range is rejected by the heating control unit 43 shown in FIG. 10).

[0126] The left heating power display unit 17L is composed of multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in a horizontal line and displays the heating power of the left heating port 4L in multiple stages. The left heating power display unit 17L indicates the heating power by switching the lighting state (on, off, flashing, etc.) of the multiple LEDs or by switching the lighting color. This allows the user US to be informed of the heating power in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0127] The left operation section 15L is used to input operations related to cooking using the left heating port 4L. As shown in Fig. 6, the left operation unit 15L has five input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L. These input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L are touch keys. For example, they are capacitance-type touch sensors (touch switches) that can input using a change in capacitance when a user US lightly touches them with a finger or the like.

[0128] Light-emitting units 21L are provided corresponding to the input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L. The light-emitting units 21L are composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs), and emit light in response to the operation of the input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L. Note that two adjacent input keys 154L and 155L share one light-emitting unit 21L because they perform the same function of increasing or decreasing the flame power.

[0129] The input key 151L is a key that is touched to select "timer cooking" for the left heating port 4L. As described above, this timer cooking is a cooking method in which the user US sets the time for the heating operation and the heating operation is performed only for the set time.

[0130] The input key 152L is a key that is pressed when selecting a "control menu" to be implemented by the left heating port 4L. Each time the input key 152L is pressed, one of multiple control menus can be selected. The "control menu" referred to here is, for example, boiling water, stewing, frying (automatic cooking), etc. The operating time, heat power, operating pattern, etc. of the left heating port 4L differs for each control menu.

[0131] The control menu for using the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R by operating the left operation unit 15L or the right operation unit 15R without operating the central operation unit 15M is the control menu for the "single cooking mode" KM3, which uses induction heating only. The "single cooking mode" KM3 will be explained later.

[0132] The input key 153L is a key that is pressed to select cooking using the left heating port 4L. That is, pressing the input key 153L selects cooking (in the single cooking mode KM3) using the left IH coil 9L located below the left heating port 4L. If the input key 153L is pressed again while this left IH coil 9L is being driven, the driving of the left IH coil 9L is stopped, and the induction heating operation is immediately stopped.

[0133] The input keys 154L and 155L are keys that are pressed to specify the heat level during heating cooking at the left heating port 4L. Pressing the input key 154L on the left decreases the heat level by one level. Conversely, pressing the input key 155L on the right increases the heat level by one level. The heat level during induction heating cooking at the left heating port 4L has nine levels, ranging from the minimum rated heat level (heat level 1: 150W) to the maximum rated heat level (heat level 9: 3200W).

[0134] One input key 152L of this left operation unit 15L is set as an input key to be operated immediately after receiving "advance notice information A" 201 from communication terminal 200 in order to perform a linked operation with communication terminal 200, which will be described later. Therefore, when this key is operated at a predetermined timing, it functions as a "specific input key" that transmits a "confirmation signal" (selection information A) 202, which will be described later, in confirmation step SP3 (which will be described in FIG. 59). This point will be described in FIGS. 55 to 60.

[0135] Next, FIG. 7 will be described. 7 is an enlarged view of right display unit 16R, right heating power display unit 17R, and right operation unit 15R according to embodiment 1. Right display unit 16R displays information related to cooking using right heating port 4R and is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal display. The information related to cooking using right heating port 4R displayed on right display unit 16R is the same as the information related to cooking using left heating port 4L.

[0136] The right heating power display unit 17R is composed of multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) and displays the heating power of the right heating port 4R in multiple stages. Like the left heating power display unit 17L, the right heating power display unit 17R indicates the heating power by switching the lighting state (on, off, blinking, etc.) of the multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) or by switching the lighting color.

[0137] The right operation unit 15R is used to input operations related to cooking using the right heating port 4R. As shown in Fig. 7, the right operation unit 15R includes five input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R and 155R.

[0138] The input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R, and 155R are configured in the same manner as the left operation unit 15L, and are configured as, for example, capacitance-type touch keys that allow input by utilizing a change in capacitance when the user US lightly touches them with a finger or the like.

[0139] A light emitting unit 21R is provided corresponding to each of the input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R, and 155R. The light emitting unit 21R is a light emitting element (LED), and the light emitting unit 21R corresponding to each of the input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R, and 155R lights up in response to the operation of the input keys. However, two adjacent input keys 154R and 155R share one light emitting unit 21R because they perform the same function of increasing or decreasing the flame power.

[0140] The input key 151R is a key that is pressed when selecting timer cooking for the right heating port 4R. The input key 152R is a key that is pressed when selecting a control menu to be performed for the right heating port 4R.

[0141] The input key 153R is a key that is pressed to select cooking using the right heating port 4R. That is, pressing the input key 153R selects cooking (in the single cooking mode KM3) using the right IH coil 9R located below the left heating port 4R. If the input key 153R is pressed again while the right IH coil 9R is being driven, the drive of the right IH coil 9R is stopped, and the induction heating operation is immediately stopped.

[0142] Input keys 154R and 154R are keys that are pressed to specify the heat level during heating cooking at right heating port 4R. Pressing left input key 154R decreases the heat level by one level. Conversely, pressing right input key 155R increases the heat level by one level. The heat level during induction heating cooking at right heating port 4R has nine levels, ranging from the minimum rated heat level (heat level 1) of 150W to the maximum rated heat level (heat level 9) of 3200W.

[0143] One input key 152R of this right operation unit 15R, like the input key 152L of the left operation unit 15L, is a "specific input key" that transmits a "confirmation signal" (selection information A) 202, which will be described later, in order to perform a linked operation with the communication terminal 200, which will be described later.

[0144] Next, FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of central display unit 16M, central operation unit 15M, and central heating status display unit 17M according to the first embodiment.

[0145] The central display unit 16M is configured as a liquid crystal display and displays information and warnings about the entire cooking appliance 1. The display screen of the central display unit 16M displays the selection result of the induction heating means (first heating means) HM1, the microwave heating means (second heating means) HM2, and the radiant heat heating means (third heating means) HM3, the operating status of each heating means, and caution or warning information regarding cooking using each heating means.

[0146] The central display unit 16M is a single LCD display in terms of hardware, but as shown in Figure 8, it has three display areas: a first display area 22 on the left, a second display area 23 in the center of the left and right, and a third display area 24 on the right, and it is possible to display different things in each display area.

[0147] Furthermore, the three display areas 22 to 24 may be linked together as needed to form a single (large-area) display area depending on the display situation, and may display one or more purposes. Note that, hereinafter, the first display area 22 will be referred to as the first area 22, the second display area 23 will be referred to as the second area 23, and the third display area 24 will be referred to as the third area 24.

[0148] The central heating status display unit 17M is divided into two levels in the front-to-back direction, and the lower level (front side) is equipped with a microwave light-emitting element (LED) 310 behind the character display unit that reads "Microwave", a grill light-emitting element (LED) 311 behind the character display unit that reads "Grill", an oven light-emitting element (LED) 312 behind the character display unit that reads "Oven", and a central IH light-emitting element (LED) 313 behind the character display unit that reads "Central IH".

[0149] On the upper row (rear side), there are arranged warning letters saying "Caution: High temperature" and a group of high temperature warning light emitting diodes (LEDs) 314 arranged in front and below figures that schematically represent the heating chamber 6 and the three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R. These LEDs 311 to 313 and the LED group 314 are arranged in the installation space 33 below the top plate 3.

[0150] The high temperature warning light emitting element (LED) group 314 is made up of a heating chamber high temperature warning light emitting element (LED) 314a and an IH high temperature warning light emitting element (LED) 314b arranged side by side.

[0151] The heating chamber high temperature warning light emitting element (LED) 314a lights up when the temperature inside the heating chamber 6 is high, for example, 50° C. or higher. The IH high temperature warning light emitting element (LED) 314b lights up when any of the left IH coil 9L, right IH coil 9R, and center IH coil 9C is in operation or when the temperature of the top plate 3 is high, for example, 50° C. or higher.

[0152] Central operation unit 15M is used to input operations mainly related to cooking in heating chamber 6 and cooking using central heating port 4C. As shown in FIG. 8, the central operation unit 15M includes nine input keys 151M, 152M, 153M, 154M, 155M, 156M, 157M, 158M, and 159M, and a function setting key 151KP (see FIG. 5).

[0153] The nine input keys 151M to 159M are capacitive touch keys that emit an input command signal each time they are touched. Furthermore, light emitting units 21M are provided near each of the input keys 151M to 159M.

[0154] The function setting key 151KP (see FIG. 5) is located on the leftmost side of the central operation unit 15M. The function setting key 151KP is used to set various operations and displays of the entire cooking appliance 1 as desired by the user US.

[0155] When the function setting key 151KP is pressed, the control device 40, which will be described later, switches to a "function setting mode," and displays the following "function setting menu" on the display screen of the central display unit 16M. (1) Child lock setting (setting to disable operation of various input keys). (2) Setting the ventilation device to linked mode (ventilation device operates in conjunction with the operation of cooking appliance 1). (3) Cleaning guide setting (setting the automatic notification function for when to clean the heating chamber 6 and exhaust vent cover 5). (4) Peak cut setting (maximum power consumption can be selected from one of four levels: 5700W, 5000W, 4800W, and 4000W). (5) Audio guide audio settings. (6) Audio guide volume setting. (7) Settings to prevent forgetting to remove food, cooking utensils, etc. from the heating chamber 6 (whether or not to issue an alarm on the audio notification unit 50 and central display unit 16M). (8) HEMS registration settings (settings related to the power usage restriction function of the home power control device). (9) Time unit setting for timer cooking (change from 1 minute to 5 or 30 minutes). (10) Switching between beginner mode and normal (expert) mode. (11) Setting the type (range) of food inventory information to be acquired from an external device (refrigerator, etc.). (12) Setting the display priority (specific cooking menu to be displayed as default, identification information 167) of each cooking menu (for example, "hamburger steak") in the collaborative cooking mode KM1. (13) Setting the display priority (the specific control menu to be displayed by default) of each control menu of the combined cooking mode KM2 (for example, "Grill in the microwave" or "Pre-boil leafy vegetables"). (14) Setting of the cooking mode to be automatically displayed on the central display unit 16M when the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned “ON” (such as the display priority between the linked cooking mode KM1 and the combined cooking mode KM2). (15) A setting for preventing the automatic display of additional information 165 and 166 (see FIG. 15) described later and a setting for preventing the audio notification unit 50 from notifying the additional information 165 and 166 by audio. (16) When individual cooking menus in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 are displayed on the central display unit 16M, the ingredients and nutritional components of the target food item (food) are displayed individually each time. Note that either the food ingredients or the nutrients or both may be displayed, but in this embodiment 1, input key 158M is used as a display command key for food ingredients, and input key 159M is used as a display command key for nutritional components. When either input key 158M or 159M is operated within a predetermined period, or when voice input mode 1 is set and a command is given by voice, food ingredients or nutritional ingredients are displayed. In other words, they are not always displayed together with cooking menu identification information 167 (described later) but are displayed in response to operations (including voice) by the user US. Details will be explained in FIG. 24. (17) When selecting individual cooking menus in the collaborative cooking mode KM1, cooking menu candidates are searched for based on the ingredients and nutritional information of the food and displayed on the central display unit 16M. In this case, the user US can search by voice by pressing the input key 180 to select "voice input mode 2." Details will be explained in Figure 24. (18) Setting the display priority of each cooking menu in the collaborative cooking mode KM1. In relation to the setting of specific cooking menus to be displayed by default, either the food ingredients or the nutritional components can be set as the top priority item for display. By setting this, for example, cooking menus can be displayed in ascending order of energy content (calorie value) among nutritional components, as shown in Figure 24. Alternatively, cooking menus can be displayed in descending order of the amount of "iron" as a nutritional component.

[0156] As explained above, when the function setting key 151KP is pressed to select the "function setting mode," it is possible to add the display of food ingredients or nutritional ingredients, and it is also possible to cancel the setting to display once it has been made in the function setting mode. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the information, range, and display method to be set can be selected according to the user US's wishes.

[0157] The "beginner mode" is an optional function for people (users US) who are unfamiliar with using the cooking appliance 1. When the beginner mode is set, the voice guidance in the voice notification unit 50 (see FIG. 10) becomes more detailed and thorough. Also, more voice guidance is provided for input operations in the input operation unit 15, and more information is displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M.

[0158] When the beginner mode is set, particularly in the case of cooking in the combined cooking mode KM2 and the linked cooking mode KM1, the amount of reference information (including, for example, additional information 165 and 166 described later) displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M increases in cooking step 1 and cooking step 2, or the content of the audio guidance in the audio notification unit 50 increases. This enhances the function of supporting the input operation of the user US.

[0159] In addition, in conjunction with switching from the "beginner mode" to the "normal (expert) mode", the content of the voice guidance from the voice notification unit 50 may be automatically set to not change.

[0160] When the main power switch 20 (described later) is turned "ON" and the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened, the cooking mode setting that is automatically displayed on the central display 16M is either the linked cooking mode KM1 or the combined cooking mode KM2. Because both the linked cooking mode KM1 and the combined cooking mode KM2 use the same central display 16M, the user US can set which of the two modes to prioritize. This will be explained in detail later.

[0161] In the first embodiment, the "combined cooking mode" KM2 exceptionally includes several control menus (for example, cooking operations such as "cooking rice") for the single cooking mode KM3 using the central IH coil 9M.

[0162] When the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned "ON", the control device 40 detects that the door 7 has been opened. There is a function that assumes that the user US will be cooking using the heating chamber 6, and automatically displays either the first specific screen 16M1 for the linked cooking mode KM1 or the second specific screen 16M2 for the combined cooking mode KM2 on the central display unit 16M. The central display section 16M displays a standby initial screen 16MH (described later) immediately after the main power switch 20 is turned "ON." After that, the second specific screen 16M2 is automatically displayed immediately after the door 7 is opened.

[0163] After the "Function Setting Menu" is displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M, by "long pressing" (hereinafter referred to as "long pressing") a specific input key (e.g., 154M) other than the function setting key 151KP for a certain period of time or more, one setting menu from the "Function Setting Menu" can be selected and subsequently changed to the desired setting content.

[0164] Alternatively, if two specific input keys other than the function setting key 151KP are simultaneously "pressed and held," one of the setting menus from the "function setting menu" described above can be called up and the desired setting can be changed.

[0165] The "long press" refers to a state where the button is pressed continuously for 5 seconds or more, for example. The control device 40 determines whether the state is the "long press" by comparing the timing from ON to OFF of the touch input on the central operation unit 15M with a reference value. Alternatively, the input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 11) inside the central operation unit 15 determines whether the state is the "long press." In this first embodiment, an example will be described (later with reference to FIG. 11) in which the central operation unit 15M determines whether or not the state is "long press."

[0166] In addition, in the central operation unit 15M, the timing when the two input keys (for example, 154M and 155M) are pressed simultaneously can be determined by the "ON" (touched) signal sent from the input operation unit 15M to the control device 40.

[0167] In the following description, an embodiment will be described in which whether or not a "long press" has occurred is determined by the input operation unit 15M. However, although not adopted in the first embodiment, there is also a method in which the input operation unit 15M measures the time from the time of the "ON" signal to the time of the change to the "OFF" signal, transmits that data to the control device 40, and determines whether or not a "long press" has occurred in the control device 40.

[0168] In this first embodiment, there is a function to determine the "long press" as described above for specific input keys (for example, 154M, 153R) and switch to the "voice input mode 1" as described above. This is explained in more detail in Figures 10 and 11. Note that a touch operation that is not a "long press," i.e., a touch state that lasts for less than five seconds, may be called a "short press." Since this is related to the detection capabilities of the input operation units 15M, 15L, and 15R, for example, if the touch time is within the range of 0.1 to 4.9 seconds, the control device 40 determines that it is a "short press."

[0169] The type (range) of inventory information obtained from the refrigerator 331 (not shown) may be, for example, limited to frozen foods only, or limited to ingredients that can be heated by a microwave heating source (second heating means HM2).

[0170] In the central display section 16M, when the control mode and control conditions (temperature, heat, time, etc.) of the first heating means HM1, the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are being selected, the input function of the function setting key 151KP is disabled so as not to switch the function setting mode.

[0171] Next, the setting of the peak cut value of the cooking appliance 1 will be described. Even if the default value at the time of shipment from the manufacturer is 5400W, it can be set to any of 5000W, 4800W, or 4000W when installed in the user US's home.

[0172] In this way, the functions of the cooking appliance 1 can be changed using the function setting key 151KP described above in accordance with the wishes of the user US and the environment in which the appliance is used (the power situation of the household in which the appliance is installed). When the peak cut value is set in this way, the setting result is stored in the control device 40, and is used to determine whether or not to permit use of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (determining the permission conditions) when the user US selects the cooperative cooking mode KM1, as described below. Therefore, the peak cut value cannot be changed using the function setting key 151KP (see FIG. 11) while recipe data CD, described below, is being received from the communication terminal 200.

[0173] 8, light emitting section 21M is configured with an LED, and emits light in response to the operation of input keys 151M to 159M. That is, when the input function is enabled, the corresponding light emitting section 21M continues to emit light. The two adjacent input keys 155M and 154M have in common the function of changing the display content of the first area 22, and therefore share one light emitting section 21M.

[0174] The two adjacent input keys 157M and 156M share one light emitting section 21M because they commonly change the display content of the second area 23. The two adjacent input keys 159M and 158M have in common the function of changing the display content of the third area 24, and therefore share one light emitting section 21M.

[0175] Input key 151M is a start key that is pressed (touched) to start cooking, and input key 152M is a cancel key that is pressed (touched) to stop or end cooking.

[0176] The input key 153M is an input key (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "first input key") that selects the "combined cooking mode" KM1 when operated after the main power switch 20 is turned on.

[0177] When input keys 154M and 155M are operated after turning on the main power switch 20 (without pressing input key 153M), they are input keys (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second input keys") that select the "combined cooking mode" KM2.

[0178] The input keys 153R and 153L described in FIG. 7 are input keys (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third input key") that select the "single cooking mode" KM1 when operated after the main power switch 20 is turned on (without pressing the input keys 153M, 154M, and 155M).

[0179] The input key 151M has a function to decide the start of cooking in two cooking modes, the "combined cooking mode" KM2 and the "linked cooking mode" KM1, and may be referred to as the "start key" hereinafter. In the "single cooking mode" KM3, the input keys 153L and 153R have a function to decide the start of cooking.

[0180] The input key 152M has a function to end (including pausing) cooking in the two cooking modes, the "combined cooking mode" KM2 and the "linked cooking mode" KM1, and may be referred to as the "stop key" hereinafter. In the "single cooking mode" KM3, the input keys 153L and 153R have a function to determine the end of cooking.

[0181] The four input keys 156M to 159M have the function of allowing the user US to adjust (within a certain range) control conditions such as microwave output and cooking time, and may be referred to as the "condition input keys" or "fourth input keys" hereinafter.

[0182] The four input keys 153M, 154M, 153L, and 153R are also called "voice input switching keys" that can be switched to the "voice input mode 1." However, these four input keys function as "voice input switching keys" only when the touch operation is a "long press." This will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0183] When any one of the single cooking mode KM3, the combined cooking mode KM2, and the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected, the selection result is displayed on the central display unit 16M. Also, when the "voice input mode 1" is switched to, a message to that effect is displayed (see FIGS. 21 and 22). The contents of the single cooking mode KM3, the combined cooking mode KM2, and the cooperative cooking mode KM1 will be explained in detail later.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 8, the input keys 154M and 155M are located adjacent to and in front of the first area 22 of the central display unit 16M, and are keys for switching the display content of the screen displayed in the first area 22 of the central display unit 16M.

[0185] Next, FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the central display section 16M. When the input key 154M is pressed, that is, operated by the user US, the content displayed in the first area 22, for example, the display information 25A of one control menu ("Microwave Manual") belonging to the "Composite Cooking Mode" KM2, moves backward. At the same time, the display information 25B of "Pre-boil Leafy Vegetables" displayed in the front is displayed in the center. Note that in this case, the input key 154M is the case of the "short press" described above; in the case of a "long press," it functions as the "voice input switching key," which will be explained in FIG. 11.

[0186] Furthermore, when input key 155M is pressed, display information 25A for "Microwave Manual" displayed in first area 22 moves forward. Accordingly, display information 25C for "Warm" displayed at the rear is displayed in the center. Note that input key 155M in this case differs from input key 154M and is not the "voice input switching key," so even if it is "pressed and held," it will not switch to voice input mode and will not be recognized as a valid input operation.

[0187] In this way, the user US can select a particular control menu (for example, "manual range") within the "control menu" by operating the input keys 154M and 155M.

[0188] The "manual range" control menu originally belongs to the "single cooking mode KM3" which uses only the second heating means HM2, but in addition to this, control menus (for composite cooking) belonging to the "composite cooking mode M2" and the "linked cooking mode KM1", respectively, as well as control menus and linked cooking menus belonging to linked cooking menus (for example, "hamburger steak") are also displayed in the first area 22.

