Heating Regulator

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker which includes a plurality of heating parts (heating port, heating chamber), and has high convenience for a user.SOLUTION: A heating cooker includes: a plurality of heating parts (heating port, heating chamber); a selection part which allows a user to individually select the heating part by operating a specific input key (button); a timer operation part which can select a timer function which is common to the heating part; an individual display area which corresponds to the heating part; and a control device which controls a heating operation of the heating part and a display operation of the individual display area. In the case where the timer operation part is operated, the control device allows any one of two types of time information to be displayed in a display part sequentially, according to a prescribed sequence with respect to each individual display area, according to the operation of the timer operation part. By the operation of the common timer operation part, setting time information of a cut-off time function and default time information of a simple timer function are sequentially displayed in the display part by a certain rule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 57

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance having a plurality of heating units.

Background Art

[0002] Cooking appliances can be broadly classified into three types in terms of the environment in which they are used. One of them is the so-called "built-in type" installed in kitchen furniture such as kitchen counters. The second is the "stationary type" placed and used at a predetermined position of kitchen furniture, such as a gas stove (also referred to as a "gas combustion table"). The third is the small and portable "tabletop type" placed and used at an arbitrary position on a dining table or the like.

[0003] As a typical built-in cooking appliance, a plurality of heating ports are arranged on the upper part of the main body, and induction heating is performed at the heating ports. Also, a grill compartment (also referred to as an "oven chamber" or a "heating chamber", but hereinafter uniformly referred to as a "heating chamber") is provided inside the main body, and microwaves from a microwave heating source are introduced into the heating chamber for cooking (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in order to improve convenience, there has also been proposed a cooking appliance incorporating a timer function to automatically control the operation of the heating means (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As proposed in Patent Document 1 above, while a cooking appliance with multiple heating means is convenient for the user as it allows cooking in two places simultaneously, the process of setting cooking conditions for each individual heating means becomes more complex. In particular, when there are multiple top heating units (heating ports), a display unit must be provided for each heating unit, and the user must input heating conditions such as heat level, as well as the desired cooking mode and menu, while looking at the display unit. This inevitably increases the amount of confirmation and input operations required from the user, and makes the process more complicated. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 2, it has been proposed to provide a single display unit and to centrally input common control conditions (such as the setting time for the timer function) for multiple heating units using that single display screen. However, when using a display device with multiple display sections, it is necessary to devise a system, including the input operation section, to prevent misunderstandings or visual confusion regarding the correspondence between the individual heating sections or heating means targeted by the user and the display area, display screen, etc. However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 does not yet adequately address these issues.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a highly convenient cooking appliance that can perform various cooking tasks using multiple heating elements by improving user operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The heating appliance relating to the first disclosure is Multiple heating elements, A selection unit that allows the user to individually select the heating units, A common operation unit that provides common input to the heating unit, Each heating unit has its own assigned display area, A control device for individually controlling the heating operation of the heating section, Equipped with, The aforementioned shared operation unit teeth , The time information displayed in the individual display area Selectable timer control section of Yes, When the control device operates the timer operation unit, in accordance with the operation of the timer operation unit, following a prescribed order within the range of the individual display area, The individual display area corresponding to the heating unit currently performing the heating operation displays time information from an off-timer function that limits the heating operation time, or the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit not performing the heating operation displays time information from a simple timer function that counts up the elapsed time. any one of the time information Select is sequentially displayed, which is a configuration characterized by this.

[0008] The cooking heater related to the second disclosure is The shared operation unit has a time input unit on which the setting time for the off-timer function can be input. a configuration characterized by this.

[0009] The cooking heater related to the third disclosure is The control device can activate the simple timer function for counting up the elapsed time when it receives a command from another input key after the timer operation unit has been operated and the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is not being performed has been selected. a configuration characterized by this.

[0010] The cooking heater related to the fourth disclosure is Multiple heating elements, A timer operation unit that allows selection of a timer function common to the heating unit, Each heating unit has its own assigned display area, A control device that controls the heating operation of the heating section and the display operation of the individual display area, Equipped with, The control device is The first step is to accept the operation of the timer operation unit, Each time the operation of the first step is performed, the second step is performed, which sequentially displays the default setting time information for the off-timer function in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed, and displays the initial time information for the simple timer function for counting up the elapsed time in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is not being performed. In the second step, if a time adjustment command is received, the display state of the default set time information is changed to the display state of the set time information, and in that display state, when the waiting period has elapsed, the countdown operation of the off-timer function is automatically started. ` a configuration characterized by this.

[0011] The cooking heater related to the fifth disclosure is {{{END]] The second step includes a display state A in which the default setting time information is displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed, and a display state B in which the initial time information is displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is not being performed. If input is received from the selection command key for the simple timer function during the period of display state B, the count-up operation of the simple timer function will start, and the display of elapsed time information will start in place of the initial time information in conjunction with the count-up operation. a configuration characterized by this.

[0012] The cooking heater related to the sixth disclosure is Multiple heating units arranged in the left-right direction, A selection unit that allows the user to individually select the heating units, The heating section is allocated individual display areas arranged in the left-right direction, A timer operation unit that allows selection of the individual display area for displaying information related to the timer function, A control device for individually controlling the heating operation of the heating section, Equipped with, When the timer operation unit is operated, in accordance with that operation, (1) In the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed, the operation of displaying the default setting time information for countdown, (2) In the individual display area corresponding to another heating unit where the heating operation is not being performed, an operation is performed to display initial time information for counting up. Perform one of the following in a predetermined order, one by one for each individual display area: This configuration is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance that can widely handle various types of cooking with multiple heating units, contributing to increased efficiency in user input operations and reduced input burden. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Diagram 1 shows the configuration of a heating and cooking system, including a heating and cooking appliance, as illustrated in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the installation of the heating appliance shown in Figure 1, illustrating the configuration of the heating and cooking system. [Figure 3] The top and front views of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1, along line XX. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the heating appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows an enlarged plan view of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), and right control unit of the cooking appliance. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the integrated display unit and central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit). [Figure 8] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the input operation steps of the central control unit. [Figure 9] Figure 6 shows the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat output display unit. Diagram 1 illustrates the display status and input operations of these units. [Figure 10]Figure 6 shows the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat output display unit. Diagram 2 illustrates the display status and input operations of these units. [Figure 11] Figure 6 shows the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat output display unit. Diagram 3 illustrates the display status and input operations of these units. [Figure 12] An enlarged explanatory diagram showing the changes in the display operation of the right-hand flame indicator unit shown in Figure 6. [Figure 13] Figure 6 shows the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat output display unit. Diagram 4 illustrates the display status and input operations of these units. [Figure 14] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat output display unit shown in Figure 6. [Figure 15] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat output display unit shown in Figure 6. [Figure 16] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat output display unit shown in Figure 6. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates all the types of cooking modes that can be selected using the central control panel of the heating appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 18] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit and central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) when using the central heating port of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 19] This diagram illustrates the display status and subsequent input operations when using the central heating port shown in Figure 18. [Figure 20] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit and the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) when selecting one cooking mode (sliced ​​fish) using the heating chamber (grill compartment) of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates the input operations required to start the heating process in the cooking mode using the heating chamber (grill compartment) shown in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of inputting the heat level for the cooking mode using the heating chamber (grill compartment). [Figure 23] This diagram illustrates the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit and the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) when selecting a different cooking mode (oven heating) using the heating chamber (grill compartment) of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the input procedure for setting the temperature in one cooking mode (oven heating). [Figure 25] This diagram illustrates all the types of cooking modes available for the heating chamber (grill compartment) of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1, which can be selected via the central control panel. [Figure 26] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1 when it is started up. [Figure 27] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall types of linked cooking modes and an overview of the cooking process for the heating appliance shown. [Figure 28] A flowchart showing the operation of the control unit when the linked cooking mode is executed in the heating appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 29] Diagram 1 illustrates the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in linked cooking mode. [Figure 30] Diagram 2 illustrates the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in linked cooking mode. [Figure 31] Diagram 3 illustrates the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in linked cooking mode. [Figure 32] Diagram 4 illustrates the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in linked cooking mode. [Figure 33]Diagram 5 illustrates the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in linked cooking mode. [Figure 34] This time chart shows the operation of the communication terminal and the cooking appliance in chronological order when acquiring a single recipe data from an external communication terminal in the collaborative cooking mode. [Figure 35] Diagram 1 illustrates the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central operation unit, right operation unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in linked cooking mode using recipe data acquired from an external source in Embodiment 1. [Figure 36] Diagram 2 illustrates the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central operation unit, right operation unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in linked cooking mode using recipe data acquired from an external source in Embodiment 1. [Figure 37] A flowchart illustrating the series of operations from receiving preliminary information about recipe data transmitted from an external communication terminal to transmitting selection information. [Figure 38] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in a cooking appliance. [Figure 39] A flowchart showing the main operation steps of the communication terminal according to Embodiment 1, starting from the activation of the cooking menu search function. [Figure 40] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of the cooking appliance after receiving data from the communication terminal shown in Figure 39. [Figure 41] Flowchart 2 shows the operation of the cooking appliance after receiving data from the communication terminal. [Figure 42] Figure 39 shows explanatory diagram 1 illustrating the display operation of the communication terminal. [Figure 43] Figure 39 shows explanatory diagram 2 illustrating the display operation of the communication terminal. [Figure 44] Figure 39 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the display operation of the communication terminal. [Figure 45] Figure 39 shows the relationship between the recipe data display screen and the cooking process of the communication terminal, as illustrated in diagram 1. [Figure 46] A time chart 1 showing the coordinated operation of the communication terminal and the cooking appliance in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 47] A time chart 2 shows the coordinated operation of the communication terminal and the cooking appliance in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 48] A diagram illustrating the display contents of the integrated display unit corresponding to each main operation step after the main power switch is turned ON in the heating cooker of Embodiment 1. [Figure 49] An explanatory diagram showing the process of receiving recipe data from the integrated display unit in the heating cooker of Embodiment 1. [Figure 50] Diagram 1 illustrates the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 51] Diagram 2 illustrates the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 52] Diagram 3 illustrates the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 53] Diagram 4 illustrates the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 54] A step-by-step diagram illustrating the control operation of the control device when using the timer function (off timer function). [Figure 55] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when using the timer function (off timer function) and external notification mode. [Figure 56] Diagram 1 illustrates the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit when using the timer function (simple timer function). [Figure 57]This diagram illustrates the correspondence between input operations and display areas in chronological order when selecting the off-timer function and the simple timer function. [Figure 58] Figure 39 shows the communication terminal, and this is an explanatory diagram 2 illustrating the relationship between the recipe data display screen and the cooking process. [Figure 59] An explanatory diagram showing the display state of the integrated display unit 15 when the timer function (simple timer function) is used. [Figure 60] Diagram 1 shows the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit and central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) of a heating cooker according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 61] Diagram 2 illustrates the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit and central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) of a heating appliance representing Embodiment 2. [Figure 62] A flowchart illustrating the operation of acquiring recipe data for the linked cooking mode from an external source in the heating appliance shown in Figure 60. [Figure 63] This diagram illustrates the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit and the central control unit when cooking is performed using a heating appliance according to Embodiment 2, which acquires recipe data for the linked cooking mode from an external source. [Figure 64] Diagram 1 shows the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central operation unit, right operation unit, and right heat level display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 65] A schematic diagram showing the display on the integrated display unit and the operation of the dial-type input unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode of the heating appliance shown in Figure 64. [Figure 66] A diagram illustrating the steps of operation, showing a modified version of the operation shown in Figure 65. [Figure 67] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of the control device when the timer function (off timer function and simple timer function) is used in the heating cooker according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 68] Flowchart 2 shows the operation of the timer function (off timer function and simple timer function) of the control device shown in Figure 67. [Figure 69]Flowchart 3 shows the operation of the timer function (off timer function and simple timer function) of the control device shown in Figure 67. [Figure 70] This diagram illustrates the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit, central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit), right control unit, and right heat level display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used in the heating cooker according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 71] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the timer function (off timer function and simple timer function) of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 70. [Figure 72] A flowchart showing the operation of the control device when the timer function (off timer function and simple timer function) is used in the heating cooker according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 73] Diagram 1 illustrates the changes in the display content of the integrated display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 74] Diagram 2 illustrates the changes in the display content of the integrated display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 75] Diagram 3 illustrates the changes in the display content of the integrated display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The heating appliance relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating direction (e.g., "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "back," etc.) will be used for ease of understanding, but these are for illustrative purposes only. Also, in each drawing, parts with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following explanation, a combined heating and cooking appliance equipped with multiple types of heating means will also be simply referred to as a "heating and cooking appliance." In the following description, "object to be heated placed on the top plate" means both cases: when the object to be heated, such as a pot, is placed directly on the upper surface of the top plate 3 (described later) and heated (by the first heating means HM1); and when the object to be heated is placed on a support member such as a trivet positioned above the top plate, such as a gas burner. In other words, the first heating means HM1 is not limited to induction heating means.

[0020] In Embodiment 1, the "second heating means" HM2 refers to a heat source for heating the food to be cooked, which is located inside the heating chamber 6 described later. This may utilize radiant heat or steam. In Embodiment 1, the second heating means HM2 is a microwave heating source. While a magnetron is used as the microwave heating source, there are no restrictions on the microwave oscillation principle or method, such as using a microwave oscillator utilizing semiconductor elements. Furthermore, multiple heating sources may be provided.

[0021] In this embodiment 1, the term "third heating means" HM3 is used to indicate the difference between the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2, but it does not imply any superiority or inferiority relationship. Furthermore, while Embodiment 1 uses a heating source that utilizes radiant heating (such as a sheathed heater, mica heater, carbon heater, ceramic heater, infrared heater, or radiant heater), other forms or methods of heating sources that generate heat may also be used.

[0022] The third heating means HM3 refers to a device capable of cooking in a single heating chamber 6. It may also be a combination of multiple heating sources having different heating principles, such as a heating source consisting of an electric heater and a gas burner. Alternatively, an induction heating source may 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 HM3 may be either a heating source that heats the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside, or a heating source that is installed in the internal space of the heating chamber 6 to raise the temperature of the atmosphere in that internal space. Alternatively, a heating element that becomes hot using induction heating may be placed in the heating chamber, and this heating element may heat the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside. Furthermore, a heat source may be located outside the heating chamber 6, and high-temperature air may be supplied to the inside of the heating chamber 6.

[0024] Typical examples of induction heating coils (IH coils) in this embodiment 1 include those constructed by bundling about 30 thin copper or aluminum wires of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm in diameter, and then twisting multiple bundles together to form a spiral. Alternatively, some are constructed by winding about 1000 to 1500 wires of about 0.05 mm in diameter. There are also proposals for constructing an annular conductor made of a flat conductive material formed into a ring shape. All of these forms correspond to the "IH coil," which is the main part of the first heating means HM1 (induction heating source).

[0025] In the following description, "cooking mode" refers to a classification of cooking methods based on the number of heating means, and in this embodiment, there are three cooking modes. In other words, there are three types: the linked cooking mode KM1, the combined cooking mode KM2, and the single-cooking mode KM3, which will be described later (these three are collectively referred to as "main cooking modes"). In the following explanation, "sub-cooking mode" refers to a sub-classification belonging to each of the linked cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, and standalone cooking mode KM3, and is a classification based on the control mode that actually drives the first heating means HM1 to the third heating means HM3. For example, "heating," "keeping warm," and "deep-frying," which belong to standalone cooking mode KM3 (using only one of induction heating or microwave heating), are types of sub-cooking modes. See Figures 17 and 27 for further details. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the term "cooking mode" includes both the main cooking mode and the sub-cooking mode.

[0026] In the following explanation, "cooperative cooking" refers to cooking using two or more heat sources that are located in different places for heating a single food item (including food, meat, vegetables, etc.) and whose heating conditions can be set independently. This cooking method is called "cooperative cooking mode" KM1.

[0027] The aforementioned "coordinated cooking" refers to cases where multiple heating methods are used with a time difference. For example, in the process of completing one dish, if the food is preheated with a microwave heating source, then moved to another location, and finally heated with an induction coil at the new location, this is a type of "coordinated cooking" as defined here.

[0028] Furthermore, a method in which the food to be cooked is heated inside the heating chamber 6 by a gas burner, and then the food to be cooked is moved onto the top plate 3 and heated by a gas burner or induction heating source to improve the cooking process is also a type of "cooperative cooking."

[0029] "Voice input mode" refers to a control method in which the user inputs information by speaking, without touching or pressing any buttons or operating surfaces of input switches (input keys). In the following explanation, there are two types of "voice input modes": "Voice Input Mode 1," which involves directly inputting voice commands to the cooking appliance 1, and "Voice Input Mode 2," which involves inputting voice signals via an external input device such as a smart speaker, or via an external information processing device such as an external server.

[0030] In the following explanation, "setting information" refers to the information set by providing the heating device 1 with the control details (of the heating means) from the recipe data CD described later. As described later, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 has at least two cooking steps: cooking step 1 and cooking step 2. For the sake of explanation, the setting information for cooking step 1 may be referred to as "setting information A," and the setting information for cooking step 2 may be referred to as "setting information B."

[0031] In the following explanation, "recipe data" CD refers to the data used to control the cooking appliance 1 in order to heat and cook a single food item. One form of recipe data CD is a set of instructions that includes all of the following: data specifying the heating method, data defining the heating process and sequence, and control conditions during heating (including, but not limited to, heat level, target temperature, and cooking time); and a computer program to implement those instructions.

[0032] Another form of the aforementioned recipe data CD is one that does not include data specifying the heating method, data defining the heating process or sequence, and only includes some data for executing a cooking menu (e.g., hamburger). For example, when cooking using the KM1 linked cooking mode described later, this does not include information specific to the heating means that executes a single cooking menu (including information indicating the attributes of the heating means and information about the heating port, etc.), information about the cooking process, or information indicating the order in which the heating means are driven. In this case, the data will mainly consist of commands and data (hereinafter referred to as "commands" or "command data") that determine control conditions such as heating capacity and heating time. In this case, if the recipe data CD held by the cooking appliance 1 is configured based on, for example, one serving of food to be cooked, the cooking appliance can respond to external commands by changing the control conditions (for example, one parameter such as heating time) using its built-in program to accommodate two or four servings.

[0033] Furthermore, in the following description of the recipe data CD, we will mainly focus on the case where the recipe data for the linked cooking mode KM1 consists of, for example, two steps: cooking step 1 and cooking step 2. To state. For example, in the case where the first heating means HM1 is used in cooking step 1, the heating appliance 1 acquires recipe data in two stages: a first part M1 that sets the operation details of cooking step 1 used in cooking step 1, and a second part M2 that sets cooking step 2 using the second heating means HM2. In other words, it consists of two parts: a first part M1 that sets up cooking process 1 using the first heating means HM1, and a second part M2 that sets up cooking process 2 using the second heating means HM2. Similarly, even when the second heating means HM1 is used in cooking process 1, the setting information for cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 is acquired separately by the heating appliance 1. The first part M1 corresponds to the "setting information A," and the second part M2 corresponds to the "setting information B."

[0034] In the following embodiments, the format of the recipe data CD described above will not be explained in any particular distinction. Also, in the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, an example with two cooking steps will be described, but there may be three or more cooking steps.

[0035] In the following embodiments, the term "display screen" includes liquid crystal display screens using liquid crystal display elements (liquid crystal panels) and display screens using other light-emitting methods (such as organic EL panels). It also includes "pop-up windows" that automatically appear within the displayed 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, the terminal-side display unit (display screen) 216 of the communication terminal 200, which will be described later, will explain the first screen 216A, the second screen 216B, etc., but these may be configured as pop-up screens.

[0036] Embodiment 1. (1. Configuration of the heating and cooking system) Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is shown in Figures 1 to 25. Let's explain Figure 1. The heating and cooking system of this embodiment 1 comprises a heating and cooking device 1, a smartphone 200 (also called a high-function communication terminal, but collectively referred to as a "communication terminal" in the following description) having the function of performing bidirectional wireless communication between the heating and cooking device 1, and a cloud server 300, which is a type of information processing means. Note that the communication terminal 200 may be something other than a smartphone, such as a tablet terminal with communication functions or a personal computer. In this embodiment 1, these devices are also collectively referred to as the communication terminal 200.

[0037] The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication 202WF using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) with a wireless router 201 (Figure 2) installed in a house (not shown) where the cooking appliance 1 is used.

[0038] The cooking appliance 1 can acquire at least recipe data CD1 via wireless communication 330 with the communication terminal 200. Recipe data CD2, acquired by the cooking appliance 1 via the cloud server 300 (described later), will be explained later. The communication terminal 200 communicates with the cooking appliance 1 via wireless communication 202BT using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (see Figure 2).

[0039] The communication terminal 200 accesses the cloud server 300 located in an external space via the wireless router 201 (Figure 2) and a network NW such as the Internet. The cloud server 300 has at least one recipe data providing server 301.

[0040] The recipe data provision server 301 is equipped with a recipe DB (database) 302 that holds data on recipes for various cooking methods. The communication terminal 200 accesses the recipe provision site operated by the recipe data provision server 301 and obtains (downloads) various recipe data CD1 from the recipe DB 302.

[0041] As will be explained in detail later, the aforementioned recipe data CD1 contains instructions (command data) that specify heating means and control conditions (including, but not limited to, at least one of the following: heat level, heating time, temperature, etc.) so that a specific food to be cooked (e.g., "hamburger") can be cooked using the cooking appliance 1. However, as mentioned above, it may also consist only of unique data that identifies one recipe data CD1 for executing a specific cooking menu.

[0042] In the following explanation, recipe data may be described with codes such as CD1, CD2, etc. However, these codes do not necessarily indicate different content in the recipe data; they may be the same. These codes (CD1, CD2) are assigned based on the source of the recipe data to facilitate understanding. When a uniform reference code is used for recipe data, "CD" will be used.

[0043] The cooking appliance 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first heating means HM1 positioned below a top plate 3 (described in Figures 2 and later) that covers the upper surface of the cooking appliance 1, a second heating means HM2 that supplies microwaves into a heating chamber 6 (see Figure 3) formed inside the cooking appliance 1, and a third heating means HM3 located inside or outside the heating chamber 6 that raises the temperature of the internal space of the heating chamber 6 to heat it.

[0044] If the upper surface of the top plate 3 is defined as the "first location," then the first heating means HM1 is an induction heating means used to heat the object to be heated (a pot, frying pan, etc. made of magnetic metal) placed in this first location. Alternatively, a gas combustion device equipped with a gas burner for heating pots made of magnetic or non-magnetic metal corresponds to the first heating means HM1.

[0045] If we define a closed space located away from the first location as the "second location," then the interior of the heating chamber 6 (see Figure 3) becomes the second location.

[0046] The aforementioned cooking appliance 1 has three cooking modes (main cooking modes). The first cooking mode is the aforementioned cooperative cooking mode KM1. The second cooking mode is the combined cooking mode KM2. The third cooking mode is the standalone cooking mode KM1.

[0047] The standalone cooking mode KM3 is a cooking method in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven independently.

[0048] The combined cooking mode KM2 is a cooking method in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously, or one of them is driven first and the other is automatically driven afterward, as a method of cooking a single food item. Even when the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously, whether the heating completion times for both are the same or different, both are considered one operating pattern belonging to the "combined cooking mode" KM2.

[0049] The combined cooking mode KM2 includes at least three patterns: one in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously from the start (RG control mode 1); one in which the third heating means HM3 is driven after the second heating means HM2 (RG control mode 2); and one in which the third heating means HM3 is driven first, and then the system automatically switches to driving the second heating means HM3 (RG control mode 3). In these RG control modes 1 to RG control modes 3, the switching of each heating means is performed automatically when cooking is started in the heating chamber 6 (see Figure 3). These RG control modes 1 to RG control modes 3 are types of the sub-cooking modes.

[0050] Unlike the linked cooking mode KM1, the combined cooking mode KM2 does not have a "cooking menu" corresponding to a specific food item (e.g., hamburger). Instead, it provides a "control menu" with different patterns for driving the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3. One control pattern can handle multiple food items (for example, thawing meat or boiling vegetables).

[0051] For example, one of the "control menus" is the aforementioned "RG control mode 1". In RG control mode (RG combined cooking mode), various types of food can be cooked. One of the "control menus," for example, the aforementioned "RG control mode 1," is controlled by recipe data that defines that control mode, but it is not set for each specific food being cooked.

[0052] In other words, the combined cooking mode KM2, which has multiple "control menus," is an operating 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.

[0053] In contrast, the KM1 linked cooking mode, which has a linked cooking menu, applies recipe data (corresponding to specific food items) to heat food items placed inside the heating chamber 6 and above the top plate 3 in a predetermined order. In other words, the recipe data differs between the combined cooking mode KM2 and the linked cooking mode KM1.

[0054] In the following explanation, the term "control menu" is used to refer to types of control modes, such as the drive (power supply) pattern of the heating source. For example, "defrost" is one of the control menus. On the other hand, when specifying a food item that can be cooked by heating, or a dish name, it is called a "cooking menu." For example, "hamburger steak" is one such cooking menu item.

[0055] The aforementioned cooking appliance 1 has a function to execute a coordinated cooking mode KM1 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven by a time difference determined depending on the user's operation. In other words, between cooking process 1 and cooking process 2, there is a "heating pause period" (also called a "transition period") that changes depending on the timing of the user's operation.

[0056] The aforementioned cooperative cooking mode KM1 includes a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed using the first heating means HM1, and a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed using the second heating means HM2. For example, in order to move from cooking step 1 using the first heating means HM1 to cooking step 2, the food to be cooked is moved to the heating chamber 6, and then the operation of the second heating means HM2 is started. Therefore, between cooking step 1 and cooking step 2, there is a "heating pause period" (transition period TR) in which no heating operation is performed.

