Heating and cooking system

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly heating cooking system that is capable of voice input and also acquiring recipe data from outside.SOLUTION: A heating cooking system comprises: a heating cooking device that includes a communication unit and a heating chamber; and a communication terminal that is connected with the communication unit via wireless communication. The communication terminal includes a function of transmitting recipe data to the heating cooking device. A plurality of input operation units of the heating cooking device each include a plurality of input keys. A specific input key of input keys is for selecting one heating cooking mode of a plurality of heating cooking modes, and permits a voice input mode only to one input operation unit. The heating cooking device includes a function of acquiring recipe data upon operation of the specific input key. When acquisition of the recipe data transmitted from the communication terminal is not to be permitted, the heating cooking device issues a notification of non-permitting process to the communication terminal from the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 67

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking system that uses a cooking appliance, for example, to heat an object to be heated such as a pot placed on a top plate.

Background Art

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

[0003] There are many "built-in type" cooking appliances that are composite cooking appliances equipped with multiple types of heating sources and are popular as being capable of handling various cooking methods. As a typical composite cooking appliance, there has been proposed a configuration that includes a grill compartment (also referred to as an "oven chamber" or a "heating chamber" and hereinafter uniformly referred to as a "heating chamber") heated by a heating source inside the main body and introduces microwaves from a microwave heating source into the heating chamber (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] On the other hand, conventionally, there has been proposed a cooking system in which communication is performed between a communication terminal such as a smartphone and a cooking appliance, and recipe data corresponding to a cooking recipe selected by the communication terminal is transmitted from the communication terminal to the cooking appliance to perform cooking (for example, see Patent Document 2).

[0005] Patent Document 2 is a cooking appliance (gas combustion type cooking appliance) having a plurality of heating units (for example, a right stove, a left stove, and a rear stove) and a communication function, and proposes a configuration in which when a user operates a communication terminal to select a specific recipe from cooking menus, the cooking appliance collectively acquires heating condition data of the plurality of heating units.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 proposes a system for a cooking appliance (gas combustion type cooking appliance) equipped with multiple heating units (for example, a right burner, a left burner, and a rear burner) and having a communication function, in which a smart speaker is used as an audio input / output device to input the operating conditions of the heating units by voice via a server. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-071264 (page 1, Figure 44) [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-106685 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-046163 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As shown in Patent Documents 1-3, increasing the number of heating methods expands the range of dishes that can be cooked, but it also makes setting control conditions (e.g., heat level, heating time, etc.) more complex. Therefore, convenience would be improved if users could obtain control data for cooking menus from an external server, etc., and use it as is or with some modifications to easily use it in a cooking appliance. It would be even more convenient if voice input could be used instead of manual operation (touch operation). Furthermore, using multiple heating methods or heating units simultaneously is beneficial for shortening cooking time and increasing efficiency, and is therefore in high demand.

[0009] However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not anticipate situations where heating and cooking conditions or control conditions are input simultaneously for multiple heating means or heating ports (heating sections). Therefore, there is a concern that voice input for one cooking method and voice input for another cooking method may overlap in time. When two or more voice inputs (voice commands) overlap, accurate input becomes impossible, failing to meet the user's expectation of reducing the burden of inputting commands into the cooking appliance.

[0010] The first objective of this disclosure is to provide a highly convenient heating and cooking system that can handle a wide range of heating and cooking methods by enabling voice input and improving user operability.