[0189] Then, by pressing input key (start key) 151M, i.e., by operation by user US, the start of cooking for "Microwave Manual" on the control menu displayed in the center is decided (see FIG. 9), and the heating operation is started. That is, the heating means (in this case, microwave oscillation source 11) is driven. Therefore, input keys 154M and 155M correspond to the selection keys of the control menu operated by user US. Similarly, they correspond to the selection keys of the control menu (for combined cooking). Furthermore, they also correspond to the selection keys of the linked cooking menu.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 8, input keys 156M and 157M are positioned adjacent to and in front of the second area 23 of the central display unit 16M, and are used to switch the display content of the screen displayed in the second area 23 of the central display unit 16M.

[0191] Explaining again with reference to Figure 9, when input key 156M is pressed, the wattage (microwave output value) displayed in second area 23 ("500W" in Figure 9) is increased by one step (for example, to "600W"). Conversely, when input key 157M is pressed, the wattage displayed in second area 23 is decreased by one step (for example, to "200W").

[0192] By operating input keys 156M and 157M, user US can select the wattage (microwave output value) for microwave cooking performed in heating chamber 6 (a type of "single cooking mode M1" using microwave oscillator 11).

[0193] As shown in FIG. 8, input keys 158M and 159M are located adjacent to and in front of the third area 24 of the central display unit 16M, and are keys for switching the display content displayed in the third area 24.

[0194] 8, pressing input key 158M increases the heating operation time (set time) displayed in third area 24 by one step. Conversely, pressing input key 159M decreases the heating operation time displayed in third area 24 by one step.

[0195] The user US can select the set time for microwave cooking to be performed in the heating chamber 6 by operating the input keys 158M and 159M, and 34M is the set time information. 34W is heating intensity information that indicates the amount of power consumed during heating and the microwave output, etc. In this Figure 9, "500W" is displayed.

[0196] Next, FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is a control block diagram showing main functions of the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the cooking appliance 1 includes a control device 40 that performs overall control of the cooking appliance 1.

[0197] The control device 40 is an electronic circuit board mounted with electronic components such as a control circuit that controls the operation of each component of the cooking appliance 1. The control device 40 controls the driving of the left IH coil 9L, the right IH coil 9R, and the center IH coil 9C based on the operation of the left operating unit 15L and the right operating unit 15R and the temperature of the object to be heated on the top plate 3.

[0198] The control device 40 controls the operation of the central IH coil 9C, microwave heating means 11, upper radiant heat heating means 12a, and lower radiant heat heating means 12b based on the operation of the central operation unit 15M, the temperature of the heated object on the top plate 3, and the detection results of the infrared sensor 13 and the thermistor sensor 14.

[0199] Furthermore, the control device 40 controls the displays on the left display unit 16L, the right display unit 16R, the left heating power display unit 17L, and the right heating power display unit 17R based on the operations of the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R.

[0200] Furthermore, the control device 40 controls the display of the central display unit 16M and the central heating status display unit 17M based on the open signal from the open / close detection unit 10 and the operations of the left operation unit 15L, the right operation unit 15R and the central operation unit 15M.

[0201] The control device 40 has a storage device 41 that stores various programs and data such as parameters used to control the cooking appliance 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control data"), and display control data (hereinafter referred to as "display condition data") to be displayed on each of the display units 16L, 16R, 16M, 17L, and 17R. The control device 40 also activates the audio notification unit 50 as necessary, and notifies the user US by audio of the operating status of the cooking appliance 1.

[0202] The control device 40 stores data in a specific format, which is information such as various programs and parameters used for cooking control by the heating control section 43, in the recipe data storage section 42 of the storage device 41. This data is the recipe data CD mentioned above. As will be explained later, in the cooking appliance 1, recipe data CD corresponding to each of a total of eight cooking menus is prepared from the start in order to execute the linked cooking mode KM1.

[0203] The recipe data CD and the "display condition data" can be acquired by the cooking appliance 1 from an external device such as the communication terminal 200 for each individual cooking menu.

[0204] A storage unit 42 stores the recipe data CD and the display condition data. The storage unit 42 may be configured as one section (area) in the storage device 41, or may be configured as a separate unit from the storage device 41 in terms of hardware.

[0205] Reference numeral 43 denotes a heating control section that performs integrated control of the overall heating operation of the cooking appliance 1, and is mainly composed of a microcomputer. Reference numeral 53 denotes a data acquisition unit, which is capable of acquiring the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51. In addition, the display condition data may also be acquired from the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51.

[0206] 1 and 2, a communication unit 51 performs wireless communication with the outside, and has a function of performing wireless communication 330 (330BT) with the communication terminal 200. Alternatively, the communication unit 51 has a function of performing wireless communication with the cloud server 300 via the network NW. As will be described later, communication unit 51 has first communication unit 51B (not shown) and second communication unit 51W (not shown) that are compatible with at least two communication methods. First communication unit 51B is compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the communication method with communication terminal 200. Second communication unit 51W (not shown) is compatible with a wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark) as the communication method with wireless router 340, and therefore has a function compatible with this communication method.

[0207] Reference numeral 54 denotes a permission condition determination unit that performs a process of determining whether cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 or the combined cooking mode KM2 is permitted. Reference numeral 57 denotes a power supply circuit, which supplies constant voltage power to the control device 40. Reference numeral 20 denotes a main power switch inserted in this power supply circuit 57, which is opened and closed by the user US.

[0208] A limiting unit 55 limits the acquisition of the recipe data CD. The restriction unit 55 has the function of restricting the data acquisition unit 53 from acquiring the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51 during the waiting period before starting cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 (i.e., before the "cooking process 1" described below).

[0209] Furthermore, the restriction unit 55 has a function of restricting the acquisition of new recipe data CD from the communication unit 51 until the cooking process of one cooking menu is completed, based on recipe data CD acquired from the outside. The limiting unit 55 may be realized by a single control program of a computer (not shown) that constitutes the control device 40, and it is not necessarily required that the limiting unit 55 be configured separately on hardware from the control device 40.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 10, the input operation unit 15 has a voice signal receiving unit 56 that receives voice uttered by the user US with a microphone (not shown) and converts the voice into a predetermined voice signal.

[0211] On the other hand, the control device 40 is provided with an audio signal analysis unit 58 that receives an audio signal from the audio signal receiving unit 56 and analyzes the content of the audio. The audio signal analysis unit 58 compares the content of the audio received by the audio signal receiving unit 56 with information in an audio database stored in the storage device 41, analyzes the content of the audio, and transmits the analysis results to the heating control unit 43.

[0212] Reference numeral 70 denotes an input processing unit. Upon receiving an input signal from the input operation unit 15, the input processing unit 70 switches its own input reception mode to "voice input mode 1." It also controls the input signal analysis unit 52. Furthermore, upon receiving the analysis result from the voice signal analysis unit 58, it transmits control data to the heating control unit 43.

[0213] In Fig. 10, 59 is a human detection sensor. It also has a receiving unit (not shown) that emits ultrasonic waves or infrared rays in front of the cooking appliance 1 and receives the reflected input. Note that no dedicated circuit is provided for processing the signal received by the receiving unit, and the received signal is analyzed by the control device 40 to determine whether or not a human is present.

[0214] As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 10, the audio notification unit 50 and the display unit 16 may be collectively referred to as the "notification unit," and in this case the reference numeral 90 is used. Reference numeral 26 denotes a light emission control unit. This light emission control unit controls the light emission of a large number of light emitting elements. The light emission of a light emitting element 27A composed of an LED or the like arranged in the light emitting unit 21 (21M, 21L, 21R) and a light emitting element 27B arranged in the input key 154M is controlled by this light emission control unit 26. When two or more light emitting elements 27 with different light emission colors are arranged in one location, the light emission states of the multiple light emitting elements provide a visual effect to the user US as if the light emission color is changing.

[0215] In FIG. 10, reference numeral 52 denotes an input signal analysis unit that analyzes the input signal from the input operation unit 15 . The input signal analysis unit 52 individually analyzes the input signals transmitted from the right operation unit 15R, the left operation unit 15L, and the central operation unit 15M. In particular, the input signal analysis unit 52 has a determination function for determining whether the input mode switching command (voice input mode corresponding signal) MC1 has been received. When it determines that the input mode switching command (voice input mode corresponding signal) MC1 has been received, it issues a switching command for switching the input mode from the "touch input mode" to the "voice input mode 1."

[0216] In the following description, the "input mode switching command MC1" will be referred to as the "voice input mode corresponding signal MC1." When the input processing unit 70 receives this voice input mode corresponding signal MC1, it issues a control signal to the voice signal analysis unit 52 to transition to a voice input standby state (for example, to start a dedicated voice analysis program).

[0217] As described with reference to FIG. 7, the right operation unit 15R has various input keys (153R, 154R, 151R, etc.), and the touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when the input key 152R, which is one of the "voice input switching keys", is touched, the right operation unit 15R determines whether the touch state is a "long press" or a "short press", and the determination result (a command signal for voice input mode 1) is input to the control device 40.

[0218] Similarly, the left operation unit 15R has various input keys (153L, 154L, 151L, etc.), and the touch input results of these input keys are sent to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when the input key 152L, which is one of the "voice input switching keys", is touched, the left operation unit 15L determines whether the touch state is a "long press" or a "short press", and the determination result (a command signal for voice input mode 1) is input to the control device 40.

[0219] Furthermore, the central operation unit 15M has various input keys (153M, 154M, 155M, 156M, etc.), and the touch input results of these input keys are sent to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when input keys 153M and 154M, which are one of the "voice input switching keys," are touched, the central operation unit 15M determines whether the touch state is a "long press" or a "short press," and the determination result (a command signal for voice input mode 1) is input to the control device 40.

[0220] Next, FIG. 11 will be described. Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the control device 40 and the central operation unit 15M. The audio signal receiving unit 56 described in Fig. 10 is not shown. The right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L have basically the same configuration as the central operation unit 15M.

[0221] In Fig. 11, 15A is an input key identification unit. This input key identification unit 15A identifies the input key that has been touched. For example, when input key 153M is touched, an identification signal unique to that input key is generated. Also, when input key 154M is touched, an identification signal unique to that input key is generated.

[0222] Reference numeral 15B denotes a touch detection unit. When a fingertip FG of a user US or the like approaches the touch electrode unit, the detection circuit generates an "ON" signal, and when the fingertip FG moves away, it generates an "OFF" signal. A time measurement unit 15T measures the elapsed time from when the touch detection unit 15B outputs an "ON" signal to when the signal changes to "OFF," and transmits the measured time data.

[0223] Reference numeral 15C denotes an input mode determination unit. This input mode determination unit 15C receives measured time data from the time measurement unit 15T, and determines that the input mode is "voice input mode 1" if the measured time is 5 seconds or more, with the threshold value of 5 seconds as described above. If the measured time is less than this threshold, the input mode determination unit 15C determines that the input mode is a normal "short press" operation.

[0224] The input mode determination unit 15C transmits to the control device 40 a signal (voice input mode corresponding signal MC1) indicating the determination result as to whether or not the mode is "voice input mode 1".

[0225] A storage unit 15D stores various control parameters and thresholds for the touch detection unit 15A, the time measurement unit 15T, the input mode determination unit 15C, and the like, as well as program information for the determination process.

[0226] 15E is a central processing unit (CPU) that performs various information processing operations as an input operation unit (central operation unit 15M). An input signal transmitting unit 15F transmits to the input signal analyzing unit 58 of the control device 40 the above-mentioned unique identification signal of the input key and a voice input mode corresponding signal MC1 as a result of determining whether or not the mode is "voice input mode 1."

[0227] In FIG. 11, the touch detection unit 15A, the time measurement unit 15T, the input mode determination unit 15C, etc. are depicted as individual independent blocks, but instead of being configured as separate hardware, each of these functions may be realized, for example, by software on a single microcomputer.

[0228] 11 is explained using the example of the central operation unit 15M, but the control device 40 also identifies inputs from the right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L as being input to each operation unit. Therefore, in the input key identification unit 15A of the right operation unit 15R, data identifying the input key as being present on the right operation unit 15R is included in the signal from the input key. The same applies to the left operation unit 15L.

[0229] As is clear from the above description, the cooking device 1 described in FIGS. 10 and 11 has the following features: a first heating means HM1 for induction heating an object to be heated on the top plate 3; a heating chamber 6 having metal walls; A second heating means HM2 that supplies microwaves to the heating chamber 6; a third heating means HM3 for heating the heating chamber 6 with radiant heat; a notification unit 90; a communication unit 51; A display unit 16; The configuration includes a control device 40.

[0230] , The control device 40 displays a standby initial screen 16MH (described in FIG. 41) on the display unit 16, and then displays a display screen (first specific screen 16M1 to third specific screen 16M3) dedicated to each cooking mode. The first specific screen 16M1 to third specific screen 16M3 will be described in FIGS. 15 to 22 and 42.

[0231] There are three types of cooking modes: a single cooking mode KM3, a combined cooking mode KM2, and a cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0232] The single cooking mode KM3 has the following three types. (1) IH only mode in which the first heating means HM1 is operated alone (2) A microwave-only cooking mode in which the second heating means HM2 is operated alone (3) Oven-only cooking mode in which the third heating means HM3 is operated alone

[0233] The composite cooking mode KM2 is a heating pattern in which cooking is performed in the heating chamber 6 by simultaneously operating both the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 or by automatically operating them at different times.

[0234] The collaborative cooking mode KM1 is a heating pattern in which the second heating means HM2 and / or the third heating means HM3 and the first heating means HM1 are operated sequentially after a transition period TR whose length is determined by instructions from the user US.

[0235] The control device 40 has an operation program for executing the three cooking modes KM1 to KM3. The data acquisition unit 53 of the control device 40 can acquire the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 51.

[0236] In the input operation unit 15, the "voice input mode 2" can be selected by using the input key 180 provided on the central operation unit 15M. Furthermore, among the input keys arranged on the central operation unit 15M, the right operation unit 15R, and the left operation unit 15L, certain input keys (152L, 152R, 153M, 154M) can select "voice input mode 1" depending on the "long press" state, which is one of the touch modes.

[0237] (3. Control menu configuration of the central operation unit) Next, the selectable control menu displayed on the central display unit 16M by the central operation unit 15M will be described with reference to FIG.

[0238] FIG. 12 shows the entire control menu that can be selected using the central operation unit 15M. The control menus that can be selected by the central operating unit 15M are divided into an RG (range grill) menu group that uses the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) and one or both of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b, and an IH menu group that uses the central IH coil 9C corresponding to the central heating port 4C.

[0239] The control menu shown in Fig. 12 is categorized into four perspectives (categories 1 to 4) in Fig. 13. As is clear from Fig. 13, the control menu is roughly categorized into a single cooking mode KM3 and a combined cooking mode KM2. Although Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 do not show the combined cooking mode KM1, the central operation unit 15M can execute a combined cooking menu in the combined cooking mode.

[0240] When the main power switch 20 is turned "ON" and the input key 154M or 155R is pressed without operating the input key 153M of the central operation unit 15M, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected.

[0241] Therefore, the display screen of the central display section 16M is switched to the second specific screen 16M2 (see FIG. 15). In the first area 22 of the second specific screen 16M2, the control menu "Warm" shown in the "Left Display Area" of Fig. 12 is always displayed first because this control menu "Warm" is set as the default.

[0242] The "left display area" in Fig. 12 is a display area that corresponds to the first area 22 described in Fig. 8. In other words, the various control menus shown in the "left display area" in Fig. 12 are displayed sequentially in the first area 22.

[0243] As shown in the "left display area" of Figure 12, in addition to "Warm," there are a total of 13 control menus: "Microwave manual," "Pre-boil leafy vegetables," "Pre-boil root vegetables," "Meat defrosting," "Microwave grill (RG) cooking," "Microwave grill (RG) reheat," "Microwave grill (RG) manual," "Grill," "Oven," "IH keep warm," "IH rice cooking," and "IH heating."

[0244] The control menus "Warm," "Microwave manual," "Pre-boil leafy vegetables," "Pre-boil root vegetables," "Defrost meat," "Microwave grill (RG) cooking," "Microwave grill (RG) reheat," "Microwave grill (RG) manual," "Grill," and "Oven" are included in the RG menu group. In addition, "IH keep warm", "IH rice cooking", and "IH heating" are included in the "IH menu group" that uses the first heating means HM1.

[0245] The content shown in the "Central Display Area" in FIG. 12 is the content displayed in the second area 23 of the central display unit 16M, and relates to adjusting the heating conditions during cooking, such as temperature, time, heat, "high," or "low." In other words, the "Central Display Area" lists various control conditions. The default settings for this "Central Display Area" are listed in the "Default" column in the right column of the "Central Display Area."

[0246] The contents written in the "right display area" in Figure 12 indicate the contents displayed in the third area 24 of the central display unit 16M. The default settings for the "right display area" are listed in the "Default" column in the right column of the "right display area." A blank space does not indicate a control condition that can be changed, but rather indicates that no information is displayed, or that an appropriate explanatory text that cannot be selected or changed (by the user US) is displayed in the third area 24.

[0247] Next, a total of 13 types of control menus displayed in the "left display area" of FIG. 12 will be described. (1) Warming: This refers to heating the food in the heating chamber 6 using the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2). This "warming" mode is also suitable for reheating food. The default setting is "80°C," so microwave heating will automatically stop once the food has heated to 80°C. Note that "80°C" is the target temperature, which can be adjusted by the user US before heating begins. As shown in the central display area of ​​Figure 12, for example, the range from 0°C to 90°C can be set in 5-degree increments.

[0248] (2) Manual microwave operation: This refers to heating the food in the heating chamber 6 using the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2). The heating time is set by the user US to a specific time between 10 seconds and 60 minutes.

[0249] (3) Parboiling leafy vegetables: This method uses microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) to boil food in the heating chamber 6, particularly vegetables whose leaves are edible, such as spinach and Chinese cabbage. The infrared sensor 13 measures the temperature rise of the food in real time and automatically stops cooking.

[0250] (4) Pre-boiling of root vegetables: This method is suitable for boiling food items in the heating chamber 6, particularly roots, rhizomes, potatoes, and other root vegetables, using microwave heating means (second heating means HM2).

[0251] (5) Meat thawing: Suitable for thawing various kinds of meat that have been frozen in the heating chamber 6. (6) Range grill (RG) cooking: The food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6 is cooked by combining microwave heating using a microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) with oven heating using upper radiant heat heating means 12a and lower radiant heat heating means 12b.

[0252] (7) Range Grill (RG) Re-cooking: Suitable for re-heating food that has already been cooked in the heating chamber 6. (8) Range Grill (RG) Manual: The user US selects between microwave heating and oven heating as appropriate to heat and cook the food in the heating chamber 6.

[0253] (9) Grill: This uses one or both of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b to heat food in the heating chamber 6. In other words, this is a control menu that uses the third heating means HM3.

[0254] The "Grill" control menu does not control the temperature of the heating chamber 6, nor does it detect a rise in the temperature of the food being cooked and stop the heating operation. The heating operation is performed for a period of time specified by the user US, within a range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0255] (10) Oven: An oven that uses one or both of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b to heat the food in the heating chamber 6. The temperature of the heating chamber 6 is measured in real time by the thermistor sensor 14, and the power supply to the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b is controlled so that the temperature reaches the set target temperature.

[0256] (11) IH Warm: Heats an object to be heated, such as a pot, placed above the central heating port 4C so as to maintain the temperature set by the user US. The induction heating power ranges from low to medium, ranging from 200W to 750W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C detects the temperature of the object to be heated in real time, and the heating control unit 43 of the control device 40 controls the heating power based on the detected temperature. The default temperature is 80°C, as shown in FIG. 12. For example, this is suitable for keeping soup warm.

[0257] (12) IH rice cooking: Heats rice according to the number of rice cookers (amount of rice cooked) set by the user US. The induction heating power ranges from low to high, from 200W to 1500W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C is used to detect abnormal heating of the heated object (also called overheating; the same applies below). If an abnormal temperature is detected, the control device 40 will reduce the heating power or stop the heating operation.

[0258] (13) IH heating: Heating is performed according to the induction heating power set by the user US. There are five levels of power that can be set: Power 1: 200W, Power 2: 500W, Power 3: 750W, Power 4: 1000W, and Power 5: 1500W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C is used to detect abnormal heating of the heated object, and if an abnormal temperature is detected, the control device 40 reduces the heating power or stops the heating operation. The default heating power is 500W.

[0259] Next, FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 13 is a classification table of the RG control menus ("RG menu group" in FIG. 12) and the IH control menus ("IH menu group" in FIG. 12) of the single cooking mode KM3 by the first heating means HM1.

[0260] The "left display area" of the first region in Fig. 12 refers to the first area 22 (see Fig. 8). As is clear from category 2 in Fig. 13, the names of the control menus are also displayed in text in the first area 22 of the central display section 16M, and are used by the user US to select the control menu.