[0057] In this collaborative cooking mode KM1, a recipe data CD is prepared for each specific dish to be cooked (e.g., hamburgers, roast beef, gratin). The aforementioned 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 the following: heat output, heating time, temperature, etc.) separately for cooking process 1 (first part M1) and cooking process 2 (second part M2). In other words, the setting information for cooking process 1 and the setting information for cooking process 2 are transmitted to the cooking appliance 1, respectively.

[0058] The aforementioned recipe data CD is stored in both the heating appliance 1 and the recipe database 302. The types of recipe data CDs in the recipe database and the types of recipe data CDs held by the heating appliance 1 do not need to be the same. For example, the recipe database 302 may be configured such that recipe data CDs for new linked cooking modes KM1 are added sequentially, and recipe data CDs for combined cooking menus are accumulated sequentially.

[0059] In the following explanation, the cooking menus that are initially stored (memorized) in the heating appliance 1 are referred to as "basic menus." In the KM1 cooperative cooking mode, there are a total of eight basic menus. In contrast, cooking menus for which the user obtains recipe data from the recipe data provision server 301 using the communication terminal 200 and provides the recipe data to the heating appliance 1 are called "additional menus."

[0060] When the heating appliance 1 obtains the recipe data CD for executing the collaborative cooking mode KM1 from the communication terminal 200, the data represents a single cooking menu unit selected by the user on the communication terminal 200. In other words, it represents one type of cooking unit. This applies not only to the collaborative cooking mode KM1, but also to the combined cooking mode KM2 and the standalone cooking mode KM3.

[0061] In other words, while the heating appliance 1 allows the user to select a control menu (sub-cooking mode) called "reheat" in the combined cooking mode KM2, the recipe data CD provided to the heating appliance 1 from the communication terminal 200 is not based on such control menus, but rather on the aforementioned "cooking menu" units. Therefore, while there are various control menus within the microwave heating control menu, such as "reheat," "manual microwave," "blanch leafy vegetables," "blanch root vegetables," and "defrost meat," the communication terminal 200 does not provide a recipe data CD for each of these control menus. For example, in the case of defrosting, the communication terminal 200 provides recipe data (including identification information) such as "defrost XX," which specifies the item to be heated.

[0062] As described above, the communication terminal 200 requests the recipe data server 301 to provide a recipe data CD for the desired dish, and downloads the recipe data CD1 corresponding to the desired recipe (see Figure 1).

[0063] The communication terminal 200 can transmit a recipe data CD2, which corresponds to a single recipe and is generated by the recipe data provision server 301 and obtained from the server 301, to the heating appliance 1 (see Figure 1). To utilize this recipe data acquisition function, the user of the heating appliance 1 accesses a recipe provision site (recipe data provision server 301) and installs a recipe selection application (hereinafter referred to as the "recipe selection app") on the communication terminal 200.

[0064] When the user installs the recipe selection app, they perform an initial setup operation to register the model name of the cooking appliance and other "device identification information" (described later). This registration allows the user to obtain a recipe data CD corresponding to the rated specifications of cooking appliance 1 (heating capacity of each heating means HM1 to HM3, etc.) from the recipe provision site (recipe data provision server 301).

[0065] Furthermore, the user pairs the communication terminal 200 with the cooking appliance 1 using the recipe selection app to establish direct wireless communication 202BT between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. This wireless communication 202BT may also use the Near Field Communication (NFC) method.

[0066] Figure 2 shows 202WF, which represents wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the wireless router 201. The wireless communication method 202BT between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 uses Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards. The wireless communication method 202WF between the communication terminal 200 and the wireless router 201 uses a wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark).

[0067] Although not shown in Figure 1, in this first embodiment of the heating and cooking system, the user can send a recipe data CD (corresponding to one recipe) created by the user to a recipe provision site (recipe data provision server 301) via the communication terminal 200, have it temporarily stored in the recipe DB 302, and then provide it to the heating and cooking appliance 1. In other words, even if the communication terminal 200 is located far away from the house where the heating and cooking appliance 1 is installed (for example, while away from home), the recipe data CD on the communication terminal 200 can be stored on the recipe data provision server 301, which is convenient.

[0068] Furthermore, a wireless router 201 (see Figure 2) may be used to connect the cooking appliance 1 and the cloud server 300. In the following explanation, the abbreviation "NW" will be used consistently when referring to networks such as the aforementioned internet lines.

[0069] The "device identification information" of cooking appliance 1 is unique information used to identify cooking appliance 1. Specifically, it is important information required for information communication, and includes the MAC address, manufacturer name, model name, type number, serial number, etc.

[0070] The cloud server 300 has a function to acquire information regarding the current status of the heating appliance 1, such as operation, stop, and standby status, via the network NW. The cloud server 300 is connected to the target cooking appliance 1 using the device identification information.

[0071] The cloud server 300 contains, in addition to the recipe database 302, an information provision server (not shown) that transmits useful information to the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200. The cooking appliance 1 performs a process of periodically (for example, repeatedly at 5 or 10-minute intervals) performing wireless communication with the cloud server 300, separate from wireless communication with the communication terminal 200. If the cooking appliance 1 detects or determines that there is any abnormality in the "status information" (described later) on the cooking appliance side during this periodic communication, it uses this as a trigger to notify or inquire with the cloud server 300 each time and perform a process to obtain information for maintaining proper operation. If there is no abnormality, it automatically returns to the process of repeatedly performing the periodic communication described above, and this process continues until the main power switch 20 (see Figure 5), described later, is opened. This will be explained in detail later.

[0072] The information provision server (not shown) could be, for example, a server set up by an external organization such as a local earthquake information provision agency or a power company, or a server provided by the manufacturer of the cooking appliance 1.

[0073] The cloud server 300 stores control application software that enables remote control of the heating appliance 1. The communication terminal 200, which will be described in detail later, can access the cloud server 300 and download (load) the control application software to achieve the aforementioned remote control.

[0074] In this embodiment 1, the communication terminal 200 is equipped with the function of sending and receiving signals via short-range communication while being located a few centimeters away from (or even touching) the input / output section of the cooking appliance 1. This short-range communication refers to the international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviated as NFC).

[0075] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the induction heating cooker 1. Alternatively, control data can be sent from the communication terminal 200 to the NFC storage unit of the cooking appliance 1, and the cooking appliance 1 can be controlled according to the control data.

[0076] Next, we will explain Figure 2. 400 is a kitchen unit equipped with a cooking appliance (such as a heating appliance). 400D is a water inlet installed on kitchen unit 400. Unit 201 is a wireless router capable of wireless communication with the cooking appliance 1. This wireless router 201 also serves as an access point for the internet and other networks (NW).

[0077] 260 is a monitoring device equipped with a human detection sensor that monitors whether there are any people inside the kitchen (living space) 500 (not shown), particularly within a predetermined range (e.g., within 2m) in front of the cooking appliance 1. This monitoring device 260 checks the inside of the kitchen 500 continuously or repeatedly at short intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds) and transmits a signal indicating the presence or absence of people to the cloud server 300 and the cooking appliance 1. For example, it may transmit the monitoring result signal to the wireless router 201 and provide it to the cloud server 300. When the cloud server 300 receives a start signal from the cooking appliance 1, it continuously provides monitoring signals until the cooking appliance 1 finishes operation, and when the cooking appliance 1 makes a determination as to whether specific conditions are met, the monitoring signals are used as one of the basic data for that determination.

[0078] The heating appliance 1 has an outer casing composed of a hollow, box-shaped main body 2 and a top plate 3 that covers the entire upper surface of the main body 2. An object to be heated (such as a pot made of magnetic metal) is placed on the top plate 3 and is heated by induction using the IH coil 9 (reference numerals 9C, 9L, and 9R shown in Figures 3 and 4). Specifically, the top plate 3 has heating ports 4, which include a left heating port 4L, a right heating port 4R, and a central heating port 4C.

[0079] An exhaust vent cover 5 is provided on the rear side of the top plate 3. The exhaust vent cover 5 is made of perforated metal or a lattice-shaped metal member with countless small through holes, providing good ventilation throughout and low airflow resistance. The exhaust gas released from inside the main body 2 of the cooking appliance 1 passes through the exhaust vent cover 5 and exits the cooking appliance 1.

[0080] The front of the main body 2 of the cooking appliance 1 is provided with a door (heating door) 7 that opens and closes the front opening of the heating chamber 6 (see Figure 3) located inside the main body 2. The door 7 is provided with a handle 8 for opening and closing it.

[0081] (2. Detailed configuration of the cooking appliance) Next, the specific configuration of the heating appliance 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Let me explain Figure 3. Figure 3(A) is a plan view of the cooking appliance 1. Figure 3(B) is a front view of the cooking appliance 1. In Figure 3, the kitchen furniture 400 described in Figure 2 is not shown. The heating appliance 1 is a built-in type (integrated type) induction cooktop used in kitchen furniture (kitchen furniture) 400 which has a countertop on top. The heating appliance 1 has a main body 2 and a top plate 3 installed on top of the main body 2. Top plate 3 is exposed on top of the kitchen countertop that forms the top surface of kitchen furniture 400.

[0082] The top plate 3 is composed of, for example, a heat-resistant crystallized glass plate and a metal frame attached to surround the glass plate. Three heating ports 4 are provided on the upper surface of the top plate 3: the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C.

[0083] In the following description, the term "heating section" includes both the "top heating section" described below and the heating chamber 6 described later. The reference numeral HP is used. When referring to the "top heating section," which is a type of heating section HP, it means all or part of the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C. The reference numeral UH is used. As mentioned above, if the upper surface of the top plate 3 is defined as the "first location," then the first heating means HM1 is configured to use induction heating in order to heat the object to be heated N (not shown, but such as a magnetic metal pot or frying pan) placed in this first location. The upper heating section UH is the location where the heating operation is performed by the first heating means HM1. Note that the heating means for the upper heating section UH does not need to be unified to one type of heating means (for example, induction heating), and may be multiple heating means with different heating principles. For example, an induction heating source and an electric heating source that emits radiant heat may be used in combination.

[0084] The integrated display unit 15 has individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R, each assigned to one of the three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, arranged in the same configuration as the heating ports themselves. However, "same configuration" here refers to the positional relationship in the left-right direction, and does not mean that the positional relationship including the front-to-back relationship is the same. For example, the center heating port 4C's center point is not on the straight line connecting the centers of the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R, but is slightly offset towards the rear. Even with such a configuration, it is still defined as the "same configuration" as described above.

[0085] The individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R may be referred to as the left (display) area 15L, the center (display) area 15M, and the right (display) area 15R, respectively, depending on their location. In the following explanation, a unit that can display information for two or more heating ports, or for both one heating port and the heating chamber 6, is referred to as an integrated display unit. However, instead of this integrated display unit, each heating port or heating chamber may have its own dedicated display unit.

[0086] The left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C are areas where a metal cooking container (object to be heated N), such as a pot or frying pan, is placed and heated. On the upper surface of the top plate 3, guide marks (not shown) are printed to indicate the position where the object to be heated should be placed, corresponding to the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C, respectively.

[0087] When the cooking appliance 1 is viewed from above, the IH coil 9C of the central heating port 4C is positioned directly above the center line CL (see Figure 6) in the front-to-back direction, which penetrates the left and right centers of the top plate 3. On the aforementioned center line CL, the central firepower display unit 16M, the integrated display unit 15, and the central operation unit 17 are further arranged so as to be aligned in a straight line. In Figure 3(B), 7 is a door 7 that can be opened and closed to cover the front opening of a heating chamber 6 (not shown) formed inside the main body 2. A handle 8 is provided at the upper end of this door 7. In the center of the door 7, there is a viewing window 7W that is covered with transparent heat-resistant glass and a metal shielding plate (not shown) with numerous through-holes for microwave shielding.

[0088] The integrated display unit 15 has a horizontally elongated liquid crystal display screen. The left heat level display unit 16L, the central heat level display unit 16M, and the right heat level display unit 17R each display the heat level using multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs, etc.) and do not have display screens. Further details will be explained later.

[0089] Next, Figure 4 will be explained. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 3. 19S is a metal partition plate that divides the internal space of the main body 2 into two sections, upper and lower. Above this partition plate 19S is the (first) installation space 19A for the first heating means HM1. Below the partition plate 19S is the (second) installation space 19B, which houses the heating chamber 6 and the like.

[0090] The IH coils 9 (9C, 9L, 9R) are housed in the installation space 19A at positions corresponding to (directly below) the three heating ports 4L, 4R, and 4C. In other words, a right IH coil 9R, serving as a right induction heating means, is located below the right heating port 4R, and a central IH coil 9C, serving as a central induction heating means, is located below the central heating port 4C. A left IH coil 9L, serving as a left induction heating means, is located below the left heating port 4L.

[0091] In the following description, the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R, along with their drive circuits (referring to high-frequency power supply circuits such as inverter circuits, which are not shown), will be referred to as the first heating means HM1 unless otherwise specified.

[0092] Near the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R, a group of temperature sensors 30 (see Figure 5) consisting of multiple temperature sensors (not shown) is installed to detect the temperature of the top plate 3 and the cooking container (heated object N). One of the temperature sensors 30A (not shown) that make up the group of temperature sensors is a contact-type temperature sensor such as a thermistor. Another temperature sensor 30B (not shown) is a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared sensor.

[0093] The heating chamber 6, located in the internal installation space 19B of the main unit 2, is surrounded by metal walls such as stainless steel, and is a space for heating the food to be cooked (food ingredients) contained within this heating chamber 6.

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

[0095] A horizontally elongated (rectangular) opening (not shown) is formed on the front of the heating chamber 6 for inserting and removing food to be cooked. The opening on the front of the heating chamber 6 is covered by the door 7, which can be opened and closed. The door 7 is rotatably supported by the main body 2 via hinges and arms (not shown). As a result, the door 7 is configured to open forward to a horizontal position, with its lower end as the pivot point (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, via a slide rail (not shown).

[0096] Door 7 is equipped with an open / close detection unit 10 for detecting the opening and closing of the door 7. The open / close detection unit 10 is, for example, a microswitch or an infrared sensor. Behind the heating chamber 6 is a microwave oscillator 11 for heating the food to be cooked inside the heating chamber 6. This microwave oscillator 11 is, for example, composed of a magnetron, and by irradiating microwaves into the heating chamber 6, it heats the food to be cooked placed inside the heating chamber, performing so-called microwave heating.

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

[0098] The heating chamber 6 is provided with an upper radiant heating means 12a and a lower radiant heating means 12b for heating the food to be cooked from above and below. The upper radiant heating means 12a is located on the outside or inside ceiling wall of the heating chamber 6, and the lower radiant heating means 12b is located on the inside or outside wall of the heating chamber 6; both are sheathed heaters.

[0099] The upper radiant heating means 12a and the lower radiant heating means 12b may be other types of radiant heating means besides sheath heaters. For example, mica heaters or carbon heaters may be installed on the outside of the heating chamber 6. Figure 4 shows an example in which both the upper radiant heating means 12a and the lower radiant heating means 12b are installed so as to be 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 respective 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 symbol "12" is used.

[0101] The heating chamber 6 is equipped with an infrared sensor 13 as a non-contact temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the food being cooked 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 for accurate, real-time detection of the degree of heating of the food being cooked, for example, in 1°C increments. This infrared sensor 13 also constitutes one of the sensors in the temperature sensor group 30 (see Figure 5).

[0102] The heating chamber 6 is also equipped with a contact-type temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor sensor) 14, which is an indoor temperature sensor that detects the ambient 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 it can detect is approximately 250°C. This thermistor sensor 14 also constitutes one of the sensors in the temperature sensor group 30. Note that this thermistor sensor 14 may be installed in two locations, near the bottom and near the top of the heating chamber 6, as shown in Figure 4.

[0104] Next, we will explain Figure 5. Figure 5 is a control block diagram showing the main functions of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in Figure 5, the heating appliance 1 is equipped with a control device 22 that provides integrated control of the entire heating appliance 1.

[0105] The control device 22 is an electronic circuit board on which electronic components such as control circuits that control the operation of each part of the heating cooker 1 are mounted. Based on input signals from the central operation unit 17 and the right operation unit 18, as well as the temperature of the object to be heated on the top plate 3, the control device 22 individually controls the driving conditions of the left IH coil 9L, the right IH coil 9R, and the central IH coil 9C.

[0106] The control device 22 individually controls the driving conditions of the central IH coil 9C, microwave heating means 11, upper radiant heating means 12a, and lower radiant heating means 12b based on input commands from the central operation unit 17, the temperature of the object to be heated on the top plate 3, and the detection results of the infrared sensor 13 and the thermistor sensor 14.

[0107] Furthermore, the control device 22 displays the input firepower values ​​individually in the left firepower display unit 16L, the central firepower display unit 16M, and the right firepower display unit 16R, based on the input commands from the central operation unit 17 and the right operation unit 18.

[0108] Furthermore, the control device 22 displays the open and closed status of the door 7 in the integrated display unit 15 based on the open and closed signals of the door 7 from the open / close detection unit 10.

[0109] The control device 22 has a storage device 21 that stores data such as various programs and parameters used to control the cooking appliance 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control data") and display control data displayed on the integrated display unit 15 and each heat level display unit 16L, 16M, and 16R (hereinafter referred to as "display condition data"). The control device 22 also activates the voice notification unit 49 as needed to inform the user of the operating status of the cooking appliance 1 by voice.

[0110] The control device 22 stores data in the recipe data storage unit 21A of the storage device 21, which is a compilation of various programs and parameters used for heating and cooking control by the heating control unit 23 (described later), in a specific format. This data is the recipe data CD mentioned above. As will be explained later, the heating cooker 1 comes with a recipe data CD for each of the eight cooking menus (the "basic menus" mentioned above) for the execution of the cooperative cooking mode KM1. The additional menus mentioned above can also be stored in this recipe data storage unit 21A.

[0111] The setting information corresponding to the basic menu (including setting information A and setting information B) will be referred to as "setting information X" in the following description, and the setting information corresponding to the additional menu may be referred to as "setting information Y" to distinguish them. That is, the setting information Y corresponding to the additional menu that the user can obtain from the communication terminal 200, etc., can be stored in the recipe data storage unit 21A. Therefore, if setting information Y is obtained, the number of setting information Y that can be stored in the recipe data storage unit 21A will increase accordingly. In other words, the number of cooking menus that can be performed can be increased.

[0112] The recipe data CD and the display condition data related to the aforementioned "additional menu" can be obtained by the heating appliance 1 from an external device such as a communication terminal 200, for each individual cooking menu, and for each cooking process if there are multiple cooking processes.

[0113] 23 is a heating control unit that provides integrated control of the overall heating operation of the cooking appliance 1, and is mainly composed of a microcomputer. 24 is a data acquisition unit, which can acquire the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 via the communication unit 25. In addition, the display condition data may also be acquired from the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 via the communication unit 25.

[0114] The communication unit 25 communicates wirelessly with the outside world and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has the function of performing wireless communication 330 (330BT) with the communication terminal 200. Alternatively, it has the function of performing wireless communication with the cloud server 300 via the network NW. The communication unit 25 has, as will be described later, a first communication unit 25A (not shown) and a second communication unit 25B (not shown) that correspond to at least two communication methods. The first communication unit 25A supports Bluetooth® (registered trademark) as the communication method with the communication terminal 200. The second communication unit 25B (not shown) has a function that supports the wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi® (registered trademark) as the communication method with the wireless router 201 (see Figure 2).

[0115] 26 is a permission condition determination unit, which performs a determination process to determine whether to permit cooking using the cooperative cooking mode KM1 or the combined cooking mode KM2. 27 is a power supply circuit that supplies a constant voltage of power to the control device 22. 20 is a main power switch inserted into this power supply circuit 27 and has an operation button 20A that is opened and closed by the user. Regarding the recipe data CD for the cooperative cooking mode KM1, as described later, when the first part M1 for setting cooking process 1 is received, the permission condition determination unit 26 determines whether cooking is permitted. If permission is not granted at that stage, cooking process 1 cannot be executed, and the process does not proceed to the acquisition of the second part M2 of cooking process 2.

[0116] 28 is a limiting unit that restricts the acquisition of the recipe data CD. The restriction unit 28 has a function that restricts the acquisition of the recipe data CD by the data acquisition unit 24 via the communication unit 25 during the waiting period before cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 starts (i.e., before "cooking process 1" described later).

[0117] Furthermore, the restriction unit 28 has a function that restricts the acquisition of new recipe data CDs from the communication unit 25 until the cooking process of one cooking menu is completed, based on the recipe data CD acquired from an external source. Furthermore, the limiting unit 28 may be implemented by one control program of a computer (not shown) that constitutes the control device 22, and it is not necessarily required that it be configured separately in hardware from the control device 22.

[0118] As shown in Figure 5, the right operation unit 18 has an input key 29 for selecting the voice input mode. 31 is an audio signal receiving unit that receives the voice spoken by the user with a microphone (not shown) and converts it into a predetermined audio signal during the period when the aforementioned audio input mode is selected.

[0119] On the other hand, the control device 22 is equipped with an audio signal analysis unit 32 that receives an audio signal from the audio signal receiving unit 31 and analyzes the content of the audio. The audio signal analysis unit 32 compares the content of the audio received by the audio signal receiving unit 31 with information in the audio database in the storage device 21, and transmits the analysis results to the heating control unit 23.

[0120] 33 is the input processing unit. This input processing unit 33 receives an input signal from the input key 29 of the right operation unit 18 and switches its own input acceptance mode to "voice input mode 1". It also controls the input signal analysis unit 34. Furthermore, it receives the analysis results from the voice signal analysis unit 32 and transmits control data to the heating control unit 23.

[0121] In Figure 5, 35 is a human detection sensor. This human detection sensor 35 also has a receiving unit (not shown) that emits ultrasonic or infrared signals in front of the cooking appliance 1 and receives the reflected waves. Note that there is no dedicated circuit for processing the signals received by the receiving unit; the received signals are analyzed by the control device 22 to determine whether or not a person is present. When an infrared sensor is used as the human detection sensor 35, the infrared sensor is installed facing forward of the cooking appliance 1 and detects infrared radiation emitted from heat sources within a predetermined range from the cooking appliance 1. In other words, even if the infrared sensor 35 does not emit infrared radiation, it can detect infrared radiation emitted by the user, so the control device 22 can receive the detection signal from the infrared sensor (human detection sensor) 35 and determine whether a user is within the predetermined range. Normally, the human detection determination of the human detection sensor 35 is repeated at regular intervals (for example, every 5 seconds), but in the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, this determination interval may be set to be longer during the "heating pause period" described later.

[0122] As shown by the dashed frame in Figure 5, the voice notification unit 49 and the integrated display unit 15, etc., are sometimes collectively referred to as the "notification unit," in which case the symbol 40 is used. The central heat output display unit 16M has a left heat output display unit 16L and a right heat output display unit 16R, each equipped with numerous light-emitting elements 37A (not shown) composed of LEDs or the like. Each of the light-emitting elements 37A consists of two or more light-emitting elements with different emission colors arranged in a regular pattern. Depending on the emission state of these multiple light-emitting elements, the user perceives a visual effect of changing emission colors. This will be explained in detail in Figures 9 to 12.

[0123] The input signal analysis unit 34 analyzes each input signal transmitted from the central operation unit 17 and the right operation unit 18 individually. Therefore, for example, it has a determination function to determine whether the voice input mode switching command has been received from the input key 29. When it determines that the input mode switching command has been received, it issues a switching command to switch the input mode from "touch input mode" to "voice input mode".

[0124] As will be explained in detail in Figures 6 and 7, the central control unit 17 is composed of two parts: a front control unit 17F and a rear control unit 17B. As shown in Figure 5, the input operation unit 36 ​​of this heating cooker 1 is composed of three operation units: the front operation unit 17F, the rear operation unit 17B, and the right operation unit 18. 37 is a light emission control unit, which illuminates the main power-on indicator unit 38 with red light from below during the period when the main power is on, indicating whether the power is on or not. It also controls the light emission in the thermal power indicator unit 16 (16L, 16M, 16R) and the central operation unit 17.

[0125] 39 is a timing circuit that measures the elapsed time from the start of cooking and has the function of notifying the measurement result in one-second increments. This timing circuit may be implemented by the software of a microcomputer that constitutes part of the control device 22, and does not have to be a dedicated clock circuit configured separately on hardware.

[0126] Next, we will explain Figure 6. Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit 17 (rear control unit 17B, front control unit 17F), and the right control unit 18 of the cooking appliance 1. When the cooking appliance 1 is viewed from above, the center of the IH coil 9C of the central heating port 4C is located directly above the center line CL in the front-to-back direction that penetrates the left and right centers of the top plate 3. The IH coil 9C of the central heating port 4C, the central heat level indicator 16M, the integrated display unit 15, and the central operation unit 17 are arranged directly above the center line CL so as to be aligned in a straight line (in the front-to-back direction). A central operating unit 17M is positioned directly above the aforementioned center line CL, with a left operating unit 17L and a right operating unit 17R positioned to the left and right of the central operating unit 17M.

[0127] A right-hand firepower display unit 16R is positioned near the right side of the integrated display unit 15. The right control unit 18 is positioned slightly to the right of the front control unit 17F, along a left-right reference line (straight line) BL that crosses the front edge of the front control unit 17F horizontally. The rightmost end of the right control panel 18 is where the operation button 20A for the main power switch 20 is located, and the input key 29 is located near its left side.

[0128] The integrated display unit 15 is a single liquid crystal display in hardware terms, but as shown in Figure 6, it has three display areas: a first display area 15L on the left, a second display area 15M in the center, and a third display area 15R on the right, and can display different information in each of these display areas.

[0129] Furthermore, the three display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R can be appropriately coordinated depending on the display situation to form a single (larger area) display area, which may display one or more purposes. In the following explanation, the first display area 15L will be referred to as the first area (left area) 15L. The second display area 15M will be referred to as the second area (center area) 15M. The third display area 15R will be referred to as the third area (right area) 15R.