[0011] The second objective of this disclosure is to obtain a highly convenient cooking system that can handle a wide range of cooking methods by enhancing the information provided to users when transmitting and receiving recipe data, and by improving user operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The heating appliances related to this disclosure are The system includes control devices that receive commands from the first operating unit of the first heating source and the second operating unit of the second heating source, respectively. The control device has two input functions: a touch input mode and a voice input mode. The first and second operation units each have touch-type input keys that can set the voice input mode. The control device restricts switching to the voice input mode by the second operation unit during a prohibition period that begins when the first operation unit switches to the voice input mode using the input key. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0013] The heating appliances related to this disclosure are The main unit and A first heating source that heats the first location of the main body, A second heating source that heats the second location of the main body, The first operating section of the first heating source, The second operating section of the second heating source, The system comprises a first operating unit and a control device that receives commands from the second operating unit, The control device has two input functions, a touch input mode and a voice input mode. The first operation unit has a touch input type first input key. The second operation unit is provided with a touch input type second input key. The voice input mode is switched according to the respective touch operation states of the first input key and the second input key. When the control device switches to the voice input mode by the first input key, during the prohibited period until it shifts to the heating cooking process, it does not accept the switching to the voice input mode by the second input key. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0014] The cooking heater related to the present disclosure has notification means having a display unit, a touch input type first input key, a touch input type second input key, and a control device that receives commands from the first input key and the second input key, and is provided with The control device has two input functions, a touch input mode and a voice input mode. The first input key and the second input key are for selecting heating means and cooking content. The control device determines whether it is necessary to switch from the touch input mode to the voice input mode according to the respective touch states of the first input key and the second input key. When the control device switches to the voice input mode by the first input key, during the period until it shifts to the heating cooking process, it does not accept the switching to the voice input mode by the second input key. The control device enables the acquisition of recipe data from the outside for the heating means switched to the voice input mode, and accepts a setting command for control conditions for cooking with the recipe data. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0015] The cooking heater related to the present disclosure A control device having a touch input mode and a voice input mode, and controlling a first heating unit and a second heating unit that are horizontally separated from each other, A first input key provided corresponding to the first heating unit and selecting the heating unit by a touch operation, A first input key provided corresponding to the second heating unit and selecting the heating unit by a touch operation, And having, The control device sets the voice input mode for the first heating unit or the second heating unit according to the touch operation states of the first input key and the second input key, When the control device sets the voice input mode by a touch operation of any one of the first input key and the second input key, if there is a touch operation by the other input key, the setting of the voice input mode by the touch operation is restricted, It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0016] The cooking heating system related to the present disclosure is, A cooking heater, A cloud server or a communication terminal wirelessly connected to the cooking heater, And is provided with, The communication terminal or the cloud server has a function of transmitting recipe data to the cooking heater, The cooking heater has a function of acquiring the recipe data from the communication terminal or the cloud server, The cooking heater includes a control device that receives commands from a plurality of operation units respectively, The control device has two input functions of a touch input mode and a voice input mode, When the cooking heater switches to the voice input mode by one of the operation units, during the prohibited period, switching to the voice input mode by the other operation units is restricted, It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0017] The cooking heater related to the present disclosure is, A first heating means for heating at a first location, A second heating means that heats in a heating chamber different from the first location, A notification means having a display unit, A separate operating unit for the first heating means, The first heating means and the second heating means share a common operating unit, The system includes a control device that receives commands from the individual operation unit and the shared operation unit, respectively. The control device has two input functions: a touch input mode and a voice input mode. The aforementioned standalone operation unit has touch-type input keys, The aforementioned shared operation unit is equipped with touch-type input keys. The control device determines whether it is necessary to switch from the touch input mode to the voice input mode, based on the touch state of the input keys of the individual operation unit and the input keys of the shared operation unit. When the control device switches to the voice input mode using the input key of the shared operation unit, it restricts switching to the voice input mode using the input key of the individual operation unit during the period until the heating and cooking process begins. The control device receives a command to acquire recipe data via the input key of the shared operation unit, and upon receiving the recipe data, determines whether predetermined permission conditions are met. If the permission conditions are not met, it sends a notification of the denial process to an external party. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0018] The heating appliances related to this disclosure are The system includes a first control unit for the first heating source, a second control unit for the second heating source, and control devices that receive commands from a shared control unit, respectively. The control device has two input functions: a touch input mode and a voice input mode. The first operation unit, the second operation unit, and the shared operation unit each have touch-type input keys that can set the voice input mode. The control device restricts switching to the voice input mode by other input keys during a prohibition period that begins when the voice input mode is switched using any one of the input keys. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0019] The heating system relating to the first disclosure is: A cooking appliance having a communication section and a heating chamber, A communication terminal connected to the aforementioned communication unit by wireless communication, It is equipped with, The communication terminal has a function to transmit recipe data to the heating appliance. Each of the multiple input control units of the aforementioned cooking appliance has multiple input keys, and a specific input key among these input keys selects one cooking mode from among multiple cooking modes, and voice input mode is permitted for only one input control unit. The aforementioned cooking appliance has a function to acquire the recipe data when the specific input key is operated. If the aforementioned cooking appliance does not permit the acquisition of recipe data transmitted from the communication terminal, the communication unit will send a notification of the denial to the communication terminal. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0020] The heating and cooking system relating to the second disclosure is for the second purpose, A cooking appliance having a communication section and a heating chamber, A communication terminal connected to the aforementioned communication unit by wireless communication, It is equipped with, The communication terminal has a function to transmit recipe data to the heating appliance. The input operation unit of the aforementioned cooking appliance has an input key for determining whether to acquire the recipe data. If the aforementioned cooking appliance does not permit the recipe data transmitted from the communication terminal, the communication unit sends a notification of the denial to the communication terminal. When the aforementioned communication terminal receives notification of the denial of permission, it shall display at least one of the following on its display unit: reference information indicating the response to the denial of permission, supplementary information regarding the reason for the denial of permission, or information regarding countermeasures. This configuration is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to this disclosure, in the input operation section of each of the multiple heating units, touch input and voice input can be used simultaneously during the setting stage of heating, and interference between voice inputs can be avoided. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a highly convenient heating cooker that can utilize recipe data acquired from an external source using a network. Furthermore, according to the heating and cooking system disclosed herein, when selecting a heating and cooking menu, the system can automatically switch to voice input mode by detecting the touch state of the touch input keys. This allows users to input control conditions by voice during the input process, contributing to increased efficiency in user input operations and reduced input burden. Furthermore, according to another heating and cooking system of this disclosure, before heating and cooking is performed using data acquired from the communication terminal, the heating and cooking device can appropriately notify the transmitting communication terminal whether it has acquired the desired data, thereby contributing to the correct input operation of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram showing a communication system (information processing network) between a house and the outside, as illustrated in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the installation state of the heating appliance in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance. [Figure 4] Schematic plan view of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the central display unit, central control unit, and central heating status display unit of the heating appliance. [Figure 6]Figure 2 shows an enlarged explanatory diagram 1 illustrating an example of the operation of the central display unit of the cooking appliance. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the central display unit of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the main functional components of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device and input operation unit (central operation unit) of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 10] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of control menus that can be selected by the central control unit of the heating appliance. [Figure 11] A classification table of control menus for the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 12] Figure 2 shows a table illustrating the various collaborative cooking menus available in the collaborative cooking mode of the heating appliance shown. [Figure 13] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the central display unit in the standby mode of the heating appliance. [Figure 14] Figure 2 shows the contents of the central display unit when the heating appliance is in the linked cooking mode. (Diagram 1) [Figure 15] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the central display unit when the heating appliance shown in Figure 2 is in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 16] Figure 2 shows a modified example of the display content of the central display unit in the linked cooking mode of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. (Diagram 1) [Figure 17] Figure 2 is a magnified plan view of the right display and right control panel of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 18] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of the linked cooking mode of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 19] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 20] The flowchart in Figure 2 shows the main input steps for the three cooking modes after the main power is turned on in the heating appliance. [Figure 21]Flowchart 1 shows the input process after the main power is turned on in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 22] Flowchart 1 shows the input process for the linked cooking mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 23] Flowchart 1 shows the input process for the combined cooking mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 24] Flowchart 1 shows the input process for the single-cook mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 25] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 26] Flowchart 2 shows the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 27] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device when the heating appliance shown in Figure 2 is switched to voice input mode 1. [Figure 28] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display on the central display unit 16M, which shows an example of the input process for the linked cooking mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 29] This diagram illustrates the display content of the central display unit corresponding to each of the main operation steps after the main power switch is turned ON. [Figure 30] An enlarged plan view illustrating the operation of the left display panel of the cooking appliance. [Figure 31] A process diagram illustrating the operation steps of the control device from the moment the cooking appliance is turned on until just before cooking begins. [Figure 32] An enlarged plan view showing the central control panel and central display panel of a cooking appliance. [Figure 33] An explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the central display unit when using the linked cooking mode. [Figure 34] An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking process of a cooking menu in the linked cooking mode and the operation of the input control unit. [Figure 35]A time chart 1 for explaining the entire relationship between the recipe data acquisition interval and control operation in a heating appliance in cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 36] Time chart 1 shows the relationship between the central control unit and the central display unit in chronological order. [Figure 37] Figure 35 shows a modified time chart 1 illustrating the entire relationship between the recipe data acquisition interval and control operation in the collaborative cooking mode. [Figure 38] This is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the linked cooking mode corresponding to the modified example in Figure 37. [Figure 39] A time chart illustrating the entire timeline of recipe data acquisition intervals and control operations in the collaborative cooking mode. [Figure 40] A flowchart illustrating the main processes of the control unit from obtaining external recipe data until the start of cooking. [Figure 41] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when the heating appliance shown in Figure 2 switches to voice input mode. [Figure 42] A schematic diagram showing an example of the control menu displayed on the central display when the central control unit is operated for the combined cooking mode. [Figure 43] This time chart explains measures to prevent interference in voice input mode when heating and cooking simultaneously using the central and left control units. [Figure 44] A conceptual diagram showing a communication system (information processing network) between a house and the outside, as illustrated in Embodiment 2. [Figure 45] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the heating appliance shown in Figure 44. [Figure 46] A block diagram showing the main functional components of the heating appliance shown in Figure 44. [Figure 47] A block diagram showing the main functional components of the communication terminal shown in Figure 44. [Figure 48] Operation diagram 1 (table) for cooking in linked cooking mode using the central control panel. [Figure 49]Operation diagram 2 (table) for cooking in linked cooking mode using the central control panel. [Figure 50] A schematic diagram showing the display content of the reception operation display screen shown in the central display unit. [Figure 51] This shows the content displayed on the terminal-side display screen (input operation screen) of a communication terminal. [Figure 52] A flowchart illustrating an example of how a communication terminal operates when retrieving recipe data from a cloud server. [Figure 53] A conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a communication system (information processing network) between a house and the outside, as illustrated in Embodiment 3. [Figure 54] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the heating appliance shown in Figure 53. [Figure 55] Figure 53 shows a time chart illustrating the main operating steps of the control device for the heating appliance and the operating steps in relation to the external information processing network (first server, audio input / output device, etc.). [Figure 56] A magnified plan view of the central display unit and central control unit of the heating appliance shown in Embodiment 4. [Figure 57] Figure 56 is a magnified plan view of the right display and right control panel of the heating appliance. [Figure 58] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device and input operation unit (central operation unit) of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 56. [Figure 59] Flowchart 1 shows the input process for the left and right control panels after the main power is turned on in the heating appliance shown in Figure 56. [Figure 60] A flowchart showing the input process for the central control panel after the main power is turned on in the heating appliance shown in Figure 56. [Figure 61] Figure 56 shows a time chart illustrating the input process of the central control unit after the main power is turned on in the heating appliance. [Figure 62] Figure 56 shows the state of the central display and central control unit of the heating appliance before it acquires recipe data from an external source and switches to the linked cooking mode. (Diagram 1) [Figure 63]Figure 2 shows the display contents of the central control unit and the central display unit when acquiring recipe data for the linked cooking mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 56. [Figure 64] This time chart explains measures to prevent interference in voice input mode when heating and cooking simultaneously using the central and right control units. [Figure 65] Figure 56 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit that receives and processes recipe data transmitted from an external source in the heating appliance shown. [Figure 66] Figure 56 is a diagram illustrating the display operation of the central display unit, which shows the process of receiving recipe data transmitted from an external source and the display result, in the heating appliance shown. [Figure 67] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a heating and cooking system according to Embodiment 5, and shows the history of communication (information exchange) between the communication terminal and the heating and cooking device. [Figure 68] Figure 67 shows the terminal-side display screen of the communication terminal used in the heating and cooking system, as illustrated in Figure 1. [Figure 69] Figure 67 shows the explanatory diagram 2 of the terminal-side display screen of the communication terminal used in the heating and cooking system. [Figure 70] Figure 67 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of receiving recipe data from the central control unit and the central display unit in the heating appliance shown. [Figure 71] A diagram illustrating the chronological steps of operation between the cooking appliance, an external cloud server, and a communication terminal. [Figure 72] A diagram illustrating the chronological steps of operation between a cooking appliance and a communication terminal when a cloud server is not involved. [Figure 73] Figures 68 and 69 are explanatory diagrams showing modified display operations of the communication terminals. [Figure 74] Figure 74 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the display operation of the communication terminal shown in Figure 67. [Figure 75] Figure 67 is a flowchart showing the actions taken by the communication terminal after it receives a non-reception notification from the cooking appliance. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The heating appliance and heating system 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. In addition, in each drawing, parts with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0024] 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."