[0261] Next, FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage structure of various cooking control menus for the cooperative cooking mode and the combined cooking mode, and the correspondence between the menus and input keys. The "information indicating the main points of each control menu" shown in category 2 in FIG. 13 is stored as data in the third layer of the recipe data storage unit 42 as shown in FIG.

[0262] Therefore, by operating input keys 154M and 155M to select a desired control menu, the user US can automatically or arbitrarily display information indicating the main points of each control menu shown in category 2 in Fig. 13, which corresponds one-to-one to (is linked to) that control menu. Fig. 15 shows an example of this automatic display.

[0263] Next, FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display operation on central display unit 16M when central operation unit 15M is operated. First, when the user US turns on the main power by pressing the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 (see FIG. 10), the input functions of the left operation unit 15L, the central operation unit 15M, and the right operation unit 15R become active. That is, the control device 40 enters a state in which it can accept operation signals from these operation units 15L, 15M, and 15R, and a predetermined screen (hereinafter referred to as the "standby initial screen" 16MH) (see FIG. 41) is displayed on the central display unit 16M, although this is not shown.

[0264] In this state, when the user US presses the input key 154M or 155M, a display screen 15ST is displayed as shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows the second specific screen 16M2. As is clear from the display screen 15ST, the name (identification information) 160 of the control menu "Warm" is displayed in large letters in the center of the first area 22 in the front-to-back direction.

[0265] Behind the control menu identification information 160 for "warming" displayed in the center of the first area 22, the words "IH heating" (control menu identification information) 161 are displayed, and conversely, in front of it, the words "microwave manual" (control menu identification information) 162 are displayed in slightly smaller size.

[0266] This allows the user US to see that when selecting a control menu, the next options are "IH heating" and "microwave manual." If, at this stage, the input key 154M is pressed once, the control menu identification information 162 for "microwave manual" is displayed large, as if it has moved (backward) to the position of the character "warm" (control menu identification information) 160. Note that the character of the control menu identification information 162 has not actually moved; the displayed information has simply switched.

[0267] Furthermore, when the input key 155M is pressed once, the characters "IH heating" (control menu identification information) 161 are displayed larger, as if they have moved (forward) to the position of the characters "warming" (control menu identification information) 160. Note that in this case too, the control menu identification information 162 has not actually moved, but the displayed information has simply been switched.

[0268] 15, the display screen 15ST displays a target temperature of "80°C" in the second area 23. When microwave heating is performed at this target temperature, microwave heating is automatically stopped when the infrared sensor 13 detects that the temperature of the food to be cooked is 80°C.

[0269] If you want to change the temperature displayed in this second area 23 and change the temperature at which the device automatically stops, simply operate input key 156M or 157M. Pressing input key 156M once will raise the temperature by 5°C to 85°C, as shown on display screen 15UP1, and pressing input key 157M once will lower the temperature by 5°C to 75°C, as shown on display screen 15DN1.

[0270] Also, in the second area 23, a heat source display section 163 is displayed which displays in text that the heat source is microwave heating means (second heating means HM2).

[0271] As described above, 164 is reference information that is automatically displayed to indicate that this is a recommended control menu for heating side dishes, etc. The content of this reference information may be other additional information 165, and two or more types of information may be displayed alternately or sequentially for several seconds each on the display screen (for example, third area 24) of central display unit 16M.

[0272] Furthermore, as shown in category 2 in FIG. 13, information (reference information) 164 indicating the main points of each control menu may be displayed at any time in response to the operation of the input key 158 or 159. In other words, in this embodiment 1, the reference information 164 that corresponds one-to-one with each control menu (e.g., "warming") is displayed so that the user US does not hesitate as to whether to select each control menu (e.g., "warming").

[0273] Furthermore, when reference information 164 is displayed as shown in FIG. 15, if one of the (two) input keys 158M or 159M located in front of the reference information 164 is touched, more detailed additional information 166 may be displayed in the third area 24 instead of the reference information 164.

[0274] As shown in Figure 15, the aforementioned "composite cooking mode" KM2 is a mode in which multiple heating means with different heating principles, such as the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3, are driven simultaneously or automatically switched with a time lag to heat and cook a common food item.

[0275] In FIG. 15, the display screen shown in the central display section 16M is a display screen dedicated to the "combined cooking mode" KM2, and is called a second specific screen 16M2.

[0276] Next, a description will be given of FIGS. 16 to 22. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the relationship between the display operation of the central display unit 16M and the central operation unit 15M in the combined cooking mode KM2, illustrating the operation procedure before the start of the heating operation.

[0277] In FIG. 16, FG indicates the fingertip of the user US. When the main power switch 20 is turned "ON" to start the control device 40 and the input key 154M or 155M on the central operation unit 15M is pressed, the standby initial screen 16MH (see Fig. 41) is switched to the second specific screen 16M2 as shown in Fig. 16. In other words, this is the setting operation screen for the "combined cooking mode" KM2 such as a single cooking mode such as microwave heating or microwave grill (RG) cooking.

[0278] If the input key 153M is pressed before the input key 154M or 155M, the input process changes to the input process for the cooperative cooking mode KM1. That is, from that stage, the standby initial screen 16MH (see FIG. 41) is switched to the first specific screen 16M1 (see FIGS. 19 to 22).

[0279] When either input key 154M or 155M is pressed with fingertip FG as described above, three candidate control menus for multiple composite cooking modes KM2 are displayed in the first area 22 of the display screen (second specific screen) 16M2 of the central display unit 16M. That is, three pieces of identification information (including a graphic mark and the name of the food item) 160, 161, and 162 are displayed to identify the three control menus one-to-one. Among these, the position where the identification information 160 of one control menu is displayed may be hereinafter referred to as "display position A."

[0280] In Fig. 16, there are three control menus displayed on the central display unit 16M: "Warm," "IH Heating," and "Manual Microwave." The number of control menus is called the "number of control menus for complex cooking."

[0281] In this first embodiment, the positions where the identification information 161 and 162 are displayed may be referred to as "display position B" and "display position C," respectively, hereinafter.

[0282] In this embodiment 1, the control menu displayed at "display position A" ("warm" in Fig. 16) has the highest priority for selection. In other words, when input key 151M is pressed in the state of Fig. 16, the heating operation starts with "warm".

[0283] In FIG. 16, when input key 154M located to the right of input key 155M is touched (a normal "short press" operation), "Range Manual" is displayed at display position A.

[0284] To change the target temperature of 85°C for "warming," simply touch input key 156M or 157M. In this case, even if you use a "long press" instead of the usual "short press" operation, you can only make normal temperature changes. In other words, you cannot change to voice input mode 2 using input keys 156M or 157M.

[0285] In FIG. 16, one light-emitting element 21M corresponding to input key 153M has a star-shaped figure attached to it, which indicates that the light-emitting element 21M flashes (or emits light in a color different from the other light-emitting elements) and can be operated.

[0286] 16, at the stage when the control menu is displayed in the first area 22, one light emitting section 21M corresponding to the input keys 156M and 157M does not blink (or emits light in a color different from the other light emitting sections), indicating that input operation is not possible.

[0287] Next, FIG. 17 will be described. As is clear from Figure 17, after the control menu is displayed in the first area 22, one of the light-emitting elements 21M corresponding to the input keys 156M and 157M flashes (or emits light in a different color from the other light-emitting elements), indicating that it is possible to input control conditions such as heating time and temperature.

[0288] Also, in Figure 17, one light-emitting element 21M corresponding to input key 151M is surrounded by a dashed circle, which indicates that the light-emitting element 21M is flashing (or emitting light in a color different from the other light-emitting elements) and waiting for a command to start cooking.

[0289] 17, when an input key 154M, which is one of the "voice input switching keys," is touched, if the touch state is "long press," a mark 154V indicating that the mode has been switched to "voice input mode 1" is displayed by the light-emitting element 27B (see FIG. 10) so as to surround the touched portion of the input key 154M. That is, the light-emitting element 27B (see FIG. 10), such as an LED, disposed below the top plate 3 lights up in response to a signal from the light-emission control unit 26, and displays a frame as shown in FIG. 17 around the input key 154M. Alternatively, the entire touched portion of the input key 154M is illuminated from below, making it clearly distinguishable from other input keys.

[0290] At the time when the mark 154V is displayed, the control unit 55 of the control device 40 is already in a state (hereinafter also referred to as an "input standby state") in which it is ready to accept input of "control conditions" (temperature, heating time, etc.), which are lower-level commands in the control menu (e.g., "warm up"), via the audio signal receiving unit 56 (see Figure 10).

[0291] Therefore, instead of inputting the control conditions by touching the input keys 156M or 157M, the user US can input the control conditions by voice.

[0292] Next, FIG. 18 will be described. As is clear from Fig. 18, after the mark 154V is displayed, one of the light-emitting elements 21M corresponding to the input keys 156M and 157M does not blink (or emit light in a color different from the other light-emitting elements). This indicates that it is not recommended to use these input keys to input control conditions such as heating time and temperature. However, when switched to "voice input mode 1", the input functions of input keys that are not necessary for voice input are restricted, so after the mark 154V is displayed, input by touch operation is not possible with the input keys 156M and 157M (if set to voice input mode 1A). In order to maintain the touch input function of specific input keys (such as 156M) for inputting control conditions even after switching to voice input mode, it is necessary to set the mode to the "voice input mode 1B" as described above.

[0293] As is clear from FIG. 18, after the mark 154V is displayed, auxiliary information 179 for the voice input mode 1 is displayed in the large display area formed by combining the second area 23 and the third area 24.

[0294] The auxiliary information 179 includes three types: voice input mode display information 179A, which indicates that voice input is being accepted because the mode is voice input mode, and information 179B and 179C, which indicate the range and numerical values ​​of the control conditions that can be input.

[0295] The information 179B is the condition shown in "area 2" explained in Fig. 12. That is, it indicates that the user US can only select from the range of 0°C to 90°C. The information 179C is the condition shown in "Area 2" also explained in Fig. 12. In other words, it indicates that the user US can only select a temperature range from -10°C to 0°C in the "warm" control menu for microwave heating of frozen food.

[0296] The auxiliary information 179 (179A to 179C) shown in Figure 18 allows the user US to input by voice, and by indicating in advance the range of control conditions that can be input by voice, unnecessary voice input and the utterance of inappropriate conditions can be avoided, thereby improving the operability of the user US.

[0297] As is clear from Figure 18, after the mark 154V is displayed, the auxiliary information 179 for voice input mode 1 remains displayed in the large display area combining the second area 23 and the third area 24, which does not meet the conditions for starting the heating operation. That is, in the state of Fig. 18, it is not recommended to press (touch operation) the input key (start key) 151M as in Fig. 17. Therefore, the light-emitting unit 21M is not in a state of emitting light (flashing).

[0298] That is, in this first embodiment, after switching to the voice input mode, if the predetermined control conditions have not been input (the state of FIG. 18), the heating operation cannot be started.

[0299] Next, a description will be given of FIGS. 19 to 22. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the relationship between the display operation of the central display unit 16M and the central operation unit 15M in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, illustrating the operation procedure before the start of the heating operation.

[0300] In Figure 19, when the main power switch 20 is turned "ON" to start up the control device 40 and the input key 153M of the central operation unit 15M is pressed, the standby initial screen 16MH (see Figure 40) is switched to the first specific screen 16M1 shown in Figure 19.

[0301] If the input key 154M or 155M is pressed before the input key 153M, the input process changes to the input process for the combined cooking mode KM2, as shown in FIG. 16, and the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed.

[0302] Furthermore, even if the input key 155M or 156M is pressed first and the setting operation for the "combined cooking mode" KM2, such as a single cooking mode such as microwave heating or microwave grill (RG) cooking, is halfway through, if it is at a stage before the input key 151M is pressed, the input process will change to the "combined cooking mode" KM3 when the input key 153M is pressed. In other words, from this stage, only the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed on the central display unit 16M.

[0303] FIG. 19 shows the state immediately after the input key 153M is pressed, and the identification information 167 of a specific cooking menu (for example, hamburger steak) that is set as default is displayed in the first area 22.

[0304] If input key 153M is touched, and then input key 154M or 155M is touched, further identification information (including a graphic mark and the name of the food item) 168 or 169 is displayed in the first area 22 of the display screen (first identification screen) 16M1 of the central display unit 16M to identify the food item that is the target of the multiple collaborative cooking modes KM1 (the collaborative cooking menu).

[0305] In Figure 19, the number of "foods" that can be cooked in the cooperative cooking mode displayed in the central display section 16M is three: hamburger steak, gratin, and roast beef. In this way, the number of food items is called the "number of cooperative cooking menus."

[0306] In this first embodiment, there are a total of eight cooperative cooking menus. Details will be explained in Figure 25. However, it is possible to further increase the "number of cooperative cooking menus" by acquiring recipe data CD from the smartphone (communication terminal) 200, which will be described later.

[0307] 19, 167, 168, and 169 are identification information, which in this first embodiment is information that indicates the names of the foods to be cooked (e.g., hamburger steak, gratin, roast beef) one-to-one. When describing all the identification information of the collaborative cooking menu KM1, reference number 167 will be used.

[0308] The position where the control menu identification information 160 described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18 is displayed is called "display position A." On the other hand, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the position where the identification information 167 is displayed is also display position A.

[0309] In this first embodiment, the positions where the identification information 160 and the identification information 167 are displayed are the same "display position A," but they may be set to different positions. However, to avoid confusion for the user US, the eight coordinated cooking menus in the coordinated cooking mode KM1 are always displayed in the same position (display position A). Also, in the combined cooking mode KM2, it is preferable to always use the same (single) "display position A" for each control menu.

[0310] If the input keys 154M and 155M are not operated (within a certain time), the process automatically proceeds to the next step, and the display screen is switched to that of FIG. Referring to FIG. 20, heating unit specification sections 171L and 171R are displayed in the first specification screen 16M1. The user US can select either the right IH coil 9R or the left IH coil 9L by operating the input keys 157M and 156M adjacent to each other on the left and right. In this first embodiment, the left heating unit 4L is set as the default, and operation of the input keys 157M and 156M is not essential.

[0311] In Figure 20, the operation support information 170 displays "Press the start button to start heating with the left IH." This means that by pressing the input key 151M on the central operation unit 15M, induction heating (cooking process 1) (in the coordinated cooking mode KM1) can be started with the left IH coil 9L. However, in this first embodiment, it is necessary to press the input key 153L on the left operation unit 15L after pressing the input key 151M.

[0312] As shown in FIG. 20, above (behind in plan view) the identification information 167 shown on the first specific screen 16M1, identification information 168 indicating the name of another food item (for example, gratin) is displayed.

[0313] Also, identification information 169 indicating the name of another food item (for example, roast beef) is displayed below the identification information 167. In Fig. 20, one light emitting unit 21M corresponding to an input key 151M is surrounded by a dashed circle, which indicates that the light emitting unit 21M is blinking (or emitting light in a color different from the other light emitting units) and waiting for a command to start cooking.

[0314] Each time either input key 154M or 155M is operated once, identification information 167 indicating the name of the food to be cooked (for example, hamburger steak) changes its display by moving up or down one step at a time. In other words, by moving forward and backward, identification information 167 can be displayed sequentially at a predetermined position (front-rear center position) in first area 22, in other words, at display position B.

[0315] In this first embodiment, as mentioned above, there are a total of eight types of food to be cooked in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Therefore, for example, if the left input key 155M is operated eight times, the identification information 167 of one food to be cooked (e.g., hamburger steak) will cycle through. Conversely, if the right input key 154M is operated eight times, the identification information 167 of one food to be cooked (e.g., hamburger steak) will cycle through.

[0316] After selecting a cooking menu (e.g., hamburger steak), as described above, it is necessary to select the left and right heating sections 4L, 4R or input control conditions (e.g., preheating temperature), and then issue a command to start the heating operation using input key 151M.

[0317] As described above, inputting the left and right heating elements 4L, 4R and the control conditions (e.g., preheating temperature) requires multiple touch operations by pressing either input key 154M or 155M individually. This is also true for the above-mentioned combined cooking mode KM2. For example, as described in FIG. 12, the temperature setting for "warming" can be selected from the range of 0 to 90°C, but each of input keys 156M and 157M can only input an increase (or decrease) of 5°C with one touch operation. Therefore, to input, for example, 15°C, three touch operations ("short presses") are required.

[0318] Therefore, in this embodiment 1, in order to reduce the cumbersome input operations, in this collaborative cooking mode KM1, when the identification information 167 of one cooking menu is displayed at a predetermined position B in the first area 22 as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the mode can be changed to voice input mode using the input key 154M.

[0319] As described above, when touching input key 154M, which is one of the voice input switching keys, if the touch state is "long press," mark 154V indicating that the mode has been switched to voice input mode is displayed around the touched portion of input key 154M, as shown in FIG. 20.

[0320] Referring to FIG. At the timing when the mark 154V indicating that the mode has been switched to voice input mode is displayed, voice input mode display information 179A indicating that voice input is being accepted may be displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 as auxiliary information 179, as shown in FIG. 21.

[0321] In the state shown in Figure 21, the left and right heating sections 4L and 4R have not yet been selected, but if the user US vocally inputs setting information such as "left IH" in this state shown in Figure 21, the first specific screen 16M1 will display that the left heating port 4L has been selected. The next Fig. 22 shows an example in which the function is set to automatically select the left heating unit 4L. As shown in Fig. 22, the result of the automatic selection of the left heating port 4L is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1.

[0322] In addition, in the state shown in Figure 22, one light-emitting element 21M corresponding to input key 151M flashes as shown in the dashed circle (or emits light in a color different from the other light-emitting elements), and proceeds to the state waiting for a command to start cooking, so when input key 151M is pressed, the heating and cooking operation starts.

[0323] Next, FIG. 23 will be described. In Fig. 23(A), FG indicates the fingertips of the user US. Every time the input key 155M is pressed once, the display contents of the first specific screen 16M1 change to display screens 23A to 23D as shown in Fig. 23(B).

[0324] As mentioned above, when the user US sets the input operation unit 15 to the function setting mode (using the function setting key 151KP) in advance and operates multiple input keys on the input operation unit 15 during the function setting mode to display individual cooking menus of the collaborative cooking mode KM1 on the central display unit 16M, it is possible to set the display to prioritize either food ingredients or nutritional ingredients.

[0325] For example, when the function setting key 151KP is pressed as described above, a dedicated display screen for the "function setting menu" is displayed on the display screen of the central display section 16M. Therefore, it is recommended to set up in advance so that the food ingredient display mode can be automatically selected by "long pressing" one specific input key (e.g., 156M) other than the function setting key 151KP. For example, for one setting menu (e.g., hamburger) in the "function setting menu" mentioned above, the display screen can be set to automatically display "food ingredient display" and "nutritional ingredient display."

[0326] Furthermore, when the display screen for setting such "food composition labeling" or "nutritional composition labeling" is displayed, by operating a specific input key other than the function setting key 151KP (for example, any one of 156M, 157M, etc.), it may be possible to change the conditions for setting "food composition labeling" or "nutritional composition labeling" or to cancel the setting. For example, it may be possible to set a specific range so that only "iron" among nutrients and the "energy (calorie equivalent)" of the component are displayed.

[0327] Therefore, if the function setting key 151KP is set to prioritize either food ingredients or nutritional ingredients and display them based on that, it is not necessarily the case that "hamburger" will be displayed first, as shown in Figure 23(A).

[0328] Meanwhile, as described above, the user US can search for cooking menus by voice by pressing the input key 180. Therefore, for example, if a voice input such as "a menu with low calorie value" is made at the stage shown in Fig. 23, the cooking menu with the lowest calorie value (amount of energy) among the eight cooking menus will be displayed at a predetermined position (the center position between the front and back, i.e., the "display position A") in the first area 22 on the first specific screen 16M1.

[0329] For example, in FIG. 23, three cooking menu items are displayed: gratin, hamburger steak, and roast beef. If the input key 180 is pressed at this point, voice input mode 2 is entered. After this, the user US may provide a voice input of "a menu with fewer calories." Incidentally, the energy amount (unit: kilocalories) per 100g is 152 for gratin (macaroni gratin), 223 for hamburger steak, and approximately 196 for roast beef. Therefore, macaroni is extracted as the "menu with the lowest calorie value" of these three.

[0330] On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 23, input key 154M may be "long pressed" to switch to voice input mode 1, and menu items with low calorie values ​​may be extracted by voice input.

[0331] Next, FIG. 24 will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit 16M in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, and is an example in which the standard ingredients and nutritional ingredients for "hamburger steak," one of the cooking menus, are displayed.

[0332] 20 to 23, if the user US issues a command to display either the food ingredients or the nutritional ingredients by voice input, or if the user touches input key 158M or 159M while operational support information 170 is being displayed (see FIG. 20), first specific screen 16M1 temporarily switches to the display screen of FIG. 24(A) or 24(B). Pressing input key 158M is equivalent to issuing a command to display the food ingredients.