[0130] The first to third areas 15L, 15M, and 15R are basically displayed so that their effective display area is the same, as shown in Figure 6. In other words, the width dimension W1 of the first area 15L, the width dimension W2 of the second area 15M, and the width dimension W3 of the third area 15R are all the same. In this embodiment 1, the first to third areas 15L, 15M, and 15R are shown as being divided by a boundary line 15S, but such a boundary line 15S does not need to be displayed on the actual display screen. In other words, the user does not need to be able to precisely see the individual (planar) extents of the first to third areas 15L, 15M, and 15R.

[0131] The aforementioned first area 15L primarily displays various control information and sub-cooking modes for cooking performed using the left heating port 4L. Similarly, the third area 15R displays various control information and sub-cooking modes, etc., primarily for cooking performed using the right heating port 4R. The second area 15M basically displays various control information and sub-cooking mode information for cooking performed in the central heating port 4C and cooking performed in the heating chamber 6. However, in this second area 15M, information for cooking performed in the central heating port 4C and cooking performed in the heating chamber 6 are not displayed simultaneously. The heating means of the heating chamber 6 (second heating means HM2, etc.) and the IH coil 9C, which is the heating means of the central heating port 4C, are integrally controlled by the control device 22 so that they are used exclusively.

[0132] The left control panel 17L for cooking using the left heating port 4L includes a left on / off switch 41L for starting and stopping heating by the left IH coil 9L, and a pair of left shared switches 42L that allow setting control conditions for the left IH coil 9L (such as heat output and heating time during cooking) and selecting a sub-cooking mode.

[0133] The right control panel 17R for cooking using the right heating port 4R includes a right on / off switch 41R for starting and stopping heating by the right IH coil 9R, and a pair of right shared switches 42R that allow setting control conditions for the right IH coil 9R (such as heat output and heating time during cooking) and selecting a sub-cooking mode.

[0134] The central control unit 17M, which is shared for cooking performed in the heating chamber 6 and the central heating port 4C, includes a central on / off switch 41M for starting and stopping heating by the central coil 9C, and a pair of central shared switches 42M on the left and right, which allow setting control conditions for the central IH coil 9C (such as heat output and heating time during cooking) and selecting a sub-cooking mode. The central shared switch 42M can set the control conditions (such as the heat output and heating time during cooking) for the heating means (second heating means HM2 and third heating means HM3) of the heating chamber 6.

[0135] The left-on switch 41L, the center-on switch 41M, and the right-on switch 41R will be referred to as the left-on key 41L, the center-on key 41M, and the right-on key 41R in the following description. Furthermore, these three components—the left-in key 41L, the center-in key 41M, and the right-in key 41R—are sometimes collectively referred to as the "selection section." In this case, the reference numeral SK is used.

[0136] Furthermore, the left shared switch 42L, the center shared switch 42M, and the right shared switch 42R will be referred to as the left shared key 42L, the center shared key 42M, and the right shared key 42R in the following description. Furthermore, in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode, when selecting a single cooking menu, the left shared key (42L) may be called the "left selection key" (42L), the center shared key (42M) may be called the "center selection key" (42M), and the right shared key (42R) may be called the "right selection key" (42R).

[0137] As shown in Figure 6, the left on / off key 41L and the left shared key 42L, which constitute the left operating section 17L, are positioned in a near-front position within the width dimension W1 of the first area 15L, so as to clarify their correspondence with the left IH coil 9L, which is the target of the operation input.

[0138] Similarly, the right on / off key 41R and the right shared key 42R, which constitute the right operating section 17R, are positioned within the width dimension W3 of the third area 15R and in a near-front position of the third area 15R, so as to clarify their correspondence with the right IH coil 9R, which is the target of the operation input.

[0139] Furthermore, the central cut-off key 41M and the central shared key 42M, which constitute the central operating unit 17M, are positioned near the front of the second area 15M within the width dimension W2 of the second area 15M, so as to clarify the correspondence with the central IH coil 9C and the heating chamber 6, which are the targets of the operation input.

[0140] The aforementioned right-hand control unit 18 is equipped with various switches (input keys) for manual operation. 43 is a timer switch corresponding to the "timer operation unit," which can automatically stop the heating of any of the first to third heating means HM1 to HM3 after a desired time has elapsed as set by the user. For example, the heating of the heating chamber 6 can be automatically stopped after a set time has elapsed. 44 is a setting key (sometimes referred to as the "time input unit") for changing the set time of the timer switch 43. It has two setting keys, one that can increase the set time in response to a press or touch operation, and the other that can decrease the set time in response to a press or touch operation, and these are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right.

[0141] 45 is a function setting key (multi-function input switch) for configuring various functions. For example, it allows the user to set various operations and displays of the entire cooking appliance 1 according to their preferences. Note that when using the timer function (such as the off-timer function) described later, this function setting key may also be called the "start key". When the function setting key 45 is pressed, the control device 22 switches to "function setting mode," and the following "function setting menu" is displayed on the display screen of the integrated display unit 15. (1) Child lock setting (disables operation of various input keys). (2) Setting the ventilation system's interlocking mode (the ventilation system operates in conjunction with the operation of the cooking appliance 1). (3) Cleaning guide setting (automatic notification function for when to clean the heating chamber 6 and exhaust cover 5). (4) Peak cut setting (select one of four levels for maximum power consumption: 5700W, 5000W, 4800W, and 4000W). (5) Audio settings for the audio guide. (6) Audio guide volume settings. (7) Settings to prevent forgetting to remove food being cooked, cooking utensils, etc. from the heating chamber 6 (whether or not an alarm is required in the voice notification unit 49 and the integrated display unit 15). (8) HEMS registration settings (settings related to the power usage limiting function by the household power control device). (9) Time setting for timer cooking (change from 1-minute increments to 5-minute or 30-minute increments, etc.). (10) Switch between beginner mode and normal (expert) mode. (11) Setting the display priority (specific cooking menus that should be displayed by default) for each cooking menu (for example, "hamburg steak") in the KM1 collaborative cooking mode. (12) Setting the display priority (specific control menus that should be displayed by default) for each control menu of the combined cooking mode KM2 (for example, "Range Grill" and "Pre-boil Leafy Vegetables"). (13) After the main power switch 20 is turned "ON", the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened, and the cooking mode setting is automatically displayed on the integrated display unit 15 (such as the display priority between the two modes, linked cooking mode KM1 and combined cooking mode KM2). (14) Setting of "External Notification Mode" to notify an external party of the set time when using the timer function (off timer function)

[0142] FG indicates the user's fingertip. As shown in Figure 6, if a user wants to use the right heating port 4R, for example, they can perform input operations within the range of the right control unit 17R. Furthermore, the control conditions for cooking with the right heating port 4R, the input results for sub-cooking modes, and the progress of heating can be known in real time, basically through the information displayed in the third area 15R.

[0143] The six shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R (three pairs of one) and the three pairs of on / off keys 41L, 41M, and 41R mentioned above may be push-button type input keys (switches), or they may be composed of touch-type keys such as capacitive keys that can be input by utilizing the change in capacitance when the user lightly touches them with their fingertip FG.

[0144] In Figure 6, 70 is a linked cooking mode selection switch (key) located on the right control unit 18. Pressing it once selects linked cooking mode KM1. In the following description, this will simply be referred to as the "selection key" 70. When this selection key is pressed, the linked cooking mode cooking menu ("linked cooking menu") stored in the memory device 41 is recalled, and this linked cooking menu is displayed in the central area 15M, for example, in a manner where the display changes sequentially one by one according to a certain rule. The types of linked cooking menus and their cooking processes are explained in Figure 27.

[0145] Next, we will explain Figure 7. Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of the integrated display unit 15 and the central control unit 17 (rear control unit 17B and front control unit 17F). A rear control unit 17B is located in front of the integrated display unit 15, and a front control unit 17F is located adjacent to and further forward of the rear control unit 17B.

[0146] The integrated display unit 15 displays information about the entire heating appliance 1 and alarm information, and is composed of a liquid crystal display. As shown in Figure 7, in the display screen of the integrated display unit 15, the first area 15L displays the induction heating power value set by the user in nine stages from 1 to 9 when using the left heating port 4L with the induction heating means (first heating means) HM1. 48 is the power display unit. This is the part that displays the power value itself and the magnitude of the power level. 63 is a remaining time display unit that shows the "remaining time" of the heating time set by the user. In Figure 7, it can be seen that the heating power is at level 7 (for example, 2500W) and the remaining time is 7 minutes.

[0147] As shown in Figure 7, the second area 15M of the integrated display unit 15 can display identification information 46 for sub-cooking modes using at least one of the microwave heating means (second heating means) HM2 and the radiant heat heating means (third heating means) HM3. This identification information may be referred to as "identification information B". Furthermore, the second area 15M can also display information on cooking using the central IH coil 9C, which corresponds to the central heating port 4C of the first heating means HM1. 47 is a heating source display unit that indicates cooking using the central IH coil 9C (single cooking mode KM3).

[0148] 46 is identification information (identification information B) for sub-cooking modes, which is displayed one by one in a predetermined position, i.e., in the center in the front-to-back direction, within the first area 15L, second area 15M, and third area 15R. In Figure 7, identification information 46, such as the name, abbreviation, and symbols, is displayed to identify the sub-cooking mode called "whole grilling," which is a type of cooking using the heating chamber 6. However, as shown in the right area 15R in Figure 7, if the start of cooking for one sub-cooking mode called "deep-frying" is determined by the right-click key 41R, the display position of the identification information 46 changes to the rear.

[0149] After selecting one sub-cooking mode, only the selected identification information 46 will be displayed in one display area (for example, area 15L), and it will no longer be displayed simultaneously with the identification information 46A described later (the display of identification information 46A will disappear).

[0150] In the three areas 15L, 15M, and 15R, a cancellation indicator 46C may also be displayed to cancel the selection of a heating means (first heating means HM1 to third heating means HM3). The sub-cooking mode and heating means identified by the information displayed in the position where the heating source indicator 47 displays "Central IH," that is, in the center of the second area 15M in the front-to-back direction, are selected. In other words, in the state shown in Figure 7, it can be seen that the heating cooking using the central IH coil 9C is selected.

[0151] As shown in Figure 7, the third area 15R of the integrated display unit 15 can display information about cooking using the right IH coil 9R, which corresponds to the right heating port 4R of the first heating means HM1. 46A is unique identification information, such as a name, abbreviation, or symbol, used to identify the next candidate sub-cooking mode (belonging to the single-cooking mode KM3) using the right IH coil 9R. In the example in Figure 7, the identification information 46A indicating the candidate sub-cooking mode is "deep-frying". When the identification information 46A for the sub-cooking mode is displayed in the center of the three areas 15L, 15M, and 15R in the front-to-back direction, it is renamed the sub-cooking mode display unit 46.

[0152] As can be seen from the above explanation, the identification information 46 (identification information B) is displayed once in the center of each of the right area 15R, left area 15L, and central area 15M. Then, when one identification information 46 is displayed in the center of the front-to-back direction of the three areas 15L, 15M, and 15R by inputting using the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R, the cooking mode of that identification information 46 can be determined as the cooking mode to be executed. This determination is made using the three on / off keys 41L, 41M, and 41R.

[0153] 50 is the set temperature display unit. One example of this set temperature display unit 50 is that it shows the target heating temperature for the preheating process set by the user. In Figure 7, it can be seen that the temperature is set to 180°C for "deep frying". Preheating is complete when the bottom surface of the object to be heated, such as a frying pan or tempura pot, reaches 180°C.

[0154] The rear control unit 17B, mentioned above, is equipped with six left-hand shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R (three pairs of one key each). One pair of left-hand shared keys 42L, corresponding to the first area 15L, is used to set control conditions (such as heat output, temperature, and heating time). For example, each time you press the left-hand shared key 42L on the right, the set heat level increases by one level. Conversely, each time you press the left-hand shared key 42L on the left, the set heat level decreases by one level. In other words, since these two left-hand shared keys 42L are up / down keys, parameters such as the heat level, heating time, and temperature displayed in the first area 15L can be displayed in a specific order in the first area 15L. In addition, multiple sub-cooking modes (explained in detail in Figure 17) can also be displayed one by one in a specific order in the center of the first area 15L in the front-to-back direction.

[0155] The central shared key 42M (left and right) corresponding to the second area 15M, and the right shared key 42R (left and right) corresponding to the third area 15R, are up and down keys, similar to the left shared key 42L. Therefore, they are used to set control conditions (heat level, temperature, heating time, etc.) and also to select the sub-cooking mode. The three sets of on / off keys 41L, 41M, and 41R mentioned above are located near the front of the left operating section 17L, the central operating section 17M, and the right operating section 17R, respectively.

[0156] The three sets of on / off keys 41L, 41M, and 41R mentioned above are equipped with light-emitting elements (not shown), such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), below each key 41L, 41M, and 41R, so that the state in which each heating means is selected (ON state) and the state in which each heating means is not selected (OFF state) can be identified by looking at the keys 41L, 41M, and 41R themselves. The light-emitting operation of these light-emitting elements is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 described in Figure 5.

[0157] Furthermore, for the three sets of shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R mentioned above, a light-emitting element (not shown) may be placed below each of these shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R so that the user can visually recognize whether the input function is enabled or disabled, and the light-emitting operation may be controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37.

[0158] Next, we will explain Figure 8. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the input operation steps of the central control unit 17. For the sake of simplicity, in Figure 8, the integrated display unit 15 is explained in two cases: the first area 15L and the third area 15R. When the main power switch 20 is first turned ON, the control device 22 activates the integrated display unit 15. In the first step S1, the basic procedure is to display the "standby initial screen" which does not display any specific cooking modes. However, in Figure 8, for the sake of explanation, the first area 15L and the third area 15R are shown as an example where the identification information 46 for the "keep warm" sub-cooking mode, which is designated as the default display for one sub-cooking mode, is shown.

[0159] In the next step, S2, if the user intends to use the right heating port 4R, the "Keep Warm" sub-cooking mode displayed in the third area 15R corresponding to the right heating port 4R can be changed using the right shared key 42R. The right heating port 4R has four sub-cooking modes, as explained in Figure 17. Pressing the right shared key 42R on the left side changes the sub-cooking mode to "Heating," which is defined after "Keep Warm." Step S3 is the state in which the display content of the third area 15R has been changed in this way.

[0160] Next, as in step S3, if the right on / off key 41R is pressed (step S4) while the identification information 46 for the sub-cooking mode "heating" is displayed in the center of the third area 15R, the use of the right heating port 4R is confirmed, and the selection of the specific cooking mode corresponding to the identification information 46 is also confirmed. Then, the start of the heating operation is confirmed. In this case, the heating operation is induction heating, and induction heating starts at a predetermined default power level, for example, power level 6 (for example, 2000W). During a certain period of time after the start of the heating operation, the heat level can be changed, so the user can increase or decrease the default heat level by pressing the right shared key 42R (step S6).

[0161] Next, we will explain Figure 9. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right firepower display unit 16R. Figure 9 shows the state immediately after the heating operation is started at step S5 in Figure 8.

[0162] In Figure 9, 53R is a change mark indicating that the control conditions can be changed, and it may also be displayed in the first area 15L and the second area 15M, in which case the symbols 53L and 53M are used. Figure 9 shows that the induction heating level at the right heating port 4R is at "level 6" (out of 9 levels). When the change mark 53R is displayed in this state, as shown in Figure 9, pressing the right-hand shared key 42R of the pair of right-hand shared keys 42R will change the level to 7, one level higher. Conversely, pressing the left-hand shared key 42R once will change the level to 5, one level lower. Pressing it twice will increase or decrease the level by two levels.

[0163] The three heat output indicator units 16L, 16M, and 16R are configured to display heat output using light-emitting elements 16RE, such as LEDs, arranged in a single row. As shown in Figure 9, the right-hand flame level indicator 16R displays the flame level in nine stages based on the presence or absence of light emission and the color of light emission from at least nine sets (18) of light-emitting elements 16RE. For example, each light-emitting element consists of two LEDs arranged in pairs: one blue-emitting LED and one red-emitting LED. A total of nine such pairs are arranged. Therefore, for example, power level 6 is indicated by a light-emitting area 55 formed by six red light-emitting elements 16RE and a light-emitting area 56 formed by a group (assembly) of three blue light-emitting elements 16RE. From the user's perspective, the six red light-emitting elements lined up make it easy to recognize that it is power level 6. The light-emitting operation of the light-emitting elements 16RE is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37.

[0164] Furthermore, the left flame level indicator 16L displays the flame level in nine stages based on the presence or absence of light emission from nine sets (18 light-emitting elements 16LE (not shown)) that emit two colors (red and blue), and the color of the emitted light. Furthermore, the central heating power display unit 16M displays the heating power in five stages (five heating power stages: up to 1500W) based on the presence or absence of light emission from five sets of linearly arranged light-emitting elements 16ME (five sets of five red light-emitting elements and five sets of five blue light-emitting elements) (see Figures 18 and 19), and the color of their emission. The light emission operation of the light-emitting elements 16ME and 16LE (not shown) is controlled by the light emission control unit 37.

[0165] Next, we will explain Figure 10. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right firepower display unit 16R. Figure 10(A) shows the state immediately after the heating operation shown in Figure 9 has started, and Figure 10(B) shows the state immediately after the heating operation has stopped.

[0166] As shown in Figure 10(A), induction heating is being performed at the right heating port 4R at heat level 6, and the right heat level indicator 16R displays "Heat level 6". At this stage, pressing the right on key 41R stops the drive to the right IH coil 9R, and the induction heating operation immediately stops. Then, in the third area 15R, if the temperature of the top plate 3 is high, for example, 50°C or higher, a high temperature warning information 54 is displayed. This warning display will continue until the temperature drops below 50°C.

[0167] Next, we will explain Figure 11. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right firepower display unit 16R. As shown in Figure 11(A), the case where the identification information (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46 for "heating" as a sub-cooking mode is selected using the right shared key 42R, and then the left right shared key 42R is pressed without pressing the right on key 41R as explained in step S4 of Figure 8, will be described below. In this case, as shown in Figure 11(B), the third area 15R displays the identification information for "deep-frying" (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46 instead of the identification information for "heating" (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46. The right-hand heat level indicator 16R does not display the heat level yet because the heating operation has not yet started. The group (assembly) of nine blue-emitting light-emitting elements 16RE forms a light-emitting area 56 that indicates that the unit is in a "standby state" waiting for a heating start command.

[0168] Next, we will explain Figure 12. Figure 12 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the changes in the display operation of the right flame intensity display unit 16R. The display operation of the left flame intensity display unit 16L is the same. The right-hand heat output display unit 16R and the left-hand heat output display unit 16L can display the heat output in up to nine stages, and as shown in Figure 12, they can also display the progress of the preheating process in stages. Below, we will explain the display operation of the progress of the preheating process, focusing specifically on the right-hand heat output display unit 16R.

[0169] As shown in Figure 12, the progress of the preheating process can be displayed in five stages, from preheating stage 1 to preheating completion. The control device 22 detects the temperature rise of the object being heated and determines that the process is in one of the stages from preheating stage 1 to preheating completion based on that temperature rise.

[0170] When the preheating process begins, the progress of the preheating process is indicated on the right heat level indicator unit 16R by the illumination of the light-emitting element 16RE, as shown in Figure 12. The heat level of the IH coil 9R of the right heating port 4R is not displayed here. The heat level during preheating is automatically determined by the heating control unit 23.

[0171] As shown in Figure 12, in preheating stage 1, the progress of preheating is displayed by an illumination area 55 from a single red-emitting light-emitting element 16RE and an illumination area 56 from a group of three blue-emitting light-emitting elements 16RE. In preheating stage 2, one light-emitting element 16RE emits red light, and one adjacent light-emitting element emits blue light, causing the purple light-emitting region 57 to appear for the first time. This purple light-emitting area 57 gradually increases horizontally to the right as the preheating progresses through preheating stages 3 and 4. At the preheating completion stage, only the purple light-emitting area 57 appears as a long, horizontal band, indicating the completion of the preheating process. As described above, the user can understand the progress of the preheating process by observing the changes and size of the purple light-emitting area 57.

[0172] Next, we will explain Figure 13. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram 4 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right firepower display unit 16R. From the state shown in Figure 11(B) where "Deep Frying" is selected as the sub-cooking mode, operating the right-click key 41R will proceed to the stage shown in Figure 13 where the heating operation begins. The set temperature for deep frying is 180°C, and the heating operation begins at this temperature. The right-hand flame indicator unit 16R displays a red display area 55 and a blue display area 56. 50 is the set temperature display unit explained in Figure 7. In Figure 13, it shows that the set temperature is 180°C.

[0173] Next, we will explain Figure 14. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram 5 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right firepower display unit 16R. When "Deep Frying" is selected as the sub-cooking mode and the heating operation has started, as shown in Figure 13, operating one of the pair of right-hand shared keys 42R (the right one) changes the setting temperature from "180°C" to "190°C," as shown in Figure 14. In this way, the setting temperature for deep frying can be set in 10°C increments within a certain range (for example, between 140°C and 200°C) after the heating operation has started. The temperature can be changed by 10°C each time one of the pair of right-hand shared keys 42R is operated. Even in this case, the right-hand flame indicator unit 16R remains unchanged from the state shown in Figure 13, and the red display area 55 and the blue display area 56 remain displayed.

[0174] Next, we will explain Figure 15. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram 6 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right firepower display unit 16R. Figure 15 shows a scenario where the right heating port 4R is selected first, and then the sub-cooking mode is selected. In the third area 15R, even if one sub-cooking mode, "Heating," is displayed as in step S3 of Figure 8, pressing the left-side right shared key 42R once will change it to "Keep Warm." In other words, as shown in Figure 15, the third area 15R displays the identification information for "Keep Warm" (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46 instead of the identification information for "Heating" (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46. In this case, the display content of the right heat level display unit 16R remains unchanged from the state shown in Figure 11, and only the blue display area 56 is displayed. Therefore, it is not possible to check the heat level using this right heat level display unit 16R, nor is it necessary. When the sub-cooking mode is "Keep Warm," the right IH coil 9R is automatically set to a maximum heat level of, for example, 150W.

[0175] Next, we will explain Figure 16. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram 7 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right firepower display unit 16R. When the sub-cooking mode shown in Fig. 15 is in the "warming" state and the right common key 42R on the right side is pressed once, as shown in Fig. 16, it can be changed to an input screen where "cancel" can be selected. That is, as shown in Fig. 16, in the third area 15R, instead of the identification information (sub-cooking mode display section) 46 of the "warming", a cancellation display section 46C that displays canceling all the settings of the sub-cooking modes is displayed. In this case, the display content of the right heating power display section 16R returns to the state before startup without both the red display area 55 and the blue display area 56.

[0176] Next, Fig. 17 will be described. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of sub-cooking modes that can be selected by the central operation section 15. In the first area 15L and the third area 15R, as shown in this Fig. 17, four pieces of identification information (sub-cooking mode display sections) 46 and a cancellation display section 46C are sequentially displayed in the forward and reverse order. When the right common key 42R on the right side among the pair of the right common keys 42R is pressed, the sub-cooking modes can be sequentially selected in the forward direction R1 of this Fig. 17. Conversely, when the left common key 42R among the right common keys 42R is pressed, the sub-cooking modes can be sequentially selected in the reverse direction R2 of this Fig. 17. That is, when the left common key 42R among the right common keys 42R is pressed, each time it is pressed once, the sub-cooking mode changes from "warming" to "heating", further changes to "fried food" and "grilled food", and when it is pressed one more time, the cancellation display section 46C is displayed (see Fig. 16).

[0177] Next, Fig. 18 will be described. Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display section 15 and the central operation section (rear operation section · front operation section) 17 when the central heating port 4C is used. Fig. 18(A) is an example in which the identification information (sub-cooking mode display section) 46 of "shape roasting" is displayed at the center in the front-rear direction of the second area 15M as a sub-cooking mode using the heating chamber 6. Fig. 18(B) is an example in which the heating source display section 47 showing the cooking (single cooking mode KM3) using the central IH coil 9C is displayed at the center in the front-rear direction of the second area 15M.

[0178] In the state shown in Figure 18(A), if the right-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the identification information (sub-cooking mode display) 46 for "whole grilling" in Figure 18(A) is changed to the display on the heating source display 47 which allows selection of the central heating port 4C. Conversely, if the left-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the identification information (sub-cooking mode display) 46 for "fillet" using the heating chamber 6 can be displayed in the center of the second area 15M.

[0179] In the state shown in Figure 18(B), if the right-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the display in the second area 15M in Figure 18(B) can be changed to the display content where the heating source display unit 47 displays "Central IH" in the center. In other words, the state can be changed to one where the central IH coil 9C can be selected. Conversely, if the left-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the display position of the heating source display unit 47 in Figure 18(B) will display the identification information (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46 for "whole grilling" using the heating chamber 6.

[0180] At the same time that the "Central IH" heating source display unit 47 is displayed in the center of the second area 15M, the blue light-emitting element 16ME (one of five sets of five red light-emitting elements and one of five blue light-emitting elements) on the central heat output display unit 16M illuminates, indicating that the central heating port 4C is ready to begin heating. However, at the point when the blue light-emitting element 16ME illuminates in this manner, the central IH coil 9C has not yet started actual induction heating.

[0181] Next, we will explain Figure 19. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operation state of the integrated display unit 15 and the central heat level display unit 16M when the central heating port 4C is used, and shows the case when the heating operation is started with the display state shown in Figure 18(B).