[0025] In the following explanation, "object to be heated placed on the top plate" refers to both cases: when the object to be heated, such as a pot, is placed directly on the top surface of the top plate 3 (described later) for heating, and when the object to be heated is placed on a support member, such as a trivet, positioned above the top plate, as in a gas burner.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In Embodiment 1, a magnetron is used as the microwave heating source, but there are no restrictions on the microwave oscillation principle or method, such as a microwave oscillator. Furthermore, multiple heating sources may be provided.

[0028] In this embodiment 1, the "third heating means" HM3 is referred to as "third" to indicate the difference from 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.

[0029] The third heating means HM3 refers to a device that can cook food in a single heating chamber 6. It may also be a combination of multiple heating sources having different heating principles, such as 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 550 (boiler) (not shown) that supplies high-temperature steam (such as superheated steam) may also be used.

[0030] Furthermore, the third heating means 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 can be placed in the heating chamber, and this heating element can be used to heat the walls of the heating chamber 6 from the outside, or to heat the air inside the heating chamber 6.

[0031] Typical examples of induction heating coils (IH coils) in this first embodiment 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 to construct them as annular conductors formed from flat conductive material in a ring shape. All of these forms correspond to the "IH coil," which is the main component of an induction heating source.

[0032] In this embodiment 1, "cooking mode" refers to the form of heating and cooking. In this embodiment 1, there are three types of cooking modes. The first is "cooperative cooking mode," the second is "combined cooking mode," and the third is "single cooking mode."

[0033] In this embodiment 1, "cooperative cooking" refers to cooking performed 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 operation conditions can be set independently.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 "coordinated cooking."

[0036] "Voice input mode" refers to a control method in which the user (US) inputs information by speaking, without touching or pressing any buttons or operating surfaces of input switches (input keys). There are two types of "Voice Input Mode": "Voice Input Mode 1" and "Voice Input Mode 2".

[0037] The aforementioned "Voice Input Mode 1" is selected by operating an input key (hereinafter referred to as the "combined key") that supports both voice input and touch (including pressure) input. The aforementioned "Voice Input Mode 2" is selected by operating the 180 dedicated voice input keys (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "dedicated voice input keys").

[0038] In a single input operation unit, if there are multiple input keys, including the aforementioned "shared key," when the "voice input mode 1" is changed by the shared key (for example, input key 107 in the central operation unit 15M), there are two types of control patterns: one in which the input functions of (some of) the other input keys (for example, input keys 108 and 109 in the central operation unit 15M) are temporarily disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 1A"), and another in which they are not disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 1B"). Both cases correspond to "voice input mode 1" as referred to herein.

[0039] When the "voice input dedicated key" 180 is pressed during touch input using an input key (e.g., 107 or 108) on one input unit, "voice input mode 2" is selected. In this case, after selecting voice input mode 2, there are two types of control patterns: one in which the input functions of (some) of the input keys other than the voice input dedicated key 180 (e.g., 107, 108) are temporarily disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 2A"), and another in which they are not disabled (this control pattern is called "voice input mode 2B"). Both of these correspond to "voice input mode 2" as referred to herein.

[0040] The "recipe data" CD refers to the data used to control the cooking appliance 1 for cooking. One form of recipe data CD 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, command data and programs such as heat level, target temperature, and cooking time).

[0041] Another form of the aforementioned recipe data CD includes only some of the data necessary to perform a cooking menu (e.g., hamburger), without including data specifying the heating method or data defining the heating process or sequence. For example, when using the linked cooking mode described later, one cooking menu is executed. This refers to information that does not include information specific to the heating means (including information indicating the attributes of the heating means or information about the heating port), information about the cooking process, or information indicating the sequence in which the heating means are driven. In this case, the data will mainly consist of commands and data (which will be explained in more detail later, 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.

[0042] In the following embodiments, the above-described forms of recipe data will not be described in any particular distinction.

[0043] Embodiment 1. (1. Configuration of the heating and cooking system) Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is shown in Figures 1 to 42. Let's explain Figure 1. The heating and cooking system of this embodiment 1 comprises a heating and cooking device 1, a smartphone 200 having the function of wirelessly communicating with the heating and cooking device 1, and a cloud server 300. Note that, in addition to a smartphone-type communication terminal, a tablet terminal with communication functions or a personal computer may also be used. These devices and the smartphone 200 will be collectively referred to as "communication terminals" or "information processing terminals" below, and the code 200 will be used.

[0044] The communication terminal 200 communicates wirelessly with an access point such as a wireless router 340 (not shown) installed in the house (HA) where the cooking appliance 1 is used, using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0045] The cooking appliance 1 can acquire at least recipe data CD2 via wireless communication with the communication terminal 200. In the following explanation, we will distinguish between recipe data CD2 and recipe data CD1 using a code, for the sake of clarity. The recipe data CD acquired by the cooking appliance 1 from an external source will be referred to as "recipe data CD2". In contrast, the recipe data CD provided by the recipe data server 301, which will be described later, may be referred to as "Recipe Data CD1." Further details will be explained later. The communication terminal 200 communicates wirelessly with the cooking appliance 1 using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0046] The communication terminal 200 can connect to the home gateway 411 installed in the house HA via the router 340 (not shown). NW is a network that constitutes a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the cloud server 300 located in external space includes at least one recipe data providing server 301 and the external server 417, etc.

[0047] The recipe data provision server 301 is equipped with a recipe DB (database) 302 (not shown) which holds data on recipes for performing various cooking tasks. The communication terminal 200 accesses the aforementioned recipe DB (302: not shown), which is operated by the recipe data provision server 301, and obtains (downloads) various recipe data CD1 from the recipe DB.

[0048] The aforementioned recipe data CDs (CD1, CD2) contain 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 item can be cooked using the cooking appliance 1.

[0049] In the following explanation, recipe data (cooking condition 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 reference code is used consistently for recipe data, "CD" will be used. Also, the name "recipe data" will be used consistently in the explanation.

[0050] 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.

[0051] If the upper surface of the top plate 3 is defined as the "first location," then the first heating means HM1 used to heat the object to be heated (a magnetic metal pot) placed in this first location is an induction heating means. Alternatively, a gas combustion device equipped with a gas burner for heating a pot made of magnetic or non-magnetic metal can be used as the first heating means HM1.

[0052] As described later, the first heating means HM1 has three IH coils 9 (9C, 9L, 9R) that serve as heating sources, which are installed so that heating can be performed independently at the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C. In other words, there are three heating sources.