[0333] In the following description, the display screen of FIG. 24(A) will be referred to as a "food component display screen" 16M1A, and the display screen of FIG. 24(B) will be referred to as a "nutritional component display screen" 16M1B.

[0334] The food component display screen 16M1A and the nutritional component display screen 16M1B automatically return to the original state of the first specific screen 16M1 after a certain time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since they were displayed. Alternatively, the display program of the control device 40 stipulates that if the user US issues a command by voice input, or if either of the input keys 158M and 159M is operated once more within the specified time period (10 seconds), the display will return to the original state of the first specific screen 16M1.

[0335] Referring to FIG. FIG. 25 is a table showing the correspondence between the cooking menu in the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 and the operation support information 170 (see FIG. 20).

[0336] As can be seen from Fig. 25, there are two types of operation support information 170: operation support information A and operation support information B. One is information that says "Press the start button to start heating the left IH cooker," and the other is information that says "Press the start button to confirm." This "start button" refers to input key 151M. The data of the table shown in FIG. 25 is stored in the storage device 41 of the control device 40. As shown in FIG. 25, for each food item (cooking menu), a "specific input key" that must be operated when the user US cooks using the recipe data CD is determined in advance, and this information is also stored in the storage device 41. For example, in the case of "hamburger steak," there are two specific input keys, 152L and 152R. That is, there are a total of two: input key 152R on the right heating unit 15R and input key 152L on the left operating unit 15L. Note that both cannot be selected; selecting either one completes the specific input key selection process.

[0337] The two types of operation support information 170 are automatically switched before the start of the cooking process in the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3. For example, they are displayed alternately every few seconds.

[0338] Next, FIG. 26 will be described. In this first embodiment, a "cooperative preheat cooking mode" KM4 is provided as one type of the cooperative cooking mode KM1. There are two types of linked preheat cooking mode KM4.

[0339] An example of a cooking menu that utilizes the linked preheat cooking mode KM4 is "hamburger steak." In the case of this "hamburger steak," the preheating step is performed by the first heating means HM1.

[0340] If the cooking step 1 is started while the preheating step is being performed, the heating operation of the preheating step has not been stopped at the time when the cooking step 1 is started. Therefore, the energization of the first heating means HM1 and the energization of the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) and the third heating means HM3 in charge of cooking step 1 are carried out in parallel in the same time period.

[0341] In other words, in the linked preheating cooking mode KM4, the heating source (in the above description, the first heating means HM1) that has started operating before the cooking process 1 is not necessarily stopped at the start of the cooking process 1, and during the cooking process 1, power may be supplied to either or both of the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) and the third heating means HM3.

[0342] Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given on the assumption that the cooperative cooking mode KM1 includes the cooperative preheating cooking mode KM4.

[0343] When the collaborative cooking mode KM1 is selected, once the identification information 167 indicating the name of the food to be cooked is displayed on the central display unit 16M, the left operating unit 15L of the left IH coil 9L cannot be used for other cooking menus (also called the "occupied state").

[0344] Specifically, among the various input keys on the left operation unit 15L, at least the input key 153L is disabled by the heating control unit 43. This "disabled" means that the input key 153L does not transmit a valid command signal to the heating control unit 43, and that even if a valid command signal is transmitted, the heating control unit 43 does not process the command signal as a valid command signal. In either case, heating with the left IH coil 9L cannot be selected.

[0345] At the same time, when the identification information 167 is displayed, the right operation unit 15R of the right heating port 4R may be made unavailable (by "disabling" the input key 153R). However, if the user US has previously set the function on the input operation unit 15 (using the function setting key 151KP) so that this "disabling" is not performed, and if the right IH coil 9R is already being used for another control menu (heating operation is ongoing), the right IH coil 9R can be used as is. On the other hand, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the fact that it has been used previously determines that it cannot be used (by the heating control unit 43).

[0346] Therefore, only the left IH coil 9L is "occupied" by the selection of the combined cooking mode KM1. Also, from the perspective of the first heating source HM1 as a whole, the use of only a portion (left IH coil 9L) of the three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R is "restricted." Note that if the right IH coil 9R is not being used for other cooking, the right IH coil 9R may also be placed in an occupied state.

[0347] Continuing with the explanation of FIG. 26 shows the operation steps when "fried chicken" is made in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. In FIG. 26, #1 to #9 show the operations of the user US and the state changes of the cooker 1.

[0348] The "fried chicken" shown in FIG. 26 differs from the "hamburger steak" described above in that cooking step 1 is performed in heating chamber 6 and cooking step 2 is performed by first heating means HM1.

[0349] In Figure 26, before starting cooking process 1 to cook "fried chicken," user US first selects left IH coil 9L and presses input key 151L. Then, preheating of object N placed on top plate 3 begins. In this case, object N is a metal pot or frying pan, etc., filled with a certain amount of cooking oil.

[0350] Meanwhile, the user US opens the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 and places the ingredients for "fried chicken" (such as seasoned chicken) into the heating chamber 6 (#1). Then, after closing the door 7, an operation A23 called "pressing the start button" is performed. This operation is performed by pressing the input key 151M of the central operation unit 15M.

[0351] At this point, the microwave heating source (second heating means HM2) is activated to start microwave cooking step 1. Then, notification 1 of reference information is performed.

[0352] The notification 1 is, for example, an announcement of the time remaining until the end of heating, such as "Microwave heating has started. Heating time is xx minutes." Alternatively, if the control is performed to detect the temperature of the food to be cooked and determine the time to end heating, the notification may be information indicating the target temperature, such as "Heating to xx°C."

[0353] During this cooking step 1, the preheating of the left IH coil 9L is completed (for example, the object to be heated is heated to 180°C, which is the standard preheating temperature). The user US is notified of the completion of preheating by voice and text, etc., via the audio notification unit 51 and the central display unit 16M (first specific screen 16M1) (#2).

[0354] The user US can stop microwave heating at any time during cooking process 1. To stop the microwave heating, simply open the door 7. Microwave heating can be stopped by pressing the input key 152M on the central operation unit 15M only once. However, pressing the input key 152M twice in succession within a short period of time cancels the cooking mode, and the selection of "fried chicken" in the linked cooking mode is also canceled.

[0355] By opening the door 7, the microwave heating operation is immediately stopped, and cooking step 1 ends (#3). Next, the user US moves the food material that has been heated in the heating chamber 6 into the object to be heated that is being preheated on the top plate 3 (#4).

[0356] Then, cooking process 2 begins with left heating port 4L (#5). In cooking step 2, input key 153L (see FIG. 6) on left operation unit 15L is pressed first before preheating begins, so there is no need to operate left operation unit 15L at the start of cooking step 2. In other words, when ingredients (fried chicken ingredients) are moved into an object to be heated that has been preheated to, for example, 180°C, heating of the ingredients begins at the temperature of the object to be heated (this point marks the start of cooking step 2).

[0357] As described above, the user US does not need to operate the input operation unit 15 in order to start cooking step 2 (#5). The start of cooking process 2 occurs when the food to be cooked is placed on top of the heated food and is ready to be heated. However, the temperature sensor group 30 (see Figure 10) may detect a temporary drop in the temperature of the heated food when the food is placed on top, and the start of cooking process 2 may be determined electrically. Cooking step 2 can be ended at any timing by the user US operating the left operating unit 15L.

[0358] Next, the user US moves the food to be cooked again. First, the door 7 is opened, the food to be cooked is placed in the heating chamber 6, and the door 7 is closed (#6). Then, the input key 151M on the central operation unit 15M is pressed to start cooking step 3 of the range grill control menu (RG control menu).

[0359] In this case, to prevent microwave heating or the like from being performed without placing the food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6 (so-called "empty cooking"), the door 7 is opened once after the cooking process 1 is completed, and then the heating operation can be started by pressing the input key 151M only when it is detected (by the door 7 open / close detection unit 10) that the door 7 has been closed again. Furthermore, the timing for operating the input key 151M is limited to a certain time (for example, 3 minutes) from the end of the cooking process 1, or to a certain time (for example, 2 minutes) from the time the door 7 is opened and then closed again, thereby improving safety.

[0360] When a predetermined time (TN5) has elapsed since cooking process 3 by the range grill driving unit in heating chamber 6 was started by operation input A26 by user US, operation support information 170 is displayed on first specific screen 16M1. The user is also notified by voice.

[0361] The audio notification includes information such as, "Heating will finish in 30 seconds. If you wish to extend the time further, please set the time." Since the user US knows that the final cooking process is about to finish, he or she can start preparing to remove the "fried chicken" from the heating chamber 6 from the point in time when the operation support information 170 is notified. In synchronization with this, the central display unit 16M displays the contents of the operation support information 170 in text or the like. The operation support information 170 is displayed at a specific position on the first specific screen 16M1, as in the example shown in FIG. 20.

[0362] Thereafter, the microwave heating operation is stopped, and cooking process 3 is completed (#7). Note that cooking process 3 can be stopped immediately if the user US opens the door 7. Then, the user US moves the food heated in the heating chamber 6 into the object to be heated, which is being preheated on the top plate 3 (#8). In this case, if the object to be heated is maintained in a heated state by induction heating until the end of cooking step 3, further induction heating (cooking step 4) may be performed (#9).

[0363] Induction heating cooking can be ended by operating the left operation unit 15L. That is, the operation A28 by the user US at this point in time is to press the input key 153L on the left operation unit 15L corresponding to the left IH coil 9L.

[0364] The cooking sequence shown in FIG. 26 can shorten the time required from the start of the induction heating operation (start of the preheating step) to the end of cooking step 1. That is, cooking step 1 is started by placing ingredients (food to be cooked) in heating chamber 6 at an earlier point in time than the completion of preheating by induction heating or notification of the completion of preheating.

[0365] Since preheating by the first heating means HM1 is completed before cooking process 1 is completed, the food to be cooked can be immediately transferred into the food to be heated on top plate 3 after cooking process 1 is completed, and cooking process 2 can be started.

[0366] In the example of "fried chicken" in Fig. 26, cooking step 3 was included, but cooking step 3 and cooking step 4 are not necessarily required. Cooking steps can be completed as needed depending on the type of food to be cooked and the wishes of the user US.

[0367] 26 shows that the "left IH coil drive period" continues even after cooking step 2 is completed, but the drive of the left IH coil 9L can be stopped at any time using the left operation unit 15L after cooking step 2 is completed. However, as shown by the dashed frame in FIG. 26, if the left IH coil 9L is to be used in cooking step 4 as well, it is necessary to start the preheating operation again before cooking step 4.

[0368] Next, FIG. 27 will be described. Like FIG. 26, FIG. 27 shows the operation steps when "fried chicken" is selected as the cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. 27, #1 to #9 indicate operations by the user US and state changes of the cooking appliance 1, as explained in FIG. 26. The other symbols correspond to those in FIG.

[0369] The difference between this FIG. 27 and the above-mentioned FIG. 26 will be explained. FIG. 27 shows a case where cooking step 1 is started in heating chamber 6 after the first heating means HM1 has completed preheating of the object to be heated and has been notified of this (#2).

[0370] When the completion of preheating of the object to be heated by the first heating means HM1 is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 and the left and right display units 16L and 16R, and is also notified by audio notification unit 50, the user US opens the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 and places the ingredients for "fried chicken" (such as seasoned chicken) into the heating chamber 6 (#1). Then, after closing the door 7, the input key 151M of the central operation unit 15M is pressed.

[0371] At this point, microwave cooking step 1 begins. Then, the reference information notification 1 is performed. After this, the process is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0372] In the cooking sequence shown in FIG. 27, the time required from the start of the heating operation of the first heating means HM1 (start of the preheating step) to the end of cooking step 1 is longer than that in FIG.

[0373] However, since heating of the ingredients (food to be cooked) in the heating chamber 6 begins after the preheating by the first heating means HM1 is completed or a notification of the completion of preheating is received, there is a guarantee that cooking process 2 can be started immediately by the first heating means HM1 if the food to be cooked is moved when cooking process 1 in the heating chamber 6 ends. Therefore, this method is suitable for users US who are not very familiar with the linked preheating cooking mode KM4.

[0374] 27 shows that the "driving period of the left IH coil 9L" continues even after cooking step 2 is completed, but if the first heating means HM1 is not used after cooking step 2 is completed, the driving of the left IH coil 9L may be stopped at any time by the left operating unit 15L after cooking step 2 is completed. However, as shown in the dashed box in FIG. 27, if the left IH coil 9L is also used in cooking step 4, preheating must be started again before cooking step 4.

[0375] 26 and 27, the first heating means HM1 is energized first to start the preheating operation, while the cooking process 1 is carried out in the heating chamber 6. In the configuration shown in FIG. The "linked preheat cooking mode" KM4 of this first embodiment is not limited to the case where cooking step 1 is performed in the heating chamber.

[0376] In another linked preheating cooking mode KM4, the heating operation by the first heating means HM1 is first started, an object to be heated such as a frying pan is heated to a preheat target temperature (for example, 180°C), and when the target temperature is reached, an object to be cooked is placed on the object to be heated, thereby starting cooking step 1. After this preheating step, the object to be cooked may be moved into heating chamber 6 while still on top of the object to be heated, and the object to be cooked may be placed in heating chamber 6 together with the object to be heated, and cooking step 2 may be performed to further heat the object using second heating means HM2 or third heating means HM3.

[0377] Next, FIG. 28 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heating control unit 43 until the transition to the combined cooking mode KM1.

[0378] In the cooperative cooking mode KM1 of this first embodiment, there is a pattern (first cooperative cooking mode) in which the first heating means HM1 is driven first, and then at least one of the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 is driven. Typical examples of cooking menus suitable for cooking in this pattern include four, from "hamburger steak" to "gratin," as shown in the table in Figure 25.

[0379] There is also a second cooperative cooking mode in which the order is reversed. Typical examples of cooking menus suitable for cooking in this second cooperative cooking mode are four, ranging from "fried chicken" to "tempura," as shown in the bottom half of the table in Figure 25.

[0380] The steps in FIG. 28 are common to both the first collaborative cooking mode and the second collaborative cooking mode. First, in the first step SB1, the input key 153M of the central operation unit 15M is operated, which starts the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0381] In the next step SB2, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed on the central display unit 16M, and various information for executing the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is displayed. In this step SB2, in order to select a cooking menu for each cooperative cooking mode, the "name of the food to be cooked" (e.g., "hamburger steak") 167 is displayed as one type of identification information 167 in the center of the first area 22 in the front-to-back direction, i.e., at the display position A.

[0382] Depending on the selection of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the timing at which the heating means (the first heating means HM1 to the third heating means HM3) are "occupied" may be either of the following two cases. (1) As described above, for example, after the case where the left IH coil 9L for cooking process 1 is selected (in FIG. 28, this corresponds to "occupied state start (case 2)" after step SB4). (2) As shown in Figure 28, from step SB2 onwards (in Figure 28, this corresponds to "Start of Occupancy State (Case 1)").

[0383] In the next step SB3, it is determined whether at least one of input keys 154M, 155M has been operated. As described in Figures 8, 19 to 22, by operating two input keys 154M, 155M, it is possible to select identification information 167 indicating the name of an item to be cooked (e.g., hamburger steak) that can be cooked in the collaborative cooking mode.

[0384] If the input keys 154M and 155M are not operated (within a certain period of time), the process proceeds to step SB4. In step SB4, as described above, the user US selects one of the two heating unit specification sections 171L and 171R displayed on the first specification screen 16M1. By operating the input keys 157M and 156M adjacent to each other on the left and right, the user US can select either the right IH coil 9R or the left IH coil 9L.

[0385] Note that the left heating outlet 4L may be set as the default, the heating unit specification section 171L may be displayed first on the first specification screen 16M1, and the process may proceed directly to step S5. In the example described in Fig. 22, when hamburger steak is cooked using coordinated cooking, the left heating outlet 4L is set as the default, and the left IH coil 9L is set to be selected preferentially.

[0386] In the next step SB5, it is determined whether an input operation has been performed to cancel the selection of the cooperative cooking mode. If the input key 152M has been operated once, the determination is "Yes." The process then returns to step SB3. If the input key 152M has been operated twice in succession within a certain short period of time (for example, five seconds), it is determined that the cooperative cooking mode KM1 has been canceled, and the process returns to the state of the standby initial screen before step SB1. Therefore, the selection of the three cooking modes KM1 to KM3 returns to the initial stage.

[0387] On the other hand, if the input key 151M is operated while the input key 152M is not operated, the process proceeds to the next step SB6, where cooking step 1 of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is started.

[0388] 28, in step SB7, in the operation program for the cooperative cooking mode KM1, various functional parts are activated according to the "cooking conditions" (including "control conditions" such as heat and cooking time) of a specific cooperative cooking menu (recipe) such as "hamburger steak." In other words, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is entered from this stage.

[0389] First, in step SB7, the display unit corresponding to the heating unit selected in step SB4 is activated. However, in the case of a cooking menu (for example, "fried chicken" as described above) that uses the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) or the third heating means HM3 in cooking step 1, since the central display unit 16M is already activated, no new display unit is activated in step SB7.

[0390] In the case of a cooking menu that uses the left IH coil 9L in cooking step 1, for example, the left display unit 16L is activated in step SB7. The input function of the left operation unit 15L is then enabled, and the unit waits for input from the user US. Then, the process proceeds to step SB8.

[0391] In step SB8, operation of the input key 153L is awaited, and the cooking process of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is started. The display content of the first specific screen 16M1 in step SB8 includes process information 172, such as the fact that the left IH coil 9L is used in the first cooking process 1, and that a microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) is used in the next cooking process 2, as described in Figure 19.

[0392] Next, FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 will be described. Fig. 29 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heating control unit 43 until the transition to the cooperative cooking mode. Fig. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the permission conditions and the determination results before the transition to the cooperative cooking mode.

[0393] Referring to FIG. Steps ST1 to ST8 are operation steps defined in the basic operation program of the heating control unit 43. First, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (ST1), the next step ST2 is a step in which the heating control unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0394] At step ST2, central display unit 16M is activated and displays a message that "There is no abnormality, so cooking can begin." At this stage, heating control unit 43 also checks whether it has received a setting command from input operation unit 15 regarding the upper limit of total power consumption.

[0395] At step ST2, if the setting is such that startup information is sent from the cooking appliance 1 to the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300, the startup information (operating status data OS) is sent wirelessly from the communication unit 51 at this stage.

[0396] In the next step ST3, the central display unit 16M and the audio notification unit 51 also provide notification and audio guidance to prompt the user to select the heating means. In the next step ST4, the central display section 16M displays the standby initial screen 16MH, and also displays usage precautions for the user US.

[0397] Then, it is determined whether an input key other than input key 153M (for example, 154M) has been operated (ST5). If input key 153M has been operated, step STC becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step ST6. That is, the process proceeds to the step of using the "combined cooking mode" KM3.

[0398] In step ST6, the permission condition determination unit 54 checks whether the "permission conditions" are met. For example, it checks the usage status of the heat source used in the "combined cooking mode" KM3. The permission conditions and the judgment results will be explained in detail in the next Figure 30.

[0399] In step ST5, the first input operation is checked. For example, it is determined whether the left operation unit 15L or the right operation unit 15R was operated before pressing the input key 153M, and it is also determined whether the "combined cooking mode" KM2 was selected by the central operation unit 15M (by using the input key 154M or 155M).

[0400] If the input key 153M is operated for the first time within a certain grace period (for example, 30 seconds) from step ST3, the display for the "combined cooking mode" KM3 starts as described above.

[0401] On the other hand, if the input key 153M is not operated and another input key (for example, the input key 155M or 154M) is touched, the determination in step ST5 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step ST9 to start cooking in a mode other than the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3. A detailed description of step ST9 will be omitted here.

[0402] In FIG. 29, steps ST6 and ST7 are operation steps of "permission condition 1" that determine whether cooking in the "combined cooking mode" KM3 is permitted. Step ST6 is a stage for determining "permission condition 1."

[0403] Here, "Permission Condition 1" means: (1) The "peak cut value" that specifies the upper limit of the maximum power that can be used by the heating cooker 1 is 5000W or more. (2) When a power reduction command signal is received by the control device 40 via the communication unit 51 from the external cloud server 300 or the communication terminal 200, the peak cut value of the reduction command is 5000 W or more; If these two conditions are met, the result of step ST6 is "Yes."

[0404] The "permission condition 2" in the next step ST7 is the following four conditions. (1) In the first heating means HM1, the central heating port 4C is not in heating operation. (2) Either the second heating means HM2 or the third heating means HM3, or both of them, are not in heating operation.

[0405] (3) In the first heating means HM1, neither the right heating port 4R nor the left heating port 4L is being used for heating (or only one of them is being used for heating). In other words, neither the left IH coil 9L nor the right IH coil 9R is being used for heating. (4) "Permission Condition 4" described below is satisfied. In other words, the latest temperature of the top plate 3 is not higher than the limit value (for example, not higher than 100°C).

