Operation control device, cooking appliance, operation control method, and operation control program

Abstract

To provide an operation control device which can improve the operability of a selection operation of menu information related to a cooking menu of a cooker, the cooker, an operation control method and an operation control program.SOLUTION: An operation control device comprises: an acceptance processing unit for accepting from a user a first operation for rotating a rotation operation part provided at a cooker and rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation for rotating the rotation operation part in the second direction within a prescribed time after rotating the rotation operation in the first direction; a display processing unit for causing a display unit of the cooker to display menu information related to a cooking menu of the cooker when the first operation is accepted by the acceptance processing unit; and a switching processing unit for switching a display mode of the menu information when the second operation is accepted by the acceptance processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation control device that receives a user operation for selecting menu information such as cooking menus in a cooker.

Background Art

[0002] A plurality of cooking menus and the like are registered in advance in the cooker, and the user can select a desired cooking menu from the plurality of cooking menus and start cooking. Conventionally, in a cooker, a technique is known in which a user can select a cooking menu or the like by rotating a rotary encoder (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, with the increase in functionality, cookers have become capable of cooking many cooking menus. Along with this, the number of cooking menus and the number of setting items (time, temperature, etc.) have increased, and the operations by the user have become complicated. For example, the user has to operate the rotary encoder for a long time until reaching the desired cooking menu. Thus, in the conventional technology, there is a problem that the operability of the selection operation of menu information such as cooking menus is poor.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an operation control device, a cooker, an operation control method, and an operation control program capable of improving the operability of the selection operation of menu information related to the cooking menus of a cooker.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An operation control device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a reception processing unit, a display processing unit, and a switching processing unit. The reception processing unit receives from the user a first operation to rotate a rotary operation unit provided on the cooking appliance, which is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotary operation unit in the second direction within a predetermined time after rotating it in the first direction. When the reception processing unit receives the first operation, the display processing unit displays menu information relating to the cooking menu of the cooking appliance on the display unit of the cooking appliance. When the reception processing unit receives the second operation, the switching processing unit switches the display mode of the menu information.

[0007] A cooking appliance according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a rotating operation unit rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, a display unit, and a control unit for controlling the display content of the display unit. The control unit comprises a reception processing unit that receives from the user a first operation to rotate the rotating operation unit in the first or second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotating operation unit in the second direction within a predetermined time after rotating it in the first direction, a display processing unit that displays menu information relating to a cooking menu on the display unit when the reception processing unit receives the first operation, and a switching processing unit that switches the display mode of the menu information when the reception processing unit receives the second operation.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an operation control method in which one or more processors receive from a user a first operation to rotate a rotary operation unit provided on a cooking appliance, which is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotary operation unit in the second direction within a predetermined time after rotating it in the first direction, and when the first operation is received, menu information relating to the cooking menu of the cooking appliance is displayed on the display unit of the cooking appliance, and when the second operation is received, the display mode of the menu information is switched.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an operation control program which causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: receive from a user a first operation to rotate a rotary operation unit provided on a cooking appliance, which is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction; receive a second operation to rotate the rotary operation unit in the first direction within a predetermined time; when the first operation is received, display menu information relating to the cooking menu of the cooking appliance on the display unit of the cooking appliance; and when the second operation is received, switch the display mode of the menu information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation control device, a cooking appliance, an operation control method, and an operation control program that can improve the operability of selecting menu information related to cooking menus for a cooking appliance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing the external appearance of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a conventional method for selecting a cooking menu. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a heating appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of menu registration information used in a heating cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows an example of a method for setting menu numbers in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows an example of a method for setting menu numbers in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows an example of a method for setting the time in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a time setting method in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a time setting method in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a cooking mode setting method in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a cooking mode setting method in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a diagram showing an example of a cooking mode setting method in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the procedure of an operation control process executed by a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation control process executed by a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a menu information setting method in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not have the character of limiting the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] [Overall Configuration of Cooking Appliance 1] While referring to FIG. 1, the structure of a cooking appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the cooking appliance 1. The cooking appliance 1 is an example of the cooking appliance of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking appliance 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body casing 1a, a heating chamber 3 (accommodation chamber) provided in the main body casing 1a and having an opening 2 on the front side, and a door 4 for opening and closing the opening 2 of the heating chamber 3.

[0015] An exhaust duct 5 having an air outlet is provided on the upper and rear sides of the main body casing 1a. A dew receiving container 6 is detachably attached to the lower part of the front surface of the main body casing 1a. The dew receiving container 6 is placed below the door 4 and is capable of receiving water droplets from the rear surface of the door 4 (the surface on the heating chamber 3 side) and the front plate of the main body casing 1a. Also, a water supply tank 7 is detachably attached to the lower part of the front surface of the main body casing 1a.

[0016] The door 4 is provided on the front side of the main body casing 1a so as to be rotatable about the lower side as an axis. On the front surface of the door 4 (the surface opposite to the heating chamber 3 side), a heat-resistant transparent outer glass 8 and a handle 9 located above the outer glass 8 are provided.

[0017] Also, on the door 4, a display unit 13 provided on the right side of the outer glass 8 and an operation unit 14 provided below the display unit 13 are provided. The display unit 13 is a display panel for displaying information (menu information) such as cooking menus, setting information (cooking mode, time, temperature, output value (wattage)), etc. Also, the display unit 13 may have a touch panel function capable of receiving touch operations by the user. The operation unit 14 includes a rotary encoder 141 and a push button 142.