[0053] In the following explanation, the IH coil 9L corresponding to the left heating port 4L and its drive circuit (not shown) may be collectively referred to as the left heating source 19L. The IH coil 9R corresponding to the right heating port 4R and its drive circuit (not shown) are sometimes collectively referred to as the right heating source 19R. Furthermore, the IH coil 9C corresponding to the central heating port 4C and its drive circuit (not shown) are sometimes collectively referred to as the central heating source 19C.

[0054] Furthermore, the left heating source 19L is sometimes called the first heating source, the right heating source 19R is sometimes called the second heating source, and the central heating source 19C is sometimes called the third heating source.

[0055] Furthermore, the microwave oscillation source 11 of the second heating means HM2, which supplies microwaves as described later, is also a single heating source. In addition, the upper radiant heat heating means 12a, which is a third heating means and heats with a heater, is also a single heating source. Similarly, the lower radiant heat heating means 12b is also a single heating source. Thus, Embodiment 1 has a total of six heating sources.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The aforementioned cooking appliance 1 has a function to execute a "single cooking mode" KM1, which drives the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 independently.

[0058] The heating appliance 1 has a function to execute a "combined cooking mode" KM2 as a method of cooking a single food item, which involves simultaneously driving the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3, or starting one of them first and then automatically starting the other later. Even when the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are operating simultaneously, both cases where the heating completion times for both are the same and cases where they are different are considered one operating pattern belonging to the "combined cooking mode" KM2.

[0059] The aforementioned "combined cooking mode" KM2 includes at least three patterns: a pattern in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously from the start (RG control mode 1); a pattern in which the third heating means HM3 is driven after the second heating means HM2 (RG control mode 2); and a pattern in which the third heating means HM3 is driven first, and then it 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 9).

[0060] Unlike the aforementioned cooperative cooking mode KM1, the aforementioned "combined cooking mode" KM2 does not have a "cooking menu" corresponding to a specific food item to be cooked (e.g., hamburger). Rather, it provides a "control menu" with different patterns for driving the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In other words, a combined cooking mode KM2 having 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In the following explanation, the term "control menu" is used to refer to types of control modes, such as the drive 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.

[0065] The aforementioned cooking appliance 1 has a function to execute a "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven with a time difference determined depending on the operation of the user US.

[0066] The aforementioned "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 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.

[0067] In this "cooperative cooking mode" KM3, 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.).

[0068] 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.

[0069] When the heating appliance 1 obtains the recipe data CD for executing the collaborative cooking mode KM1 from the communication terminal 200, the data is a single cooking menu unit selected by the user US on the communication terminal 200. This is common not only to the "collaborative cooking mode" KM3, but also to the "combined cooking mode" KM2 and the "single cooking mode" KM1.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The communication terminal 200 can transmit a recipe data CD2 corresponding to a single recipe, obtained from the recipe data provision server 301, to the heating appliance 1. To utilize this recipe data acquisition function, the user US 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.

[0072] When the user US installs the recipe selection app, they perform an operation to register identification information such as the model name of the cooking appliance as part of the initial setup. This registration allows them 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).

[0073] Furthermore, the user US pairs the communication terminal 200 with the cooking appliance 1 using the recipe selection app to establish wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. This wireless communication may also use the Near Field Communication (NFC) method.

[0074] To use the recipe data CD acquisition function, the user US of the heating appliance 1 must access the recipe provision site (recipe data provision server 301) and pre-install the recipe selection application (hereinafter referred to as the "recipe selection application") on the heating appliance 1. It is convenient to make this installation easily executable on the heating appliance 1 as one of the menus in the "function setting mode" accessed by the input key 115, as described later.

[0075] When the user US installs the recipe selection app, they perform an operation to register identification information such as the model name of the cooking appliance as part of the initial setup. This registration allows them to obtain a recipe data CD corresponding to the 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).

[0076] In this embodiment 1, there are instances where the terms "acquiring" or "restricting acquisition" of the recipe data CD are used, so this point will be explained. When we say that "acquisition is restricted," it does not mean that recipe data (specific information that constitutes part or all of it) CDs cannot enter the inside of the cooking appliance 1 from the outside via the communication unit 51, which will be described later. The cooking appliance 1 receives the recipe data CD from the outside via the communication unit 51 and temporarily stores it in an appropriate storage area in the storage device 41 (explained in Figure 8). At that time, it analyzes the contents of the data (attributes, presence or absence of identification information 167, etc.). However, if the data was transmitted from the outside during the "period in which acquisition is restricted" as described above, it will not be used in the subsequent execution process of the cooking menu (i.e., the cooking process) and will be automatically erased within a short time (at least when the main power switch 20 is turned OFF).

[0077] (2. Configuration of various electrical equipment and home gateways) "Home appliances" 402 refers to electrical appliances designed primarily for use in homes. Home appliances 402 include the following items: cooking appliances 1, refrigerators 403, television receivers 404, air conditioners 405, ventilation systems 407, electric rice cookers (electric rice cookers) 408, microwave ovens 409, lighting fixtures 410, and air purifiers 413 (not shown). In the following description, "refrigerator" 403 includes both refrigerators with a built-in freezer (freezer compartment) and freezers with only a freezing function, unless otherwise specified.

[0078] The "device identification information" of home appliance 402 refers to unique information used to identify home appliance 402. Specifically, it is important information necessary for information communication, and includes the MAC address, manufacturer name, model name, part number, serial number, etc.

[0079] A "home gateway" 411 refers to an information gathering device or information processing device that relays information between two or more home appliances 402 in a single household and enables them to operate in coordination. In addition, it also performs operations such as giving a command signal to one home appliance 402 or acquiring information (also called "data") from one home appliance 402. The following explanation assumes that the home gateway 411 is one form of the information processing device 411.