[0406] If the above four conditions are met, the determination in step ST7 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step ST10. That is, the process can proceed to the step of inputting a command to start cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0407] If the determinations in steps ST6 and ST7 are "No," the process proceeds to step ST8, and the central display unit 16M and the audio notification unit 50 notify the user US that the combined cooking mode KM1 cannot be selected.

[0408] Here, we will explain the meaning of the provision that "5000 W or more" in the "permission condition 1" above. For simplicity, the following explanation will not specifically mention the power consumption of electrical components other than the heat source, such as the internal cooling fan (not shown) of the main body 2.

[0409] The reason why the required demand (pre-securing of power demand) when implementing the "Cooperative Cooking Mode" KM1 is 5000W or more is because the maximum (instantaneous) power consumed by each heating source during operation in cooperative cooking mode is as follows:

[0410] (1) Microwave operation (second heating means HM2): 1000W (2) Oven operation: 2000 W (upper radiant heat heating means 12a: 1000 W, lower radiant heat heating means 12b: 1000 W) (3) Range grill operation: 1500W (second heating means HM2: 500W, upper radiant heat heating means 12a: 1000W)

[0411] On the other hand, the maximum power consumption for the cooking menu in "Cooperative Cooking Mode" KM1 is 1500W. Therefore, in the combined cooking mode, the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 may operate simultaneously.

[0412] In other words, the maximum power is 3500W, which is the sum of the 1000W of the second heating means HM2, the 1000W of the third heating means HM3 (2000W is achieved by alternating current of 1000W each), and the 1500W of the first heating means HM1 which performs induction heating.

[0413] If the demand (pre-securing power demand) is 5000W: When the right IH coil 9R is heating at 3000W (normal heating), the remaining demand is 2000W. If "Coordinated Cooking Mode" KM1 is implemented from this state, the remaining demand is 1500W short of the 3500W of power required for coordinated cooking, so the heat output of the right IH coil 9R is reduced to 1500W (from 3000W) and coordinated cooking can be started.

[0414] If the demand (pre-determined power demand) is 4000W: When frying food using right heating outlet 4R (requiring a maximum of 1500W), the remaining demand will be 2500W. If coordinated cooking is performed from this state, the remaining demand is 1000W short of the 3500W of power required for coordinated cooking, so the heat power of the right IH coil must be reduced. However, if the heat power is reduced while the automatic control menu is running, cooking will not go well, so the heat power for the automatic control menu cannot be reduced. In the end, 4000W is not enough to provide the necessary heat output for the automatic control menu.

[0415] As is clear from the above explanation, before starting the "coordinated cooking mode" KM1, it is necessary to determine (confirm) whether there is a demand (pre-reservation of power demand) of 5000W, which is the sum of the power required for coordinated cooking (3500W) and the power required for the cooking menu of the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L (1500W).

[0416] Next, we will explain Figure 30. Fig. 30 shows the determination processing of steps ST6 and ST7 in Fig. 29. These determinations are made by the permission condition determination unit 54. Step ST5 is the stage where the input key 153M is operated. In the next step STX1, the permission condition determination unit 54 of the control device 40 compares the latest state of the cooking device 1 with the permission conditions 1 and 2 described above, and determines whether the state satisfies permission conditions 1 and 2.

[0417] 30, voice (notification) 1 to voice (notification) 4 indicate the contents notified to the user US by the voice notification unit 50. That is, this is a specific example of the contents of step ST8 in FIG.

[0418] Display 1 to Display 4 in Fig. 30 show the contents displayed on the central display unit 16M. Note that Display 1 to Display 4 are not displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 that is displayed from step SB2 in Fig. 28 onwards, but are displayed on the central display unit 16M when the first specific screen is not displayed.

[0419] The first specific screen 16M1 is not displayed unless the prerequisites for transitioning to the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 (permission conditions 1 and 2) are met. Therefore, after the user US sets (selects) various conditions for the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 (e.g., identification information 167), it is not determined that permission condition 1 or permission condition 2 is not met, and the screen does not return to the initial standby screen (step ST4 in FIG. 29). Therefore, the user US is not forced to perform unnecessary input operations.

[0420] Next, we will explain Figure 31. FIG. 31 illustrates the operation from when the cooking appliance 1 is started up until when cooking recipe data CD for the cooking appliance 1 is acquired from the communication terminal device 200 or an external server (cloud server 300).

[0421] In this embodiment 1, the recipe data CD for the collaborative cooking mode KM1 includes, but is not limited to, the number of the collaborative cooking menu (identification information 167), the order of the multiple heating means to be used, the heating means to be used in cooking step 1, the heating means to be used in cooking step 2, if there are cooking steps 3 and beyond, the heating means to be used for each of those cooking steps, and if there are default (standard setting) control conditions for each cooking step (heat power, heating time, target heating temperature, etc.), the setting value or range of setting values.

[0422] In FIG. 31, steps SS1 to SS8 are operation steps defined in the integrated control program of the control device 40, and basically coincide with the contents defined in the basic operation program described with reference to FIG.

[0423] First, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (SS1), the next step SS2 is a step in which the heating control unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0424] Steps SS1 to SS4 are the same as steps ST1 to ST4 described with reference to FIG. 29, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0425] In step SS5, the cooking appliance 1 operates to ask the user US for confirmation in advance as to whether or not to transmit a signal requesting provision of cooking recipe data CD to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 that has been registered in advance. A "confirmation screen" is displayed on the central display unit 16M, and is also notified by the audio notification unit 50. This "confirmation screen" is one type of the standby initial screen 16MH, which will be described later.

[0426] If the user US has set in advance using the function setting key 151KP of the input operation section 15 that the external connection in step SS5 is to be automatically executed, it will be executed automatically at a specified timing.

[0427] That is, as described with reference to FIG. 1, pairing between the smartphone 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be automatically performed, and wireless communication 330 between the smartphone 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be established.

[0428] The external connection in step SS5 involves alternately repeating transmission and reception several times between the cooking appliance 1 and an external communication device (such as the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300). For example, when the cooking appliance 1 first transmits signal 1, the communication terminal 200 receives signal 1 and transmits signal 2. In response to this, the cooking appliance 1 checks its internal status (for example, the set value of total power consumption, etc.), and if there are no problems, transmits standby signal 2 to proceed to the next stage.

[0429] Then, finally, reception of the necessary "setting information" (including recipe data CD) from the external communication device (communication terminal 200, etc.) is completed. In other words, the cooking appliance 1 performs alternating communication several times, such as receiving a signal once and then immediately returning another signal, until reception of the necessary "setting information" is finally completed. In this series of steps, there is a step that asks the user US to decide whether or not to receive the recipe data CD. In other words, in this cooking appliance 1, there is a step that allows the user US to clearly and in advance recognize that the recipe data CD will be received, so that the cooking appliance 1 is prevented from proceeding to the execution stage of the recipe data CD without the user US knowing. These details will be explained in Figures 59 and 60.

[0430] Meanwhile, as part of facilitating the above-described external connection, in step SS6, predetermined icons, information, etc. are displayed on central display section 16M to notify user US that recipe data CD can be acquired. An example of this is shown on display screen 2C in Figure 40. The display notifying user US is displayed briefly, for example, in text, as shown in acquisition operation support information 60P on display screen 2C in Figure 40.

[0431] If the user does not agree to the connection to the external device (such as the communication terminal 200) in step SS6, a non-reception message such as "Receipt of recipe data CD is not currently being received" is sent to the registered external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300) as shown in step SS9. In this way, the user US can also set to refuse reception.

[0432] On the other hand, if the connection to the external device is agreed upon and an instruction to acquire data is given in step SS6, the data acquisition unit 53 of the cooking appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD from the external device via the communication unit 51. The acquired recipe data CD is stored in a predetermined "temporary storage unit" (not shown) in the recipe data storage unit 42 (step SS7).

[0433] In the next step SS8, the contents of the recipe data CD acquired from the external device, particularly the identification information 167, are displayed on the central display unit 16M. Also, the audio notification unit 50 notifies the fact of reception, for example, by saying, "A hamburger recipe has been received."

[0434] In this embodiment 1, the control device 40 is programmed to allow the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD if the input key 180, which is the selection unit for the voice input mode 2, is operated during the standby period in which the control device 40 waits for a command to start the heating operation after the main power switch 20 is turned on and the supply of power is started.

[0435] That is, if the user US presses the input key 180 in step SS6, the step is judged as "Yes" and acquisition of the recipe data CD is permitted. However, several conditions must be met before the recipe data CD is actually acquired by the control device 40. This will be explained in detail later.

[0436] Next, FIGS. 32 to 38 will be described. Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing the main input steps for the three cooking modes after the main power is turned on in the cooking device 1. Fig. 33 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps after the main power is turned on in the cooking device 1. Fig. 34 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the linked cooking mode in the cooking device 1. Fig. 35 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the combined cooking mode in the cooking device 1. Fig. 36 is a flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the single cooking mode in the cooking device 1. Fig. 37 is a flowchart showing the main input steps when cooking by acquiring recipe data using central operation unit 15M in a cooking appliance. Fig. 38 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring recipe data CD from the outside in cooking appliance 1. Fig. 39 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of acquiring recipe data CD from the outside in cooking appliance 1.

[0437] 32 to 36 show the case of the above-mentioned "voice input mode 1A." That is, in one input operation unit 15 (for example, central operation unit 15M), the input key 154M as the "multi-purpose key" is provided among a plurality of input keys. Therefore, when the input key 154M is used to change to the "voice input mode 1A," the input functions of the input keys (156M, 158M, etc.) other than the input key (dual-purpose key) 154M are disabled from that point on.

[0438] 32 to 36 illustrate a case where the user US operates the input operation unit 15 of the cooking appliance 1 to perform cooking, rather than a case where cooking is performed by acquiring recipe data CD from an external device (such as the communication terminal 200).

[0439] Referring to FIG. In FIG. 32, the outlined symbols (such as 153M) indicate input keys 153M and the like to be operated in the following steps S2 to S15. In FIG. 32, the main input keys are also displayed in white letters. The range indicated by the dashed frame indicates the range that can be input by voice in "voice input mode 1" that is switched to when input key (multi-purpose key) 154M is "long pressed."

[0440] Steps S2 to S6 show the operation steps in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Steps S7 to S11 show the operation steps in the combined cooking mode KM2. Steps S12 to S15 show the operation steps in the single cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1.

[0441] When the main power switch 20 is turned on, the standby initial screen 16MH is first displayed on the central display section 16M (step S1). Next, when the input key 153M is touched, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected (step S2), and the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed (step S3).

[0442] At this stage, as described in Figures 19 to 22, the first specific screen 16M1 simultaneously displays at least three cooking menus on one screen, but each time input key 154M or 155M is touched, a different cooking menu can be displayed one after another (step S4).

[0443] In step S5, if the control conditions for one cooperative cooking menu are acceptable, pressing the input key 151M will allow the process to proceed to cooking step 1 of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (step S6).

[0444] As is clear from FIG. 32, if input key (combined key) 154M is "long pressed" in step S4, control device 40 switches to a voice-activated "input standby state," allowing a range of conditions to be input by voice from step S4 to step S5. For example, a cooking menu and control conditions can be input as a set by user US's voice, such as "hamburger steak, preheat 180°C." Note that only the control conditions other than the food to be cooked may be input by voice, such as "heat level 7 hours 10 minutes."

[0445] Next, FIG. 32 will be described. In step S2, if the input key 154M or 155M is touched without touching the input key 153M, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected (step S7), and the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed (step S8). Each time the input key 154M or 155M is touched, a different control menu (see FIG. 16) can be displayed in turn (step S9).

[0446] In step S9, if one control menu (e.g., "warming") displayed on the second specific screen 16M2 is acceptable, the user can then press input key 156M or 157M to select the control conditions (microwave output, heating time, etc.) (step S10).

[0447] In step S10, if the control conditions for one composite cooking mode are acceptable, pressing the input key 151M will allow the process to proceed to cooking step 1 of composite cooking mode KM2 (step S11).

[0448] As is clear from FIG. 32, if the input key (combined key) 154M is "long pressed" in step S7, the control device 40 switches to a voice-based "input standby state," allowing the range of conditions to be input by voice in steps S9 to S10. For example, the user US can input a set of the control menu (in this case, "heat") and the control conditions by speaking, such as "warm 500W." Note that only the control conditions may be input by voice, such as "500W, time 10 minutes."

[0449] Next, FIG. 32 will be described. If input key 153M is not touched in step S2, and neither input key 154M nor 155M is touched in step S7, but either input key 153L or 153R of right operation unit 15R or left operation unit 15L is touched, the single cooking mode KM3 using first heating means HM1 is selected (step S12), and third specific screen 16M3 is displayed on right display unit 16R or left display unit 16L (step S13).

[0450] Each time the input key 152L or 152R is touched, a different control menu (see FIG. 41) can be displayed in turn (step S14).

[0451] In step S14, if one control menu (see FIG. 41) displayed on the third specific screen 16M3 is acceptable, then by pressing input key 155L or 156L (in the case of the left operation unit 15L) or input key 155R or 156R (in the case of the right operation unit 15R), the control conditions (induction heating power, heating time, etc.) can be selected (step S15).

[0452] In step S15, if the control conditions for the single cooking mode KM3 are acceptable, induction heating will automatically start within a certain period of time (10 seconds) without pressing an input key.

[0453] As is clear from FIG. 32, if the input key (combined key) 153L or 153R is "long pressed" in step S12, the control device 40 switches to a voice "input standby state," so that the range of conditions can be input by voice in steps S14 to S15. For example, the user US can input a set of the control menu (in this case, "boil water") and the control conditions by speaking, such as "boil water, heat level 6." Note that only the control conditions may be input by voice.

[0454] Alternatively, the input key 151L or 151R may be operated (step S14) and the timer set time may be set using the input keys 154L and 155L (154R and 155R). These can also be input by voice after switching to voice input mode 1. For example, you can say something like "heat level 6, timer 10 minutes."

[0455] As is clear from FIG. 32, the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following features: the input operation unit 15 has a first input operation unit (a right operation unit 15R and a left operation unit 15L) for the first heating means HM1, and a second input operation unit (a central operation unit 15M) for the second heating means, The first input operation unit 15L and the second input operation unit 15R have input keys A (153L and 153R) arranged thereon, and the second input operation unit 15M has input keys B (153M and 154M) arranged thereon, The control device 40 is characterized in that it validates the earlier touch input of either the input key A (153L, 153R) or the input key B (153M, 154M), and does not start the input process using the other input key until input of the control conditions (heat power, heating time, etc.) for the heating cooking mode (coordinated cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, single cooking mode KM3) or control mode (the "warming" mode, etc.) is completed and heating cooking is started.

[0456] In other words, for the three heating cooking modes (cooperative cooking mode KM1, composite cooking mode KM2, and single cooking mode KM3), only one of the input keys 153M, 154M, 153L, and 153R that is touched first will be accepted by the control device 40, and the other input keys will not accept input commands.

[0457] Therefore, for example, if the input key 154M is touched and held down to switch to the voice input mode, the other input keys will not be able to input (however, the input functions of the input keys 151M and 152M will be maintained).

[0458] Therefore, when the voice input mode is started by either the input key A (153L, 153R) or the input key B (153M, 154M), it becomes impossible to select other cooking modes or control modes, and setting conditions will not be inadvertently input by voice input.

[0459] Furthermore, if the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is entered using one input key (for example, 154M) in the voice input mode, the voice input mode is cancelled when input key 151M is pressed to start cooking. Therefore, there will be no confusion if the user US subsequently performs a touch operation to select another cooking mode.

[0460] Next, FIG. 33 will be described. In FIG. 33, the outlined symbols (for example, 153M) indicate the input keys (153M, etc.) operated in steps SM3, SM4, and SM8. In Figure 33, step SM1 performs processing equivalent to the processing of steps ST2 and ST3 in Figure 29. That is, the central display unit 16M is activated, and the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed. An abnormality determination is performed, and if no abnormality is found, a message is displayed saying "There is no abnormality, so cooking can begin." Then, the standby initial screen 16MH and the audio notification unit 51 provide a notification and audio guidance to prompt the user to select a heating means.

[0461] In the next step SM2, the input functions of all input operation units 15M, 15L, and 15R are enabled to prepare for touch input operation of each input key (153M, 154M, 153L, 154R, etc.). Also, the time measurement unit 15T (see FIG. 11) included in the input operation unit 15 starts measuring elapsed time. Note that while FIG. 11 shows an example of the central operation unit 15M, the right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L also have the same configuration as the central operation unit 15M. Therefore, they have a configuration equivalent to the time measurement unit 15T.

[0462] In the next step SM3, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected, in step SM4 the composite cooking mode KM2 is selected, and in step SM8 the single cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 is selected.

[0463] First, in step SM3, it is determined whether or not the input key 153M has been touched, and if it has been touched, the process proceeds to the route A1 shown in FIGS. In step SM3, if there is no touch operation, the determination is "No" and the process proceeds to step SM4. In step SM4, if either input key 154M or 155M is touched, the determination is "Yes" and the process proceeds to route B1 shown in Figures 33 and 35.

[0464] In step SM4, if there is no touch operation, the determination is "No" and the process proceeds to step SM8. In step SM8, if either input key 153L or 153R is touched, the determination is "Yes" and the process proceeds to the route C1 shown in Figs. 33 and 36.

[0465] In step SM8 shown in Figure 33, if there is no touch operation, the determination is "No" and the process proceeds to step SM5. In this step SM5, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 11) determines whether a preset time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SM3.

[0466] On the other hand, if it is determined in step SM5 that the preset time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM6, where a process for automatically shutting off the main power supply (hereinafter referred to as "automatic shut-off process 1") is performed. Then, the series of operations ends (SM7). In this way, if no input operation is performed, the main power switch 20 will automatically open when the time limit (for example, 30 minutes) is exceeded.

[0467] Next, we will explain Figure 34. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the operation after the input key 153M is touched in step SM3. When the input key 153M is touched, if the touch operation is a "long press", it is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 11) of the central operation unit 15M.

[0468] Then, the determination in step SM40 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM41. On the other hand, if it is a "short press", the determination becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step SM50. Step SM41 is a step for determining whether the above-mentioned "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are met. If these permission conditions are not met, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM47). The denial process is the process of step ST8 described in FIG. 29.

[0469] If the determination in step SM41 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM42. From step SM42 onwards, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed. The state at the time when this first specific screen 16M1 is displayed is shown, for example, in Fig. 20. After that, input key 154M or 155M is further touched (or may be touched multiple times) to select a specific cooking menu (e.g., hamburger).

[0470] 34, in step SM43, the timer 15T (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM43, if voice input is made by the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 10), step SM44 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM45.

[0471] By the way, at the stage of step SM43, the control device 40 has already switched to "voice input mode 1A." Therefore, if the input key 155M is touch-input after step SM43, the input of the input key 155M will not be accepted by the control device 40 due to the "voice input mode 1A." In other words, unless a voice input is made, step SM44 will not become "Yes," and the control device 40 will not proceed to step SM46 for input completion. Note that if the "voice input mode 1B" is set, touch input can continue as described above. Also, as an exception, the voice input control program may be modified so that the "voice input mode" is canceled when the input key 154M is touch-input again (in this case, a "short press").

[0472] In this way, in this embodiment 1, immediately after "long pressing" the input key 154M, the mode switches to the voice input mode 1A, and the voice input mode 1A continues automatically thereafter. However, the voice input mode 1A is released when the heating operation starts (that is, when the input key 151M is touched).

[0473] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM46. In step SM46, it is determined whether or not the input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM46 is "Yes," the process goes into a standby state to wait for input from the input key 151M (A21).

[0474] On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in steps SM44 and SM46, the process returns to step SM44 and waits for voice input from the user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM45 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM45 returns "No," and the process proceeds to error processing step SM48. Note that the error processing here is slightly different from the automatic shutdown processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 39, and refers to returning the display from the first specific screen 16M1 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input was not made properly, or announcing this by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6, where automatic shutdown processing is performed.

[0475] Continuing with reference to FIG. 34, steps SM50 and after will be described. Step SM50 is a step for determining whether the above-mentioned "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are satisfied. If "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM56). The denial process is the process of step ST8 described in FIG. 29.

[0476] If the determination in step SM50 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM51. From step SM51, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed. The state at the time when this first specific screen 16M1 is displayed is shown, for example, in Fig. 20. After that, input key 154M or 155M is further touched (or may be touched multiple times) to select a specific cooking menu (e.g., hamburger).

[0477] 34, in step SM52, the time measurement unit 15T (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After this step SM52, if the user US performs a touch input, for example, using input keys 156M or 157M, via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 10), the answer in step SM53 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM54.