[0018] The rotary encoder 141 is configured to be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and to be pressable. The user operates the rotary encoder 141 to select and confirm menu information or to start cooking. For example, the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 (clockwise or counterclockwise) to switch the cooking menu displayed on the display unit 13. Alternatively, the user can press the rotary encoder 141 when the desired cooking menu is displayed on the display unit 13. This confirms the cooking menu. Furthermore, when the user completes the settings for various items and presses the rotary encoder 141, cooking according to the settings will begin.

[0019] Multiple push buttons 142 may be provided. These multiple push buttons 142 may include, for example, a cancel button that is pressed to cancel setting information or to stop cooking midway through.

[0020] The food to be heated is placed inside the heating chamber 3. The cooking appliance 1 uses microwaves, steam (superheated steam), etc., to perform cooking. For example, the cooking appliance 1 heats the steam generated by the steam generator with a heater and supplies the superheated steam, which has reached 100°C or higher, into the heating chamber 3. This heats the food to be heated inside the heating chamber 3. The cooking appliance 1 controls the amount of steam supplied, the rotation speed of the circulation fan, the heating time, the internal temperature, etc., according to the cooking menu to perform the heating process.

[0021] Incidentally, the cooking appliance 1 has menu information for multiple cooking menus pre-registered, and the user selects the desired cooking menu from among several options. However, if the number of cooking menus and setting items (time, temperature, etc.) is large, the user operation becomes complicated. For example, the user has to operate the rotary encoder 141 for a long time to reach the desired cooking menu. Thus, conventional technology has the problem of poor usability in selecting menu information such as cooking menus. The following describes a specific example of a conventional method for selecting cooking menus.

[0022] Figure 2 shows an example of a conventional method for selecting a cooking menu. Figure 2 shows the menu numbers for the cooking menu. For example, if a user wants to select the desired menu number "0049", they rotate the rotary encoder 141 clockwise to switch menu numbers. Specifically, when the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 by a predetermined amount from the state of menu number "0000", the menu number switches to "0001".

[0023] Here, the predetermined amount is the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141 required to increment or decrement the menu number by one. The rotary encoder 141 may also be a click-type encoder, where the rotation of the rotary encoder 141 stops after each predetermined amount of rotation. In this case, when the rotary encoder 141 rotates by one click, the menu number increments or decrements by one.

[0024] In the example shown in Figure 2, when the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the menu number switches to "0001". Therefore, the user must rotate the rotary encoder 141 another 48 clicks to reach the desired menu number "0049". Thus, the user has to rotate the rotary encoder 141 49 clicks from the initial number "0000" to the desired menu number "0049", which is time-consuming.

[0025] In contrast, according to the heating appliance 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the operability of selecting menu information related to the cooking menu of the heating appliance 1, as shown below. The specific configuration of the operation control processing by the heating appliance 1 will be described below.

[0026] [Specific configuration of operation control processing] As shown in Figure 3, the cooking appliance 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a heating unit 15, and the like.

[0027] The heating unit 15 performs a heating process to heat the object to be heated inside the heating chamber 3. The heating unit 15 includes a steam generator, an infrared sensor, an intake fan, an exhaust fan, a circulation fan, a drive motor, a heater, etc. (not shown). The heating unit 15 performs the heating process by controlling the drive of each part according to the commands of the control unit 11.

[0028] The control unit 11 is a computer system comprising one or more processors and storage memory such as non-volatile memory and RAM. The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile memory that stores operation control programs and the like for causing the control unit 11 to execute operation control processing (see Figure 8) described later. The control unit 11 is an example of the operation control device of the present invention.

[0029] Furthermore, the memory unit 12 stores the menu registration information D1. Figure 4 shows an example of the menu registration information D1.

[0030] Menu registration information D1 is information about the cooking menus that can be selected in the heating appliance 1. Menu registration information D1 registers information such as "menu number," "menu name," and "mode" for each cooking menu. The cooking menu is information that indicates the type of food, such as milk, vegetables, stews, fried chicken, roast beef, pizza, seared bonito, cream buns, and cheesecake. The cooking menu also includes the output value (wattage) of the microwave. The menu number is food identification information, such as a number assigned in the order of registration. The menu name is such as the name of the food or the output value (wattage) of the microwave.

[0031] The aforementioned mode is information indicating the cooking mode (operating mode) for heating food. The mode includes "automatic mode," which automatically sets the temperature and time; "manual mode," which manually sets the temperature and time; "microwave mode," which performs microwave cooking; and "all mode," which includes all of the above. Menu registration information D1 registers information representing the selectable cooking menus for each mode. For example, in "all mode," "〇" is registered for all cooking menus, so if the cooking mode is not set to "automatic mode," "manual mode," or "microwave mode," the user can select all cooking menus on the operation screen.

[0032] Furthermore, in "Automatic Mode," all food items with menu numbers are marked with a "〇," so when the cooking mode is set to "Automatic Mode," the user can select any food item on the operation screen.

[0033] Additionally, in "Manual Mode," all cooking menus excluding food items with menu numbers (such as microwave power output, steaming, oven, fermentation, and grilling) are marked with a "〇." Therefore, when the cooking mode is set to "Manual Mode," the user can select cooking menus excluding food items on the operation screen.

[0034] Furthermore, since "Microwave Mode" is only registered with a "○" for microwave menus, when the cooking mode is set to "Microwave Mode," the user can select only microwave menus (microwave output values) on the operation screen.

[0035] Thus, menu registration information D1 contains pre-registered cooking menus corresponding to each of the multiple cooking modes.