[0080] The aforementioned home gateway 411 may be equipped with power control functions such as a peak cut function to manage the total power consumption of one household for all or part of the aforementioned home appliances 402, in which case it may be called a "power control device" or "integrated management device".

[0081] The aforementioned home gateway 411 has the function of acquiring information regarding the current status of the home appliance 402, such as operation, stop, or standby status, from the home appliance 402 via wired or wireless signals. When using wireless communication, the home gateway 411 connects to the target home appliance 402 using the device identification information.

[0082] Even if the home gateway 411 functions as an "integrated management device" or "power command device" for one household appliance (e.g., a cooking appliance 1) 402, it does not qualify as an "integrated management device" or "power command device" for other household appliances (e.g., a lighting fixture 410) if it does not limit the power consumption of those appliances. For example, even if the home gateway 411 acquires operating information for the lighting fixture 410, it does not have a function to regulate the power consumption of the lighting fixture 410 itself so that the total power consumption, including the power consumption of other household appliances 402, does not exceed the prescribed upper limit of total power consumption. In such a case, from the perspective of the lighting fixture 410, the home gateway 411 does not qualify as an integrated management device or power command device.

[0083] In Figure 1, although not shown in the illustration, the interior of a single house HA is divided into multiple living spaces by walls and doors. One of these living spaces, the kitchen 601, contains household appliances 402 such as the refrigerator 403, cooking appliance 1, microwave oven 409, and electric rice cooker 408, as well as kitchen furniture 600. Although not shown in Figure 1, the living spaces may also include a living room, bathroom, and a toilet. Other rooms may also be included in the living spaces.

[0084] All living spaces are supplied with electricity, for example, 200V, from the commercial power supply EP of the power company located outside the house. This electricity is then drawn into the interior of the house HA via the electricity meter 414.

[0085] 415 is a power line (main line) connected to the commercial power supply EP with a voltage of 200V via a circuit breaker BK. The television receiver 404, air conditioner 405, lighting fixture 410, cooking appliance 1, microwave oven 409, electric rice cooker 408, home gateway 411, and environmental detection unit 416 (not shown) are connected to this power line 415, respectively.

[0086] Next, I will explain Figure 1. The external server 417 may be, for example, a server set up by an external organization such as a local earthquake information provider or a power company, or a server provided by the manufacturer of the cooking appliance 1. This external server 417 and the recipe data provision server 301 may be distributed processing servers known as "cloud servers." It is known that there are three types of "cloud computing" that utilize cloud servers: "IaaS," "PaaS," and "SaaS."

[0087] Home Gateway 411 can receive various content distribution services from external server 417. This content includes CDs containing recipe data (text and images) for various cooking methods.

[0088] The external server 417 functions as a means of providing information to the home appliance 402. In other words, the external server 417 may be installed by an organization such as the manufacturer, distributor, repair company, or information service provider of the home appliance 402, either by itself or by two or more organizations, and provides various services related to the home appliance 402 to the user US via the network NW.

[0089] Furthermore, the external server 417 may also be what is commonly called a "Web server" (hereinafter referred to as "web server"). A web server refers to a service program that provides display information of HTML and objects (such as images) to web browsers of information processing devices (clients) such as various communication terminals 200 and home gateways 411, in accordance with HTTP (a protocol used to exchange data such as HTML documents and images between a web server and a web browser), and the server computer on which that service operates.

[0090] The external server 417 stores control application software that enables remote control of the home gateway 411 from the house HA or a remote location. A communication terminal 200, such as a smartphone, which will be described in detail later, can access the external server 417 and download (load) the control application software to achieve the aforementioned remote control.

[0091] The aforementioned communication terminal 200 can be easily carried by the user US to make calls and send data (including email information) indoors, outdoors, or at other locations while away from home. It is a device that can download information from outdoor information provision sites via a network (wide-area communication circuit network) NW, send and receive emails, and transmit remote control signals. However, it does not have to be a device that can make calls, and such portable communication terminal devices are collectively referred to as the communication terminal 200.

[0092] The communication terminal 200 in this embodiment 1 is equipped with the function of sending and receiving signals via short-range communication when it is located within a few centimeters of the input / output section of each home appliance 402 (or may be in contact with it). This short-range communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviated as NFC).

[0093] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the home appliance 402, including the cooking appliance 1 and the refrigerator 403. Alternatively, the communication terminal 200 can send control data (also called "control commands") to the NFC memory unit of the home appliance 402, thereby controlling the home appliance 402 according to the control commands.

[0094] In this embodiment 1, direct remote control of the home appliances 402 from the communication terminal 200 is not possible. Since some of the home appliances 402, such as the cooking appliance 1, generate high heat, remote control via the internet, which is used by many people, from outside the house HA is not employed. Instead, all home appliances 400 can be operated via the home gateway 411, which acts as an integrated information processing device.

[0095] As is clear from the above description, the home gateway 411 of this embodiment 1 refers to an information processing device that relays information between two or more home appliances 400 in a single home and enables them to operate in coordination. In addition, it also performs operations such as giving a command signal to one home appliance 400 or acquiring information (also called data) from one home appliance 400.

[0096] Although not shown in Figure 1, the kitchen 601 in this house HA is equipped with a range hood 407, which is a type of ventilation device described later, and a ceiling-mounted air purifier 413.

[0097] 416A and 416B are sensor units of the environmental detection unit 416 (not shown) of the home gateway 411. One sensor unit 416A is located inside the kitchen 601 as a human presence sensor that detects the presence of people (using infrared or ultrasonic waves), as shown in Figure 1. The other sensor unit 416B is similarly installed in a different location from the first sensor unit 416B. Sensor unit 416B is for acquiring "environmental information". The functions of the environmental detection unit 416 will be explained in detail later.

[0098] The aforementioned "environmental information" refers to a total of four types of information: temperature information of the atmosphere in the space (kitchen 601) where the cooking appliance 1 and refrigerator 403 are used, dust dispersion information, light intensity information, and carbon dioxide amount information. Dust dispersion information is the result of measuring the amount of dust (including pollen) present in the air.