[0478] By the way, at the stage of step SM53, the control device 40 has already switched to the touch input mode. Therefore, if the input key 155M is touch-inputted after step SM52, the input of the input key 155M is accepted by the control device 40 due to the touch input mode. In other words, as long as it is a touch input, step SM53 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SM46 for input completion. However, as an exception, if the input key 154 is touch-inputted again (in this case, "long press"), the touch input mode may be cancelled and the mode may be changed back to "voice input mode 1."

[0479] In this way, in this embodiment 1, the touch input mode is maintained unless the input key 154M is "long pressed," and the touch input mode continues automatically thereafter. The touch input mode is automatically canceled when the heating operation starts.

[0480] If the time elapsed since step SM52 has not exceeded the time limit TY, the process proceeds to step SM55. Then, a determination is made as to whether input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM55 is "Yes," the process enters a standby state in which input from the input key 151M is awaited (A22).

[0481] On the other hand, if the results of steps SM53 and SM55 are "No," the process returns to step SM53 and waits for touch input from the user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM54 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM54 returns "No," and the process proceeds to step SM57 for error processing. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutdown processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 33, and refers to returning the display from the first specific screen 16M1 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input was not made properly, or an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6 for automatic shutdown processing.

[0482] Next, we will explain Figure 35. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the operation after either input key 154M or 155M is touched in step SM4. When the input key 154M is touched, if the touch operation is a "long press", it is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 11) of the central operation unit 15M.

[0483] Then, the determination in step SM60 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM61. On the other hand, if it is a "short press", the determination becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step SM70. Step SM61 is a step for determining whether "permission condition 3" is satisfied. "Permission condition 3" here is different from permission conditions 1 and 2 of the combined cooking mode (see Figures 29 and 30). "Permission condition 3" in this combined cooking mode specifies that the latest temperature of the heating chamber 6 checked by the temperature sensor group 30 must be, for example, 80°C or lower. If the result measured by the temperature sensor group 30 is, for example, 100°C, this is because it exceeds the temperature detection range (90°C or lower) of the "warm" control menu.

[0484] If "permission condition 3" is not met, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM67). The denial process is a process in which a message such as "The heating chamber is too hot to cook" is displayed on the initial standby screen 16MH, or a similar notification is given by the audio notification unit 50. When cooking is performed in the heating chamber 6 using the third heating means HM3, the heating chamber 6 may remain hot for a while due to residual heat even after the cooking is completed.

[0485] If the determination in step SM61 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM62. From step SM62 onwards, the second special screen 16M2 is displayed. The state at the time when this second specific screen 16M2 is displayed is shown, for example, in Fig. 16. After that, the input key 154M or 155M is further touched (or may be touched multiple times) to select a specific control menu (e.g., warm).

[0486] 35, in step SM63, the timer 15T (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM63, if voice input is made by the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 10), step SM64 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM65.

[0487] By the way, at the stage of step SM63, the control device 40 has already switched to voice input mode 1. Therefore, if the input key 155M is touch-input after this step SM63, the input of the input key 155M will not be accepted by the control device 40 due to the voice input mode (because it is set to the "voice input mode 1A"). In other words, unless voice input is performed, step SM64 will not become "Yes," and the process will not proceed to step SM66 for input completion. However, as an exception, the mode may be changed so that "voice input mode 1" is canceled when the input key 154M is touch-input again (in this case, a "short press"). Furthermore, if "voice input mode 1B" is set, the touch input of the input key 155M will be accepted by the control device 40.

[0488] In this way, in this embodiment 1, immediately after "long pressing" input key 154M, the mode switches to voice input mode 1, but voice input mode 1 is automatically canceled when a command to start cooking is given (by touching input key 151M).

[0489] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM66. In step SM65, it is determined whether the input is complete, and if the determination in step SM66 is "Yes", the process goes into a standby state to wait for input from the input key 151M (B21).

[0490] On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in steps SM64 and SM66, the process returns to step SM64 and waits for voice input from the user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM65 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM65 returns "No," and the process proceeds to error processing step SM68. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutdown processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 33, and refers to returning the display from the second specific screen 16M2 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input was not made properly, or an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6, where the automatic shutdown processing is performed.

[0491] Next, steps SM70 and after will be explained using FIG. Step SM70 is a step for determining whether the aforementioned "permission condition 3" is met. If permission condition 3 is not met, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM76). The "denial process" in this case is the same as the denial process of step SM67.

[0492] If the determination in step SM70 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM71. In step SM71, the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed. The state at the time when this second specific screen 16M2 is displayed is shown, for example, in Fig. 16. After that, the input key 154M or 155M is further touched (or may be touched multiple times) to select a specific control menu (e.g., warm). At this stage, if the input key 154M is "pressed and held," the mode switches to voice input mode 1, and the process proceeds to step SM63. However, if the input key 154M is not "pressed and held" but the input key 155M is operated for input or the input key 154 is "shortly pressed," the "touch input mode" is maintained, and the process proceeds to step SM72.

[0493] In this way, in this embodiment 1, when selecting a composite cooking mode or a control menu (e.g., warming), immediately after "long pressing" the input key 154M, the mode switches to voice input mode 1, but voice input mode 1 does not continue automatically thereafter but is canceled at the start of the heating operation. Note that if the same input key 154M is "short pressed," the voice input mode 1 may be canceled at this point.

[0494] 35, in step SM72, time measurement unit 15T (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether a preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM72, if user US performs a touch input, for example, using input keys 156M or 157M, via voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 10), step SM73 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM74.

[0495] By the way, at the stage of step SM72, the control device 40 has already switched to the touch input mode. Therefore, if the input key 155M is touch-inputted after step SM72, the input of the input key 155M is accepted by the control device 40 due to the touch input mode. In other words, as long as it is a touch input, step SM73 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SM75 for input completion. However, as an exception, if the input key 154M is touch-inputted again (in this case, "long press"), the touch input mode may be cancelled and the mode may be changed back to "voice input mode 1."

[0496] In this way, in this embodiment 1, the touch input mode is maintained unless the input key 154M is "long pressed," and the touch input mode continues automatically thereafter. The touch input mode is automatically canceled when the heating operation starts. Therefore, the normal touch input mode is restored.

[0497] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM75. Then, a determination is made as to whether input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM75 is "Yes," the process goes into a standby state waiting for input from the input key 151M (B22).

[0498] On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in steps SM73 and SM75, the process returns to step SM73 and waits for touch input from the user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM74 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM74 returns "No," and the process proceeds to error processing step SM77. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutdown processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 33, and refers to returning the display from the second specific screen 16M2 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input was not made properly, or an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6, where the automatic shutdown processing is performed.

[0499] Next, we will explain Figure 36. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the operation after either input key 153L or 153R is touched in step SM8 of FIG. To simplify the following explanation, the following description will be limited to the case where the left operating unit 15L is operated.

[0500] If the touch operation of the input key 153L is a "long press," it is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see FIG. 11) of the left operation unit 15L. Note that FIG. 11 shows an example of the central operation unit 15M, but the left operation unit 15L has a similar configuration to that shown in FIG.

[0501] Then, the determination in step SM80 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM81. On the other hand, if it was a "short press", the determination becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step SM90. Step SM81 is a step for determining whether "permission condition 4" is satisfied. "Permission condition 4" here is different from permission conditions 1 and 2 of the collaborative cooking mode (see Figures 29 and 30) and the above-mentioned "Permission condition 3." "Permission condition 4" in this single cooking mode KM3 is, for example, when the latest temperature of the top plate 3 is checked by the temperature sensor group 30 and the result is a high temperature, such as above 100°C. This is because when induction heating control is performed by detecting the temperature of the heated object without contact, a high temperature from the start of the heating operation can hinder accurate temperature control and induction heating control.

[0502] If "permission condition 4" is not satisfied, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM87). The denial process is a process in which a message such as "The top plate is too hot to cook" is displayed on the initial standby screen 16MH, or a similar message is issued by the audio notification unit 50. When induction heating cooking is performed, the top plate 3 may remain hot for a while even after the cooking is completed.

[0503] If the determination in step SM81 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM82. From step SM82 onwards, the third special screen 16M3 is displayed. The state at the time when this third specific screen 16M3 is displayed is shown, for example, in Fig. 42. After that, the input key 154L or 155L may be further touched (or may be touched multiple times) to select a specific control menu (e.g., preheat).

[0504] At this stage, the mode has already been switched to "voice input mode 1," so in the next step SM83, the time measurement unit 15T (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After this step SM83, if voice input is made by the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see FIG. 10), the answer in step SM84 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to the next step SM85. For example, if the user US utters "preheat 200°C," the voice signal receiving unit 56 converts this voice input into an electrical signal and inputs it to the voice signal analyzing unit 58.

[0505] In step SM85, it is determined whether the time limit TY has been exceeded, and if not, the process proceeds to step SM86. In step SM86, it is determined whether the input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM86 is "Yes," induction heating operation will automatically begin within a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds). In other words, in the first heating means HM1 using the left operation unit 16L (in the case of single cooking mode HM1), no special input key operation is required to start heating, and the process will proceed directly to heating operation (C21). Note that the system may be modified so that the actual induction heating operation will begin when an input key 152L or 152R different from the one operated in step SM8 (see FIG. 33) is touched.

[0506] On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in steps SM84 and SM86, the process returns to step SM84 and waits for voice input from the user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM85 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM85 returns "No," and the process proceeds to error processing step SM88. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutdown processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 33, and refers to returning the display from the third specific screen 16M3 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input was not made properly, or an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6, where the automatic shutdown processing is performed.

[0507] Next, steps SM80 and after will be explained using FIG. Step SM90 is a step for determining whether the aforementioned "permission condition 4" is met. If permission condition 4 is not met, denial processing is performed at this stage (step SM96). The "denial processing" in this case is the same as the denial processing of step SM87.

[0508] If the determination in step SM90 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SM91. From step SM91 onwards, the third special screen 16M3 is displayed in place of the initial standby screen 16MH. The state at the time when this third specific screen 16M3 is displayed is shown, for example, in Fig. 42. After that, input keys 154L, 155L, 151L, etc. are further touched (or may be touched multiple times) to select a specific control menu (e.g., preheat).

[0509] In FIG. 36, in step SM92, the timer 15T (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether or not the elapsed time has exceeded a preset time limit TY.

[0510] At this stage, the mode is "touch input mode," so in the next step SM93, the time measurement unit 15T (see FIG. 11) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the pre-set time limit TY has been exceeded.

[0511] The input keys 154L, 155L, 151L, etc. can be touched to sequentially input the control menu (e.g., preheating) and control conditions such as the preheating temperature (touching can be performed multiple times). In this way, when touch input is performed by the user US, step SM93 becomes "Yes," and if the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds from step SM94 to the next step SM95. For example, if the user US inputs the conditions "preheat" and "200°C" sequentially by touch input, the left operation unit 15L converts this input into an electrical signal and inputs it to the input signal analysis unit 52 (see FIG. 10).

[0512] If the input keys 154L and 155R are "pressed and held," these input keys do not have the function of switching to the voice input mode 1, and therefore voice input is not possible.

[0513] In this manner, in this embodiment 1, to select the single cooking mode HM1 of the first heating means HM1 or the heating section (right heating section 4R, left heating section 4L) (using input keys 153R and 153L), immediately after "long pressing" input key 153R or 153L (step SM8 in Figure 33), the mode switches to voice input mode 1, and voice input mode 1 continues automatically thereafter.

[0514] In other words, once you "long press" the input key 153L or 153R, the voice input mode 1 will be maintained regardless of the operation of the voice input key thereafter (if it is set to the "voice input mode 1B"). Even if you "long press" the input key 153L (153R) again (twice in a row), the voice input mode 1 will remain.

[0515] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded in step SM94, the process proceeds to step SM95. Then, a determination is made as to whether the input has been completed. If the determination in step SM95 is "Yes," induction heating operation will automatically begin within a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds). In other words, in the first heating means HM1 using the left operation unit 16L (in the case of single cooking mode HM1), no special input key operation is required to start heating, and the process proceeds directly to heating operation (C22). Note that the process may be modified so that the actual induction heating operation will begin when an input key 152L or 152R different from the one operated in step SM8 (see FIG. 33) is touched.

[0516] On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in steps SM93 and SM95, the process returns to step SM93 and waits for touch input from the user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM94 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM94 returns "No," and the process proceeds to error processing step SM97. Note that the error processing referred to here is slightly different from the automatic shutdown processing shown in step SM6 of Fig. 33, and refers to returning the display from the third specific screen 16M3 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying a message that the input was not made properly, or announcing this by voice from the voice notification unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SM5, and may proceed to step SM6, where the automatic shutdown processing is performed.

[0517] Next, FIG. 37 will be described. Fig. 37 shows the operation of the cooking appliance 1 when cooking is performed by acquiring recipe data CD from the outside (such as the communication terminal 200). Fig. 37 shows the range when the central operation unit 15M is used. Therefore, it differs from Fig. 32, which explains the range including the left and right operation units 15L and 15R. The range indicated by the dashed frame indicates the range that can be input by voice in "voice input mode 1," which is switched to by "long pressing" input key (dual-purpose key) 153M, etc., or "voice input mode 2," which can be selected with input key 180.

[0518] The same parts as those in FIG. 32 are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations may be omitted. Steps S2A to S6 show the operation steps in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Steps S7A to S11 show the operation steps in the combined cooking mode KM2. Steps S12A to S15 show the operation steps in the single cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1.

[0519] When the main power switch 20 is turned on, the standby initial screen 16MH is first displayed on the central display section 16M (step S1). Step S1A indicates a process of acquiring recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200, cloud server 300, or the like. In step S1A, the process of acquiring recipe data CD involves a process in which user US operates a specific input key in advance. That is, data acquisition unit 53 analyzes various information, such as identification information, contained in the received recipe data CD to identify one of three cooking modes and a cooking menu. Then, it identifies the "specific input key to be operated" corresponding to the cooking menu. If the specific input key is 153M, operation of shared operation unit 15M is required, and step S1A is performed.

[0520] As shown in Fig. 37, in the case of central operation unit 15M, after receiving advance notice information A (described in detail later) 201 from the outside, "specific input keys to be operated" 153M necessary for executing recipe data CD notified in the advance notice information A are operated to input. Then, confirmation information B (202C) generated by the input operation of this specific input key 153M is transmitted to external communication terminal 200. After transmitting the confirmation information B, setting information for recipe data CD transmitted from communication terminal 200 is received. This series of processes is step S1A.

[0521] Steps S2A, S7A, and S12A perform determination processes corresponding to steps S2, S7, and S12 in Fig. 32, respectively, but are slightly different from Fig. 32. In Fig. 32, a cooking mode is selected according to the input key (e.g., 153M, 154M) that is operated. In contrast, in steps S2A, S7A, and S12A of Figure 37, the data acquisition unit 53 analyzes various information such as identification information contained in the received recipe data CD, and identifies one cooking mode and one cooking menu from the three cooking modes.

[0522] In step S3, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed in accordance with the cooking mode (combined cooking mode KM1) identified in step S2, and one cooking menu acquired from an external device is displayed. Next, by touching the input key 154M or 155M, the control conditions (heat power, target heating temperature, etc.) for that cooking menu can be changed, and the change results can be displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step S5).

[0523] FIG. 37 shows a case where the mode is switched to the voice input mode before step S5. As explained in FIG. 32, in the touch input mode, the control conditions (heat power, target heating temperature, etc.) can be changed by touching the input key 154M or 155M. In contrast to this, in FIG. 37, the mode has been switched to voice input mode, so that desired control conditions can be input by voice through voice input (step S20).

[0524] In step S5, if the control conditions for one cooperative cooking menu are acceptable, pressing the input key 151M proceeds to step S6, and the process can proceed to cooking step 1 of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (step S6).

[0525] As is clear from FIG. 37, if the input key (combined key) 153M is "long pressed" in step S1A, the control conditions can be input by voice within a certain range in step S20. For example, the cooking menu and the control conditions can be input as a set by the user US's voice, such as "Hamburg steak, preheat 180°C." Note that only the control conditions other than the food to be cooked can be input by voice, such as "heat level 7 hours 10 minutes."

[0526] Next, FIG. 37 will be described. If it is determined in step S2A that the cooking mode is not the combined cooking mode KM1, the process proceeds to step S7A. If it is determined in step S7A that the cooking menu is in the combined cooking mode KM2, the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed (step S8). This second specific screen 16M2 displays only one cooking menu that is the target of the recipe data CD, which is different from step S8 in FIG. In the touch input mode, every time the input key 154M or 155M is touched, the results reflecting different control conditions can be displayed on the second specific screen.

[0527] However, in this Figure 37, if the input key (dual-purpose key) 153M is "long pressed" at step S1A, the control device 40 transmits selection information A (202), and in addition, switches to a voice "input standby state", so that at step 21, the control conditions can be input using voice input mode.

[0528] In step S10, if the control conditions for one (composite cooking mode) cooking menu are acceptable, pressing the input key 151M will allow the process to proceed to cooking step 1 of the composite cooking mode KM2 (step S11).

[0529] As is clear from FIG. 37, in step S1A, the system can be switched to a voice-activated "input standby state," and in step S21, control conditions can be input by voice within a certain range. For example, a control condition can be input by the user US by speaking, such as "500W." Note that multiple control conditions can also be input by voice at the same time, such as "500W 10 minutes."

[0530] Next, FIG. 37 will be described. If it is determined in step S7A that the combined cooking mode KM2 is not selected, the process proceeds to step S12A, where the third specific screen 16M3 is displayed (step S13). Then, if the cooking menu targeted by the received recipe data CD is, for example, "rice cooking" performed by the first heating means HM1 in the central heating port 4C, the control conditions for that rice cooking are displayed on the third specific screen 16M3. Furthermore, if the cooking menu targeted by the received recipe data CD is, for example, "keep warm" performed by the first heating means HM1 at the central heating port 4C, the control conditions for keeping warm are displayed on the third specific screen 16M3.

[0531] In this way, the third specific screen 16M3 displays the identification information of a specific (one) cooking menu (for example, "keep warm" explained in FIG. 42) and the control conditions (step S15). Therefore, by pressing input key 154R or 155R, the control conditions (heat power of induction heating, keep-warm time, keep-warm temperature, etc.) can be selected for the cooking menu displayed on third specific screen 16M3 (step S22).

[0532] However, in this Figure 37, if the input key 153M is "pressed and held" at step S1A, the control device 40 switches to a voice "input standby state," so that at step 22, the control conditions (for the central heating port 4C) can be input using voice input mode. That is, since the control device 40 has switched to the voice input standby state before step S22, in step S22, the control conditions can be input by voice within a certain range. For example, the control conditions can be input by the user US by speaking, such as "heat level 2, 30 minutes."

[0533] As is clear from FIG. 37, the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following features: the input operation unit 15 has a first input operation unit (a right operation unit 15R and a left operation unit 15L) for the first heating means HM1, and a second input operation unit (a central operation unit 15M) for the second heating means, The first input operation unit 15L and the second input operation unit 15R have input keys A (153L and 153R) arranged thereon, and the second input operation unit 15M has input keys B (153M and 154M) arranged thereon, The control device 40 is characterized in that it validates the earlier touch input of either the input key A (153L, 153R) or the input key B (153M, 154M), and does not start the input process using the other input key until input of the control conditions (heat power, heating time, etc.) for the heating cooking mode (coordinated cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, single cooking mode KM3) or control mode (the "warming" mode, etc.) is completed and heating cooking is started.

[0534] In other words, for the three heating cooking modes (cooperative cooking mode KM1, composite cooking mode KM2, and single cooking mode KM3), only one of the input keys 153M, 154M, 153L, and 153R that is touched first will be accepted by the control device 40, and the other input keys will not accept input commands.

[0535] Therefore, for example, if the input key 154M is touched and held down to switch to the voice input mode, the other input keys will not be able to input (however, the input functions of the input keys 151M and 152M will be maintained).

[0536] Therefore, when the voice input mode is started by either the input key A (153L, 153R) or the input key B (153M, 154M), it becomes impossible to select other cooking modes or control modes, and setting conditions will not be inadvertently input by voice input.

[0537] Furthermore, if the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is entered using one input key (for example, 154M) in the voice input mode, the voice input mode is cancelled when input key 151M is pressed to start cooking. Therefore, there will be no confusion if the user US subsequently performs a touch operation to select another cooking mode.

[0538] Next, FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 will be described. Fig. 38 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring recipe data CD from the outside in the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 39 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of acquiring recipe data CD from the outside.

[0539] In Fig. 38, step SL1 performs processing equivalent to the processing of step SM1 in Fig. 33. The next step SL2 performs processing equivalent to the processing of step SM2 in Fig. 33. Step SL3 is a process equivalent to step SS5 of connecting to the outside and notifying the outside, which has been described with reference to Fig. 31. That is, this step is intended to ask the user US to confirm in advance whether or not to transmit a signal requesting provision of recipe data CD to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 that has been registered and set in advance.