[0036] Menu registration information D1 is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. For example, menu registration information D1 may be stored in the storage unit 12 when the cooking appliance 1 is manufactured. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may store menu registration information D1 in the storage unit 12 after the cooking appliance 1 has been delivered to the user. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be able to add new cooking menu information to the menu registration information D1 stored in the storage unit 12, or modify the registered information. For example, if the cooking appliance 1 is equipped with communication means, the control unit 11 may download menu registration information D1 from a server (such as a cloud server) to the storage unit 12 via a network such as the Internet, or add or modify cooking menus.

[0037] In another embodiment, some or all of the information, such as the menu registration information D1, may be stored on a server (such as a cloud server) accessible from the cooking appliance 1. In this case, the control unit 11 may acquire the information from the server and execute various processes, such as the operation control processing described later (see Figure 8). Alternatively, the user may use a mobile terminal to download the menu registration information D1 from the server to the cooking appliance 1.

[0038] The control unit 11 displays menu information related to the cooking menu on the display unit 13 based on the menu registration information D1, and also accepts menu selection operations from the user. The control unit 11 also performs the heating process of the food to be heated based on the user's selection operation.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as a display processing unit 111, a reception processing unit 112, a setting processing unit 113, and a switching processing unit 114. The control unit 11 functions as these various processing units by executing various processes according to the operation control program. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be composed of electronic circuits. The operation control program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as these various processing units.

[0040] The display processing unit 111 displays various information on the display unit 13 (see Figure 1). The reception processing unit 112 receives user operations on the operation unit 14. Specifically, the display processing unit 111 displays menu information related to cooking menus, such as menu number, menu name, time, temperature, microwave output value, and cooking mode, on the display unit 13. For example, the display processing unit 111 displays the operation screen on the display unit 13, and the reception processing unit 112 receives user selection operations for cooking menus (menu number, menu name, etc.), time, temperature, microwave output value, and cooking mode ("automatic mode", "manual mode", "microwave mode", etc.) via the rotary encoder 141.

[0041] Specifically, the reception processing unit 112 receives from the user a normal operation (an example of the first operation of the present invention) in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and a specific operation (an example of the second operation of the present invention) in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise and then rotated to the other direction within a predetermined time. That is, the reception processing unit 112 receives a normal operation in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated clockwise, a normal operation in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated counterclockwise, a specific operation in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated counterclockwise and then rotated clockwise within a predetermined time, and a specific operation in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated clockwise and then rotated counterclockwise within a predetermined time.

[0042] The display processing unit 111 displays the menu information on the display unit 13 when the normal operation is received by the reception processing unit 112.

[0043] The switching processing unit 114 switches the display mode of the menu information when the reception processing unit 112 receives the specific operation.

[0044] Specifically, the display processing unit 111 displays the menu information on the display unit 13 in a first display mode if it receives a normal operation before the reception processing unit 112 receives the specific operation, and displays the menu information on the display unit 13 in a second display mode different from the first display mode if it receives a normal operation after the reception processing unit 112 has received the specific operation. For example, the display processing unit 111 displays the menu information in the first display mode in response to the normal operation of rotating the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise or clockwise, and the switching processing unit 114 switches the first display mode to the second display mode when it receives the specific operation from the reception processing unit 112 of rotating the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise by a predetermined amount and then rotating it clockwise by a predetermined amount within a predetermined time. After that, the display processing unit 111 displays the menu information in the second display mode in response to the normal operation of rotating the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise or clockwise.

[0045] For example, if the menu information includes multiple menu numbers (an example of the setting target of the present invention), the display processing unit 111 displays the multiple menu numbers sequentially in a first step unit (e.g., one unit) in accordance with a predetermined amount of rotation (1 click) of the rotary encoder 141 in the first display mode, and displays the multiple menu numbers sequentially in a second step unit (e.g., five units) in accordance with the predetermined amount of rotation (1 click) of the rotary encoder 141 in the second display mode.

[0046] The setting processing unit 113 sets various setting items (parameters) related to the heating process. Specifically, the setting processing unit 113 sets the amount of steam supplied, the target temperature inside the heating chamber 3, the set time, the operation method of the circulation fan, etc., based on the menu information received from the user by the reception processing unit 112. For example, the setting processing unit 113 sets the menu number (cooking menu), cooking time, cooking mode, etc., based on the user's selection of menu number, time (cooking time), cooking mode, etc. When the setting processing unit 113 sets various setting items and the reception processing unit 112 receives a cooking start instruction from the user, the control unit 11 causes the heating unit 15 to execute the heating process.

[0047] Thus, the rotary encoder 141 is configured to be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and to be pressurized. The display processing unit 111 displays menu information on the display unit 13 in response to the rotation operation of the rotary encoder 141, and the reception processing unit 112 receives a decision operation to determine the menu information in response to the pressing operation of the rotary encoder 141.

[0048] The following explains specific examples of how to set menu information, including menu number, time (cooking time), and cooking mode.

[0049] [How to set menu numbers] Figures 5A and 5B show an example of how to set the menu number. Here, similar to the example shown in Figure 2, the user selects the desired menu number "0049". Specifically, starting from the menu number "0000", the user performs a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise, and then rotate it clockwise within a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds). The reception processing unit 112 receives this specific operation.

[0050] The display processing unit 111 may also display a menu number corresponding to the amount of rotation (number of clicks) of the rotary encoder 141 in response to the specified operation. Here, the upper limit of the menu number is set to "0100", and when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated counterclockwise by one click, menu number "0099" is displayed. Figure 5A shows the state in which the user has rotated the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise by two clicks in the specified operation, and then rotated it clockwise by two clicks within a predetermined time.