[0099] "Use of environmental information" includes the following examples: (1) If the temperature is high, the keep-warm function of the electric rice cooker 408 will be operated continuously after the end of the cooking process. Also, the target refrigeration temperature and freezing target temperature of the refrigerator 403 will be raised above the standard value. (2) If humidity is high, operate the air conditioner 405 in "dehumidification mode" or "cooling mode". Alternatively, start the ventilation system 407. Or, if the air conditioner 405 is already in operation, change its operating conditions (such as the target room temperature). (3) If fine dust particles are floating in the air, operate the air purifier 413 or start the ventilation device 407. (4) If the amount of pollen in the air is high, start operating the air purifier 413. (5) If the amount of light (visible light) is low, turn on the lighting fixture 410.

[0100] "Resident" refers to any person who resides in a single house (HA). Residents include blood relatives such as parents and children, siblings, etc. When using home appliance 402, the resident is referred to as "user (US)".

[0101] "Household" refers to a single house (HA) managed by a specific administrator, and may include multi-unit dwellings with multiple rooms and multiple families residing there. In other words, even in such multi-unit dwellings, if the limit on commercial power is centrally managed by a single power interruption device (one circuit breaker BK, or multiple power interrupters, etc.), just like in the case of a single house (HA), it will be considered a household as defined here.

[0102] "Power limit information on the home appliance side" refers to information about signals related to power consumption that home appliances 402 receive from the home gateway 411. This "power limit information on the home appliance side" includes information about transmitted commands such as the power reduction request signal AS1 and the power reduction command signal AS2. This information includes the time the signal was received (time in years, months, and seconds) and information indicating the meaning of the signal. For example, for a power reduction command signal AS2 for cooking appliance 1 at a certain point in time, the information might be "Reception time: March 20, 2022, 17:00, instantaneous maximum power consumption reduced by 2%."

[0103] Power limit information for home appliances, for example, in the case of cooking appliance 1, is stored chronologically in the memory device 41 of the control device 40 (described later), and is not erased even when the main power switch 20 is turned ON or OFF. Turning the main power switch 20 ON and OFF is considered as one cooking cycle, and at least several cycles of this information are stored. Any amount exceeding that limit is automatically erased sequentially.

[0104] In Figure 1, the refrigerator 403 has a "storage room" 403H for storing food ingredients (including natural foods and processed foods, etc.). The storage room 403H includes the freezer room 403A and the refrigerator room 403B, and may be partitioned into specific rooms such as a "vegetable room" or a "meat and fish room" depending on the type of food ingredient.

[0105] In this embodiment 1, the following explanation is based on the premise that the storage compartment 403H comprises at least two types: a freezer compartment 403A and a refrigerator compartment 403B which is a separate space from the freezer compartment 403A. The internal temperature (freezer temperature and refrigerator temperature) of these storage compartments 403H may be collectively referred to as "internal temperature" below.

[0106] The refrigerator 403 has multiple freezer compartments 403A, which allow the user to select a freezer compartment with a suitable freezing temperature (temperature range) for frozen foods (including processed foods) and fresh ingredients (meat, fish, etc.), such as -18°C ± 2°C, -10°C, and -2°C.

[0107] Furthermore, the aforementioned freezing temperature and temperature range also affect the maturation process when fresh ingredients (for example, beef) are stored for extended periods. Therefore, even within the same freezer compartment, these settings can be appropriately adjusted depending on the type of food being stored.

[0108] As mentioned earlier, there are several types of internal temperatures. For example, a temperature set close to the freezing point is called a "chilled compartment." The volumes and shapes of the multiple storage compartments 403H differ, with the refrigerator compartment 403B being the largest. Furthermore, to further divide the storage compartment 403H into multiple rooms, partition plates and lids (or doors) may be installed to increase the number of independent storage spaces.

[0109] The refrigerator 403 includes, for example, an electric compressor 403C, refrigerant piping (not shown), a cold air circulation fan (not shown), and a damper (shutter) (not shown) for controlling the inflow of cold air into the storage compartment 403H, as a cooling device (not shown) to constitute a refrigeration cycle. To control the temperature inside the compartment, the operating frequency of the electric compressor can be changed or the airflow rate of the cold air circulation fan can be changed.

[0110] The refrigerator 403 has a display unit (display screen) 403D located at the top center of the front of the door (not shown). Inside the casing of the refrigerator 403 are a storage device 403M (not shown), such as a semiconductor memory, and a control device 403U (not shown), mainly composed of a microcomputer. The control device 403U issues command signals to the drive circuit (inverter circuit, not shown) of the electric compressor 403C, the cold air circulation fan (not shown), the damper (not shown), etc. The control device 403U holds a control program (not shown) to control the operation of the entire refrigerator 403.

[0111] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 403T (not shown), installed inside the casing of the refrigerator 403 or on the ceiling outside the casing, is controlled by the control device 403U (not shown). The wireless communication unit 403T can communicate wirelessly with the communication unit of the home gateway 411.

[0112] Due to the above configuration, the refrigerator 403 can communicate wirelessly with the cooking appliance 1 via the home gateway 411 and can also connect to the network NW, so it can acquire various information and data from the cooking appliance 1 (including the "recipe data CD" described later). Furthermore, the refrigerator 403 can also exchange data with the communication terminal 200 via wireless communication.

[0113] If a Peltier element is used as the cooling device for the storage compartment 403H, the internal temperature can be adjusted by adjusting the power supplied to the Peltier element. A refrigerator 403 that uses both an electric compressor 403C and a Peltier element is also acceptable.

[0114] Furthermore, specific food items (e.g., eggs, milk, butter, etc.) may be stored in the storage compartment 403H, and a weight sensor (not shown) may be placed there to measure their weight. The weight measurement by the weight sensor should be performed periodically, and the control device 403U (not shown) of the refrigerator 403 should collect the data. Since this weight data can become part of the inventory data of the refrigerator 403, it can be used when querying inventory data from the home gateway 411, which is a type of information processing device.