[0540] As described above, it is also possible to automatically execute an external connection from the stage of this step SL3 (SS5) (if it is set in advance by the function setting key 151KP described above). This step SL3 includes input key operations by the user US, and will be described in detail in Figures 54, 55, 59, 60, etc. If the control device 40 has acquired the recipe data CD, the next step SL4 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SL5.

[0541] The next step SL5 is a process for determining whether the received recipe data CD meets the predetermined permission conditions. As described above, for example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, a cooking menu that does not meet "Permission Condition 1" or "Permission Condition 2" is not permitted (see FIGS. 29 and 30). In the combined cooking mode KM2, a determination is also made as to whether a specific "Permission Condition 3" is met. Note that Permission Condition 3 is the same as that described in step SM61 of FIG. 35. Furthermore, the first heating means HM1 must meet the above-mentioned "Permission Condition 4" (see step SM81 of FIG. 36).

[0542] If it is determined in step SL5 that the permission conditions are not met, and the cooking menu belongs to the cooperative cooking mode KM1, a signal (data) notifying the outside that the recipe data CD cannot be received is transmitted from the communication unit 51 (step SL9), as in the process described in step ST8 of Fig. 29. Note that while Fig. 29 shows the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, such a "non-reception message" is also transmitted for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the single cooking mode KM3. This will be explained in detail later.

[0543] If the permission conditions are met, the determined recipe data CD is stored as regular data in a predetermined storage area of ​​the recipe data storage unit 42 (step SL6). Furthermore, the identification information 167, 160 and control conditions (heat power, heating time, target temperature, etc.) included in the recipe data CD are displayed on the central display unit 16. For example, if it is a cooking menu for the cooperative cooking mode KM1, it is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SL6).

[0544] The next step SL7 is a step for modifying the control conditions. For example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the control conditions (e.g., heating time, target heating temperature, heat power, etc.) displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 can be changed as needed by operating the input keys 156M to 159M of the central operation unit 15M. Note that since the recipe data CD is acquired on a cooking menu basis, it is already determined that the cooking menu is a specific one (e.g., hamburger steak), and this cannot be changed to another cooking menu (e.g., roast beef).

[0545] If you want to modify the control conditions, for example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, you can simply input the appropriate changes using the central operation unit 15M (step SL10). In this case, you can select "voice input mode 1" and input the changes by voice.

[0546] If it is determined in step SL4 that the recipe data CD has not been received, the process proceeds to step SL8. In this step SL8, it is determined whether a preset time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SL4. However, if the time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SL11. Step SL11 is "automatic shut-off process 1" that automatically shuts off the main power supply, similar to step SM6 described in FIG. 33. Note that the time limit TX of this step SL8 and the time limit TX of step SM6 described in FIG. 33 do not have to be the same time, and different times may be set.

[0547] Next, FIG. 39 will be described. FIG. 39 shows the operation when the input key 180 is operated to select "voice input mode 2." In FIG. 39, step SS5 is the same as step SS5 explained in FIG. 31, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Step SS10 is a step for determining whether or not the input key 180 of the voice input mode 2 has been operated. If the input key 180 is pressed once, the answer here is "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SS11. If the input key 180 has not been operated, the process proceeds to the normal touch input mode (step SS15).

[0548] If the data acquisition unit 53 can acquire the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51, step SS11 becomes "Yes." If it is determined in step SS11 that the recipe data CD has not been received, the process proceeds to step SS16. In step SS16, it is determined whether a preset time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS11. However, if the time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS17. Step SS17 is an "automatic shut-off process 1" that automatically shuts off the main power supply, similar to step SM6 described in FIG. 33. Note that the time limit TX of step SS17 and the time limit TX of step SM6 described in FIG. 33 do not have to be the same time, and different times may be set.

[0549] The contents of the recipe data CD received in step SS11 are checked to see if they satisfy the "permission conditions" described above (see step SL5 in FIG. 38), and if they do, step SS12 becomes "Yes."

[0550] If the permission conditions are not met, as explained in step SL9 of FIG. 38, the communication unit 51 transmits a signal (data) to the outside to notify that the recipe data CD cannot be received (SS18).

[0551] If the permission conditions are met, the determined recipe data CD is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the recipe data storage unit 42 as regular data. Furthermore, the identification information 167, 160, etc. and control conditions included in the recipe data are displayed on the central display unit 16. For example, if the recipe data CD is for the cooperative cooking mode KM1, it is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS13).

[0552] The control conditions (e.g., heating time, target heating temperature, heating power, etc.) displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 can be changed as appropriate by voice input acquired via the voice signal receiving unit 56 of the input operation unit 15 (steps SS14, SS15).

[0553] Once "voice input mode 2" is selected using input key 180, "voice input mode 2" continues until a heating operation for one cooking menu item is started. The mode does not switch to "touch input mode" during the input process. This is because switching during the input process may cause confusion in the operation of the user US.

[0554] If you want to switch to touch input mode, you can press input key 180 again at any stage. The touch input mode will be restored from the point at which you press it. After returning to touch input mode, if you "long press" input key 154M, for example, it will switch to "voice input mode 1." Therefore, in voice input mode 1 (set to voice input mode 1B), if you perform an input operation on input key 156M, for example, the input function of that input key is not disabled, so you can still enter text.

[0555] Next, FIG. 40 will be described. Fig. 40 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the heating control unit 43 when the control device 40 switches to the voice input mode 1 in the cooking appliance 1. Note that Fig. 40 shows the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, but the same is basically true for the other cooking modes.

[0556] In FIG. 40, step SS20 indicates the time when the input mode of the control device 40 is switched to voice input mode 1. In the next step SS21, the voice notification unit 50 and the central display unit 16M notify that voice input acceptance has begun. The state of the central display unit 16M at this point is, for example, as shown in Fig. 21. That is, a mark 154V indicating that the mode has been switched to the voice input mode is displayed on the central operation unit 15M, and voice input mode display information 179A indicating that voice input is being accepted is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 as auxiliary information 179.

[0557] In the next step SS22, the voice signal analysis unit 58 transitions to an input standby state for receiving voice commands from the user US. Also, a time measurement unit (not shown) inside the control device 40 starts measuring elapsed time.

[0558] Speech input information uttered by the user US is acquired via a microphone (not shown) by the voice signal receiving unit 56. The voice signal receiving unit 56 converts the acquired voice information into a predetermined voice signal and transmits it to the voice signal analyzing unit 58 (step SS23).

[0559] The audio signal analysis unit 56 analyzes the received audio signal (step SS24) and displays the input content on the central display unit 16M (first specific screen 16M1). For example, as described in Fig. 22, a message such as "Hamburg steak, right hand, IH, automatically selected" is displayed by voice and also displayed in text on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS25).

[0560] In step SS25, if the input information is insufficient, the voice notification unit 50 will further guide the user by voice, such as "Please specify the preheating temperature." Alternatively, the range of specific control conditions may be notified, such as "A preheating temperature of 200°C is recommended. Please specify the temperature."

[0561] If the input of the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation is insufficient, the process returns to step SS23. Before returning to step SS23, the audio notification unit 50 indicates the control conditions that are not input and prompts the user to input them (not shown).

[0562] When heating control unit 43 determines that input of the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation has been completed (step SS26), the process proceeds to step SS27. In step SS27, since input by voice has been completed, it notifies the user that voice input mode 1 will be cancelled and recommends touching input key 151M (step SS27). Note that when input key 151M is touched, voice input mode 1 is immediately cancelled.

[0563] On the other hand, if no voice command is received in step SS23, the process proceeds to step SS28. In step SS28, it is determined whether the time elapsed since step SS22 has exceeded a predetermined time limit TZ. If the time limit TZ has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS23. However, if the time limit TZ (e.g., 5 minutes) has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS29. Step SS29 is "automatic shutdown process 2," similar to step SM6 in FIG. 33. Note that this "automatic shutdown process 2" is a series of processes in which, while the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the voice notification unit 50 issues an alarm to the user US, and then the screen automatically switches to the standby initial screen 16MH, and then the main power switch 20 is automatically opened. This prevents the input process from being left unattended for a long period of time for some reason, ensuring safety.

[0564] Next, FIG. 41 will be described. FIG. 41 shows the display contents of the central display section 16M corresponding to each of the main operation steps after the main power switch 20 is turned on. When the main power switch 20 is turned off, the central display unit 16M is not activated and does not display any information. When the main power switch 20 is turned on, the control device 40 performs a self-diagnosis to check for abnormalities, etc., as described above, and then displays "Display Screen 1," which is one display form of the standby initial screen 16MH in Figure 41, on the central display unit 16M.

[0565] In the display screen 1 shown in Figure 41, 60A is a display message notifying that the power is on. 60B is two-dimensional information (two-dimensional code) for guiding via the network NW to the recipe data providing server 301, which is a dedicated recipe posting site. 60C is text explaining the meaning of the two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as "two-dimensional information explanation text").

[0566] When the two-dimensional code 60B is optically read by the communication terminal 200, it can be guided and connected to the recipe data providing server 301 that stores information on various cooking recipes. This two-dimensional information explanation 60C and the display text 60A are a type of "common information during standby" 60N.

[0567] After the display screen 1 in FIG. 41 is displayed, the display screen 2A or 2B may be automatically displayed. Furthermore, after the display screen 2A or 2B in Fig. 41 is displayed, the display screen 2C may be automatically displayed. In this display screen 2C, a recommendation 60H is displayed to prompt the user US to perform an input operation to select a heating source.

[0568] On the display screen 2A, the text "Caution: Bumping" is one of the warning symbols 60E. This "bumping" refers to the phenomenon where, when heating a viscous food (liquid) such as curry or stew, the inside of the food overheats above its boiling point, causing sudden, violent boiling. As steam escapes from the heated liquid, hot droplets can fly, creating a dangerous situation. The timing and cause of bumping are said to be the introduction of foreign matter or impact from outside. Therefore, when a metal pot or other food containing food is placed on the top plate 3 and induction heated, caution is advised when stirring the food. The information displayed in this warning is a type of "Standby Common Information" 60N.

[0569] The four display screens, namely, display screen 1 and display screens 2A to 2C shown in Fig. 41, are called "common screens" or "standby initial screens" 16MH. Note that forms other than these four may also be included in the common screen 16MH.

[0570] On display screen 2B, 60E is a caution display warning that the temperature inside heating chamber 6 is high and to avoid careless contact. If control device 40 detects that heating chamber 6 has not yet cooled down sufficiently after oven cooking has been performed in heating chamber 6, the display screen 2B will automatically switch to this state.

[0571] Although the display screens 2A and 2B cannot be displayed simultaneously, they may be displayed alternately at intervals of a few seconds to alert users to both the bumping boiling indication and the high temperature indication. The alerts displayed on the display screens 2A and 2B may also be issued in parallel via audio notification unit 50.

[0572] On the display screen 2C in Fig. 41, 60P is the above-mentioned acquisition operation support information. As shown in Fig. 41, the display shows that the cooking appliance 1 acquires recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or the like, and that a specific input key must be touched in advance in order to store the acquired data in the recipe data storage unit 42 (see Fig. 10). For example, in the case of a cooking menu item called "hamburger steak" belonging to the cooperative cooking mode KM1, cooking step 1 is performed using either the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L, so the obtained operation support information 60P displays that either the input key 152L or 152R should be touched. In addition, the audio notification unit 50 may also provide an audio notification in conjunction with this display.

[0573] As is clear from display screen 1 to display screens 2A to 2C in Fig. 41, the display of these various pieces of information, including the acquisition operation support information 60P, utilizes the entire display screen. In other words, rather than displaying the information partially in any of the first area 22 to third area 24 described above, in order to secure as large a display area as possible, the first area 22 to third area 24 are displayed as an integrated display so that they cannot be distinguished from one another, and the user US sees the information displayed in the entire central display section 16M.

[0574] Next, we will explain Figure 42. FIG. 42 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the operation of the left display part 16L of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in FIG. Fig. 42 shows the third specific screen 16M3 for the single cooking mode KM3. This Fig. 41 is displayed when the input key 153L (see Fig. 6) is operated after step SS4 in Fig. 31.

[0575] Next, when input key 152L is operated, the control menus to be implemented for left heating port 4L are displayed one by one on left display unit 16L. As shown on display screen 3A in Fig. 42, the user can separately set whether the control menu to be displayed first (default setting) is "Keep Warm," "Frying" on display screen 3B, or "Preheating" on display screen 3C.

[0576] Furthermore, when input key 153L is operated in step SM8 of Fig. 33, or when input key 152L is operated in step SM93 of Fig. 36, a control menu to be implemented by left heating port 4L is displayed on left display unit 16L. Each time input key 152L is pressed, the display of the control menu changes one by one (such as keep warm, deep fry, preheat, etc.). In other words, each time input key 152L is pressed, one of multiple control menus can be selected.

[0577] The control menus that can be selected for the left heating port 4L (in induction heating single cooking mode KM3) include, for example, "Keep Warm," "Boil Water," "Stew," "Frying (Automatic Cooking)," and "Preheat." The operating time, heat output, or operating pattern of the left IH coil 9L differs for each control menu.

[0578] Display screen 3A in Fig. 42 shows the case where the "Keep Warm" control menu is selected. Display screen 3B shows the case where the "Deep Fry" control menu is selected. Display screen 3C shows the case where the "Preheat" control menu is selected. 179A is the auxiliary information. After switching to the voice input mode, this auxiliary information 179A is displayed adjacent to the display portion of the name of each control menu on the third specific screen 16M3. Therefore, it is not displayed when the voice input mode is not in effect.

[0579] When "Keep Warm" is selected in the control menu (in induction heating single cooking mode KM3) using the central IH coil 9M that is responsible for the central heating port 4C on the central display unit 16M, the display screen 3A shown in Fig. 42 is displayed. In this case, the central display unit 16M has a display form similar to that of the display screen 3A, and this screen is called the "third specific screen" 16M3.

[0580] Next, we will explain Figure 43. 43 illustrates the operational steps of the control device 40 of the cooking appliance 1 from when the cooking appliance 1 is started until just before cooking begins, in the case where the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected.

[0581] In Figure 43, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed and the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed on the central display unit 16M, a determination is made as to whether recipe data CD for the collaborative cooking mode has been obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300) (step SU2).

[0582] In step SU3, the control device 40 compares the latest state of the cooking appliance 1 with the latest state and determines whether the state satisfies the permission conditions 1 and 2.

[0583] If it is determined that permission conditions 1 and 2 are simultaneously satisfied (SU6), the identification information 167 included in the recipe data CD acquired from the external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300) is displayed on the central display unit 16M. In this case, the identification information 167 (for example, "Name: Hamburger") is displayed in the first specific screen 16M1 (step SU7).

[0584] In step SU7, the identification information 167 (for example, "Name: Hamburger") is displayed as shown in FIG. Operation support information 170 is also displayed. This prompts the user US to press the input key 151M to start cooking. The audio notification unit 50 also notifies the user, for example, "Press the start key to start cooking" (step SU8).

[0585] After step SU7, if the user US presses either input key 158M or 159M once, a food component display screen 16M1A (see FIG. 24) described below will be displayed. If either input key 158M or 159M is pressed again once, a food component display screen 16M1B (see FIG. 24) will be displayed.

[0586] At step SU8, the user US may operate an input key (for example, 156M or 155M) for selecting a control condition (for example, heating power value) to set the heating power, heating time, etc. as appropriate.

[0587] On the other hand, a case where, at the stage of step SU3, the control device 40 compares the latest state of the cooking appliance 1 and determines that the state does not satisfy the permission conditions 1 and 2 (step SU4) will be described.

[0588] The content of the standby initial screen 16HM in the central display section 16M is partially changed, and a message is displayed in text indicating that the recipe data CD acquired from the external device cannot be executed with the current cooking appliance 1. The same message is also notified by voice from the voice notification section 50 (step SU5). Then, the process returns to step SU1. This operation corresponds to the operation of step ST8 described in FIG. 29.

[0589] Next, FIG. 44 will be described. FIG. 44 is an enlarged plan view showing the same parts as those described in FIG. 19, and shows central operation unit 15M and central display unit 16M.

[0590] 44, 173 is an external recipe identification section that indicates that the recipe data CD is obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300). The words "Received Recipe" are displayed in text, making it easy to see that the cooking menu (for cooking hamburger steak) displayed on this first specific screen 16M1 is a recipe obtained from outside.

[0591] In Figure 44, light-emitting unit 21M corresponding to input key 151M is in a standby state where the heating operation can be started at any time. To indicate this, it is flashing to prompt the user to operate input key 151M. The dashed circle indicates that light-emitting unit 21M is flashing.

[0592] In Fig. 44, a star-shaped figure is drawn at the position of light-emitting unit 21M. This figure means that the input functions of the input keys (e.g., 156M, 157M) arranged in front of light-emitting unit 21M are valid, and that by touching them at this point, the heat, heating time, etc. can be adjusted.

[0593] In Figure 44, light-emitting units 21M corresponding to input keys 157M and 156M are illuminated. That is, the user US can select either heating unit specification unit 171L, which selects cooking with the left heating unit 4L, or heating unit specification unit 171R, which selects cooking with the right heating unit 4R. However, Figure 44 shows a case in which neither of the two selectable heating units 4L is selected in the process in which the cooking appliance 1 acquires recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200. In this first embodiment, as shown in Figures 60 and 61, a step of selecting either heating unit 4L or 4R in advance is provided (see step SG5 in Figure 60), and heating unit specification units 171L and 171R in Figure 44 are not displayed.

[0594] Recipe data CD acquired from an external device is displayed preferentially on the first specific screen 16M1, displaying the external recipe identification section 173. That is, the identification information 167 of the received recipe data CD is displayed in the "display position B" on the first specific screen 16M1. Therefore, by pressing the input key 151M as shown in FIG. 44, cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be started immediately. As will be explained later, after the first specific screen 16M1 as shown in Figure 44 is displayed, actual induction heating will not start unless an input key (for example, input key 153L) on either the left operation unit 15L or the right operation unit 15R is touched.

[0595] As described above, there are two types of recipe data CD obtained from an external device (communications terminal 200 or cloud server 300): one that allows cooking to be limited to specific heating elements (right heating element 4R, center heating element 4C, left heating element 4L), and one that allows cooking to be performed by specifying the heating element desired by the user US. Therefore, even when the user US uses recipe data CD obtained from an external device, usability is not impaired. For example, in this first embodiment, the heating capacity of the left heating outlet 4L and the right heating outlet 4R is the same. However, if the left heating outlet 4L has a higher heat output and an IH coil that allows for complex control is installed, then depending on the cooking menu, only the left heating outlet 4L may be available. In such a case, the control device 40 limits the heating unit (heating outlet) so that the left heating outlet 4L can be used, and the heating unit specification sections 171L and 171R are not displayed. Furthermore, the communication terminal 200 also cannot select the heating outlet (heating unit).

[0596] Next, we will explain Figure 45. FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking steps of the cooperative cooking menu and the operations of the input operation unit. In the example of FIG. 45, the cooperative cooking menu is made up of three cooking steps: cooking step 1, cooking step 2, and cooking step 3. FIG. 45 shows a case where cooking is performed using recipe data CD from an external source. Cooking step 1 is an example in which the first heating means HM1 is used.

[0597] In the example of Fig. 45, the recipe data CD defines the following conditions in a predetermined computer program format: Control conditions for heating power, etc. may also be defined. (1) Wait for input of input key 151M to determine induction heating operation at right heating port 4R (or left heating port 4L), and then wait for touch operation of either input key 153L or 153R to start the heating operation. (2) When input is made from input key 153R (153L), the heating operation of cooking process 1 is stopped, or when a certain condition (continuous cooking time or reaching of target temperature) is met, the heating operation is stopped at that point.

[0598] The program included in the recipe data CD defines heating pause periods P3 and P5, which will be described later, but does not define the duration of these heating pause periods P3 and P5. However, to prevent cooking from being interrupted for an excessively long time, it is possible to include processing that counts the elapsed time for each of cooking steps 1 and 2, for example, based on the end of each step, and issues an alarm when, for example, 30 minutes have elapsed, and forcibly stops the execution of the cooking menu.

[0599] In the example of recipe data CD in Figure 45, cooking process 1 is performed using the first heating means HM1, cooking process 2 is performed using a microwave heating source (second heating means HM2), and finally cooking process 3 is provided in which the food to be cooked is moved onto the top plate 3 and finishing induction heating is performed to compensate for insufficient heating.

[0600] In addition, in this cooking device 1, a measure is added to prevent the setting of cooking modes, control conditions, etc. from being inadvertently changed in response to an external command signal.

[0601] In the example of Figure 45, the first heating means HM1 is operated first, and after that heating operation is completed, the second heating means HM2 is operated, but the radiant heat heating means 12 may also be operated as the third heating means simultaneously with the second heating means HM2.

[0602] As shown in FIG. 45, the collaborative cooking menu shown here consists of four steps. P1 is the first stage (preparation period), which is the period from when input key 153M is operated to execute the cooperative cooking menu until the (induction) heating cooking operation is started by input key 152R (or 152L).