[0051] When the reception processing unit 112 receives the specified operation, the switching processing unit 114 switches the menu number display mode. For example, the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode in which the menu number is changed (incremented or decremented) by one click when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by one click, to a second display mode in which the menu number is changed (incremented or decremented) by two or more (five in Figure 5A) clicks when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by one click.

[0052] When the display mode is switched to the second display mode by the switching processing unit 114, if the user then rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the display processing unit 111 switches the menu number from "0000" to "0005". That is, the display processing unit 111 displays "0005", skipping menu numbers "0001" to "00004". The display processing unit 111 also displays the menu numbers in increments of five each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by one click. In the example shown in Figure 5A, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 eight more clicks, the display processing unit 111 displays menu number "0045".

[0053] Next, when the user performs the aforementioned specific operation again (see Figure 5B), the switching processing unit 114 switches the display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode. Once the display mode is switched to the first display mode by the switching processing unit 114, when the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the display processing unit 111 switches the menu number from "0045" to "0046". That is, the display processing unit 111 displays the menu numbers sequentially, one at a time, with each click of the rotary encoder 141. When the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 three more clicks, the display processing unit 111 displays the menu number "0049". Subsequently, when the user performs an operation to confirm the menu number as "0049" (by pressing the rotary encoder 141), the setting processing unit 113 sets the menu number to "0049".

[0054] In this way, by changing the step size for displaying the menu number through the user's specific operation, the number of operations (rotations) required for the rotary encoder 141 can be reduced compared to the example shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the operability of the menu number selection operation can be improved.

[0055] [How to set the time] Figures 6A to 6C show an example of how to set the time (cooking time). For example, in Figure 5B, when the user selects menu number "0049", the control unit 11 sets the menu number and then proceeds to set the time (cooking time) based on the user's input. Note that if the cooking mode is set to "automatic mode", the control unit 11 sets the time pre-associated with the cooking menu (food) without accepting user input.

[0056] Here, the user selects a target time of "2 minutes and 20 seconds". Specifically, starting from a time of "0 seconds", the user performs a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise, and then within a predetermined time, rotate it clockwise. The reception processing unit 112 receives this specific operation.

[0057] When the reception processing unit 112 receives the specified operation, the switching processing unit 114 switches the time display mode. For example, the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode in which the time is changed (carried up or delayed) by 1 second each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by 1 click, to a second display mode in which the time is changed (carried up or delayed) by 10 seconds each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by 1 click. Alternatively, the switching processing unit 114 may switch from a first display mode in which the time is changed by 10 seconds each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by 1 click, to a second display mode in which the time is changed by 1 minute each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by 1 click. Alternatively, the switching processing unit 114 may switch from a first display mode in which the time is changed by 1 minute each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by 1 click, to a second display mode in which the time is changed by 10 minutes each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by 1 click. Alternatively, the switching processing unit 114 may switch from a first display mode, in which the time is changed by 10 minutes each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by one click, to a second display mode, in which the time is changed by 1 hour each time the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by one click.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, when the user performs the specific operation (specific operation 1 in Figure 6A), the switching processing unit 114 switches the time increment from "1 second" to "10 seconds". Furthermore, when the user performs the specific operation (specific operation 2 in Figure 6A), the switching processing unit 114 switches the time increment from "10 seconds" to "1 minute". Once the time increment is switched to "1 minute", if the user then rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the display processing unit 111 switches the time from "0 minutes" to "1 minute" (see Figure 6B). The display processing unit 111 changes the time in 1-minute increments with each click of the rotary encoder 141. If the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 by another click, the display processing unit 111 switches the time to "2 minutes".

[0059] Next, when the user performs the specified operation ("Specific Operation 3" in Figure 6B), the switching processing unit 114 switches the time increment unit from "1 minute" to "10 seconds". Note that "Specific Operation 3" here is a specific operation in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated clockwise and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time, which is the opposite operation to Specific Operations 1 and 2 (see Figure 6A). Thus, the switching processing unit 114 may switch the time increment unit in the order of "0 seconds → 10 seconds → 1 minute → 10 minutes → 1 hour" (forward order) in the case of the "clockwise rotation → counterclockwise rotation" specific operation, and may switch the time increment unit in the order of "1 hour → 10 minutes → 1 minute → 10 seconds → 0 seconds" (reverse order) in the case of the "clockwise rotation → counterclockwise rotation" specific operation.

[0060] When the time increment is switched to "10 seconds," as shown in Figure 6C, if the user then rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the display processing unit 111 switches the time from "2 minutes 00 seconds" to "2 minutes 10 seconds." If the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by another click, the display processing unit 111 switches the time to the desired "2 minutes 20 seconds." Subsequently, when the user performs the operation to confirm the time as "2 minutes 20 seconds" (by pressing the rotary encoder 141), the setting processing unit 113 sets the time (cooking time) to "2 minutes 20 seconds."

[0061] In this way, by changing the time increment unit through the user's specific operation, the number of operations required for the rotary encoder 141 can be reduced. Therefore, the operability of the time selection operation can be improved.

[0062] [How to set the cooking mode] Figures 7A to 7C show an example of how to set the cooking mode. For example, in the initial settings, the cooking mode is set to "All Modes" ("All"). In "All Modes," the user can rotate the rotary encoder 141 (clockwise, counterclockwise) to sequentially display menu information for all cooking menus (see Figure 4). Here, the user performs the specific operation described above when they want to switch the cooking mode to "Automatic Mode." Specifically, as shown in Figure 7A, the user performs a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 clockwise and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time.