[0182] With the display in Figure 18(B), pressing the central on / off switch 41M as shown in Figure 19 confirms the start of heating operation by the central IH coil 9C. Then, in the second area 15M, the heat output, which is one of the control conditions, is initially displayed with the default setting. Here, the default setting is, for example, "heat output 2," which is set to 500W and induction heating starts. The induction heating operation starts with the heat output displayed in the heat output display unit 48 in this way. In the central heating display unit 16, the illumination of two light-emitting elements 16ME displays a red display area 55, and the illumination of three light-emitting elements 16ME displays a blue display area 56. This allows the user to clearly recognize that the red display area 55 indicates the "heat level 2" setting.

[0183] Next, we will explain Figure 20. Figure 20(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, in the display state shown in Figure 18(B). It shows the display state and input operation state of the integrated display unit 15 and the central heat output display unit 16M. As shown in Figure 20(A), the heating source indicator 47 that was displayed in the center of the second area 15M is replaced by identification information (sub-cooking mode indicator) 46 for "whole grilling" using the heating chamber 6.

[0184] If, in the display state shown in Figure 20(A), the left-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed one more time, the state changes to that shown in Figure 20(B). That is, as shown in Figure 20(B), the identification information for "whole grilled" (sub-cooking mode display) 46, which was displayed in the center of the second area 15M, moves to the rear position, and the identification information for "fillet" 46 is displayed in the center of the second area 15M. Cooking using heating chamber 6, as shown in Figures 20(A) and 20(B), cannot be selected simultaneously with cooking using the central heating port 4C. In other words, cooking using heating chamber 6 and cooking using the central heating port 4C are mutually exclusive, and only one of them can be selected.

[0185] Next, we will explain Figure 21. Figure 21(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the input operations for starting the heating operation in the sub-cooking mode using the heating chamber 6. Specifically, it is a schematic diagram showing the changes in the display operation of the auxiliary display unit 60 that appear at appropriate timings within the second area 15M. The auxiliary display unit 60 displays the level of heat output, the set temperature, and other information after the heating operation has started. As shown in Figure 21(A), the magnitude of the heat output in the heating chamber 6 is displayed in the form of a five-level bar graph. As the position of the red display section 61 moves to the right, it indicates that the heat output value increases sequentially from heat output 1 to heat output 5. Note that the heat output referred to here is the driving conditions of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b. In other words, it refers to the heating capacity of the third heating means HM3 and does not display the microwave output of the microwave heating means 11 (second heating means HM2). Furthermore, the higher or lower the set temperature is, the further to the right the position of the red display unit 61 is displayed, the higher the temperature is set to.

[0186] Figure 21(B) shows the start of cooking "fillet" as a sub-cooking mode using heating chamber 6. In the state shown in Figure 20(B), pressing the central on / off switch 41M as shown in Figure 21(B) activates the heating operation by the third heating means HM3 of the heating chamber 6. Then, in the display for the second area 15M, as shown in Figure 21(B), the sub-cooking mode display unit 46 is displayed at the rear to indicate the identification information (sub-cooking mode) for "fillet". 53M is a change mark similar to the change mark 53R (see Figure 13), and indicates that the control conditions can be changed with respect to cooking in the second area 15M.

[0187] As shown in Figure 21(B), 62 is heating intensity information that indicates the heating conditions of a sub-cooking mode using specific terminology once the cooking of that sub-cooking mode has been confirmed. In the identification information (sub-cooking mode) for "fillet" shown in Figure 21(B), there are, for example, five types of heating intensity information, and the indications used from weakest to strongest are "weak," "slightly weak," "standard," "slightly strong," and "strong." Note that there may be other types of heating intensity information, for example, three or six or more types. For example, in the case of three types of heating intensity, the indications used may be, for example, "weak," "standard," and "strong."

[0188] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the input operation of the heat for one sub-cooking mode (sliced ​​fish) using the heating chamber 6. In the state shown in Figure 21(B), the heating intensity is at the "standard" level, so it is still possible to increase or decrease the heating intensity. Therefore, the change mark 53M was displayed on both the left and right sides of the heating intensity information 62. Figure 22 shows an example where the user increases the heating intensity from the "standard" setting in Figure 21(B). By pressing the right-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M as shown in Figure 22, the heating intensity information 62 can be changed from "standard" to "stronger". In the state shown in Figure 22, it is impossible to further increase the heating intensity, so the deformation mark 53M is displayed only to the left of the heating intensity information 62.

[0189] Figure 23 will be explained. In the "fillet" sub-cooking mode shown in Figure 20(B), pressing the right-hand central shared key 42M once will change the setting from "fillet" to "grill". Pressing the right-hand central shared key 42M once further will change the setting from "grill" to "oven". In the state shown in Figure 23(A), pressing the central on / off switch 41M will activate the oven heating sub-cooking mode using the third heating means HM3 of the heating chamber 6. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(B), for the display of the second area 15M, the heating source display unit 47 is displayed at the rear position to indicate the sub-cooking mode "oven".

[0190] 50 is a set temperature display unit. One example of this set temperature display unit 50 indicates that the target heating temperature of the oven preheating process set by the user is "180°C". That is, in the state of FIG. 23(B), it can be seen that it is in the state of performing "oven" at 180°C. The heating chamber 6 is heated all at once by the third heating control means HM3 by the heating control unit 23 (see FIG. 5) and the temperature sensor group 30 until the ambient temperature inside the heating chamber 6 reaches 180°C. And when it reaches 180°C, the preheating is completed. Note that when the preheating is completed, it is notified by the voice notification unit 49 of the notification means 40 and the integrated display unit 15. And in order to maintain the set temperature (for example, 180°C), the energization of the third heating control means HM3 is automatically controlled by the heating control unit 23 for a certain period of time.

[0191] Description will be given of FIG. 24 In the state of the sub-cooking mode shown in FIG. 24(B), if the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed once, the set temperature (180°C) described above can be lowered. Each time the central shared key 42M is pressed once, the temperature can be lowered by 10°C. FIG. 24(A) shows the scene changed to 170°C in this way. Note that in any state of FIG. 23(B) and FIG. 24, the change mark 53M is displayed on both the left and right sides of the set temperature display unit 50, so it is possible to increase or conversely decrease the set temperature.

[0192] Description will be given of FIG. 25 FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the whole types of sub-cooking modes using the heating chamber 6 that can be selected by the central operation unit 17 of the cooking heater 1. As is clear from Figure 25, there are a total of five sub-cooking modes: "Central IH," "Whole Grill," "Fillet," "Grill," and "Oven." The sub-cooking mode display unit 46 is displayed in the second area 15M so that these five sub-cooking modes can be identified. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, one cancel indicator 46C, the sub-cooking mode indicator 46, and the heating source indicator 47 are sequentially displayed within the range of the second area 15M in the order of forward direction R1 and reverse direction R2.

[0193] Next, we will explain Figure 26. Figure 26 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking appliance 1 when it is started up. As explained in Figure 8, if you first press and hold the operation button (key) 20A of the main power switch 20 located at the right end of the right operation unit 18 (for a certain period of time or longer), the main power switch 20 will close and commercial power will be applied to the power supply circuit 27. Note that if the power supply circuit 27 is ON, pressing and holding the operation button 20A again for, for example, a few seconds will turn the power supply circuit 27 OFF.

[0194] The operation shown in Figure 26 is defined in the basic operation program of the control device 22. First, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (ST1), commercial power is applied to the power supply circuit 27. In the next step, ST2, the heating control unit 23 determines whether or not there is an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as "initial self-check"). Also, if the system is configured to send startup information from the cooking appliance 1 to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 at this stage ST2, the communication unit 25 wirelessly transmits the startup information (operating status data) at this stage. If an abnormality is found as a result of the initial self-check, information about the abnormality detection may be included in the startup information and transmitted externally.

[0195] In the next step, ST3, if the initial self-check is successful and no abnormalities are found, the integrated display unit 15 is activated. In the integrated display unit 15, all display screens from the first area 15L to the third area 15R are activated simultaneously, and these display screens from the first area 15L to the third area 15R become the "standby initial screen." The standby initial screen refers to a guidance screen that displays information such as "cooking can be started" and "precautions for use." This information may be displayed individually in the first area 15L to the third area 15R, or the three display areas may be combined into one larger display area where the precautions and other information are displayed. At this stage, the heating control unit 23 also checks whether it has received a setting command from the input operation unit 36 ​​regarding the upper limit of the total power consumption of the heating cooker 1.

[0196] In step ST3, the voice notification unit 22 also provides notification and voice guidance to encourage the selection of a heating method. In the next step, ST4, the integrated display unit 15 displays information prompting the user to perform input operations. Specifically, it displays information requesting the selection of the heating method to be used and the selection of a sub-cooking mode (hereinafter referred to as "initial input recommendation information"). In the step following the display of the initial input recommendation information, as shown in Figure 8, the sub-cooking mode display unit 46 indicating "Keep Warm" may be displayed as the default display for the sub-cooking mode in all of the first area 15L to the third area 15R. Alternatively, the heating source display unit 47 indicating "Central IH" may be displayed in the second area 15M.

[0197] Next, the system checks whether the three pairs of input keys located on the rear control unit 17B have been operated. That is, it determines whether any of the left shared key 42L, the center shared key 42M, or the right shared key 42R has been operated (ST5). For example, as explained in step S2 in Figure 8, if the right shared key 42R has been operated, step ST5 becomes "Yes" and the system proceeds to step ST6.

[0198] Step ST5 checks the most recent input operation. For example, it determines whether the left shared key 42L or the center shared key 42M was operated before the right shared key 42R was pressed and subsequently the right on / off switch 41R was pressed. The selection of the three heating means HM1 to HM3 is determined when the three on / off switches 41L, 41M, and 41R are pressed. Therefore, if any of the three pairs of shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R are pressed before this determination, the heating means corresponding to those shared keys can be selected.

[0199] In step ST6, the permission condition determination unit 26 checks whether the "permission conditions" are met. For example, it checks the usage status of the heating source used in the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1. For example, if the right IH coil 9R of the right heating port 4R is already in heating operation for another cooking process, the permission condition determination will be "unavailable," or "No." In the case of Figure 26, since the main power switch 20 has just been turned ON, it is impossible that it has been used for another cooking process, so the result is "Available," or "Yes."

[0200] In Figure 26, step ST6 is the stage where "Permission Condition 1" is determined. Here, "Permission Condition 1" refers to: (1) The "peak cut value," which specifies the upper limit of the maximum power consumption that can be used by the heating appliance 1, must be 5000W or more. (2) If the control device 22 receives a power reduction command signal from an external cloud server 300 or communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 25, the peak cut value of that reduction command must be 5000W or more. These are the two conditions, and if both are met, step ST6 will result in a "Yes" judgment.

[0201] The "Permission Condition 2" in the next step, ST7, consists of the following four points: (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, are not in heating operation.

[0202] (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) The latest temperatures of the top plate 3 and heating chamber 6 must not exceed a limit value (e.g., 50°C).

[0203] If all four conditions are met, step ST7 will result in a "Yes" judgment. Then, the process proceeds to step ST9. In other words, as explained in step S4 of Figure 8, the selection of the three heating ports and heating chamber 6 is finalized, and the process can proceed to the cooking start step. Specifically, in step ST9, for example, as explained in Figure 9, the process can proceed to induction heating using the right heating port 4R, and control conditions such as the heat output (heat output display unit 48) are displayed in the first area 15R.

[0204] If the result in steps ST6 and ST7 is "No", the process proceeds to step ST8, where the user is notified by at least one of the integrated display unit 15 and the voice notification unit 22 that the selected cooking mode cannot be selected. The user is then prompted to select a different heating method or main cooking mode. For example, the user is notified that the permission conditions will not be met unless the user changes from the linked cooking mode KM1 to the standalone cooking mode KM3.

[0205] In this embodiment 1, the combined cooking mode KM2 selectable by the central control unit 17M exceptionally includes cooking options such as "rice cooking" and "keep warm" as one of the cooking menus of the single cooking mode KM3 using the central IH coil 9C. For example, if the heating source display unit 47 labeled "central IH" as explained in Figure 25 is selected, the identification information 46 for the sub-cooking modes "rice cooking" and "keep warm" will be displayed sequentially (one by one) immediately afterward.

[0206] If the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned "ON", the control device 22 detects that the door 7 has been opened. Assuming that the user will perform cooking using the heating chamber 6, the initial standby screen has a function to automatically display identification information (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46 and heating source display unit 47 in the second area 15M, as shown in Figures 18 to 24. In other words, immediately after the main power switch 20 is turned "ON", the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 shows the aforementioned "standby initial screen". After this, immediately after the door 7 is opened, even if one of the pair (2) shared switches 42M on the rear control unit 17B is not operated, the sub-cooking mode display unit 46 and the heating source display unit 47 are automatically displayed only in the second area 15M.

[0207] When both the left IH coil 9L of the left heating port 4L and the right IH coil 9R of the right heating port 4R are being used for cooking, the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 will show the sub-cooking mode display unit 46, the set temperature display unit 50, the heat level display unit 48, etc., in both the first area 15L and the third area 15R. Furthermore, in areas 15L to 15R, after the heating operation is completed, high-temperature warning information 54, as explained in Figure 10(B), is automatically displayed.

[0208] Next, we will explain Figure 27. Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall types of cooperative cooking modes KM1 and an overview of the cooking process for the heating appliance 1. The information shown in Figure 27 is stored and provided from the beginning in the recipe data storage unit 21A of the heating appliance 1, and does not include recipe data CDs that are provided one by one each time upon request from external information provision means such as a communication terminal 200. As is clear from Figure 27, the heating appliance 1 has a total of eight linked cooking menus, and eight pieces of identification information 72 are displayed sequentially in the central area 15M. These linked cooking menus are the "basic menus" described later. This identification information 72 is sometimes referred to as "identification information A". The identification information 72 (identification information A) for the eight linked cooking menus is displayed one by one in the forward direction (R1) center of the central display unit 15M when the right central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed. Conversely, pressing the left of the pair of central shared keys 42M will display one item at a time in the front-to-back center of the central display unit 15M, in the order of forward direction (R1) and the opposite reverse direction (R2). By default, "Hamburger" is displayed, but this can be changed beforehand using the function setting key 45 to display other identification information 72.

[0209] Next, we will explain Figure 28. Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 22 when the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is executed in the heating cooker 1. The operations shown in steps SA1 to SA12 are defined in the basic operation program of the control device 22.

[0210] To simplify the explanation, we will start with step SA1, which corresponds to step ST4 as explained in Figure 26. Step SA1 displays prompts the user to perform input operations. Specifically, it displays the initial input recommendation information, such as the selection of the heating method to be used and the selection of a sub-cooking mode. Next, when the user presses the selection key 70 for selecting the linked cooking mode located on the right control panel 18, the linked cooking menus (stored in the storage device 41) as described in Figure 27 are recalled one by one and displayed in the central area 15M (step SA2).

[0211] When the right-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed (step SA3), one by one, in the forward direction (R1), cooking menu candidate display units 72A from the linked cooking menus shown in Figure 27 are displayed on the central display unit 15M. When the right-hand central shared key 42M is pressed once more, the direction changes to the forward direction (R1), and the cooking menu display unit 72 is displayed in the center of the central area 15M in the front-to-back direction (step SA4).

[0212] If there is an objection to the contents of the cooking menu display unit 72, which is displayed in the center of the central area 15M in the front-to-back direction, either the right or left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is operated, and the process returns to step SA3 (step SA5). If step SA4 is determined to be "Yes", proceed to step SA6 and press the on / off key 41L, 41M, or 41R corresponding to one of the areas 15L to 35R (step SA6). Then the heating operation will start (step SA7). If the device remains in the step SA6 stage for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes), a warning will be displayed on the integrated display unit 15 for safety reasons, and then the main power switch 20 will be automatically opened.

[0213] On the other hand, in step SA2, if one of the three pairs of shared switches 42L to 42R is pressed without pressing the selection key 70 (step SA8), it means that a cooking mode other than the linked cooking mode KM1 has been selected. Then, the integrated display unit 15 will display a sub-cooking mode according to the shared switch 42L to 42R that was operated (step SA9). For example, as explained in Figure 11(A), the sub-cooking mode display unit 46 that performs "induction heating" at the right heating port 4R will be displayed.

[0214] Next, in step SA10, if the right shared key 42R is not pressed and the right on / off key 41R is pressed (step SA11), the heating operation by the right IH coil 9R is started (step SA12). In step SA10, if the right shared key 42R is pressed, the process returns to step SA9, and another identification information (sub-cooking mode display unit) 46 is displayed in the center of the third area 15R in the front-to-back direction. Note that in step SA8, the right shared switch 42R was pressed out of the three pairs of shared switches 42L to 42R, but the left shared switch 42L or the center shared switch 42M may also be pressed.

[0215] Next, we will explain Figure 29. Figure 29(A) shows the initial operation of the selection key 70 when cooking in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode. Figure 29(B) shows the state in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode where the "Hamburg Steak" cooking menu display unit 72 is displayed as one cooking menu. The cooking menu candidate display units 72A for "Paella" and "Tempura" are displayed in slightly smaller letters before and after the cooking menu display unit 72.

[0216] 71L is the heating unit selection indicator displayed in the first area 15L. The linked cooking menu (hamburger) in Figure 29(B) is pre-configured using the function setting key 45 so that it can be executed using only the left heating port 4L. Therefore, when the cooking menu is "hamburger," the heating unit selection indicator 71L is displayed only in the first area 15L, as shown in Figure 29(B). However, depending on the cooking menu of linked cooking mode KM1, the heating unit selection indicator 71R may be displayed in the third area 15R. Also, if identification information 72 is displayed in the second area 15M, the heating unit selection indicator 71M will not be displayed in the same second area 15M as a general rule, but it may be changed to display it.

[0217] Next, Figure 30 will be explained. Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when cooking in the KM1 linked cooking mode.

[0218] Figure 30 shows a continuation of the operation in Figure 29(B), but the central control unit 17 has been slightly modified to emphasize to the user the left-turn key 41L, which should be operated last. If, in the state shown in Figure 29(B), "Hamburger" is not selected, and the left of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the cooking menu display unit 72 for "Paella" will be displayed in the center of the second area 15M, as shown in Figure 30. In addition, the heating unit selection indicator unit 71L will be displayed in the first area 15L. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30, the left-turn key 41L corresponding to the first area 15L is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (illustrated) by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5), displaying a color such as blue or yellow to highlight the operating part of the left-turn key 41L.

[0219] Next, we will explain Figure 31. Figure 31 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when cooking in the KM1 linked cooking mode. Figure 31 shows a continuation of the operation in Figure 29(B), but with a different configuration from Figure 30. Specifically, in Figure 30, one linked cooking menu (hamburger) was pre-set using the function setting key 45 so that it could be performed using only the left heating port 4L. Therefore, the left turn-on key 41L, which should be operated last, was indicated to the user by the heating unit selection indicator 71L in the first area 15L.

[0220] In contrast, Figure 31 shows an example where the "Paella" cooking menu, which is a single linked cooking menu, is not pre-configured using the function setting key 45 to be run only with the left heating port 4L, but is left in its default state, thus demonstrating that it can be run with either the left or right heating port 4L or 4R. In Figure 31, 73L is a left heating port selection guide indicating that cooking of the linked cooking menu (in this case, "paella") can be started using the left IH coil 9L. 73R is a right heating port selection guide indicating that cooking of the linked cooking menu (in this case, "paella") can be started using the right IH coil 9R. In Figure 31, the left on / off key 41L and the right on / off key 41R, corresponding to the left heating port selection guide 73L and the right heating port selection guide 73R respectively, are illuminated from below by light-emitting elements (illustrated) by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5) to prompt operation. In this case, both the left on / off key 41L and the right on / off key 41R cannot be operated simultaneously. Only the side that is operated first is recognized by the control device 22 as a valid signal.

[0221] Next, we will explain Figure 32. Figure 32 is an explanatory diagram 4 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when cooking in the KM1 linked cooking mode. Figure 32 shows an example of a slightly modified configuration from Figure 30. Specifically, in Figure 32, one linked cooking menu (paella) is pre-configured using the function setting key 45 so that it can be executed using only the left heating port 4L. Finally, to clearly indicate the left turn-on key 41L that needs to be operated, the heating unit reception indicator 74L is displayed in the first area 15L. In other words, this heating unit reception indicator 74L guides the user to operate the left turn-on key 41L.

[0222] Next, Figure 33 will be explained. Figure 33 is an explanatory diagram 5 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when cooking in the KM1 linked cooking mode. Figure 33 shows an example of a coordinated cooking menu where cooking step 1 is performed in the heating chamber 6, specifically with the example of "karaage" (Japanese fried chicken). In other words, in Figure 33, the coordinated cooking menu (karaage) requires a "preheating" operation at the right heating port 4R, as shown in Figure 27, but cooking step 1 is performed by microwave heating in the heating chamber 6 (range heating). Therefore, in order to specify the second heating means HM2, which is the heating means for cooking step 1, it is necessary to operate the central cut-off key 41M. In this example of Figure 33, the heating unit selection indicator 71R is displayed in the third area 15R. After the cooking of "karaage" begins, the object to be heated, such as a frying pan placed on the right heating port 4R, is preheated by the drive of the right IH coil 9R. In parallel with this, the door 7 in the heating chamber 6 is opened, and only when the control device 22 detects that the door 7 has been closed again, cooking step 1 in the heating chamber 6 is performed by microwave heating. In other words, the preheating operation at the right heating port 4R and the cooking process 1 in the heating chamber 6 will be performed at the same time.

[0223] Next, we will explain Figure 34. Figure 34 is a time chart showing the main operations of the communication terminal 200 and the heating appliance 1 in chronological order when acquiring one recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200 in the KM1 collaborative cooking mode. When cooking in linked cooking mode KM1 using a recipe data CD obtained from an external source, the communication terminal 200 and the heating appliance 1 operate sequentially as shown in steps SB1 to SB7 of Figure 34.

[0224] First, the communication terminal 200 selects the recipe data CD to be provided to the cooking appliance 1 from among the recipe data CDs it possesses (step SB1). In other words, it selects one cooking menu. Alternatively, a recipe data CD (CD1: see Figure 1) obtained in advance from the cloud server 300 via the network NW may also be used. Next, before transmitting a recipe data CD for a specific cooking menu from the communication terminal 200 to the heating appliance 1, advance information 201 is transmitted (step SB2) so that the heating appliance 1 can identify in advance what kind of cooking menu the data is for.

[0225] The aforementioned advance notice information 201 is information that includes identification information 72 that can identify the cooking menu. In addition to the identification information 72, the recipe data CD also includes data such as the cooking process (cooking process 1, cooking process 2, etc.), the type of heating means and heating port to be used (for example, left heating port 4L), the order in which multiple heating means are driven, and the standard control conditions for each heating means (parameters such as heat output and heating time). Steps SB1 and SB2 are operations performed by the communication terminal 200.

[0226] Steps SB3 through SB5 are operations performed on cooking appliance 1. First, in step SB3, in addition to the analysis performed by the input signal analysis unit 52 of the cooking appliance 1, the data acquisition unit 53 analyzes the contents of the preview information 1(201) of one recipe data CD to identify at least the heating means and heating port of the cooking process 1 to be performed. For example, it is determined that cooking process 1 is a cooking process 1 performed using the first heating means HM1 and the left heating port 4R. Based on these analysis results, it is then determined which of the left area (first area) 15L to the right area (third area) 15R is the display area where the notification information 201 should be displayed.

[0227] In the next step, SB4, the content of the advance notice information 201 is displayed in the display area identified in step SB3 (any one of the first area 15L to the third area 15R). The system then advises the user to operate one of the shared switches (keys) 42L to 42R, which correspond to any one of the areas 15L to 35R. In parallel with this display, the voice notification unit 49 may also provide voice guidance to the user to perform the input operation.

[0228] In step SB4, if the correct shared switch (key) 42L to 42R is operated, the communication unit 25 transmits predetermined selection information (selection signal) 202 (step SB5). When the communication terminal 200 receives selection information 202, it analyzes the information, and if it is correct selection information 202, it proceeds to a standby state to transmit the recipe data CD for the cooking menu (step SB6). When a transmission operation such as a predetermined touch operation is performed on the input screen of the communication terminal 200, the recipe data CD is transmitted to the cooking appliance 1 (step SB7). The exchange of information between the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200 shown in Figure 34 will be explained in detail in Figures 39, 44, and 45.

[0229] Next, we will explain Figure 35. Figure 35 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when cooking in the linked cooking mode KM1 using a recipe data CD acquired from an external source. Figure 35 shows the steps of step SB3 as described in Figure 34. In this example in Figure 35, the left area (first area) 15L is in a state where the system is in the preparation stage for acquiring recipe data CDs from an external source, and this is being communicated to the user via the reception standby information 80.

[0230] For one cooking menu in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode (for example, "Ratatouille"), when acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source, it is necessary to operate the shared key (for example, 42L) in step SS4 (explained in Figure 52) (see Figures 34 and 35). In other words, if the recipe data CD specifies that cooking step 1 of the cooking menu (for example, "Ratatouille") should be performed at the left heating port 4L, then it is necessary to press the left shared key 42L corresponding to the left area 15L. Figure 35 shows the state immediately before the left shared key 42L is pressed in this manner. Although the above-mentioned waiting information 80 does not include identification information 72 that identifies the cooking menu, it is also possible to include such identification information 72 in the waiting information 80. In that case, since the communication terminal 200 can only transmit the advance information 201 for one cooking menu, the identification information 72 for multiple cooking menus will not be displayed simultaneously in the left area 15L.

[0231] Next, we will explain Figure 36. Figure 36 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when cooking in the linked cooking mode KM1 using a recipe data CD acquired from an external source. Figure 36 shows the steps of step SB5 as described in Figure 34. In other words, the example in Figure 36 shows the step of pressing the left shared key 42L to transmit the selection information 202 corresponding to the advance information 201 in order to obtain the recipe data CD from an external source. After this, when the selection information 202 arrives at the communication terminal 200 and the recipe data CD is transmitted from the communication terminal 200, the recipe data CD is acquired by the heating cooker 1. Then, when the left on key 41L is operated, cooking process 1 is started.