[0603] The operation of the input keys 153 (central operation unit 15M) during the preparation period P1 is one method required to establish a communication state between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. However, there are other methods for establishing a communication state. As explained at the stage of display screen 1 of the standby initial screen 16MH in Figure 41, two-dimensional information 60B is displayed first, so when this is read into the communication terminal 200, the communication terminal 200 connects to the cloud server 300, and in response to the result, the communication terminal 200 transmits a connection signal to the heating cooker 1.

[0604] The operation of the input key 152R (right operation unit 15R) during the preparation period P1 corresponds to step SG5 of the "confirmation step" SP3 described in Figure 59, and this operation causes the right heating port 4R to be used to perform cooking process 1. Thereafter, when input key 153R is operated after recipe data CD is received, preparation period P1 ends and the process moves to heat cooking period P2 (cooking step 1). When the recipe data CD is received, the standby initial screen 16MH is switched to the first specific screen 16M1, so that when the user US presses the input key 153R, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed on the central display section 16M.

[0605] P2 is the cooking period (cooking step 1) by the first heating means HM1. In this cooking step 1, an object to be cooked N (not shown), such as an appropriate metal pot, is placed on the right heating port 4R, and after the input key 153R is pressed, the actual cooking operation begins.

[0606] At the stage when cooking step 1 is started, the control device 40 has already finished determining whether the permission conditions (1 and 2) are met, and therefore knows which heating section of the first heating means HM1 (induction heating means) is in use. In other words, it knows the usage status of both the right heating port 4R and the left heating port 4L. Therefore, as a default setting, the control device 40 determines that the "right heating port 4R" will be used in cooking step 3 of the cooperative cooking mode, and places this right heating port 4R in an occupied state.

[0607] The cooking step 1 is basically determined in advance by the operation program of the linked cooking menu. For example, when the standard heating time has elapsed, the audio notification unit 50 notifies the user, and the first specific screen 16M1 displays a message such as "X minutes will soon pass." In other words, the user US is notified that the cooking step 1 is nearing completion. To finish cooking process 1, the user US simply presses the input key 153R once again.

[0608] P3 is a heating pause period during which cooking step 1 by the first heating means HM1 is temporarily stopped and cooking step 2 by the second heating means HM2 is started.

[0609] This heating pause period P3 is a period required to check the degree of heating of the food in cooking step 1, to add seasonings, or to add another food and perform cooking step 2. It is also a period required to move the food to heating chamber 6. The heating pause step P3 ends when the input key (start key) 151M is pressed to start the next cooking step, and the process proceeds to cooking step 2 of P4.

[0610] This cooking process 2 is started when the control device 40 confirms that the door 7 has been opened once during the pause period P3 and then closed. The door open / close signal from the open / close detection unit 10 is used by the control device 40. The control device 40 measures the time required from when the door 7 is opened until it is closed again, and if a certain allowable time TX is exceeded, a safety measure is adopted so that the heating operation will not start even if the input key 151M is pressed from that point onwards. If the input key (start key) 151M is not pressed after the door 7 is closed, the cooking process 2 will not start.

[0611] The cooking step 2 basically ends automatically when the heating time predetermined by the operation program of the linked cooking menu has elapsed or when the temperature of the food to be cooked has risen to a set value (e.g., 90°C). For example, in one linked cooking menu, heating begins with a microwave output of 500 W. Furthermore, if the user US opens the door 7 at any time, microwave irradiation is instantly stopped and the heating operation is stopped.

[0612] In cooking step 2 of P4, the user US may be able to individually set the control conditions (e.g., cooking time and target temperature) by operating at least one of the four input keys 156M to 159M, but depending on the cooking menu, the user US may not be able to change the control conditions.

[0613] 45 shows the case where input key 152M on central operation unit 15M is pressed to end cooking process 2. When input key 152M is pressed to command cooking to be stopped, cooking process 2 ends and the process proceeds to heating pause period P5.

[0614] During this heating pause period P5, the user US opens the door 7, removes the food from the heating chamber 6, and places it on the top plate 3. The food is placed inside an object to be heated N such as a metal pot. Then, when the input key 153R for the right heating port 4R is pressed to command the start of cooking, the heating pause step P5 ends and the process proceeds to the heating cooking period P6 (the "cooking step 3" of induction heating).

[0615] This heating pause period P5 is the period required to check the degree of heating of the food in cooking step 2, add seasonings, or add another food to be cooked and proceed to the next cooking step 3. For example, in cooking step 2, only frozen food can be heated as the food to be cooked, and in cooking step 3, food that has been immersed in seasonings or cooking liquid, or that has been preheated separately, can be added to the same food to be heated. This broadens the range of cooking options.

[0616] The heating and cooking period P6 is cooking step 3 using the first heating means HM1 (in this case, induction heating means, for example, the right heating port 4R). In this cooking step 3, when cooking with the right heating port 4R as described above, the user US can individually set control conditions (for example, cooking time and target temperature) by operating input keys 154R and 155R (see FIG. 7). After induction heating operation has started, the heat power and other parameters can also be adjusted by operating input keys 154R and 155R.

[0617] Furthermore, if cooking step 3 is performed using left heating port 4L, the user US can individually set control conditions (for example, cooking time and target temperature) by operating input keys 154L and 155L.

[0618] Then, when input key 153R is pressed to command stopping cooking, cooking step 3 ends and operation in the linked cooking mode ends. In the case of timer cooking, induction heating cooking ends automatically when the time has elapsed, and cooking step 3 ends.

[0619] As is clear from Fig. 45, once the right operation unit 15R used in cooking step 1 is selected with input key 152R to select the linked cooking menu, the right operation unit 15R for the right heating outlet 4R cannot be used for other cooking. Depending on the cooking menu, the input key operation during preparation period P1 (corresponding to step SG5 of the "confirmation step" SP3 described in Fig. 59) may be for the left heating outlet 4R. In that case, the left heating outlet 4L becomes occupied when the input key 152L of the left operation unit 15L corresponding to that left heating outlet 4L is operated.

[0620] As is clear from the above description, the control device 40 performs the following function restriction process. (1) Input signals from right operation unit 15R are disabled or input is restricted. For example, the input functions of input keys 151R and 152R are disabled. As a result, right heating port 4R cannot be used (input) during cooking period P2 (cooking step 1) to cooking period P6 (cooking step 3) except when input is required in linked cooking mode KM1. (2) Even when the heating cooking period (cooking step 1) begins, the left operating unit 15L can be used (the input signal from the left operating unit 15L is not invalidated).

[0621] In this way, when the heating cooking period (cooking step 1) begins, the control device 40 moves from the cooking step 1 stage to a state in which only the right heating port 4R for cooking step 3 is occupied.

[0622] Therefore, the right heating port 4R is "occupied" by the selection of the linked cooking menu. Also, when viewed from the perspective of the first heating means HM1 as a whole, the use of only a portion (the right side) of the three heating sections is "restricted."

[0623] Even after the heating cooking period (cooking step 1) ends, the restricted state of the right heating port 4R is not released. In addition, during the cooking process 1, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, and the user US can easily understand that the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is being entered, so the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are not restricted from executing other cooking menus. This also applies to the heating pause period P3 to cooking process 2.

[0624] Furthermore, even if the control device 40 detects that the door 7 has changed from an open state to a closed state before the start of the heating cooking period (cooking process 2), if the temperature inside the heating chamber 6 is higher than the reference value, there is a concern that the control device 40, the non-contact (infrared) sensor 13, and thermistor sensor 14 may mistakenly recognize the abnormally high temperature in the heating chamber 6 as indicating that cooking has been completed even before cooking has started. Therefore, if the temperature of the heating chamber 6 is too high before the start of the heating cooking period (cooking process 1), the first specific screen 15M1 displays a message that "the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) cannot be used immediately due to high temperature."

[0625] The periods indicated by the thick arrows in Figure 45 are the reception restriction period TZ1 for one recipe data CD and the acquisition restriction period TZ2 for additional recipe data CD. During the acquisition restriction periods indicated by the thick arrows, recipe data CD other than the recipe data CD acquired during the preparation period P1 cannot be acquired. In other words, Figure 45 shows that the second recipe data CD cannot be acquired.

[0626] After the input key 153M is touched once and the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the limiting operation by the limiting unit 55 is performed as follows. It should be noted that the reception and transmission functions of the communication unit 51 are enabled at the time the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed (before that, at least the reception function is disabled).

[0627] That is, the limiting unit 55 built into the control device 40 operates as follows. As shown in Figure 45, it is not possible to change cooking menu A of a specific linked cooking mode OK3 obtained from outside to another cooking menu B (for example, "hamburger steak") of the same linked cooking mode KM1. To change it, it is necessary to operate input key 152M to cancel linked cooking mode KM1 and return to the initial standby screen 16MH.

[0628] In other words, once the limited period indicated by the thick arrow in Fig. 45 begins, cooking using the specific linked cooking menu A obtained from outside can be canceled at any time by operating the input key 152M. Once a cancellation operation is performed in this way, the display returns to the initial standby screen 16MH, and in that state (preparation period P1), it is necessary to touch the input key 152R again in accordance with the operation of the communication terminal 200.

[0629] Furthermore, for a specific collaborative cooking menu A based on recipe data CD acquired from an external source, the control device 40 cannot acquire recipe data CD for another collaborative cooking menu C from an external source (such as a smartphone 200) during the period until all cooking processes are completed.

[0630] In other words, when the time limit indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 45 begins, by operating the input key 151M, it is possible to decide to start cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, and to carry out cooking using the recipe data CD of the specific cooperative cooking menu A acquired just before this decision. However, until all cooking steps of this cooking menu A are completed, it is not possible to acquire additional recipe data CD from outside. In this way, once the reception restriction period TZ1 for one recipe data CD has begun, reception of other recipe data CD cannot begin. This reception restriction period TZ1 ends automatically when one cooking menu is completely completed (as shown in FIG. 45). Alternatively, it ends automatically when start key 151 is pressed to start cooking. This latter example is not shown in FIG. 45. Note that the former "cooking menu is completely completed" includes both cases where the user US voluntarily stops cooking during the cooking process, and cases where the control device 40 automatically stops heating after detecting the passage of time, temperature conditions, etc.

[0631] Next, we will explain Figure 46. FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking steps of the cooperative cooking menu and the operations of the input operation unit. In the example of FIG. 46, the cooperative cooking menu is made up of three cooking steps: cooking step 1, cooking step 2, and cooking step 3. 46 does not show a case where cooking is performed based on external recipe data CD, but rather an example where the user US selects a cooking menu using the input operation unit 15. Note that cooking step 1 is an example where the first heating means HM1 is used.

[0632] In the example of Fig. 46, the contents of the recipe data CD are stipulated in a predetermined computer program format, with the following conditions: Control conditions for heating power, etc. are also stipulated. Note that Fig. 46 does not show an example of the simplified recipe data CD. (1) Wait for input of the input key 151M and start induction heating operation at the right heating port 4R (or the left heating port 4L). (2) When an input is made from input key 153R (153L), the heating operation is stopped, or when a certain condition (continuous cooking time or reaching of a target temperature) is met, the heating operation is stopped at that point.

[0633] In the program included in the recipe data CD, similarly to FIG. 45, a heating pause period P3 and a heating pause period P5 are defined. The duration of these heating pause periods P3 and P5 is not specified. However, to prevent cooking from being interrupted for an excessively long time, it is possible to count the elapsed time for each cooking step based on the end of cooking step 1 and cooking step 2, and if 30 minutes have passed, for example, an alarm may be issued and the execution of the cooking menu may be forcibly stopped.

[0634] In the example of recipe data CD in Figure 46, cooking process 1 is performed using the first heating means HM1, cooking process 2 is performed using a microwave heating source (second heating means HM2), and finally cooking process 3 is provided in which the food to be cooked is moved onto the top plate 3 and finishing induction heating is performed to compensate for insufficient heating.

[0635] In addition, in this cooking device 1, a measure is added to prevent the setting of cooking modes, control conditions, etc. from being inadvertently changed in response to an external command signal.

[0636] In the example of Figure 46, the first heating means HM1 is operated first, and after that heating operation is completed, the second heating means HM2 is operated, but the radiant heat heating means 12 may also be operated as the third heating means simultaneously with the second heating means HM2.

[0637] As shown in FIG. 46, the collaborative cooking menu shown here consists of four steps. P1 is the first stage (preparation period), which is the period from when input key 153M is operated to execute the collaborative cooking menu to when input key 153R is operated and the heating cooking operation is started using right heating port 4R (induction).

[0638] When the input key 153M is operated, if the "permission condition 1" and the "permission condition 2" are satisfied, the control device 40 displays the first specific screen 16M1. Note that the first specific screen 16M1 is not shown in FIG.

[0639] When the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed (on the central display 16M), one of the linked cooking menus can be selected by operating the input keys 154M and 155M. After that, by operating the input key 153R, the linked cooking mode (using the right heating port 4R) is entered, and the cooking process P2 is started.

[0640] When the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, if the identification information 167 of the collaborative cooking menu desired by the user US is displayed in a predetermined position on the first specific screen 16M1 (default display), there is no need to operate the input keys 154M and 155M.

[0641] P2 is the cooking period (cooking step 1) by the first heating means HM1. In this cooking step 1, when an appropriate food to be cooked, such as a metal pot, is placed on the right heating port 4R and the input key 153R is pressed, the cooking operation is started.

[0642] At the stage when cooking step 1 is started, the control device 40 has already determined whether permission conditions 1 and 2 are met, and therefore knows which heating section of the first heating means HM1 (induction heating means) is in use. In other words, it knows the usage status of both the right heating port 4R and the left heating port 4L. Therefore, as a default setting, the control device 40 determines to use the "right heating section" 4R in cook...

Claims

1. A plurality of specific input keys; a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the outside; A notification means; A storage device; a control device that executes cooking using the recipe data acquired via the communication unit, the storage device stores corresponding information of the specific input keys for each cooking menu; The control device (1) a key specifying step of extracting a key to be operated from the specific input keys based on the corresponding information when advance notice information A about the cooking menu is received from the communication unit; (2) a notification step of notifying, by the notification means, information capable of identifying the specific input key extracted in the key identification step; (3) a confirmation step of determining whether the specific input key notified by the notifying means has been operated, and transmitting selection information A if the specific input key has been operated; A heating cooker characterized by the above.

2. The specific input key has a function of selecting a voice input mode, 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the control device enters a standby state in the voice input mode to accept input from outside when the control device receives a command to acquire the recipe data by the specific input key.

3. The heating cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control device receives a command to acquire the recipe data, it determines whether the permission conditions are met, and if the permission conditions are not met, it does not acquire the recipe data.

4. 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the control device starts a reception restriction period of the recipe data from the time when the specific input key is operated, and the reception restriction period ends when a cooking operation is started.

5. the specific input key is a touch-type input key, 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the input operation unit having the specific input key determines whether or not switching to the voice input mode is necessary based on a touch state of the specific input key, and issues a voice input mode corresponding signal.

6. the notifying means has a display unit that displays operation assistance information in the notifying step, After transmitting the selection information A, the control device executes a reception standby step of preparing for reception of the recipe data, 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein, in the reception standby step, the display unit displays a reception operation display unit indicating that the cooking device is waiting to receive the recipe data.

7. The input operation unit has a start key for instructing the start of cooking and a stop key for instructing the end of cooking, 6. The cooking device according to claim 5, wherein when a command to start cooking is issued from the input operation unit using the start key, the voice input mode is cancelled.

8. a cooking device having a plurality of input operation units, a display unit, a communication function, and a plurality of heating means; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the input operation unit has an individual operation unit corresponding to only one of the heating means and a common operation unit corresponding to a plurality of the heating means, the cooking device has a first specific input key in the individual operation unit and a second specific input key in the shared operation unit, By selecting the first specific input key, first menu information can be displayed on the display unit, By selecting the second specific input key, second menu information can be displayed on the display unit, The communication terminal (1) In response to a user's input, one cooking menu corresponding to specific recipe data is selected from the range of the first menu information and the second menu information, and displayed as a first screen on the terminal display unit; (2) When the cooking menu displayed on the first screen is confirmed, the second screen is displayed. (3) On the second screen, advance notice information A is displayed, which prompts the user to select the first specific input key or the second specific input key corresponding to the recipe data displayed on the second screen, (4) When a transmission command is received at a point in time when the selection operation of the first specific input key or the second specific input key is completed, the recipe data is transmitted to the cooking device. A heating and cooking system characterized by the above.

9. a cooking device having a plurality of input operation units, a display unit, a communication function, and a plurality of heating means; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the input operation unit has an individual operation unit corresponding to only one of the heating means and a common operation unit corresponding to a plurality of the heating means, the cooking appliance has a first specific input key arranged on the individual operation unit and a second specific input key arranged on the shared operation unit, By selecting the first specific input key, first menu information can be displayed on the display unit, By selecting the second specific input key, second menu information can be displayed on the display unit, The communication terminal (1) displaying either the first menu information or the second menu information on the first screen in response to a user input; (2) When one cooking menu belonging to either the first menu information or the second menu information displayed on the first screen is selected, the display is switched to the second screen; (3) On the second screen, advance notice information A regarding the operation of the first specific input key or the second specific input key corresponding to the selected one of the cooking menus is displayed, (4) When the selection of the first specific input key or the second specific input key has been completed, upon receiving a transmission command, a function of transmitting recipe data corresponding to either the first menu information or the second menu information to the cooking device is enabled, When either the first specific input key or the second specific input key indicated in the advance notice information A is operated, the cooking appliance: (1) a selection step of transmitting selection information A indicating an operation of either the first specific input key or the second specific input key; (2) a receiving step of acquiring the recipe data corresponding to either the first menu information or the second menu information from the communication terminal; Execute the following in sequence: A heating and cooking system characterized by the above.

10. a first unit incorporating a first operation unit, a first display unit, a first communication unit, a heat source, and a storage means; a second unit that is placed on the first unit and is capable of performing a cooking operation using the heat source in a first state; Equipped with The second unit has a second display unit, a second operation unit, a second communication unit, a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external communication device, and a sub-control device, the first unit includes a main control device that operates in accordance with recipe data acquired from the wireless communication unit, the first operation unit and the second operation unit each have a specific input key; the storage means stores correspondence information for specifying the specific input key for each cooking menu; The sub-controller comprises: (1) a key specifying step of extracting one of the specific input keys based on the correspondence information when advance notice information A regarding the cooking menu is acquired from the wireless communication unit; (2) a notification step of notifying, on the first display unit or the second display unit, information capable of identifying the specific input key extracted in the key identification step; A heating cooker characterized by sequentially executing the above.

11. The heating cooker of claim 10, wherein auxiliary information is displayed on the second display unit, and the auxiliary information includes at least one of identification information of the cooking menu that is the subject of the recipe data or information on the cooking process.

12. 11. The heating cooker of claim 10, wherein auxiliary information is displayed on the first display unit, and the auxiliary information includes at least one of identification information of the cooking menu that is the subject of the recipe data or information on the cooking process.

13. a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside, a notification unit, a heating unit, and a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit; The control device (1) a key specifying step of specifying a specific input key to be operated when advance notice information A regarding one cooking menu is acquired from the communication unit; (2) a notification step of notifying, by the notification means, information capable of identifying the specific input key extracted in the key identification step; (3) When the specific input key notified by the notification means is operated, a confirmation step of transmitting selection information A is executed, and thereafter, a reception restriction period is started during which selection of a new cooking menu using the specific input key is restricted. A heating cooker characterized by the above.

14. a cooking device having a plurality of input operation units, a display unit, a communication function, and a plurality of heating means; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the input operation unit has an individual operation unit corresponding to only one of the heating means and a common operation unit corresponding to a plurality of the heating means, the cooking appliance has a first specific input key arranged on the individual operation unit and a second specific input key arranged on the shared operation unit, By selecting the first specific input key, first menu information can be displayed on the display unit, By selecting the second specific input key, second menu information can be displayed on the display unit, The communication terminal (1) displaying either the first menu information or the second menu information on the first screen in response to a user input; (2) When a cooking menu belonging to either the first menu information or the second menu information displayed on the first screen is selected, the display is switched to the second screen, (3) On the second screen, advance notice information B is displayed, which prompts the user to select the first specific input key or the second specific input key corresponding to the selected cooking menu. (4) upon receiving a command to transmit the advance notice information B, transmitting correspondence information identifying the first specific input key or the second specific input key corresponding to the recipe data displayed on the first screen to the cooking device; A heating and cooking system characterized by the above.

15. When the user operates either the first specific input key or the second specific input key indicated in the advance notice information B, the cooking appliance: (1) a selection step of transmitting selection information A indicating an operation of either the first specific input key or the second specific input key; (2) a receiving step of acquiring the recipe data corresponding to either the first menu information or the second menu information from the communication terminal; The heating and cooking system according to claim 14, wherein the steps of:

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