[0063] When the reception processing unit 112 receives the specified operation, the switching processing unit 114 switches the cooking mode to "automatic mode" and also switches the menu information display mode. For example, the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode that displays all cooking menus in order when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated to a second display mode that displays only the menu numbers (food items) in order when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated. In other words, based on the menu registration information D1 (see Figure 4), the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode that displays cooking menus associated with "all modes" to a second display mode that displays cooking menus associated with "automatic mode".

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 7A, when the cooking mode is switched to "automatic mode," the display processing unit 111 displays all menu numbers registered in the menu registration information D1 in order according to user operation. Here, for example, if the user performs a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise and then clockwise within a predetermined time, the display processing unit 111 changes the step unit for displaying the menu numbers, as shown in the [Method for Setting Menu Numbers] (see Figure 5A) above.

[0065] Furthermore, if the user performs a specific operation after the cooking mode has switched to "automatic mode" by rotating the rotary encoder 141 clockwise and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time (see Figure 7B), the switching processing unit 114 switches the cooking mode to "manual mode" and also switches the menu information display mode. For example, when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated, the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode that sequentially displays only the menu numbers to a second display mode that sequentially displays only the cooking menus (such as microwave output values, steaming, oven, fermentation, grilling, etc.) excluding all food items with menu numbers. In other words, based on the menu registration information D1 (see Figure 4), the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode that displays cooking menus associated with "automatic mode" to a second display mode that displays cooking menus associated with "manual mode".

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 7B, when the cooking mode is switched to "manual mode," the display processing unit 111 sequentially displays the cooking menus registered in the menu registration information D1 (such as microwave output value, steaming, oven, fermentation, and grilling) according to the user's operation. Here, for example, the user can change the microwave output value by rotating the rotary encoder 141 clockwise.

[0067] Furthermore, if the user performs a specific operation after switching to "manual mode" by rotating the rotary encoder 141 clockwise and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time (see Figure 7C), the switching processing unit 114 switches the cooking mode to "range mode" and also switches the menu information display mode. For example, the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode that sequentially displays only cooking menus (range output value, steaming, oven, fermentation, grill, etc.) when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated, to a second display mode that sequentially displays only range menus when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated. In other words, based on the menu registration information D1 (see Figure 4), the switching processing unit 114 switches from a first display mode that displays cooking menus associated with "manual mode" to a second display mode that displays cooking menus associated with "range mode".

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 7C, when the cooking mode is switched to "microwave mode," the display processing unit 111 sequentially displays the microwave menus (microwave output values) registered in the menu registration information D1 according to the user's operation. The user can change the microwave output value by rotating the rotary encoder 141 clockwise. When the user decides to set the microwave output value to "500W" (by pressing the rotary encoder 141), the setting processing unit 113 sets the cooking mode to "microwave mode" and sets the output value to "500W."

[0069] In this way, by changing the cooking mode and the displayed menu information through the user's specific operation, the number of operations on the rotary encoder 141 can be reduced. For example, if a user wants to set "500W" in "Range Mode," instead of rotating the rotary encoder 141 in the normal operation to switch the display from all the menu information (see Figure 4) in order, they can first perform the specific operation to switch the cooking mode to "Range Mode," narrowing the selection range to four (200W, 500W, 600W, 1000W), and then select the desired "500W" with the normal operation.

[0070] [Operation control processing] The following describes an example of the procedure for the operation control process performed in the cooking appliance 1, with reference to Figure 8. The following explanation uses the example shown in Figures 5A and 5B (the [menu number setting method] described above). For example, the operation control process is initiated in response to a predetermined user operation on the cooking appliance 1.

[0071] Furthermore, the present invention may be considered as an invention of an operation control method in which a control unit 11 executes part or all of the operation control processing, or as an invention of an operation control program for causing the control unit 11 to execute part or all of the operation control method. In addition, the operation control processing may be executed by one or more processors.

[0072] First, in step S1, the control unit 11 displays the menu selection screen (operation screen) on the display unit 13 of the cooking appliance 1 (see Figure 1). For example, when the user turns on the power of the cooking appliance 1, the control unit 11 displays the menu selection screen. Also, as the initial screen when the power is turned on, the control unit 11 displays the menu number "0000" on the menu selection screen (see Figure 5A).

[0073] Next, in step S2, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation from the user to rotate the rotary encoder 141 clockwise (clockwise rotation operation). If the control unit 11 determines that it has received the clockwise rotation operation (S2: Yes), it proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that it has not received the clockwise rotation operation (S2: No), it proceeds to step S5.

[0074] In step S3, the control unit 11 calculates the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141. In the case of a click-type system where the rotation of the rotary encoder 141 is stopped at predetermined intervals, the control unit 11 may count the number of clicks of the rotary encoder 141.

[0075] Next, in step S4, the control unit 11 displays menu information (in this case, a menu number). Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the menu registration information D1 (see Figure 4) to identify the menu number corresponding to the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141, and displays the menu number on the display unit 13. For example, if the amount of rotation corresponds to 5 clicks, the control unit 11 displays menu number "0005" (food item E), which is obtained by adding "5" to menu number "0000".

[0076] In step S5, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation from the user to rotate the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise (counterclockwise rotation operation). If the control unit 11 determines that it has received the counterclockwise rotation operation (S5: Yes), it proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that it has not received the counterclockwise rotation operation (S5: No), it proceeds to step S9.

[0077] In step S6, the control unit 11 calculates the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141.

[0078] Next, in step S7, the control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the elapsed time since receiving the left rotation operation (S5) has reached the predetermined time. If the control unit 11 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (S7: Yes), it proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S7: No), it proceeds to step S71.