[0232] Next, we will explain Figure 37. Figure 37 shows a series of operations from the reception of the preview information 201 regarding the recipe data CD transmitted from an external communication terminal 200 to the transmission of the selection information 202, and is a flowchart showing a part of the control program stored in the control device 22. Figure 37 shows the details of steps SB3 to SB5 described in Figure 34. In Figure 37, the area indicated by the dashed frame shows the range of input that can be done by voice in "Voice Input Mode," which can be set by operating input key 29.

[0233] Steps SC3 to SC6 apply to recipes using the 4L left heating port, which corresponds to the 15L first area, as shown on the recipe data CD. Steps SC7 to SC10 apply to recipe data CDs that use the central heating port 4C or heating chamber 6, which correspond to the second area 15M. Steps SC11 to SC14 apply to the recipe data CD used for cooking with the right heating port 4R, which corresponds to the third area 15R.

[0234] In step SC2 of Figure 37, the data acquisition unit 24 (see Figure 5) analyzes the "preview information" received from the communication terminal 200, etc., and identifies one cooking menu from the identification information 72 contained in the preview information 201. For example, from the identification information 72 of the aforementioned cooking menu "hamburger," it can be seen that cooking process 1 will use the right heating port 4R. Also, from the identification information 72 of the cooking menu "ratatouille," it can be seen that cooking process 1 will be performed in the heating chamber 6.

[0235] From the determination result of identification information 72 in step SC2, it can be seen that among the three steps SC3, SC7, or SC11, the common key that needs to be input for transmitting selection information 200 is one of 42L, 42M, or 42R. In other words, if the corresponding area is left area 15L, step SC3 will be judged as "Yes," and the process will proceed to step SC4. In the first area 15L, the receipt of the advance notice information 201 is indicated, for example, by the reception waiting information 80, so the user knows that they need to operate the left shared key 42L.

[0236] A check is performed to determine if the user has operated the left shared key 42L. If it has been operated, step SC5 is determined to be "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SC6. In step SC6, selection information 202 is transmitted from the communication unit 25. Step SC15 also supports the voice input mode that is set when input key 29 is pressed. That is, when the user inputs by voice (for example, by saying "Select Left IH"), the voice information is converted into a voice signal by the voice signal receiving unit 31, and the voice signal analysis unit 32 determines whether it is a predetermined voice command signal. If the voice input is detected as legitimate, it will be treated the same as operating the left shared key 42L, and the selection information 202 will be transmitted accordingly. Furthermore, in this voice input, to confirm that the voice input is correct, the left area 15L may display confirmation information such as "Voice Input Confirmation" before transmitting the selection information 202. The program may then automatically transmit the selection information 202 (within a certain time frame).

[0237] Next, we will explain steps SC7 to SC10 in Figure 37. If, through the analysis of "preliminary information 201" in step SC2, it is determined from the received preliminary information 201 that cooking process 1 will be performed in heating chamber 6 or in the central heating port 4C, then step SC7 will be judged as "Yes".

[0238] The result of the judgment of the advance information 201 in step SC2 indicates that the shared key that requires input operation to transmit the selected information 200 is the central shared key 42M, so the process proceeds to step SC8. In the second area (central area) 15M, the receipt of the aforementioned notification information 201 is indicated, for example, by the aforementioned reception waiting information 80, so the user knows that operation of the central shared key 42M is required.

[0239] A check is performed to determine if the user has operated the central shared key 42M. If it has been operated, step SC9 is determined to be "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SC10. In step SC10, selection information 202 is transmitted from the communication unit 25. In addition, step SC16, like step SC15, also supports the voice input mode that is set when input key 29 is pressed. That is, when the user inputs by voice (for example, by saying "Center Select"), the voice information is converted into a voice signal by the voice signal receiving unit 31, and the voice signal analysis unit 32 determines whether it is a predetermined voice command signal. If the voice input is detected as legitimate, it will be treated the same as operating the central shared key 42M, and the selection information 202 will be transmitted accordingly. Furthermore, in this voice input, to confirm that the voice input is correct, the central area 15M may display confirmation information such as "Voice Input Confirmation" before transmitting the selection information 202. The program may then automatically transmit the selection information 202 (within a certain time frame).

[0240] Next, we will explain steps SC11 to SC14 in Figure 37. If, through the analysis of "preview information 201" in step SC2, it is determined from the received preview information 201 that cooking process 1 will be performed at the right heating port 4R, then step SC11 will be judged as "Yes".

[0241] The result of the judgment of the advance information 201 in step SC2 indicates that the shared key that needs to be input in order to transmit the selected information 202 is the right shared key 42R, so the process proceeds to step SC12. In the third area (right area) 15R, the receipt of the aforementioned notification information 201 is indicated, for example, by the aforementioned reception waiting information 80, so the user knows that they need to operate the right shared key 42R.

[0242] Step SC13 determines whether the user has operated the right shared key 42R. If the user has operated it, Step SC13 returns "Yes", and the process proceeds to Step SC14. In step SC14, selection information 202 is transmitted from the communication unit 25. In addition, step SC17, like step SC15, also supports the voice input mode that is set when input key 29 is pressed. That is, when the user inputs by voice (for example, by saying "Select Right IH"), the voice information is converted into a voice signal by the voice signal receiving unit 31, and the voice signal analysis unit 32 determines whether it is a predetermined voice command signal. If the voice input is detected as legitimate, it will be treated the same as operating the right shared key 42R, and the selection information 202 will be transmitted accordingly. Furthermore, in this voice input, to confirm that the voice input is correct, the right area 15R may display confirmation information such as "Voice Input Confirmation" before transmitting the selection information 202. The program may then automatically transmit the selection information 202 (within a certain time frame).

[0243] Next, we will explain Figure 38. Figure 38 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the heating appliance 1. In Figure 38, step SL1 performs the same processing as step SB3 in Figure 34. That is, it receives the advance notice information 201 and determines the contents of its identification information 72, etc.

[0244] The next step, SL2, performs the same processing as steps ST6 and ST7 described in Figure 26. In other words, even in the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, it determines whether permission conditions 1 and 2 are met. In other words, this process determines whether performing the cooking of the received recipe data CD meets the predetermined permission conditions. As mentioned above, in the collaborative cooking mode KM1, anything that does not meet "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" is not permitted as a cooking menu. Incidentally, in the combined cooking mode KM2, a determination is also made as to whether a specific "permission condition 3" is met.

[0245] If step SL2 determines that the permission conditions are not met, the communication unit 25 sends a signal (data) to the outside informing that cooking from the recipe data CD cannot be performed (step SL7). In Figure 38, this was the case when receiving a recipe data CD in cooperative cooking mode KM1, but for combined cooking mode KM2 and standalone cooking mode KM3, a similar "not received message" is sent when the identification information of the recipe data CD is received from the outside.

[0246] If the permission conditions are met, the heating means and heating port for at least the cooking process 1 to be performed are identified, as described in step SB3 of Figure 34. For example, it is determined that cooking process 1 will be performed using the first heating means HM1 and the left heating port 4R. This allows the system to determine which of the first area 15L to the third area 15R should display the notification information 201, and then display the reception waiting information 80 in one of the corresponding first area 15L to the third area 15R (step SL3). In addition, it is also preferable to display identification information 72 such as the name of the cooking menu.

[0247] In the next step, SL4, the control device 22 enables the input function of at least three pairs of shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R of the central operation unit 17. In other words, for the first time at this stage, each of the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R can send a valid input signal to the control device 22 when operated. Therefore, even if the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R are operated incorrectly before this stage, the "selection information 202" for the next step, SL5, cannot be sent.

[0248] If the correct shared keys 42L, 42M, or 42R are operated, step SL5 will be determined to be "Yes", and a predetermined selection signal 202 will be transmitted externally from the communication unit 25 (step SL6), which will ultimately be confirmed by the communication terminal 200.

[0249] If the correct shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R are not operated in step SL5, the process proceeds to step SL8. In step SL8, it is determined whether the elapsed time since step SL4 exceeds a predetermined time limit TEX. If the time limit TEX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SL5. However, if the time limit TEX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SL9. Step SL9 is "automatic shutdown process 1," which automatically opens the main power switch 20 and forcibly shuts off the power.

[0250] Next, Figure 39 will be explained. In Figure 39, steps SE1 to SE12 show the main operational steps in the communication terminal 200 from the time the cooking menu search function is activated. Figure 39 mainly shows the operation up to the transmission of the recipe data CD.

[0251] At the input section (touch operation section) of the communication terminal 200, the user connects to the cloud server 300 or activates the search function (step SE1). Then, the user searches for a cooking menu by operating the search condition input keys and cooking menu name input keys shown on the terminal-side display section 216 (explained in Figure 42), which is composed of an LCD screen or the like (step SE2). Alternatively, the user may search for a cooking menu by voice using the voice input function of the communication terminal 200. The user can touch the terminal-side display unit 216 to display the desired cooking menu on the terminal-side display unit 216 (for example, one or more cooking menu options may be displayed on a single screen) (step SE3).

[0252] The terminal display unit 216 may be configured by default to display a large number of cooking menus simultaneously in a list format according to a predetermined order and rules. For example, the menus may be displayed in alphabetical order by name, or the user may use the search function to speak the name of a dish, such as "hamburger," and perform a search using voice input.

[0253] When a desired cooking menu is selected from the cooking menus displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216, the screen switches to a "dedicated screen" for that cooking menu. In other words, when only such a specific cooking menu is selected, the determination in step SE4 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SE5. The "dedicated screen" referred to in this scenario is, for example, the "first screen 216A" explained in Figure 42(A). On the other hand, the terminal display unit 216 also displays input keys (icons) such as "Find other menus" and "Search again" on the screen showing the search results. If you touch one of these, step SE4 will be judged as "No," and the display will return to the search input screen.

[0254] The central processing unit (not shown) of the communication terminal 200 displays identification information (such as the name of the dish) 72 related to the selected cooking menu and information such as the heating means to be used on the terminal-side display unit 216. This display screen will be referred to below as the "first screen" 216A. In step SE5, on the first screen 216A, when a specific confirmation key is touched or selected via voice input, the recipe selection unit (not shown) detects that a command to transmit a cooking menu has been issued (step SE6). Then, the notification information 201 is transmitted.

[0255] As will be explained in detail in Figure 42(A), the first screen 216A displays multiple pieces of information simultaneously, such as the information from the identification information display unit 245. However, due to the limitations of the display area of ​​the terminal-side display unit 216, not all information can be seen in a list view (all on one screen). See Figure 42 for details.

[0256] When a user touches the cooking menu confirmation key (icon) 237 (explained in Figure 42) on the first screen 216A, the central processing unit receives the input from the touch operation and switches the displayed content from the first screen 216A to the second screen 216B (explained in Figure 42) (step SE7). If the user does not select a cooking menu displayed on the first screen 216A, the user returns from step SE6 to step SE2, searches for another cooking menu, and can select one.

[0257] In Figure 39, step SE6A is shown with a dashed line because it is an optional function. Step SE6A is a step in which, when the cooking menu confirmation key (icon) 237 (see Figure 42) is touched, a "preview information" (201) is sent to the cooking appliance 1, and this is displayed on the first screen 216A or the second screen 216B.

[0258] The purpose of the aforementioned advance notice 201 is to indicate that preparations are underway for transmitting a recipe data CD to the heating appliance 1. This advance notice (201) only needs to contain identification information indicating a specific cooking menu, and does not need to include information that identifies the names of the three types of cooking modes: cooperative cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, and single cooking mode KM1. For example, it would suffice if it could identify "hamburg steak" or "ratatouille." However, as explained later in Figure 42(A), it may also include the number of cooking steps and cooking step information (including heating means and their control conditions, etc.)226.

[0259] The second screen 216B, which is displayed after the transmission of the aforementioned notification information 201, includes information requesting the user to decide whether or not to transmit the recipe data CD related to the selected cooking menu to the cooking appliance 1 (details will be explained in Figure 42 and later). Depending on the cooking menu, either the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L may be usable. In such cases, the notification information 201 includes recommendation information that allows the user to select which of the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L to use on the cooking appliance 1.

[0260] As explained in Figure 42(B), upon receiving the advance notice 201, the cooking appliance 1 is required to press one of the shared keys (42L, 42M, or 42R). In response to this action, the cooking appliance 1 transmits the "selection information 202" to the communication terminal 200, indicating that a specific cooking menu (for example, hamburger) and the use of one of the heating ports (4L, 4C, or 4R) or heating chamber 6 have been selected.

[0261] When not using an external recipe data CD, if cooking step 1 of the linked cooking mode KM1 is performed at either the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L, the heating operation can be started by checking the identification information 72 etc. displayed in the central area (second area) 15M and pressing either the "on / off key" 41L or 41R.

[0262] In contrast, when cooking using an external recipe data CD, if cooking step 1 of the linked cooking mode KM1 is performed at the right heating port 4R, then identification information 72, etc., will be displayed in the right area (third area) corresponding to the right heating port 4R at the initial stage, so you just need to operate the right shared key 42R to send the selection signal 202. In other words, upon receiving the advance information 201, it is clear that you just need to operate the right shared key 42R to send the selection signal 202. Furthermore, if cooking step 1 is performed at the left heating port 4L, the left shared key 42L, which corresponds to the left area 15L, should be operated to send the selection signal 202. Furthermore, if cooking step 1 is performed in the central heating port 4C or heating chamber 6, the central shared key 42M corresponding to the central area 15M should be operated to transmit the selection signal 202. As described above, the selection information 202 of this embodiment 1 is displayed in individual display areas corresponding to the heating ports and heating means used in cooking process 1 of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, indicating the receipt of the advance information 201. Then, the transmission of the selection information 202 is determined in response to the operation of one of the shared keys 42L, 42M, or 42R corresponding to one of the display areas.

[0263] When the communication terminal 200 receives the selection information 202 as described above, step SE8 determines "Yes". In Figure 39, steps SE6A and SE8 are shown with dashed lines because they are optional features. If the optional features are not used, the system proceeds to step SE9 while the second screen 216B, which was displayed from step SE6, remains in that state.

[0264] Step SE8 is for determining whether or not the user has pressed one of the common keys 42L, 42M, or 42R (for example, 42L) on the central control unit 17 of the cooking appliance 1. When the correct shared keys 42L, 42M, or 42R are pressed, the cooking appliance 1 sends a signal to the communication terminal 200 indicating the result, so the determination in step SE8 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SE8A.

[0265] Since the notification information signal 201 is transmitted to the cooking appliance 1 at step SE6, upon receiving the notification information 201 (step SE8), the control device 22 may start processing to prepare for cooking using the recipe data CD acquired from the communication terminal 200. For example, the integrated display unit 15 may display a warning message such as, "We are now receiving recipe data, so other cooking cannot be started."

[0266] Meanwhile, the communication terminal 200 repeatedly checks at regular intervals whether the selection information 202 has arrived from the cooking appliance 1. If it has not received it, it proceeds to the time limit process (step SE12). The time limit process measures the elapsed time since step SE6, and after a certain time limit (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, it performs error processing and stops the operation shown in Figure 39. In other words, even if the user forgets to send the information midway through, it automatically returns to the stage of step SE2.

[0267] If selection information 202 is received from the cooking appliance 1, step SE8 will be judged as "Yes," and the second screen 216B, which was started to be displayed in step SE6, will be changed to the second screen A(216B1) which displays different content, as explained in Figure 44(B). Then, the system advises touching the input key 240 for sending the recipe data CD displayed on the second screen A (216B1). This will be explained in detail in Figure 44.

[0268] In step SE9, if the user touches the input key (icon) 240 on the second screen 216B, or the input key 240 on the second screen A(216B1) shown in Figure 44(A), step SE9 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SE10. In step SE10, the cooking menu (recipe data CD) selected in step SE6 is sent to the heating appliance 1.

[0269] Next, the communication terminal 200 switches the display content from the second screen 216B or the second display screen A (216B1) to the third screen 216C (step SE11). There are two types of the third screen 216C (216C1, 216C2), as shown in Figure 43. These will be explained later.

[0270] Next, we will explain Figure 40. Figure 40 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the control device 22 of the heating cooker 1 after receiving the recipe data CD from the communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200. In the control device 22, the communication unit 25, which is responsible for acquiring the recipe data CD, works in conjunction with the data acquisition unit 24 (see Figure 5) to perform the operations of steps SF1 to SF11 described below.

[0271] In the cooking appliance 1, during the initial stage of establishing a communication state with the communication terminal 200, the communication unit 25 provides the communication terminal 200 with data (also called "preparation information 203"), including unique "device identification information" that identifies the cooking appliance 1. This is explained in Figure 45.

[0272] When a recipe data CD is received from an external source via the communication unit 25 after the communication state has been established, the data is temporarily stored in temporary memory (step SF1). The communication unit 25 first acquires overall status information of the cooking appliance 1. This status information indicates the status of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1. For example, it is information that the heating control unit 23 has confirmed about the status of the first heating means HM1 to the third heating means HM3.

[0273] For example, the communication unit 25 acquires information such as the fact that the control conditions have already been set and the unit is in a standby state just before heating starts, and that it is receiving temperature detection signals from the temperature sensor group 30 (step SF2).

[0274] The communication unit 25 repeatedly performs this status check operation towards each component of the cooking appliance 1 at regular time intervals to collect the latest accurate data. In this way, the communication unit 25 collects information that allows it to determine whether the cooking appliance 1 is in a state where it can transition to control according to the contents of the recipe data CD it received. In other words, the communication unit 25 of the cooking appliance 1 compares the contents of the data transmitted immediately before, including the device identification information, with the contents of the recipe data CD received from the communication terminal 200 in step SC1 (step SF3). As shown by the dashed line in Figure 40, data collection and comparison are performed multiple times within a certain time limit.

[0275] Then, if it is determined that there is no discrepancy between the content of the data transmitted from the communication unit 25 and the content of the received recipe data, the status information determination is completed (step SF4). In step SF4, it is also determined whether the "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2," such as the temperature of the heating chamber 6 and the status of the "peak cut value" which specifies the upper limit of the maximum power consumption, are met.

[0276] If the result of step SF4 is "Yes", the data acquisition unit 24 receives the result from the communication unit 25, stores the recipe data CD in a predetermined storage area, and prepares for the heating and cooking that will be performed immediately afterward (step SF5).

[0277] Next, the process proceeds to step SF6, where the data acquisition unit 24 transmits a signal (status confirmation result) from the communication unit 25 to the communication terminal 200, which is the source of the recipe data CD, indicating that the recipe data CD has been successfully acquired. The "status confirmation result" here corresponds to the process in step SG10 in Figure 46. Upon receiving this status confirmation result, the communication terminal 200 determines that the transmission of the recipe data CD was successful (step SG11 in Figure 46).

[0278] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 24 displays in the integrated display unit 15 that the recipe data CD has been acquired (step SF6). An example of this display will be explained later. At this stage, the "setting information" included in the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 consists of control conditions that have been pre-configured on the communication terminal 200 side (for example, a heat output of 1000W and a heating time of 10 minutes). In other words, since it includes pre-configured default control conditions, it will be referred to as "pre-configured information A" in the following explanation.

[0279] Next, in step SF7, it is determined whether the user's control conditions (for example, a heat output of 1000W and a heating time of 10 minutes) are acceptable. If the user presses any of the on / off keys 15L, 15M, or 15R, the control device 22 treats the user as having agreed to the control conditions included in the pre-set information A, and treats the pre-set information A as "confirmed setting information A" and stores it in the "confirmed setting information" storage area of ​​the recipe data storage unit 21A (step SF8). Then, the heating operation is started, and the heating control unit 23 sends a drive start signal to the first heating means HM1, the second heating means HM2, etc., and transitions to a state such as induction heating or microwave heating (step SF9).

[0280] On the other hand, if the user wants to change the control conditions displayed in step SF6, they can touch the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R, and different control conditions will be displayed in the corresponding first areas 15L to 15R according to that operation (step SF10). Then, they can return to step SF7, agree to the modified control conditions, and proceed to step SC8. In other words, the pre-configured information A becomes the "confirmed configuration information A" after some of the control conditions are changed by user input.

[0281] If the result of step SC4 is "No", the data acquisition unit 24 receives the result from the communication unit 25 and sends a signal (denial notice) to the outside (the source of transmission, the communication terminal 200) from the communication unit 25 indicating that the recipe data CD cannot be received (step SF11). The "denial notice" referred to here is sent to the communication terminal 200 at step SG10 in Figures 45 and 46. Note that although Figure 40 shows the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, such a "denial notice" message is also sent for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the standalone cooking mode KM1.

[0282] When the communication terminal 200 receives a notification from the cooking appliance 1 that step SF11 is not permitted, it displays this fact on the terminal's display unit 216. Alternatively, the communication terminal 200 may also notify the user by voice through its speaker (not shown).

[0283] Next, we will explain Figure 41. Figure 41 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1 after receiving data from the communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200. Figure 41 shows a modified configuration of Figure 40. In the control device 22, the communication unit 25, which is responsible for data acquisition processing, operates in cooperation with the data acquisition unit 24 (see Figure 5). The differences from Figure 40 are steps SF7 and SF12, so these differences will be explained.

[0284] The data acquisition unit 24 displays in the integrated display unit 15 that it has acquired the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 (step SF6), and in the next step SF7A, it requests the start of the heating operation. In other words, unlike the example in Figure 40, it determines whether the on / off keys 41L, 41M, and 41R have been operated, and if they have been operated, it starts the heating operation. The control device 22 treats the pre-configuration information A acquired from the communication terminal 200 as "confirmed configuration information A" and stores it in the "confirmed configuration information A" storage area in the recipe data storage unit 21A (step SF8).

[0285] In other words, the heating operation starts without changing the control conditions included in "Pre-configured information A" (for example, a heat output of 1000W and a heating time of 10 minutes). Next, in step SF9, the heating operation is started, and the heating control unit 23 sends a drive start signal to the first heating means HM1, the second heating means HM2, etc., and the system transitions to a state such as induction heating or microwave heating (step SF9).

[0286] Step SF12 determines whether the user has changed the control conditions (for example, the heat output being 1000W and the heating time being 10 minutes). By pressing one of the common keys 42L, 42M, or 42R, which corresponds to any one of the first area 15L to third area 15R that corresponds to the heating port or heating chamber 6 where the heating operation (cooking process 1) has started, the user can change the control conditions of the cooking menu for which the heating operation has already started within a certain range. However, the heating port and the heating method cannot be changed. If the control device 22 determines that the input for changing the control conditions is valid, the control conditions are changed during the heating operation at a timing determined by the control device 22.

[0287] Next, we will explain Figure 42. Figure 42 is explanatory diagram 1 showing the display operation of the communication terminal 200. Figure 42(A) shows the first screen 216A. In other words, it shows the state in which the user has already found and displayed recipe information for a single cooking menu item they have requested.

[0288] In Figure 42(A), 224 is a menu display unit indicating the type of information displayed on the first screen 216A. In Figure 42(A), "IH Menu" is displayed to indicate that cooking process 1 is an induction heating cooking menu. The cooking menu belongs to the cooperative cooking mode KM1. On the first screen 216A, an image display unit 235, which displays schematic diagrams or photographs (still images) that concisely illustrate the food items covered by the cooking menu, is displayed in close proximity to the name of the dish.

[0289] The first screen 216A displays the following eight pieces of information simultaneously, including the information from the identification information display unit 245. However, due to the limitations of the display area of ​​the terminal-side display unit 216, not all of the information can be seen in a list format (all on one screen). (1) Identification information 72 (for example, the name of the dish, "Acqua Pazza") (2) Image information of the cooking menu (image display section 235) (3) Cooking time (4) Quantity (for 2 servings, 4 servings, etc.) (5) Material (6) Preparation (7) Instructions for preparation (including cooking direction in cooking steps 1 and 2, etc., performed using cooking appliance 1) (8) Cooking process information (including heating means and their control conditions, etc.) 226

[0290] 226 is cooking process information that, as part of the aforementioned "how to make," indicates two types of heating sources and the order in which they are driven. Note that Figure 42(A) only shows a portion of the first screen 216A. If you scroll the screen by touching the first screen 216A with your fingertip FG and moving it upwards, the first screen 216A will continue to be displayed vertically, showing detailed information such as ingredients and preparation instructions. See Figure 45 for more details.

[0291] 237 is a confirmation key (icon) for selecting one of the cooking menus displayed on this first screen 216A. This confirmation key 237 is the cooking menu confirmation key (icon) described in step SE5 of Figure 39. 238 is an input key (icon) for commanding to close this first screen 216A.

[0292] Next, we will explain Figure 42(B). When a user touches the cooking menu confirmation key (icon) 237 on the first screen 216A, the central processing unit (not shown) receives the input from the touch operation and switches from the display of the first screen 216A to the display of the second screen 216B as shown in Figure 42(B).

[0293] In the second screen 216B, 229 is transmission screen type information indicating the type of display information on the second screen 216B. In this Figure 42(B), "Preparing to transmit IH settings" is displayed to indicate that it is the preparation stage for transmitting induction heating cooking setting information (setting information A indicating cooking process 1). 240 is an input key (icon) that commands transmission. When pressed, the recipe data for the cooking menu selected in Figure 42(A) is sent to the cooking appliance 1.

[0294] The second screen 216B shown in Figure 42(B) is the "input screen waiting for confirmation of the target recipe" as described in step SE6 in Figure 39. In this second screen 216B state, the user can recognize that they need to operate one of the shared keys 42L, 42M, or 42R on the central control panel 17 of the cooking appliance 1. In the example in Figure 42(B), since cooking process 1 uses the left heating port 4L, the display prompts the user to press the left shared key 42L. After that operation, touch the input key 240 on the second screen 216B. Note that 241 is the undo input key, and touching it will return you to the state shown in Figure 42(A).