[0079] In step S8, the control unit 11 displays menu information (menu number). Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the menu registration information D1 (see Figure 4) to identify the menu number corresponding to the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141, and displays the menu number on the display unit 13. For example, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise 5 clicks (S2: Yes) and then rotates it counterclockwise 2 clicks, the control unit 11 displays menu number "0003" (food item C), which is obtained by subtracting "2" from menu number "0005". Also, for example, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise 2 clicks without rotating it clockwise (S2: No), the control unit 11 displays menu number "0099", which is obtained by subtracting "2" from menu number "0000". The upper limit of the menu number is "0100" (see Figure 4). After step S8, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S9.

[0080] In step S9, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a confirmation operation from the user for menu information (menu number). For example, if the user performs an operation to determine a menu number (an operation to press the rotary encoder 141), the control unit 11 accepts the confirmation operation for the menu number (S9: Yes), sets it to the currently displayed menu number, and terminates the operation control process. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 does not receive a confirmation operation for the menu number from the user (S9: No), it proceeds to step S2.

[0081] Thus, while the user is performing the normal operation of rotating the rotary encoder 141 clockwise or counterclockwise, the control unit 11 executes a process to display the menu numbers sequentially, one at a time (S4, S8).

[0082] In response to this, if the control unit 11 determines in step S7 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since it received the left rotation operation (S5) (S7: No), it determines in step S71 whether or not it has received an operation from the user to rotate the rotary encoder 141 clockwise (right rotation operation). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it received the right rotation operation before the predetermined time had elapsed since it received the left rotation operation. If the control unit 11 determines that it received the right rotation operation before the predetermined time had elapsed since it received the left rotation operation (S71: Yes), it proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that it did not receive the right rotation operation before the predetermined time had elapsed since it received the left rotation operation (S71: No), it proceeds to step S7. In this way, when the control unit 11 receives the left rotation operation (S5: Yes), it continues to perform the determination process of determining whether or not it received the right rotation operation within the predetermined time thereafter for the predetermined time (S7, S71).

[0083] In step S72, the control unit 11 changes the display mode (increment unit) for displaying the menu number. Specifically, the control unit 11 switches from a first display mode, in which the menu number is changed by one click (incremented or decremented) when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by one click, to a second display mode, in which the menu number is changed by two or more clicks (five in Figure 5A) (incremented or decremented) when the rotary encoder 141 is rotated by one click.

[0084] In other words, the control unit 11 changes the increment unit for displaying the menu number from one to five. After step S72, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S2. When the process moves to step S2, as shown in Figure 5A, the control unit 11 displays the menu numbers sequentially in increments of five for each click of the rotary encoder 141 (right rotation operation, left rotation operation) (S4, S8).

[0085] The control unit 11 switches the display mode (step unit) of the menu information based on the user's normal operation and specific operation of the rotary encoder 141 as described above. Figure 8 shows an example corresponding to the method of setting the menu number, but the operation control processing can be similarly applied to the method of setting the time (cooking time) (Figures 6A to 6C) and the method of setting the cooking mode (Figures 7A to 7C).

[0086] As described above, the heating appliance 1 according to this embodiment receives a first operation (normal operation) from the user, in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and a second operation (specific operation) in which the rotary encoder 141 is rotated counterclockwise and then clockwise within a predetermined time, or the rotary encoder 141 is rotated clockwise and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time. When the first operation is received, the heating appliance 1 displays menu information related to the cooking menu on the display unit 13. When the second operation is received, the heating appliance 1 switches the display mode of the menu information.

[0087] Specifically, if the heating appliance 1 receives the first operation before receiving the second operation, it displays the menu information on the display unit 13 in the first display mode, and if it receives the first operation after receiving the second operation, it displays the menu information on the display unit 13 in the second display mode.

[0088] For example, in the first display mode, the heating appliance 1 displays multiple menu numbers or times sequentially in first increments in accordance with a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141, and in the second display mode, displays multiple menu numbers or times sequentially in second increments in accordance with a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141.

[0089] For example, in the first display mode, the heating appliance 1 sequentially displays menu information corresponding to the first cooking mode from among all menu information according to the rotation of the rotary encoder 141, and in the second display mode, sequentially displays menu information corresponding to the second cooking mode from among all menu information according to the rotation of the rotary encoder 141.

[0090] With the above configuration, for example, when a user selects a menu number, the rotary encoder 141 can switch menu numbers in increments of, for example, five, instead of switching them one by one, so the user can reach the desired menu number in a short time (see Figures 5A and 5B). Similarly, for example, when a user selects a time (cooking time), the rotary encoder 141 can switch the time in increments of, for example, one minute, instead of switching the time one second at a time, so the user can reach the desired time in a short time (see Figures 6A to 6C).

[0091] Furthermore, for example, when a user selects a menu number, the rotary encoder 141 allows the user to narrow down the selection by switching, for example, the cooking mode, without having to switch menu numbers one by one, thus enabling them to reach the desired menu number in a short time (see Figures 7A to 7C). In addition, the user can perform the settings operations for menu number, time, and cooking mode using a single rotary encoder 141.

[0092] Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the operability of selecting menu information related to the cooking menu of the heating appliance 1.

[0093] [Specific examples of selection operations] Figure 9 shows an example of a sequence of operations for selecting menu information by a user. Here, it shows the flow of selection operations when a user selects the menu number, temperature, and time for a cooking menu, as well as the transitions of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 13.

[0094] First, when the user turns on the power, the initial "All Modes" operation screen is displayed on the display unit 13. Specifically, the initially set menu number "0000" is displayed on the operation screen ("1. Initial Menu Number Display").

[0095] Next, the user performs a menu selection operation. For example, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the menu number increases by one, and if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise by one click, the menu number decreases by one ("2-1. Menu Selection").

[0096] Furthermore, if the user performs a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise and then clockwise within a predetermined time, the menu number display mode switches, and the increment unit of the menu number changes from one to five. Subsequently, for example, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the menu number increases by five, and if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise by one click, the menu number decreases by five ("2-2. Menu Selection"). Subsequently, if the user performs the aforementioned specific operation again, the increment unit of the menu number returns to one ("2-1. Menu Selection"). Note that when returning the increment unit of the menu number, the user may perform a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 clockwise and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time.

[0097] When the user performs the operation to determine the menu number (by pressing the rotary encoder 141), the menu number is determined ("3. Menu Determination").

[0098] Next, the user selects the temperature (cooking temperature). The user performs a specific operation by rotating the rotary encoder 141 clockwise, and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time, to switch the cooking mode to "manual mode" (see Figures 7A to 7C). Once the cooking mode is switched to "manual mode," the user can then set the temperature.

[0099] For example, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the temperature will rise by 1°C, and if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise by one click, the temperature will fall by 1°C ("4. Temperature Selection"). In addition, in the temperature selection operation, the temperature increment unit may be changed based on the specific operation, similar to the menu number selection operation.

[0100] The temperature is determined when the user performs an operation to determine the temperature (by pressing the rotary encoder 141) ("5. Temperature Determination").

[0101] Next, the user selects the time (cooking time). For example, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the time advances by one second, and if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise by one click, the time decreases by one second ("6-1. Time Selection").

[0102] Furthermore, if the user performs a specific operation by rotating the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise and then clockwise within a predetermined time, the time display mode switches, and the time increment changes from 1-second increments to 10-second increments. Subsequently, for example, if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 clockwise by one click, the time advances by 10 seconds, and if the user rotates the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise by one click, the time decreases by 10 seconds ("6-2. Time Selection").

[0103] Next, when the user performs the specified operation again, the time increments are changed to 1-minute increments ("6-3. Time Selection"). Next, when the user performs the specified operation again, the time increments are changed to 10-minute increments ("6-4. Time Selection"). Next, when the user performs the specified operation again, the time increments are changed to 1-hour increments ("6-5. Time Selection"). Next, when the user performs the specified operation again, the time increments are changed back to 1-second increments ("6-1. Time Selection").

[0104] Thus, each time the user performs a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 counterclockwise and then clockwise within a predetermined time, the increment units switch in the order of "1 second → 10 seconds → 1 minute → 10 minutes → 1 hour". Conversely, if the user performs a specific operation in which they rotate the rotary encoder 141 clockwise and then counterclockwise within a predetermined time, the increment units switch in the reverse order ("1 hour → 10 minutes → 1 minute → 10 seconds → 1 second").

[0105] When the user performs the operation to determine the time (by pressing the rotary encoder 141), the time is determined ("7. Time Determination"). This completes the setting of the menu information related to cooking ("8. Setting Complete").

[0106] As described above, the user can easily and quickly select and set each menu item related to cooking by operating the rotary encoder 141.

[0107] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may also be in the embodiments shown below. For example, the control unit 11 (display processing unit 111) may display identification information representing the current step unit on the display unit 13. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 may display identification information representing the current step unit of the menu number on the operation screen. Specifically, when the step unit of the menu number is one, the control unit 11 displays an identification mark M1 that allows the user to recognize that the step unit is one. Also, when the step unit of the menu number is five, the control unit 11 displays an identification mark M2 that allows the user to recognize that the step unit is five. This makes it easy for the user to grasp the relationship between the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 141 and the amount of change in the menu number, further improving operability.

[0108] The control unit 11 may also display text information representing the step size (such as "±1" or "±5") on the operation screen.

[0109] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the rotation direction of the rotating operation unit of the present invention is not limited to the left-right direction, but may also be in the front-back direction. For example, the rotating operation unit of the present invention may be an operation unit that can scroll in the front-back direction. Also, the first direction of the present invention may be the forward direction, and the second direction of the present invention may be the rearward direction.

[0110] In the embodiments described above, an example was given of an operation in which the user sets menu information, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to a configuration that provides the user with multiple menu options. For example, the cooking appliance 1 may be configured to present the user with a desired recipe from among multiple recipes in response to the user's operation of the rotary encoder 141.

[0111] Furthermore, the operation control device of the present invention is not limited to cooking appliances but can be applied to other devices as well. The operation control device can be applied to various devices in which a user selects a desired item from a plurality of options (menus).

[0112] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0113] <Note 1> A reception processing unit receives from a user a first operation to rotate a rotating operating part provided on a cooking appliance, which is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotating operating part in the second direction within a predetermined time after it has been rotated in the first direction. When the reception processing unit receives the first operation, a display processing unit causes the cooking information relating to the cooking menu of the cooking appliance to be displayed on the display unit of the cooking appliance, When the reception processing unit receives the second operation, a switching processing unit switches the display mode of the menu information, An operation control device equipped with the following:

[0114] <Note 2> The display processing unit, when it receives the first operation before the reception processing unit receives the second operation, displays the menu information on the display unit in a first display mode, and when it receives the first operation after the reception processing unit has received the second operation, displays the menu information on the display unit in a second display mode different from the first display mode. The control device described in Appendix 1.

[0115] <Note 3> When the aforementioned menu information includes multiple configurable items, In the first display mode, the display processing unit displays the plurality of setting targets sequentially in first step units according to a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit, and in the second display mode, the plurality of setting targets sequentially in second step units different from the first step units according to the predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit. The control device described in Appendix 2.