[0295] Next, we will explain Figure 43. Figure 43 is explanatory diagram 2 showing the display operation of the communication terminal 200. Figure 43(A) is the third screen 216C1, which displays the transmission results. Figure 43(B) is another third screen 216C2, which also displays the transmission results. Either of these third screens 216C1 or 216C2 is a dedicated screen that is always displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 after the recipe data CD has been transmitted from the communication terminal 200.

[0296] There are two types of third screens 216C1 and 216C2. The first screen is the third display screen 216C1 shown in Figure 43(A). It displays in text on the display unit 244A that the transmission was successful. Another is a third screen 216C2, which is displayed if the transmission from the cooking appliance 1 fails. As shown in Figure 43(B), the third screen 216C2 displays in text that the transmission from the cooking appliance 1 failed and the reason for the failure.

[0297] Next, we will explain Figure 44. Figure 44 is explanatory diagram 3 showing the display operation of the communication terminal 200. As explained in Figure 37, the option setting function displays the second screen A(216B1) as shown in Figure 44(A). 240 is the input key (icon) for sending, as explained in Figure 42(B).

[0298] Figure 44(B) shows the second screen B(216B2). This second screen B(216B2) is displayed when the confirmation key (icon) 237 on the first screen 216 is pressed and the heating method or heating port (right heating port 4R in this Figure 44) used for the selected cooking menu is in use for another cooking process. As is clear from the second screen B (216B2) of Figure 44(B), advice is displayed indicating that the recipe data CD should be sent only after the cooking process currently being used (right heating port 4R) has been completed.

[0299] Next, we will explain Figure 45. Figure 45 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the recipe data display screen and the cooking process of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200. Figure 45(A) shows a schematic diagram of the first screen 216A. In other words, it shows the state in which the user has already found and displayed recipe information for a single cooking menu item they have requested (in this case, "Acqua Pazza").

[0300] In Figure 45(A), 245 is the section that displays the identification information (cooking menu name) of the recipe data CD. For example, it is the section that displays the name or abbreviation of the cooking method. 235 is an image display unit that provides a concise image of the food items covered by the cooking menu, such as schematic diagrams or photographs (still images), and is displayed in close proximity to the identification information display unit 245.

[0301] As explained in Figure 42, the first screen 216A shown in Figure 45(A) displays, in addition to the information from the identification information display unit 245, identification information 72, cooking time, cooking process information 226A, and the like. In Figure 45(A), as shown in the first display section 251 and the second display section 252 described later, the default values ​​for control conditions such as "IH setting to 200°C" and "Grill for 10 minutes" are shown. These default values ​​for control conditions can also be included in the recipe data CD and transmitted. Therefore, the heating appliance 1 can acquire data such as "preheating temperature 200°C" from the beginning as setting information A (for cooking process 1) for the control device 22.

[0302] The cooking process information 226A and 226B are grouped together and displayed in one place for each cooking process. For example, in a cooking menu having cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 (for example, the aforementioned "Acqua Pazza"), the information for cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 are displayed in separate locations at the end of the displayed information. Figure 45(A) shows only a portion of the first screen 216A. By touching the screen with your fingertip FG and moving it upwards, as indicated by the dashed line, you can scroll the screen upwards. In other words, the first screen 216A is long vertically, and as you scroll the screen upwards, other related information will be displayed sequentially from the bottom. This allows detailed information such as ingredients and preparation instructions to be displayed sequentially.

[0303] 237 is a confirmation key (icon) for selecting cooking step 1 of one cooking menu (for example, the aforementioned "Acqua Pazza") displayed on this first screen 216A. This confirmation key 237A is the confirmation key (icon) for the cooking menu explained in step SE5 of Figure 39. 251 is the first display section in the cooking instructions (recipe) where the explanatory text for cooking step 1 is displayed. As is clear from Figure 45(A), in the first screen 216A, the input key 237A and the cooking process information 226A are positioned at the very end of the section displaying the "how to make" cooking process 1, that is, adjacent to the bottom end of the first display section 251.

[0304] Next, we will explain Figure 45(B). Since Figure 45(B) is a screen that is continuous with the bottom edge of the first screen 216A shown in Figure 45(A), neither the recipe data CD identification information (cooking menu name) display unit 245 nor the image display unit 235 are displayed, but they may always be displayed at the top of the first screen 216A. Within the cooking instructions (recipe), the cooking process information 226B and the input key (icon) 237B are located adjacent to the second display section 252 related to cooking process 2. As shown in Figure 45(B), the cooking method during the "heating pause period P3" between cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 is also displayed. As shown in Figures 45(A) and 45(B), the first screen 216A displays information from cooking process 1 to the heating pause period P3, as well as information on the cooking method and ingredients in cooking process 2, and control conditions such as heat level and heating time, in the order of the cooking process, from top to bottom of the screen.

[0305] Next, we will explain Figure 46. Figure 46 is a time chart 1 showing the coordinated operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200 and the cooking appliance 1 in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 1. Here, "Preview Information A" refers to the information necessary to perform cooking step 1 from the recipe data CD. It is part of the aforementioned Preview Information 201. If the cooking menu covered by the recipe data CD is a cooking menu for the linked cooking mode KM1, it will include at least two parts: cooking step 1 and cooking step 2. When cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 are acquired sequentially (in two separate steps) from the communication terminal 200, the advance information 201 for cooking step 1 will be called "advance information A" (201A), and the advance information for cooking step 2 will be called "advance information B" (201B). However, when the information for both cooking steps is transmitted together, it will simply be referred to as "advance information." The example shown in Figure 46 is an example where cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 are acquired sequentially (in two separate steps) from the communication terminal 200.

[0306] In Figure 46, steps SG1 to SG12 show the main operating steps of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1 and the related operating steps of the communication terminal 200. SP1 is the "communication establishment step" (preparation step) after the communication state has been established. This is the stage where information regarding a specific recipe data CD is not transmitted or received.

[0307] The next step, SP2A, is a "key identification step" in which the communication terminal 200 transmits preliminary information A (201A) (for cooking step 1), and the control device 22 determines the content of the preliminary information 201A. In this key identification step SP2A, the specific input key to be operated on the heating appliance 1 is determined from the cooking menu information (including identification information 72) identified in the preliminary information 201A.

[0308] The next step, SP2B, is a notification step in which, based on the determination result of the key identification step SP2A, the integrated display unit 15 displays the "specific input key" that should be operated in advance in order to receive the recipe data CD. Specifically, only one pair of the three pairs of shared keys 42L to 42R is selected as the "specific input key". The correspondence between each cooking menu of the linked cooking mode KM1 and the three display areas 15L to 15R of the integrated display unit 15 is stored as data in advance by the control device 22. For example, if it is determined that the "specific input key" is the left shared key 42L of the central operation unit 17, the control device 22 issues a command to display it in the first area 15L of the integrated display unit 15.

[0309] SP3 is a "confirmation step" in which the heating cooker 1 confirms the contents of the advance information A (201A) and transmits a confirmation signal (selection information A) 202 (202A) to the communication terminal 200. SP4 is a "receiving step" that retrieves information from a recipe data CD related to one of the items to be cooked. SP5 is a "waiting step" where the cooking appliance 1 has successfully acquired the recipe data CD and is waiting for the command to start the cooking operation. Figure 46 mainly describes the period from the point in time when a communication state is established between the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200 (step SG1) onward, as follows.

[0310] The establishment of the aforementioned communication state is achieved between the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200 by, for example, sending and receiving a preparation signal (preparation information) 203 for mutual authentication. This preparation signal (preparation information) 203 is automatically transmitted when the cooking appliance 1 is started up, or when a specific input key (for example, the selection key 70) is pressed. The preparation signal 203 is a unified signal regardless of the heating method or cooking menu, and includes at least the equipment identification information of the heating appliance 1. In addition, two-dimensional information that guides the communication terminal 200 to the cloud server 300 is displayed on the initial standby screen that is first displayed on the integrated display unit 15, so the communication terminal 200 reads the two-dimensional code and is guided to the cloud server 300, making it easy to prepare to obtain the recipe data CD from the cloud server 300.

[0311] Figure 46 illustrates the case of executing a cooking menu related to the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Note that, as described above, the communication terminal 200 cannot specify a sub-cooking mode and search for a single cooking menu for each sub-cooking mode. Furthermore, since searching by cooking type (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, etc.), name, abbreviation, etc. is more efficient than searching by sub-cooking mode, the communication terminal 200 in this embodiment 1 employs a method of extracting cooking menus based on the cooking name, etc. In other words, the communication terminal 200 cannot extract the desired cooking menu using the heating means or heating port as search keywords.

[0312] First, the communication terminal 200 searches for a cooking menu. It is also possible to obtain the recipe data for the desired cooking menu from the cloud server 300 beforehand (step SG2). At this point, the terminal display unit 216 is showing a search screen 216P (not shown) displaying the search results for the cooking menu.

[0313] On the communication terminal 200, by touching and selecting one of the multiple cooking menus displayed on the search screen 216P, the user can display only the specific (one) cooking menu they want to cook on the first screen 216A (step SG3). At this point, the setting information (setting information A) for executing the specific cooking menu is read from the heating appliance database 217 (not shown) and temporarily stored in the recipe selection unit 232 (not shown) of the communication terminal 200.

[0314] The first screen 216A in step SG3 is as described in Figure 42(A). When the user touches the confirmation key 237 on this first screen 216A (step SG3A), the central processing unit (not shown) of the communication terminal 200 receives the input from the touch operation and displays the second screen 216B on the terminal-side display unit 216 instead of the first screen 216A (step SG3B).

[0315] Meanwhile, advance notice A (advance notice) 201A is sent to the cooking appliance 1 (step SG3B). Thus, when the cooking menu confirmation key (icon) 237 is pressed, advance notice A (201A) regarding cooking process 1 is generated and transmitted in the communication terminal 200.

[0316] On the second screen 216B, as explained in Figure 42(B), information (selection request information) is displayed on the heating appliance 1 side requesting confirmation input (step SG4). This information includes the aforementioned advance information A(201A). In the example in Figure 42(B), the operation of the left shared key 42L, which corresponds to the right heating port 4L, was specified. In this example in Figure 46 as well, in the case of the linked cooking mode KM1, the first cooking step 1 is induction heating, and for example, the left heating port 4L is used, so it is necessary to operate the left shared key 42L.

[0317] In this way, upon receiving the aforementioned advance information A (201A), the heating appliance 1 is configured to identify the common key that requires selection (confirmation step SP3) within the central control unit 17. Specifically, the reception standby information 80 and identification information 72 are displayed in one of the relevant display areas 15L to 15R within the integrated display unit 15 (step SG4).

[0318] In the next step, SG5, pressing the left shared key 42L initiates the "occupancy state" of the heating means used for one cooking menu, as described above. In the cooperative cooking mode KM1, since there are at least two cooking processes, the "occupancy state" of the heating means used for cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 is initiated. In other words, unless some kind of cancellation operation is performed on cooking appliance 1, it becomes impossible to select other cooking menus that utilize the occupied heating means.

[0319] Next, we will explain Figure 46. In step SG5, for example, when the left shared key 42L is operated, data (selection information A) (202A) indicating the result of this input operation is acquired by the communication terminal 200 (step SG6). As a result, the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 displays a message indicating that "a shared key (shared button) has been pressed" on the second screen A (216B1), as shown in Figure 44(A) (if the option is set). If the option is not set, the state of the second screen 216B shown in Figure 42(B) is maintained.

[0320] Next, when the transmit key 240 on the second screen 216B shown in Figure 42(B), or when the transmit key 240 on the second screen A(216B1) shown in Figure 44(A), a recipe data CD for executing one cooking menu is transmitted from the communication terminal 200 (step SG7). In other words, the "command data" (setting information A for cooking process 1) for setting the heating appliance 1 to a specific state is transmitted all at once from the communication terminal 200. In this case, since only setting information A is transmitted, only the recipe data CD for cooking process 1 is transmitted, but as mentioned above, all recipe data CDs for cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 may be transmitted all at once.

[0321] In this embodiment 1, the communication unit 25 of the cooking appliance 1 is attached to the outer wall surface of the cooking appliance 1 in the form of an adapter, so the communication unit 25 will be referred to as the "communication adapter" below.

[0322] Upon receiving the command data (step SG8), the communication adapter 25 then acquires status information of the cooking appliance 1 itself, as explained in Figure 47. This status information indicates the status of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1. For example, it is information that the heating control unit 23 has confirmed about the state of the first heating means HM1. In this way, the status information of the cooking appliance 1 and the contents of the received command data are analyzed to determine whether there are any problems in executing the cooking process according to the received command data (see step SG9 in Figure 47).

[0323] If the cooking device 1 determines that there are no problems with cooking, the communication adapter 25 transmits the status check result to the communication terminal 200 (step SG10). This transmission process corresponds to the sending of the "permission notification" in step SC5, as explained in Figure 40. If the determination result is that there are problems with cooking, the communication adapter 25 of the cooking device 1 transmits data to the communication terminal 200 containing a signal (disallowance notification) indicating that the recipe data CD cannot be received. This corresponds to the process in step SC11 shown in Figure 40.

[0324] The communication terminal 200 receives a "permission notice" or "denial notice" from the cooking appliance 1, which is then analyzed by a central processing unit (not shown) (step SG11). Then, either the third screen 216C1 shown in Figure 43(A) or the third screen 216C2 shown in Figure 43(B) is displayed (step SG12).

[0325] If you obtain data for a specific cooking menu (for example, "hamburg steak") using the recipe data CD, you cannot change that cooking menu to another cooking menu (for example, "fried chicken" or "pork cutlet"). Furthermore, you cannot change the cooking menu at this stage, even with voice input.

[0326] When cooking using a specific cooking menu based on a received recipe data CD, the user can appropriately change the control conditions (e.g., heating time, target heating temperature, etc.) before (see Figure 40) or after (see Figure 41) cooking using the input operation unit 36 ​​or voice input. However, for some cooking menus, it is not possible to change the control conditions. Furthermore, the "allowable setting range" for the control conditions is set in advance on the cooking appliance 1, and even when cooking a cooking menu obtained from the communication terminal 200, it is not possible to deviate from this "allowable setting range".

[0327] By pressing one of the on / off keys (41L, etc.) located in front of the shared key (42L, etc.) that was operated immediately before transmitting selection information A (201A), cooking process 1 of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be started using the received recipe data (setting information A) (see step SG14 in Figure 47).

[0328] Next, we will explain Figure 47. Figure 47 is a time chart 2 showing the coordinated operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200 and the cooking appliance 1 in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 1. It provides a more detailed explanation of the time chart 1 in Figure 46.

[0329] In Figure 47, steps SG1 to SG16 show the main operating steps of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1 and the related main operating steps of the communication terminal 200. In Figure 47, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in Figure 46, so the following explanation will focus mainly on the differences.

[0330] Step SG9 analyzes the status information of the heating appliance 1 and the contents of the received command data to determine whether there are any problems in executing the heating process according to the received command data. Here, the "status information" of the heating appliance 1 refers to information such as "the induction heating power is zero and it is in a standby state just before heating starts," and the state of receiving a temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor group 30 and the detected temperature, which the communication adapter (communication unit) 25 acquires. Internally, the communication adapter 25 repeatedly performs this status check operation at regular time intervals to collect the latest accurate data. In this way, the status information of the cooking appliance 1 and the contents of the received command data are analyzed to determine whether there are any problems in executing the cooking process according to the received command data. Note that this determination process was explained in detail in step SC3 of Figure 40, so the details are omitted here.

[0331] In the heating appliance 1, when cooking can be started using the received recipe data CD, the light emission control unit 37 highlights one of the relevant first (left) area 15L to third (right) area 15R displays to indicate to the user which input key to operate. For example, the background color may be changed from white to yellow. Alternatively, the light emission control unit 37 illuminates only one of the shared keys 15L, 15M, or 15R to be operated from below with a light-emitting element (not shown) so that it can be clearly identified from the other keys (step SG13).

[0332] As described above, in step SG13, the operating surface of a specific input key (common key) in the input operation unit 17 selected in step SG5, its vicinity, or the display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R themselves are made visually conspicuous by continuous illumination, flashing illumination, background color, etc. Next, proceed to step SG15. In step SG15, pressing the left on key 41L, located in front of the left shared key 42L, starts induction heating cooking. Immediately after the start of heating, the communication adapter 25 of the heating cooker 1 performs the status information acquisition operation again at regular intervals and transmits it to the communication terminal 200.

[0333] In the KM1 linked cooking mode, which does not use a recipe data CD, even if cooking step 1 is performed at the left heating port 4L, the cooking menu identification information 72 is displayed in the central area 15M. In contrast, when using a recipe data CD obtained from an external source for cooking in the KM1 linked cooking mode, as is clear from the above explanation, the location where the identification information 72 and the reception standby information 80 (see Figure 36) are displayed changes based on information such as the heating port, heating means, and heating chamber 6 used in cooking step 1.

[0334] In the next step, SG16, the communication terminal 200 acquires status data from the cooking appliance 1, and the terminal-side display unit 216 can monitor whether the cooking is being performed according to the recipe data CD set by the user. At this point, the third screen 216C is no longer displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216.

[0335] Next, we will explain Figure 48. Figure 48 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display contents of the integrated display unit 15 corresponding to each of the main operation steps after the main power switch 20 is turned ON. As shown in Figure 48(A), when the main power switch 20 is turned OFF, the integrated display unit 15 is not activated and therefore does not display any information. When the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 22 performs a self-diagnosis, such as checking for abnormalities, as described above, and then displays the standby initial screen 1 shown in Figure 48(B) across the entire display screen of the integrated display unit 15.

[0336] In the display screen shown in Figure 48(B), 68A is a message indicating that the power is on. 68B is two-dimensional information (a two-dimensional code) for guiding the communication terminal 200 to the recipe data provision server 301, which is a dedicated recipe posting site, via the network NW. 68C is a text explaining the meaning of the two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as the "two-dimensional information explanation text").

[0337] When the two-dimensional code 68B is optically read by the aforementioned communication terminal 200, it is possible to be directed to and connected to the recipe data provision server 301 which holds information on various cooking recipes. The two-dimensional information description 68C and the display statement 68A are types of the standby common information 68.

[0338] After the standby initial screen 1 shown in Figure 48(B) is displayed, the display automatically switches to the standby initial screen 2 shown in Figure 48(C). On this standby initial screen 2, the user is prompted to perform an input operation to select a heating source by the operation guidance information 68D. 68E is a guide explaining that cooking can be done using an external recipe data CD. These operation guidance information 68D and guide 68E are a type of common standby information 68.

[0339] The standby initial screen 1 and standby initial screen 2 shown in Figures 48(B) and 48(C) are collectively referred to as the standby initial screen. Note that other forms may also be included in the definition of the standby initial screen. Figure 48(D) shows the state in which the reception waiting information 80 is displayed on the display screen of the integrated display unit 15. This Figure 48(D) shows the state at a stage after step SG1 of the "communication state establishment" already explained in Figure 47, but before step SG5.

[0340] Figure 48(E) shows the state of the display screen of the integrated display unit 15, which has been automatically switched from the state shown in Figure 48(D). As shown in Figure 48(E), the reception standby information 80 has changed to prompt the operation of the shared key 42L corresponding to the left heating port 4L, in response to the advance information 201 transmitted from the communication terminal 200. The state shown in Figure 48(E) corresponds to step SG4 as shown in Figure 46. Note that the display content in Figure 48(E) may also be automatically announced by the voice notification unit 50. In this case, the voice message would be something like, "If you are ready to receive the recipe data, please press the shared key on the left."

[0341] As is clear from Figures 48(B) and 48(C), the display of the standby common information 68 utilizes the entire display screen. In other words, rather than displaying it partially using one of the aforementioned first area 15L to third area 15R, the three areas 15L to 34 are integrated (combined) in a way that makes them indistinguishable to the user, in order to secure the largest possible display area, so that the entire integrated display unit 15 appears to be displayed.

[0342] Next, we will explain Figure 49. Figure 49 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of receiving recipe data in the integrated display unit 15. Figures 49(A) and 49(B) show modified examples of the display shown in Figures 48(D) and 48(E). Figure 49(A) shows an example of the display that appears immediately after receiving the advance information 201 from the communication terminal 200. The state in Figure 49(A) corresponds to step SG4 shown in Figure 46. Figure 49(B) is an example of a display screen that is automatically switched to and displayed a short time (within a few seconds) from the time of display in Figure 49(A). The state in Figure 49(B) is also the stage of step SG4 shown in Figure 46.

[0343] In Figures 49(A) and 49(B), 80A is a standby status display unit before the start of the reception process. 80B is guidance information prompting the user to operate the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R for receiving the recipe data CD. 80C is a graphic representation of the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R to be operated. It is displayed in a shape that mimics the planar shapes of the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R. The standby status display unit 80A, the guidance information 80B, and the graphic 80C are all types of the received standby information 80.

[0344] The example in Figure 49(B) shows a recipe data CD where cooking step 1 can be performed using either the left heating port 4L or the right heating port 4R, and only one of the left shared key 42L or the right shared key 42R can be selected. To account for operational errors, for example, if one shared key (left shared key 42L) is pressed, it may be possible to immediately cancel the initial selection of the left heating port 4L by pressing the other shared key (right shared key 42R) within a short period (a few seconds).

[0345] Figure 49(C) shows the display content immediately after the correct shared key (e.g., 42L) is operated. In other words, it shows the state after the recipe data CD reception operation has started. The state in Figure 49(C) corresponds to step SG8 shown in Figure 46. In Figure 49(C), 90A represents multiple progress markers that appear as the receiving operation progresses. There are two types of progress markers 90A: black triangles and white triangles. 90 is the reception operation indicator. In this scene, it displays text indicating that the device is in the process of receiving a recipe data CD from an external source.

[0346] As shown in Figure 49(C), immediately after the start of the recipe data CD reception process, one black triangular progress marker 90A is displayed. As the reception process progresses, the number of markers increases sequentially, eventually resulting in a state where five black triangular progress markers (progress markers 90A) are lined up. In addition, as the number of black triangular progress markers 90A increases, the same number of white rectangular progress markers 90A disappear.

[0347] Progress Mark 90A may display the degree of progress by changing the size and color of a single shape, or it may be represented by animation. Next, Figure 49(D) is a schematic diagram showing the results of the recipe data CD reception operation. If the recipe data CD is deemed "not permitted" based on the judgment of the permission conditions (permission condition 1, etc.), the reception operation display unit 90 in Figure 49(C) will change to display non-reception information (not permitted information) 91, as shown in Figure 49(D) and Figure 49(C). The state shown in Figure 49(D) corresponds to step SG10, as shown in Figure 46. 91A is reception support information. Figure 49(D) indicates that the reason for the rejection of the recipe data CD was that the peak cut power setting was less than 5000W. Therefore, a method for improvement is displayed. In the example in Figure 49(D), the user is recommended to change the peak cut function setting of the cooking appliance 1 by operating the function setting key 45.

[0348] In this embodiment 1, when cooking that has two or more heating means and two or more cooking steps, such as the cooperative cooking mode KM1, is performed by acquiring recipe data CDs from an external source, it was explained that there are two methods: one in which the heating cooker 1 acquires both the recipe data CDs for cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 from an external source at once (single acquisition method), and another in which the data is acquired sequentially at the stage of cooking step 1 and the stage of cooking step 2 (sequential acquisition method).

[0349] When adopting the latter "sequential acquisition method," the KM1 cooperative cooking mode is convenient because it includes a heating pause process (heating pause period P3) (see Figure 45). In other words, cooking process 1 ends when the set time has elapsed or when the user presses the end key (on / off key), and the heating pause period P3 begins from the time of its end. During this heating pause period P3, the user can prepare for the start of cooking process 2, and can receive the advance information 201 (201B) for acquiring cooking process 2 during this period. Subsequently, by pressing the correct input key (common key 42L, 42M, 42R) to send a confirmation signal for cooking process 2, the recipe data for cooking process 2 can be reliably acquired and cooking process 2 can be started.

[0350] Cooking process 2 begins when the user issues a start command by operating an on / off key (41R, 41M, etc.), allowing the user to freely prepare for cooking process 2 during the heating pause period (P3) (however, there is an upper limit, such as within 30 minutes from the end of cooking process 1).

[0351] Next, we will explain Figure 50. Figure 50 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit / front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used.

[0352] The timer operation unit 43, which inputs a "time limit condition" for one of the upper heating units UH selected by the selection unit SK (for example, the left IH coil 9L that constitutes the left heating port 4), allows the user to input the heating operation time TA for the left IH coil 9L. Here, the aforementioned time limit condition refers to a condition that restricts the heating operation by a time element. For example, if the user inputs a condition of 30 minutes as the heating operation time TA, that time becomes the set time PT, and this "30 minutes" is also the aforementioned time limit condition.

[0353] Figure 50 shows the intermediate stages of cooking at the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R, respectively, as explained in Figure 10. In the right heating port 4R, induction heating is being performed at heat level 6, and the right heat level indicator 16R displays "Heat Level 6". On the other hand, the left heating port (4L) uses induction heating at power level 2, but this heating is automatically stopped after a set time by the timer function (off timer function).

[0354] Next, we will explain what happens when the timer control unit 43 is operated during induction heating of the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R. As shown in Figure 50, when the user operates the timer control unit 43 once, the control device 22 determines whether the upper heating unit UH is in use for heating. It also determines whether the heating chamber 6 is in the process of heating.

[0355] As shown in Figure 50, when the control device 22 determines that the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R of the upper heating section UH are in heating operation, it displays candidate time information TX in the relevant display area according to a certain rule. In other words, the display order is basically 15L for the first area (left area), 15M for the second area (center area), and 15R for the third area (right area). Here, as shown in the example in Figure 50, if the second area 15M is not being used for heating, the display will not be shown in that area, but in the next area, the third area 15R.