[0116] <Note 4> The switching processing unit switches the first display mode to the second display mode when it receives the second operation in which the rotation operation unit is rotated by a predetermined amount clockwise within a predetermined time after the reception processing unit has rotated the rotation operation unit counterclockwise by a predetermined amount. The control device described in Appendix 2 or 3.

[0117] <Note 5> The display processing unit causes the display unit to display identification information representing the current step size. The control device described in Appendix 3.

[0118] <Note 6> When the menu information includes multiple cooking modes, each of which includes the multiple setting targets, The display processing unit, in the first display mode, sequentially displays the setting targets from the plurality of setting targets that correspond to the first cooking mode in accordance with the rotation of the rotary operation unit, and in the second display mode, sequentially displays the setting targets from the plurality of setting targets that correspond to the second cooking mode in accordance with the rotation of the rotary operation unit. An operation control device as described in any of Appendix 2 to 5.

[0119] <Note 7> The switching processing unit switches the first display mode to the second display mode when it receives the second operation in which the rotation operation unit is rotated clockwise by a predetermined amount and then rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined amount within a predetermined time after the reception processing unit has rotated the rotation operation unit clockwise by a predetermined amount. The control device described in Appendix 6.

[0120] <Note 8> The aforementioned rotation operation unit is composed of a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is configured to be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and to be pushable. The display processing unit causes the menu information to be displayed on the display unit in response to the rotation operation of the rotary encoder. The reception processing unit receives a decision operation to determine the menu information in response to the pressing operation of the rotary encoder. An operation control device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1:Heating cooker 11: Control Unit 12: Storage section 13: Display section 14:Operation section 15: Heating part 111: Display Processing Unit 112: Reception Processing Section 113: Configuration Processing Unit 114: Switching Processing Unit 141: Rotary encoder 142: Push button D1: Menu registration information M1: Identification mark M2: Identification mark

Claims

1. A reception processing unit receives from a user a first operation to rotate a rotating operating part provided on a cooking appliance, which is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotating operating part in the second direction within a predetermined time after it has been rotated in the first direction. When the reception processing unit receives the first operation, a display processing unit causes the cooking information relating to the cooking menu of the cooking appliance to be displayed on the display unit of the cooking appliance, When the reception processing unit receives the second operation, a switching processing unit switches the display mode of the menu information, An operation control device equipped with the following:

2. The display processing unit, when it receives the first operation before the reception processing unit receives the second operation, displays the menu information on the display unit in a first display mode, and when it receives the first operation after the reception processing unit has received the second operation, displays the menu information on the display unit in a second display mode different from the first display mode. The operation control device according to claim 1.

3. When the aforementioned menu information includes multiple configurable items, In the first display mode, the display processing unit displays the plurality of setting targets sequentially in first step units according to a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit, and in the second display mode, the plurality of setting targets sequentially in second step units different from the first step units according to the predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit. The operation control device according to claim 2.

4. The switching processing unit switches the first display mode to the second display mode when it receives the second operation in which the rotation operation unit is rotated by a predetermined amount clockwise within a predetermined time after the reception processing unit has rotated the rotation operation unit counterclockwise by a predetermined amount. The operation control device according to claim 3.

5. The display processing unit causes the display unit to display identification information representing the current step size. The operation control device according to claim 3.

6. When the aforementioned menu information includes multiple cooking modes, each containing multiple settings targets, The display processing unit, in the first display mode, sequentially displays the setting targets from the plurality of setting targets that correspond to the first cooking mode in accordance with the rotation of the rotary operation unit, and in the second display mode, sequentially displays the setting targets from the plurality of setting targets that correspond to the second cooking mode in accordance with the rotation of the rotary operation unit. The operation control device according to claim 2.

7. The switching processing unit switches the first display mode to the second display mode when it receives the second operation in which the rotation operation unit is rotated by a predetermined amount clockwise and then rotated by a predetermined amount counterclockwise within a predetermined time after the reception processing unit has rotated the rotation operation unit clockwise by a predetermined amount. The operation control device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned rotation operation unit is composed of a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is configured to be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and to be pushable. The display processing unit causes the menu information to be displayed on the display unit in response to the rotation operation of the rotary encoder. The reception processing unit receives a decision operation to determine the menu information in response to the pressing operation of the rotary encoder. An operation control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A rotational operation unit that can rotate in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and a display unit, A cooking appliance comprising a control unit for controlling the display content of the display unit, The control unit, A reception processing unit that receives from a user a first operation to rotate the rotation operating unit in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotation operating unit in the second direction within a predetermined time after rotating it in the first direction, When the reception processing unit receives the first operation, a display processing unit is provided to display menu information relating to the cooking menu on the display unit, When the reception processing unit receives the second operation, a switching processing unit switches the display mode of the menu information, A cooking appliance equipped with the following features.

10. One or more processors The system receives from the user a first operation to rotate a rotating operating part provided on the cooking appliance, which is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotating operating part in the second direction within a predetermined time after it has been rotated in the first direction. When the first operation is received, menu information relating to the cooking menu of the cooking appliance is displayed on the display unit of the cooking appliance, When the second operation is received, the display mode of the menu information is switched, A method for controlling operations to perform an operation.

11. The system receives from the user a first operation to rotate a rotating operating part provided on the cooking appliance, which is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, in the first direction or the second direction, and a second operation to rotate the rotating operating part in the second direction within a predetermined time after it has been rotated in the first direction. When the first operation is received, menu information relating to the cooking menu of the cooking appliance is displayed on the display unit of the cooking appliance, When the second operation is received, the display mode of the menu information is switched, An operation control program to be executed by one or more processors.

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