[0356] Furthermore, the timing of sequentially displaying candidate time information TX in the first area (left area) 15L to the third area (right area) 15R is synchronized with the timing of a single operation of the timer control unit 43 by the user. In other words, it is initially displayed preferentially in the first area 15L, but the display area of ​​the candidate time information TX will not switch unless the user operates the timer control unit 43 again after that display.

[0357] By the way, in the initial displayed candidate time information TX, the default value is uniformly 15 minutes for all areas from Area 1 (left area) 15L to Area 3 (right area) 15R. Therefore, the setting time display unit 67 of the first area 15L initially displays a time of 30 minutes. This 30-minute time is then adjusted not by the input key (shared key 42L) corresponding to the first area 15L, but by a pair of input keys (up / down keys) 44 located on the right operation unit 18. To set a longer time, use the time adjustment key 44 on the right. Conversely, to set a shorter time, use the time adjustment key 44 on the left.

[0358] The timer cooking time is basically set in 1-minute increments, but it can be set to 5-minute, 10-minute, 30-minute increments, etc., using function setting key 45. In the following explanation, we will simplify the explanation by assuming that the time adjustment key 44 can be changed by 30 seconds each time it is operated. Note that if no input is made from the right control panel 18 for more than 5 seconds after the display of one candidate time information TX begins, the time of that candidate time information TX will be confirmed as the set time PT after 5 seconds.

[0359] Figure 50 shows the state where the user operates the function setting key 45 without changing the default value of 30 minutes, and the timer operation (countdown) has started, with 15 minutes remaining. 66A is auxiliary information associated with the remaining heating time display unit 66, and is displayed to indicate that the time displayed on the remaining heating time display unit 66 is the remaining time based on the set time (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0360] The control device 22 has a function to execute one cooking menu selected by the user from among multiple cooking menus. When one of the heating units, for example, the left IH coil 9L of the left heating port 4L, is performing a heating operation for one of the cooking menus, the timer operation unit 43 is operated, and the control device 22 determines whether to apply the off-timer function to the cooking menu. If it is applied, the control device displays the set time information for the off-timer function (for example, 10 minutes) in the individual display area (for example, the left display area 15L) corresponding to the heating unit that is executing the cooking menu.

[0361] Figure 50 shows an example where the remaining time display unit 66 is displayed below the heat output display unit 48. The set time for the off-timer function (e.g., 10 minutes) is displayed as "10:00". Instead of this heat level display unit 48, identification information 46 for sub-cooking modes (see Figure 25) may be displayed. Alternatively, identification information 72 for cooking menus (see Figure 27) may be displayed. In other words, the remaining time display unit 66 and these identification information 46 and 72 may be displayed simultaneously.

[0362] Next, we will explain Figure 51. Figure 51 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used. Figure 51 shows the case where, after candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) is displayed in the first area 15L, the user operates the timer operation unit 43 one more time without operating the function setting key 45. Figure 51 shows a case where the heating operation of the right heating port 4R, which is performing induction heating at heat level 6, is continued for a set time PT using the timer function (off timer function). As shown in Figure 51, the remaining time is 10 minutes, so the heating operation of the right heating port 4L will automatically stop after 10 minutes have elapsed.

[0363] As can be seen from the explanations in Figures 50 and 51, in order to display candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) in the third area 15R of the right heating port 4R as shown in Figure 51, the user needs to operate the timer operation unit 43 twice in succession, as shown in Figures 50 and 51. If the user operates the timer operation unit 43 one more time in the state shown in Figure 51, the display area that displays candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) will return to the first area 15L.

[0364] Next, we will explain Figure 52. Figure 51 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used. Figure 52 shows the operation and display content following the operation shown in Figure 51.

[0365] In the third area 15R, after candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) is displayed, if the user wants to set a shorter time without operating the function setting key 45, they can change the candidate time information TX to 10 minutes by operating the time adjustment key 44 on the left several times. Furthermore, by operating the time adjustment key 44 on the left once from that state, the candidate time information TX can be changed to 9 minutes and 30 seconds, as shown in Figure 52. In this 9 minutes and 30 seconds state, the auxiliary information 66A is flashing with the word "later," indicating that it is not a confirmed time.

[0366] Next, Figure 53 will be explained. Figure 53 is an explanatory diagram 4 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15, the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17, the right control unit 18, and the right heat level display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used. Figure 53 shows the operation and display content following the operation shown in Figure 52.

[0367] When candidate time information TX (for example, 9 minutes and 30 seconds) is displayed in the third area 15R (as shown in Figure 52), and the user operates the timer operation unit 43 once, the control device 22 adopts the time indicated by the candidate time information TX at that moment as the set time PT, and the set time PT is determined. As shown in Figure 53, if the candidate time information TX is left displayed on the remaining time display unit 66 for a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds), the time indicated by the candidate time information TX will be adopted as the set time PT.

[0368] As shown in Figure 53, the auxiliary information 66A, which was displaying characters in a blinking state, changes to the auxiliary information 66B in a continuous display state when the candidate time information TX is confirmed as the set time PT.

[0369] Next, we will explain Figure 54. Figure 54 is a step-by-step diagram (time chart) illustrating the control operation of the control device 22 when the timer function (off timer function) is used. Steps SD1 to SD8 are stored in the control device 22 as the execution program for the off-timer function. Figure 54 shows the operation in chronological order from the start of the heating operation to waiting for the command to start the countdown of the set time PT (standby state).

[0370] When heating operation for one cooking mode (grill) is started using the heating chamber 6, the corresponding second area 15M displays a heating source display unit 47, which also serves as identification information for the cooking mode (grill). In addition, information on control conditions such as the heat level 1 to heat level 5 (see Figure 25) is also displayed (step SD1).

[0371] As described above, when only the heating chamber 6 is heating, the timer operation unit 43 is operated once (step SD2), and the control device 22 determines whether to apply the off-timer function to the specific cooking menu during the heating operation. This determination may be made by a dedicated determination circuit, or it may be performed by the software that constitutes the operation program of the control device 22. If the determination result is that there is no problem in applying the off-timer function, candidate time information TX is displayed in the second area (central area) 15M. In Figure 54, for a specific cooking mode (grill), the time of the initially displayed (default value) candidate time information TX is assumed to be "10 minutes," and the explanation follows. The remaining time display unit 66 flashes the word "remaining," and adjacent to it, it displays candidate time information TX, "10:00" (step SD3).

[0372] Next, by operating the time adjustment key 44 on the left side once (step SD4), the candidate time information TX can be changed and displayed as 9 minutes and 30 seconds, as explained in Figure 52. In this 9 minutes and 30 seconds state, the auxiliary information 66A displays the word "later" blinking (step SD5). Furthermore, if 5 seconds elapse without any input operation from step SD5, or if the timer operation unit 43 is operated once (step SD6), the set time PT is confirmed to be "9 minutes and 30 seconds" as in step SD5. Then, as explained in Figure 53, the auxiliary information 66A, which was shown in a blinking state, changes to a continuously lit state and changes to auxiliary information 66B (step SD7). After this, the control device 22 enters a standby state in which it detects whether the function setting key 45 has been pressed (step SD8).

[0373] Next, we will explain Figure 55. Figure 55 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control device 22 when the timer function (off timer function) and the "external notification mode" are used. Steps SH1 to SH4 are stored in the control device 22 as the execution program for the "external notification mode of the off timer".

[0374] When heating operation for one cooking mode (grill) is started using the heating chamber 6, the corresponding second area 15M displays a heating source display unit 47, which also serves as identification information for the cooking mode (grill). In addition, as explained in step SD1 of Figure 54, information on control conditions such as heat level 1 to heat level 5 (see Figure 25) is also displayed (step SH1).

[0375] In the next step, SH2, it is determined whether the "external notification mode" has been set in advance. If it is in external notification mode, proceed to step SH3. In step SH3, the user operates the function setting key 45 to determine whether the timing operation (countdown) has started. If the countdown has started, the process proceeds to step SH4. In step SH4, the initial time information that started the countdown in step SH3, i.e., the set time information (for example, 10 minutes), is sent to a specific communication terminal 200 or external server (cloud server) 300 that has been mutually authenticated in advance.

[0376] When the set time information (for example, 10 minutes) is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 or the external server (cloud server) 300, the receiving communication terminal 200, etc., will similarly start a countdown, and for example, a certain amount of time before the set time PT ends (for example, 1 minute or 30 seconds before), the communication terminal 200 will notify the user by voice or other means. This makes it possible to create a cooking system that improves safety, even if the user moves away from the cooking appliance 1 for a short time during timer cooking, so that the communication terminal 200 carried by the user or another person living with them can be notified that the cooking is nearing its end.

[0377] Next, we will explain Figure 56. Figure 56 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15 when the timer function (simple timer function) is used. In Figure 56, the timer operation unit (timer switch) 43 or function setting key 45 is depicted near the integrated display unit 15, but this is drawn for the sake of clarity and does not mean that the timer operation unit 43 or function setting key 45 are located in this positional relationship in a plan view.

[0378] Step SM1 in Figure 56 shows the same scene as in Figure 50. That is, it shows the state in which heating is being carried out in the right heating port 4R and the left heating port 4L, respectively. When the timer control unit (timer switch) 43 is pressed once, the auxiliary information 66A and the remaining time display unit 66 showing "10 minutes 00 seconds" are displayed in sequence in the first area 15L. Next, when the timer operation unit 43 is pressed once more, the remaining time display unit 66 in the first area 15L disappears, and the elapsed time display unit 69 is displayed in the second area 15M (step SM1A). 69T is the initial time information, which is "0 seconds" as shown in this figure. Next, when the user operates the function setting key 45, the display content of the elapsed time display unit 69 changes sequentially every second, and the initial time information 69T (0 seconds) becomes the elapsed time (count-up time) thereafter, and is displayed in units of one second (step SM2).

[0379] Step SM3 indicates that the timing unit 39 has counted up the elapsed time to 1 minute and 25 seconds. If the timer operation unit 43 is pressed one more time, the measurement of the elapsed time will be temporarily stopped at this point. After this, if the timer operation unit 43 is pressed once more, the remaining time display unit 66 of the second area 15L returns to displaying the measured elapsed time. After this, if the user operates the function setting key 45, the display content of the elapsed time display unit 69 changes sequentially every second, displaying the elapsed time in one-second increments (step SM4). Furthermore, if the user operates the function setting key 45 once more, the measurement of elapsed time by the timing unit 30 ends. As a result, the elapsed time up to that point is displayed on the elapsed time display unit 69 as, for example, "1 minute 30 seconds" (step SM5).

[0380] In Figures 53 and 56, the individual display areas that show the set time PT information and the default set time information TX show the heat output display unit 48, but the cooking menu and control mode are not displayed. However, in the individual display area (e.g., first display area 15L) corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed (e.g., left heating port 4L), the identification information of the cooking menu or control mode to which the heating operation is performed and the set time PT information (e.g., 9 minutes) related to the heating operation time of the heating unit may be displayed simultaneously.

[0381] Next, we will explain Figure 57. Figure 57 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between input operations and display areas in chronological order when selecting the off-timer function and the simple timer function. Figure 57(A) is an explanatory diagram of the off-timer function, and Figure 57(B) is an explanatory diagram of the simple timer function. In Figures 57(A) and (B), reference numeral 43 indicates the timer operation unit 43, and reference numeral 44 indicates the function setting key 45. Reference numerals 15L, 15M, and 15R indicate individual display areas. Specifically, 15L indicates the first area (left area), 15M indicates the second area (center area), and 15R indicates the third area (right area). In Figure 57(A), the operation of the timer operation unit 43 immediately before starting the countdown of the set time is not necessarily required, and is therefore shown with a dashed frame. That is, as explained in Figure 53, if the candidate time information TX is displayed on the remaining time display unit 66 and a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds), which is the "waiting period TY," has elapsed, the time indicated by the candidate time information TX will be adopted as the set time PT, and if left as is, the countdown of the "off timer function" by the timing unit 39 will start automatically.

[0382] Next, we will explain Figure 58. Figure 58 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the relationship between the recipe data display screen 216 and the cooking process of the communication terminal 200 shown in Figure 39. It shows an example of a cooking menu different from the linked cooking menu (acqua pazza) in Figure 45. Figure 58 shows an example of a single linked cooking mode KM1, where the central heating port 4C is used in cooking process 1, and the heating chamber 6 is used in cooking process 2.

[0383] As shown in Figure 58(A), the first screen 216A simultaneously displays the following six pieces of information in addition to the information from the identification information display unit 245, which shows the name of the cooking menu, etc. However, due to the limitations of the display area of ​​the terminal-side display unit 216, not all of the information can be seen in a list format. (1) Cooking time (2) Quantity (for 2 servings, 4 servings, etc.) (3) Material (4) Preparation (5) Instructions for preparation (including cooking direction in cooking steps 1 and 2, etc., performed using cooking appliance 1) (6) Cooking process information (including heating means and their control conditions, etc.) 226A, 226B.

[0384] In this collaborative cooking menu shown in Figure 58, the heating process is stopped towards the end of cooking step 1, which allows residual heat to enhance the cooking effect of the food being cooked, which is a slight difference from the example in Figure 45.

[0385] The preheating process PE begins when induction heating in the central heating port 4C is stopped. In this case, the duration of the preheating process PE is 15 minutes, which is one of the control conditions for cooking process 1, and the "15 minutes" is the default value. Such default values ​​for control conditions are also stored in advance in the recipe data storage unit 21A. If the recipe data CD is obtained from the communication terminal 200, it may also be received as part of the cooking process 1 data on that recipe data CD. In any case, on the heating cooker 1 side, cooking process 1 basically includes this "preheating process (default time is 15 minutes)".

[0386] In the preheating process PE, when the drive of the central IH coil 9M of the central heating port 4C stops, the elapsed time is automatically started to be counted by the timing unit 39. The elapsed time from the start of this count is displayed in one-minute increments in the second area (central area) 15M. This point will be explained in detail in the following Figure 59.

[0387] Next, we will explain Figure 59. Figure 59 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state of the integrated display unit 15 when the timer function (simple timer function) is used. In Figure 59, the display content is shown for the preheating stage at the end of cooking process 1 in the case of the linked cooking menu described in Figure 58.

[0388] Step SN1 in Figure 59 shows the end of cooking process 1 at the central heating port 4C, where the drive of the central IH coil 9M is stopped and the heating operation is halted. Since cooking process 1 was being performed at the central heating port 4C, the heating source display unit 47 was displayed in the second area 15M, and the fact that it was stopped was indicated by text information 76. In addition, text information 77A indicating that the preheating process has started is also displayed in this second area 15M. If the object to be heated N used in cooking process 1 is moved to another location from above the central heating port 4C, the temperature sensor group 30 will detect the absence of the object to be heated N from that point onward, and the display of the preheating process text information 77A will cease.

[0389] From the point at which the central IH coil 9M stops operating, the control device 22 measures (counts) the elapsed time using the timing unit 39, and displays elapsed time information 78A every minute (see step SN2). Then, it displays remaining time information 78B until the default value of the preheating time (e.g., 15 minutes) is reached. This display is updated every minute. After that, once the specified time (15 minutes in the example above) has elapsed, the preheating process is indicated by the notification information 78C, as shown in step SN3.

[0390] Once the preheating process is complete, the second area 15M of the integrated display unit 15 displays text information 79 indicating preparation for automatically moving to cooking process 2, and progress information 79A for starting cooking process 2. 79B is elapsed time information from the time the preheating process of cooking process 1 is completed. In step SN4 of Figure 59, the elapsed time information 79B indicates that 1 minute has passed since the preheating process was completed.

[0391] In Figure 59, the elapsed time information 78A and the remaining time information 78B were displayed in the second area 15M. This is because the second area 15M is responsible for displaying the heating means (second heating means HM2, third heating means HM3) and heating chamber 6 used in cooking process 2. If cooking process 2 is performed using the right heating port 4R, these will be displayed in the third area 15R.

[0392] As described above, in this embodiment 1, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the user can easily know the elapsed time (elapsed time information 78A and remaining time information 78B) at the intermediate stage of transitioning from cooking process 1 to cooking process 2, and can proceed smoothly to cooking process 2. Furthermore, since the measurement of these elapsed times is performed automatically without requiring the user to operate the timer operation unit 43 each time, there is no concern that it will impair user operability or force complex input operations.

[0393] Summary of Embodiment 1. As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment 1, a heating appliance 1 relating to the first disclosure was disclosed as follows. In other words, one form of the heating cooker 1 relating to the first disclosure is, Multiple heating sections (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) The user can individually select the heating elements (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) using the selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R. A timer operation unit 43 allows selection of a timer function common to the aforementioned heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R), Individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the aforementioned heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R), A control device 22 controls the heating operation of the heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) and the display operation of the individual display area, Equipped with, When the timer operation unit 43 is operated, the control device 22 sequentially displays one of two types of time information for each of the individual display areas in a predetermined order, in accordance with the operation of the timer operation unit 43. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0394] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance 1 that can widely handle various types of cooking by using multiple heating sections (heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R), and that contributes to improving the efficiency of user input operations and reducing the burden on the user in order to effectively utilize the timer function.

[0395] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, a heating appliance 1 relating to the second disclosure was disclosed as follows. In other words, one form of the heating cooker 1 relating to the second disclosure is, Multiple heating sections (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) Selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R that allow the user to individually select the heating units, A common operation unit 18 provides common input to the heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R), Each of the aforementioned heating units is assigned an individual display area 15L, 15M, 15R, A control device 22 that individually controls the heating operation of the heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R), Equipped with, The shared operation unit 18 includes a timer operation unit 43 that allows selection between an off-timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating unit (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) and a simple timer function that does not limit the heating operation time of the heating unit (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R), and a time input unit 44 that allows input of the setting time PT for the off-timer function. When the timer operation unit 43 is operated, the control device 22 sequentially displays one of two types of time information within the range of the individual display area in a predetermined order, in response to the operation of the timer operation unit 43. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0396] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance 1 that can widely handle various types of cooking by using multiple heating sections (heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R), and that contributes to improving the efficiency of user input operations and reducing the burden on the user in order to effectively utilize the timer function.

[0397] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, A communication unit 25 that communicates with external information processing means (communication terminal 200, etc.), A first heating means HM1 for heating the upper heating section, The system further comprises a second heating means HM2 that performs cooking in a heating chamber 6 located inside the main body 2, The control device 22 has a function to execute a coordinated cooking mode KM1, which has a cooking step 1 using either the first heating means or the second heating means, and a cooking step 2 using the other, for a single cooking menu. When the control device 22 obtains preliminary information 201 regarding one cooking menu of the linked cooking mode KM1 from the communication unit 25, it can transmit selection information 202 to the outside from the communication unit 25 to request the provision of a recipe data CD by operating the left selection key 42L, the right selection key 42R, or the center selection key 42M, which correspond to either the heating port (left heating port 4L, right heating port 4R) or the second heating means HM2 (located in front of the first area 15L, the third area 15R, or the second area 15M) capable of executing the cooking process 1 of the cooking menu. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0398] With this configuration, it is possible to reliably acquire recipe data CDs for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 that uses the heating chamber 6 and the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, and to provide a heating cooker 1 that contributes to improving the efficiency of user input operations for each cooking menu and reducing the burden on the user.

[0399] Furthermore, according to the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, the selection of at least the left and right heating ports 4L and 4R, and the selection of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be centrally performed in front of the left area (first area) 15L, the right area (third area) 15R, and the central area (second area) 15M of the integrated display unit 15, with a single integrated display unit 15 at the center. Therefore, the user should choose the following: (1) (Left and right) Heating ports 4L, 4R and heating chamber 6, (2) KM1 Cooperative Cooking Mode and its Cooking Menu (3) Various input switches for inputting control conditions (heat output, set temperature, etc.) (left common switch 41L, right common switch 41R, left on / off switch 42L, right on / off switch 42R), Regarding the correspondence between the components, it is expected that they can be correctly and easily recognized based on their arrangement in the front-to-back direction, thereby preventing misoperation. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user-friendly cooking appliance 1.

[0400] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, The input operation unit 36 ​​has the linked cooking mode selection switch (key) 70, When the linked cooking mode KM1 is selected using the linked cooking mode selection key 70, a single unified display area (in Embodiment 1, the second area 15M) among the first area 15L, the second area 15M, and the third area 15R displays identification information 72 for selecting a linked cooking menu (see Figure 30). Regardless of the display area where the identification information 72 is displayed (the central area 15M in Embodiment 1), the configuration is characterized in that the execution of the linked cooking menu can be confirmed by operating any one of the left-turn key 41L, the center-turn key 41M, and the right-turn key 41R, which correspond to any one of the heating ports or heating means used in the cooking process 1.

[0401] With this configuration, when the linked cooking mode is selected with the selection switch 70, the display area where the identification information 72 is always displayed is the same (second area 15M in Embodiment 1), so there is no confusion in confirming the identification information 72. Furthermore, by operating the selection key (central selection key 42M in Embodiment 1) corresponding to that display area (second area 15M in Embodiment 1), another (linked) cooking menu can also be selected, thus simplifying the operation of selecting cooking menus.

[0402] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, When the linked cooking mode is selected using the selection switch 70, the identification information 72 for one linked cooking menu and the identification information 72A for the next candidate linked cooking menu are simultaneously displayed in the same display area (second area 15M in Embodiment 1) of the integrated display unit 15. The aforementioned left selection key (left shared key) 42L and right selection key (right shared key) 42R were configured to sequentially update the displayed linked cooking menu each time they were operated.

[0403] This configuration allows users to easily display and select the desired collaborative cooking menu.

[0404] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, The device further includes a main power switch 20 that controls the supply of power to the control device 22, After closing the main power switch 20, if the left selection key 42L, the center selection key, or the right selection key 42R is operated while the linked cooking mode KM1 has not been selected by the linked cooking mode selection key 70, the system is configured to simultaneously display the identification information 46 for one cooking mode and the identification information 46A for another cooking mode that is a candidate for the next selection in the first area 15L, second area 15M, or third area 15R.

[0405] With this configuration, when cooking without using the selection switch 70, the user can select the desired cooperative cooking menu by operating the left selection key (left shared key) 42L or the right selection key (right shared key) 42R, which are located in front of the displayed identification information 46.

[0406] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, The left selection key 42L, the center selection key 42M, and the right selection key 42R each have a pair of keys, and these keys are configured in a combination of an up key that displays the identification information 46 and the identification information 72 of the linked cooking menu in a predetermined order, and a down key that displays them in the reverse order of the predetermined order.

[0407] With this configuration, when operating the left selection key (left shared key) 42L or the right selection key (right shared key) 42R to select identification information 46 and a cooking menu for the linked cooking mode, the desired cooking mode or linked cooking menu can be displayed sequentially and easily selected.

[0408] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, A central heating port 4C (which is one of the upper heating sections) is further provided between the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R. The integrated display unit 15 was configured to have the function of selectively displaying cooking information from the central heating port 4C and cooking information from the heating chamber 6 in the central area 15M.

[0409] This configuration results in a cooking appliance equipped with three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, which increases the number of items (such as pots) that can be heated simultaneously, improving ease of use.

[0410] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, The configuration was characterized in that the central selection key 42M and the central cut-in key 41M were shared by both the central heating port 4C and the second heating means HM2.

[0411] This configuration allows for the creation of a cooking appliance 1 equipped with multiple heating ports and heating chambers without increasing the number of on / off keys. This increases the number of items (such as pots) that can be heated simultaneously, improving usability and offering cost advantages in terms of manufacturing. Furthermore, because the number of on / off keys is not increased, individual keys can be spaced apart within a limited installation space, preventing accidental operation of adjacent keys.

[0412] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, When the control device 22 acquires the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200, it separately acquires setting information A related to cooking process 1 and setting information B related to cooking process 2 from the communication terminal 200. The control device 22 sequentially acquires the setting information A and the setting information B. When the control device 22 operates one of the input keys of the input operation unit 36 ​​(e.g., the left selection key 42L), it proceeds to a step in which it can acquire the setting information A (see step SG5 in Figure 47), When acquiring the setting information A, use an input key different from the one used (when cooking process 1 is The configuration is characterized by proceeding to a step in which the setting information B can be acquired when an operation is performed (during the heating pause period after completion).

[0413] With this configuration, the recipe data CD located externally can be reliably acquired by the cooking appliance 1 and used for actual cooking. In other words, if the user has previously entered a specific input key (for example, the left selection key 42L) on the heating appliance 1, the system will proceed to acquire the recipe data CD only after a confirmation operation by the user (checking whether a specific operation has been performed on the central control unit 17). This prevents user errors and improves usability. Furthermore, in the case of cooking menus with multiple cooking steps, such as the linked cooking mode KM1, the entire recipe data CD can be reliably acquired through the reception of setting information for each cooking step, such as the aforementioned advance information 1 and advance information 2, and the confirmation operation using the specified input key (left selection key 42L, etc.) (see steps SG4 and SG5 in Figure 46). Therefore, it is expected that the reliability and operability of acquiring the recipe data will be improved in the heating cooker 1, which can handle a wide range of cooking using multiple cooking steps.

[0414] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, The left selection key (left shared key) 42L and the right selection key (right shared key) 42R are characterized by being composed of a combination of an up key 42M that displays identification information 46 for multiple sub-cooking modes and a cancel display unit 46C to be selected when canceling the setting of a sub-cooking mode in a predetermined order, and a down key 42M that displays them in the reverse order of the predetermined order.

[0415] This configuration makes it easy to display and select the desired sub-cooking mode. Furthermore, canceling a sub-cooking mode can be done using the same key, resulting in excellent usability.

[0416] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, The aforementioned central selection key (central shared key) 42M is characterized by being composed of a combination of an up key 42M that displays, in a predetermined order, identification information 46 for sub-cooking modes such as "whole grilling" and "filleting," and a down key 42M that displays them in the reverse order of the predetermined order, along with a heating source display unit 47 that can exclusively select the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2, respectively.

[0417] This configuration allows for easy display and selection of sub-cooking modes related to cooking using the central heating port 4C and heating chamber 6. Furthermore, it is easy to select the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 exclusively, resulting in excellent operability.

[0418] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 described in the first and second disclosures, the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R are each positioned in front of them, within the range of the widths W1 to W3 of the individual display areas (see Figure 6), and each of the selection units (on / off keys) 41L, 41M, and 41R corresponding to one of the heating ports are arranged.

[0419] With this configuration, the correspondence between the selection section (left-turn key 41L, right-turn key 41R) and the multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R can be correctly and easily recognized based on their arrangement in the front-to-back direction, thus preventing misoperation. Therefore, a user-friendly cooking appliance 1 can be provided.

[0420] Furthermore, in the heating cooker 1 described in the first and second disclosures, as explained in Figure 6, common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R are arranged in front of each of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R, within the widths W1, W2, and W3 of the individual display areas, corresponding to each of the top heating sections, and allowing the selection of at least two of the following: cooking menu, cooking mode, or control conditions such as heat level.

[0421] With this configuration, the correspondence between the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R and the multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R can be correctly and easily recognized based on their arrangement in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, control conditions can be set and input to the correct heating port.

[0422] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 related to the first and second disclosures, When the timer operation unit 43 is not operated and the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R are selected by the selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R, the cooking menu identification information 72 or the cooking mode identification information 46 is displayed in the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the selected heating port. The cooking menu identification information 72 or the cooking mode identification information 46 can be changed to display different identification information by further operating the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R.

[0423] With this configuration, by operating the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R located in front of each of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R, it is possible to easily display the next candidate for cooking menu and cooking mode for each individual display area and proceed to the cooking process.

[0424] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 related to the first and second disclosures, When the timer operation unit 43 is not operated and the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R are selected by the selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R, the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the selected heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R will display the cooking menu identification information 72 or the cooking mode identification information 46, as well as control conditions such as heat output, heating time, and heating temperature. The aforementioned control conditions were characterized in that they could be changed to other control conditions by further operating the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R.

[0425] With this configuration, by operating the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R located in front of each of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R, the control conditions can be displayed for each individual display area, and the cooking process can proceed.

[0426] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, a heating appliance 1 relating to the third disclosure was disclosed as follows. In other words, one form of the heating cooker 1 relating to the third disclosure is, Multiple heating sections (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R, heating chamber 6), A timer operation unit 43 allows selection of a timer function common to the aforementioned heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R, heating chamber 6), Each of the aforementioned heating sections (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R, heating chamber 6) is assigned an individual display area (15L, 15M, 15R), A control device 22 controls the heating operation of the heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R, heating chamber 6) and the display operation of the individual display areas (15L, 15M, 15R), Equipped with, The control device 22 is The first step involves receiving an operation from the timer operation unit 43 (see step SD2 in Figure 54 and steps SQ1 to SQ2 in Figure 57), Each time the operation of the first step is performed, the second step (see step SQ3 in Figure 57 and step SM2 in Figure 56) is performed, in which the individual display area (15L, 15M, 15R) corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed and the individual display area (15L, 15M, 15R) corresponding to the remaining heating units in which the heating operation is not being performed are sequentially displayed either the default setting time information for the off-timer function (e.g., 10 minutes) or the initial time information 69T for the simple timer function (e.g., 0 seconds). In the second step, if a time adjustment command (input of key 44) is received (see step SQ3 in Figure 57), the set time is changed from the default set time and displayed (see step SQ4A in Figure 57), and when the waiting period TY has elapsed, the countdown operation of the off-timer function is automatically started. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0427] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance 1 that can widely accommodate various types of cooking using multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R and heating chamber 6, and that contributes to reducing the workload by eliminating the need for users to input the set time and issue commands to start the off-timer function, thereby making effective use of the off-timer function.

[0428] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, a heating appliance 1 relating to the fourth disclosure was disclosed as follows. In other words, one form of the heating cooker 1 relating to the fourth disclosure is, Multiple heating elements (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) are arranged in the left-right direction, Selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R allow the user to individually select the heating units (heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R), A timer control unit 43 that allows selection of the timer function, The heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) is assigned individual display areas (first display area 15L, second display area 15M, third display area 15R) arranged in the left-right direction, A control device 22 that individually controls the heating operation of the heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R), Equipped with, When the timer operation unit 43 is operated, in accordance with that operation, (1) In the individual display area corresponding to the heating section (heating port 4L, 4C, 4R) where the heating operation is being performed, the default setting time information for countdown (e.g., 10 minutes) is displayed (see Figures 50 to 53). (2) In the individual display area corresponding to the other heating unit where the heating operation is not being performed, the operation displays the initial time information 69T for counting up (e.g., 0 seconds) (see Figure 56). Perform one of the following in a predetermined order for each individual display area (e.g., from the first display area to the second display area, then to the third display area). This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0429] This configuration allows for a wide range of cooking methods using multiple heating ports (4L, 4C, and 4R), and reduces the workload for users who need to input the set time to utilize the timer function. Furthermore, with this configuration, the individual display area corresponding to the heating section (heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R) where heating is taking place is automatically distinguished from the individual display area where heating is not taking place, and the content of the displayed time information is changed accordingly. This prevents input errors even for beginners. Therefore, a user-friendly cooking appliance 1 can be provided.

[0430] Furthermore, the fourth disclosure also disclosed a configuration in which, as explained in Figure 56, the individual display area (first display area 15L) corresponding to the heating unit (for example, the left heating port 4L) where the heating operation is being performed simultaneously displays identification information of the cooking menu or control mode to which the heating operation is targeted, and information of the set time PT (e.g., 9 minutes) related to the heating operation time of the heating unit. With this configuration, the corresponding cooking menu or control mode can be checked simultaneously when setting the timer, preventing misunderstandings and confusion for the user, making this a user-friendly cooking appliance.

[0431] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the heating appliance 1 was disclosed as follows. In other words, Multiple heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R are located on the top surface of the main unit 2, Selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R that allow the user to individually select the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R, A timer operation unit 43 allows selection of an off-timer function that limits the heating time of the aforementioned heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R, An integrated display unit 15 that displays cooking information related to the aforementioned heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R, The integrated display unit 15 and the control device 22 that controls the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R, Equipped with, The control device 22 has a function to execute multiple heating and cooking menus or multiple cooking modes. The integrated display unit 15 has individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R, each assigned to a heating port 4L, 4M, and 4R, arranged in the same configuration as the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R. When the timer operation unit 43 is operated while at least one of the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R is performing a heating operation for one of the heating cooking menus, the control device 22 determines whether to apply the off-timer function to the heating cooking menu, and if it does, displays the off-timer function setting time information 66 in one of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the heating port 4L, 4M, and 4R that is executing the heating cooking menu. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0432] This configuration allows for a wide range of cooking methods using multiple heating ports (4L, 4C, and 4R), and reduces the workload for users who need to input the set time to utilize the timer function. Furthermore, with this configuration, the correspondence between the selection units 41L, 41R and the multiple heating ports 4L, 4R can be correctly and easily recognized based on their arrangement in the front-to-back direction, thus preventing misoperation. Therefore, a user-friendly cooking appliance 1 can be provided. Furthermore, the system automatically determines whether the off-timer function is applicable to a cooking menu, and if it is, it displays the off-timer function setting time information 66 in one of the predetermined individual display areas 15L, 15M, or 15R, thus preventing the incorrect setting of cooking time conditions for inappropriate cooking menus.

[0433] Furthermore, the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1 can be expected to have unique effects, as described below. In other words, in the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1, As explained in Figure 6, the right firepower display unit 16R is positioned immediately to the right of the integrated display unit 15. Furthermore, the right operation unit 18 is positioned slightly to the right of the front operation unit 17F, along a left-right reference line BL that crosses the front edge of the front operation unit 17F horizontally. The right-hand control unit 18 has a timer switch 43, a setting key 44 for changing the setting time of the timer switch 43, and an input key 29 for setting the voice input mode, all arranged in a straight line.

[0434] With this configuration, in the case of cooking using the left heating port 4L, the central heating port 4C, the right heating port 4R, and the heating chamber 6, the user can efficiently perform various operations such as managing the heating time with the timer function and switching to voice input mode using the right control unit 18 located next to the central control unit 17. In other words, the central control unit 17 and the right control unit 18 allow for "centralized" setting of heating conditions at a total of four locations: the left heating port 4L, the central heating port 4C, the right heating port 4R, and the heating chamber 6. Here, "centralized" means that the user does not need to stretch their arms to the left or right to perform input operations, and as can be seen in Figure 6, input operations can be performed accurately within a relatively narrow range.

[0435] Embodiment 2. Figure 60 is explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15 and the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17 of the heating appliance 1 in Embodiment 2. Figure 61 is explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15 and the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17 of the heating appliance 1 in Embodiment 2. Figure 62 is a flowchart showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the heating appliance 1 shown in Figure 60. Figure 63 is an explanatory diagram of the integrated display unit and the central operation unit showing the state of cooking in the heating appliance shown in Figure 60. Note that the same or corresponding parts as those in Embodiment 1 described in Figures 1 to 59 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0436] In this second embodiment, the configuration of the integrated display unit 15 and the central operation unit 17 of the heating cooker 1 differs from that of the first embodiment. In other words, this second embodiment differs significantly from the first embodiment in that the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 is configured as a touch input panel, and touch-input type (three pairs) shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R are provided within the integrated display unit 15.

[0437] Figure 60 will be explained. Figure 60 shows a state where multiple cooking processes in one sub-cooking mode are being performed simultaneously, in a mode other than the KM1 linked cooking mode. The integrated display unit 15 has a display screen where at least the front half is comprised of a touch panel, which is part of the touch panel input means. In other words, detection electrodes (not shown) for detecting touches from a fingertip FG are arranged in the front half. Similar to Embodiment 1, the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 has a left display area (left area) 15L, a central display area (central area) 15M, and a right display area (right area) 15R, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. In other words, one display screen is divided horizontally into three sections, and the display operation is controlled accordingly.

[0438] The aforementioned left area 15L is composed of two parts: a rear area 63B and a front area 63F adjacent to the rear area 63B. However, the rear area 63 and the front area 63F are not formed separately in hardware. Only the front area 63F has an auxiliary configuration that accepts touch operations performed by the user, and has touch detection and input functions. In this embodiment 2, the left shared key 42L of embodiment 1 is configured in the form of an icon that detects the touch of the user's fingertip FG. In other words, when the user's fingertip touches each of the left and right shared keys 42L, the touch operation is detected, and information can be input.

[0439] Valid touch input in the front area 63F is limited to touching the left shared key 42L; touching a location other than the left shared key 42L or touching the rear area 63B will not generate any valid input signal. Furthermore, various touch gestures such as "tapping" (lightly tapping the surface of the front area 63F other than the left shared key 42), "flicking" (swiping), and "swiping" (tracing the surface with a finger) are not valid operations, and input using such fingertip operations is impossible.

[0440] The central area 15M, used for cooking with the central heating port 4C and heating chamber 6, is also composed of two parts: a rear area 64B and a front area 64F adjacent to the rear area 64B. Similar to the left area 16L, a pair of central shared keys 42M are configured in an icon format to detect the user's fingertip touch FG. Furthermore, the right area 15R is also composed of two parts: a rear area 65B and a front area 65F adjacent to the rear area 65B. Similar to the left area 16L, a pair of right shared keys 42R are configured in an icon format to detect the user's fingertip touch FG.

[0441] As shown in Figure 60, the left heating port 4L is in the state before induction heating cooking starts at "heat level 7". 67 is the set time display unit, and when the cooking time is set using the timer switch 43, the set time is displayed in 1-second increments. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 60, induction heating for 20 minutes is set. As shown in the central area 15M, you can choose between cooking using the central heating port 4C and cooking using the heating chamber 6 (with the sub-cooking menu set to "whole roast"). Pressing the central shared key 42M on the left will display the cancel indicator 46C in the center of the central area 15M, which is used to cancel the setting of the sub-cooking mode. This allows you to cancel the previously set sub-cooking menu (for example, "whole roast") and also cancel the selection of the central heating port 4C.

[0442] As shown in Figure 60, the right heating port 4R has "deep-frying" selected as the sub-cooking mode, the target heating temperature is set to 180°C, and the heating operation has started. As is clear from Figure 60, when the control conditions (e.g., heating time) are being set at the left heating port 4L, the left shared key 41L is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown), such as an LED, to indicate that it is in operation. For example, it is illuminated with yellow light to increase the visibility of the left shared key 42L. In this case, the light-emitting element's operation is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5).

[0443] As is clear from Figure 60, when either a sub-cooking mode or heating means (central IH coil 9M) is being selected in the central heating port 4C or heating chamber 6, the central shared key 42M is illuminated from below by an LED or other light-emitting element (not shown) to indicate that it is ready for input. For example, it is illuminated with yellow light to increase the visibility of the central shared key 42M. At the same time, the start of the heating operation can also be decided in this state, so the central on / off key 41M is also illuminated by an LED or other light-emitting element (not shown) to indicate that it is ready for input. In this case, the light-emitting element's operation is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5).

[0444] Furthermore, as is clear from Figure 60, the right heating port 4R has already been set to the sub-cooking mode "deep-frying" and the heating operation has started. Therefore, the right on / off key 41R is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element such as an LED (not shown) to indicate that it is available for input. In other words, the right on / off key 41R is illuminated, for example, with yellow light to indicate that it is possible to input a signal to immediately stop the heating operation. In this case, the light-emitting element's operation is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5). Even after the heating operation has started, the target heating temperature of the cooking oil for the sub-cooking mode "deep-frying" can be raised or lowered from "180°C" as shown in Figure 60 at any time using the right shared key 42R.

[0445] 75 is the recipe data acquisition key (switch). This has the function of allowing the acquisition of recipe data CDs (CD1, CD2) from an external source via the communication unit 25 (see Figure 5). In other words, in Embodiment 1, the switches (keys) that needed to be input before acquiring the recipe data CDs, depending on the type of cooking menu, were three common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R. In contrast, in this Embodiment 2, all of these are unified into the recipe data acquisition key 75.

[0446] The recipe data acquisition key 75 is located near the right end of the front operation unit 17F and at the left end of the right operation unit 18. When the control device 22 receives the recipe data CD from an external source, the surface of the recipe data acquisition key (switch) itself is illuminated from below (by a light-emitting element such as an LED) to indicate that it is ready for operation. This light-emitting element is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37.

[0447] 51 is a function display unit whose illumination is controlled by the light emission control unit 37. When the input function of the recipe data acquisition key 75 is enabled, the light-emitting element (illustrated) flashes or lights up to indicate that input is possible. In other words, when the recipe data CD is ready to be received, the light emission control unit 37 flashes the function display unit 51. As shown in Figure 60, if another sub-cooking menu is already running in both the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R, the function display unit 51 does not blink. However, even if the recipe data acquisition key 75 is operated, the control device 22 does not permit the acquisition of the recipe data CD, so the recipe data acquisition key 75 is effectively unable to function.

[0448] Next, we will explain Figure 61. Figure 61 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15 and the central control unit (rear control unit and front control unit) 17 when cooking is actually being performed in the heating cooker 1 shown in Figure 60.

[0449] The example shown in Figure 61 illustrates the intermediate stages of cooking using the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R, respectively. This example in Figure 61 does not involve cooking using a recipe data CD for the KM1 linked cooking mode obtained from an external source. Nor does it represent a situation where cooking is being performed using a recipe data CD for a sub-cooking mode other than the KM1 linked cooking mode.

[0450] 66 is a remaining time display unit. When the cooking time is set using the timer switch 43, the remaining time displayed on this remaining time display unit 66 is based on the set time 66T, and thereafter, as cooking progresses, the remaining time is displayed on the remaining time display unit 66 in 1-second increments. From the display on this remaining time display unit 66, in the example shown in Figure 61, it can be seen that cooking will be finished in 7 minutes. As is clear from Figure 61, when heating is in progress at the left heating port 4L, the left on / off key 41L is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown), such as an LED, to indicate that it is in operation. In this case, the light-emitting element's operation is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5).

[0451] Similarly, since heating is in progress at the right heating port 4R, the right on / off key 41R is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown), such as an LED, to indicate that it is in operation. For example, it is illuminated with yellow light to increase the visibility of the right on / off key 41R. In this case as well, the light-emitting element's operation is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5).

[0452] Furthermore, for the left shared key 42L and the right shared key 42R, during periods when control conditions such as heat output and temperature can be input, the touch operation icons are clearly colored differently from the central shared key 42M (which cannot be input), as can be seen in Figure 60. This makes it clear when input is possible and when it is not. This change in display design is executed by the control program of the integrated display unit 15 itself in response to the heating operation status signal from the control device 22. The reason why the central heating port 4C and heating chamber 6 cannot be used is that the "peak cut value," which specifies the upper limit of the maximum power consumption that can be used by the cooking appliance 1, is set to 4000W. In other words, the control device 22 determines that there will be insufficient power if the right heating port 4R and left heating port 4L are used simultaneously, and indicates that they cannot be used with the usage prohibition display information 72N.

[0453] Next, we will explain Figure 62. In Figure 62, steps SS1 to SS8 are the operation steps for "acquiring the recipe data CD" in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, as defined in the integrated control program of the control device 22.

[0454] First, if the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed, the next step SS1 enables the input function of the input operation unit 36. Next, the integrated display unit 15 is activated, and the initial standby screen is displayed in the first area 15L to the third area 15R, respectively (step SS2).

[0455] The heating appliance 1 may ask the user for prior confirmation as to whether to send a signal to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 that has been registered in advance to request the provision of a cooking recipe data CD. However, if such an external connection is to be performed automatically in advance using the function setting key 45 of the input operation unit 36, the connection operation will be performed automatically at a predetermined timing. In other words, the smartphone 200 and the heating appliance 1 can be paired automatically and wireless communication 330 between the smartphone 200 and the heating appliance 1 can be established (step SS3). The voice notification unit 49 may also make a voice notification that it is OK to perform the operation to acquire the recipe data CD from an external source (step SS3).

[0456] The external connection in step SS3 involves repeatedly transmitting and receiving data alternately several times between the cooking appliance 1 and the external communication device (such as a communication terminal 200 or a cloud server 300). For example, before the initial transmission of a recipe data CD for a specific cooking menu (e.g., "hamburg steak") from the communication terminal 200, preliminary information 201 for identifying the cooking menu is transmitted to the cooking appliance 1. The cooking appliance 1 then analyzes this preliminary information 201, and if it confirms that it is a recipe data CD for hamburg steak, the integrated display unit 15 displays a message prompting the user to perform a recipe acquisition operation. For example, since the cooking of the hamburger requires first performing cooking step 1 in either the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L, the system displays instructions to operate the recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 in both the left area (first area) 15L and the right area (third area) 15R.

[0457] When the recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 is operated in the heating appliance 1 (step SS4), the heating appliance 1 transmits "selection information 202" via the communication unit 25 to indicate that a specific cooking menu (in this case, "hamburger") has been selected (step SS5). This selection information 202 is then recognized by the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300. Upon receiving the selection information 202, the communication terminal 200 transmits the recipe data CD. Upon receiving this transmitted data, the heating appliance 1 checks its internal status (for example, the set value of total power consumption), and if there are no problems, it proceeds to the next step, executing a data acquisition process (step SS6).

[0458] Finally, the necessary "setting information" (including the recipe data CD) is received from the external communication device (communication terminal 200, etc.). In other words, when the heating appliance 1 receives a signal, it immediately sends back another confirmation signal, and so on, performing several alternating communications until it finally completes receiving the necessary "setting information" (step SS7).

[0459] In the next step, SS8, the contents of the recipe data CD acquired from an external device such as the communication terminal 200, particularly the unique information 72 of the cooking menu (for the collaborative cooking mode KM1), are displayed on the integrated display unit 15. The voice notification unit 49 also notifies the fact of reception, for example, "Hamburg steak recipe received."

[0460] As is clear from the above explanation, when the control device 22 acquires the recipe data CD for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 and cooks, (1) A communication establishment step (SS3) to establish a communication state with a specific communication terminal 200, (2) After the communication establishment step (SS3), the notification step (SS4) is performed in which the notification means 40 notifies information indicating that operation of the recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 is required in accordance with the advance information 201 obtained from the communication unit 25, (3) When the recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 notified by the notification means 40 is operated, a confirmation step (SS5) is performed in which the selection information 202 is transmitted, (4) After transmitting the selection information 202, a reception waiting step (SS6) is performed to prepare for receiving the recipe data CD, The system is configured to execute these steps sequentially.

[0461] In the reception waiting step (SS6), the "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" described in Figure 26 of Embodiment 1 are checked. For example, if the right heating port 4R and heating chamber 6 are both in an "occupied state" being used for different cooking processes, depending on the recipe data CD to be acquired, a cooking process using heating chamber 6 may be required. In that case, permission condition 2 is not met, and therefore, acquisition of the recipe data CD is not permitted.

[0462] Next, we will explain Figure 63. Figure 63 is an explanatory diagram of the integrated display unit 15 and the central operation unit 17, showing the state in which one cooking menu (roast beef) is being performed in the KM1 linked cooking mode acquired from an external source. As is clear from Figure 63, for one cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (for example, "roast beef"), if a recipe data CD is obtained from an external source, the cooking menu must first start preheating at the right heating port 4R, and then perform cooking step 1 at the right heating port 4R. Cooking step 2 is a cooking menu that uses the heating chamber 6.

[0463] As is clear from Figure 63, with respect to one cooking menu (for example, "roast beef") in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, when the advance information 201 is obtained from an external source, the cooking step 1 of that cooking menu can be performed using either the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L. However, if the user has previously operated the setting key 45 to enable the "default setting" of "right heating port 4R priority mode," then identification information 72 will initially be displayed in the right area 15R. In other words, as shown in Figure 63, the right area (third area) 15R displays the identification information 72 and the summary display information 72P for the KM1 cooperative cooking mode in text.

[0464] Therefore, to prepare this cooking menu (roast beef), you only need to touch either of the pair of on / off keys 41R that correspond to the first area 15R. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 63, the left and right on / off keys 41R are clearly distinguishable from the other on / off keys 41L and 41M by the light emission control unit 37, which displays the entire touch key portion either as illuminated or in a flashing state, emphasizing that the key to be operated by the user is the right on / off key 41R.

[0465] Furthermore, when deciding to start cooking (cooking step 1 at the right heating port 4R) using a recipe data CD obtained from an external source, the touch key portion of the right turn-on key 41R is displayed by the light emission control unit 37 in a luminous or blinking state, as shown in Figure 63.

[0466] Furthermore, as explained in Embodiment 1 (Figure 27), the cooking process for this menu (roast beef) is carried out in the heating chamber 6. Therefore, at the stage of confirming the execution of this menu, the "permission information 2" explained in Embodiment 1 is checked, and it is a condition that no other cooking is reserved or being performed in the heating chamber 6. Therefore, if permission condition 2 is met, the prohibition information 72N will be displayed in the central area 15M as shown in Figure 63. In Figure 63, the prohibition information 72N will be displayed as the text information "Grill compartment (heating chamber) unavailable". In other words, it indicates that the heating chamber 6 will be occupied.

[0467] Summary of Embodiment 2. As is clear from the above description, in this embodime...

Claims

1. Multiple heating elements, A selection unit that allows the user to individually select the heating units, A common operation unit that provides common input to the heating unit, Each heating unit has its own assigned display area, A control device for individually controlling the heating operation of the heating section, Equipped with, The shared operation unit has a timer operation unit that can select the time information to be displayed in the individual display area. When the timer operation unit is operated, the control device, in response to the operation of the timer operation unit, sequentially displays either time information from the off-timer function that limits the heating operation time in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit currently performing the heating operation, or time information from the simple timer function that counts up the elapsed time in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit not performing the heating operation, in a predetermined order within the range of the individual display areas. A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the shared operation unit has a time input unit for inputting the setting time for the off-timer function.

3. The cooking appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device can activate the simple timer function for counting up the elapsed time when it receives a command from another input key after the timer operation unit has been operated and the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is not being performed has been selected.

4. Multiple heating elements, A timer operation unit that allows selection of a timer function common to the heating unit, Each heating unit has its own assigned display area, A control device that controls the heating operation of the heating section and the display operation of the individual display area, Equipped with, The control device is The first step is to accept the operation of the timer operation unit, Each time the operation of the first step is performed, the second step is performed, which sequentially displays the default setting time information for the off-timer function in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed, and displays the initial time information for the simple timer function for counting up the elapsed time in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is not being performed. In the second step, if a time adjustment command is received, the display state of the default set time information is changed to the display state of the set time information, and in that display state, when the waiting period has elapsed, the countdown operation of the off-timer function is automatically started. A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

5. The second step includes a display state A in which the default setting time information is displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed, and a display state B in which the initial time information is displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is not being performed. The cooking appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, if an input is received from the selection command key for the simple timer function during the period of the display state B, the count-up operation of the simple timer function is started, and the display of elapsed time information is started in place of the initial time information in conjunction with the count-up operation.

6. Multiple heating units arranged in the left-right direction, A selection unit that allows the user to individually select the heating units, The heating section is allocated individual display areas arranged in the left-right direction, A timer operation unit that allows selection of the individual display area for displaying information related to the timer function, A control device for individually controlling the heating operation of the heating section, Equipped with, When the timer operation unit is operated, in accordance with that operation, (1) In the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit in which the heating operation is being performed, the operation of displaying the default setting time information for countdown, (2) In the individual display area corresponding to the other heating unit where the heating operation is not being performed, an operation is performed to display initial time information for counting up. Perform one of the following in a predetermined order, one by one for each individual display area: A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

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