[0115] The management database held by the memory unit 403M of the control device 403U of the refrigerator 403 contains the internal temperature of each storage compartment 403H (standard value, adjustable temperature range, and minimum adjustable temperature range), its volume, and identification information such as the type and name of the main food items it is intended for. For example, the freezer compartment 403A has information such as a standard internal temperature of -10°C, adjustable in 20 steps within a range of -5°C to -15°C, and a volume of 30 liters. In addition, data on the maximum dimensions (internal dimensions) of storage compartment 403H may also be stored. This is used to determine whether solid items such as pots can be stored as they are. All of this data can also be provided externally by the refrigerator 403 when responding to inventory data inquiries from the home gateway 411. In other words, the home gateway 411 can also acquire various data for storage compartment 403H as needed.

[0116] (3. Configuration of the cooking appliance) The configuration of the aforementioned cooking appliance 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 10. The cooking appliance 1 is installed inside the kitchen furniture 600. 6 is a heating chamber formed inside the cooking appliance 1, and 7 is a door that can be opened and closed to cover the front opening of the heating chamber 113.

[0117] The heating appliance 1 places the object to be heated (such as a pot made of magnetic metal) N on the top plate 3 that covers its upper surface, and inductively heats it using IH coils 9 (9C, 9L, 9R). 32 is the bottom wall surface that divides the inside of the heating appliance 1 into two independent spaces, upper and lower. 33 is an installation space located inside the cooking appliance 1, above the bottom wall surface 32, and houses the IH coil 9.

[0118] As is clear from Figures 2 and 3, the heating appliance 1 is a built-in IH cooking heater used in kitchen furniture 600 equipped with a countertop on top. The top plate 3 is exposed on the kitchen countertop that forms the top surface of the kitchen furniture 600. 600D is a water inlet for the water supply installed in the kitchen furniture 600.

[0119] The top plate 3 is composed of, for example, a heat-resistant glass plate and a metal frame attached around the glass plate. Three heating ports 4 are provided on the upper surface of the top plate 3: a left heating port 4L, a right heating port 4R, and a central heating port 4C.

[0120] The left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C indicate areas on which a metal cooking container such as a pot or frying pan (also referred to as the "object to be heated" N in relation to the first heating means HM1) is placed. Guide marks (not shown) are printed on the upper surface of the top plate 3 in each of the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C to serve as a guide for placing the object to be heated.

[0121] 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 cooking appliance 1 passes through the exhaust vent cover 5 and exits the cooking appliance 1.

[0122] 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.

[0123] Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the heating cooker 1 according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 3, below the left heating port 4L, an induction heating coil 9L (hereinafter referred to as the "left IH coil") is provided as a left induction heating means.

[0124] Similarly, an induction heating coil 9R (hereinafter referred to as the "right IH coil") is provided below the right heating port 4R as a right induction heating means, and an induction heating coil 9C (hereinafter referred to as the "central IH coil") is provided below the central heating port 4C as a central induction heating means.

[0125] These IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R are circular heating coils made by winding thin conductive wires, such as copper or aluminum wire, and generate a high-frequency magnetic field when a high-frequency current is supplied. As a result, the cooking container (object to be heated N) placed on the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C are inductively heated.

[0126] The heating means, including the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R and their drive circuits (referring to high-frequency power supply circuits such as inverter circuits, not shown), may be referred to as an induction heating source or the first heating means HM1. In the following explanation, unless otherwise inconsistent, the term "first heating means" HM1 will be used. Note that if one heating means (heat source) shares a drive circuit, etc., with another heating means (heat source), there will be two heating means referred to here.

[0127] Near the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R, a group of temperature sensors 30 (see Figure 9) 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 temperature sensor 30A (not shown) constitutes one sensor within the group of temperature sensors 30. The temperature sensors referred to here may be contact-type temperature sensors such as thermistors and non-contact temperature sensors such as infrared sensors, or both or either one.

[0128] Inside the main body 2, below the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R, the heating chamber 6 is provided. The heating chamber 6 is surrounded by a metal wall made of stainless steel or the like, and is a space for heating the food to be cooked (food, ingredients) contained within the heating chamber 6.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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 a door 7 that 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 (referring to a structure such as a shelf; not shown) that supports the container to be heated from below, via a slide rail (not shown).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Furthermore, the heating chamber 6 is provided with an upper radiant heating means 12a and a lower radiant heating means 12b that heat the food to be cooked from above and below using so-called heaters. 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.

[0134] Other types of radiant heating means (e.g., mica heaters or carbon heaters) may be installed outside the heating chamber 6. Figure 3 shows an example in which the upper radiant heating means 12a and the lower radiant heating means 12b are both installed so as to be in close contact with the outer wall surface of the heating chamber 6.

[0135] 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.

[0136] Furthermore, 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 16).

[0137] Furthermore, the heating chamber 6 is also equipped with a contact-type temperature sensor (for example, 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.

[0138] 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 3.

[0139] Next, we will explain Figure 4. Figure 4 is a top view of the cooking appliance 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 4, a left operation unit 15L, a central operation unit 15M, and a right operation unit 15R are provided on the front side of the top surface of the top plate 3 of the cooking appliance 1. These three operation units are sometimes collectively referred to as the "input operation unit," in which case the reference numeral 15 is used.

[0140] The central control unit 15M is used for cooking in a coordinated cooking mode and a combined cooking mode using the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2, and is therefore sometimes referred to as a "shared control unit". The left control unit 15L may be referred to as the "first control unit," and the right control unit 15R may be referred to as the "second control unit." The central control unit 15M may be referred to as the "third control unit" or the "shared control unit."

[0141] The left control unit 15L, the central control unit (shared control unit) 15M, and the right control unit 15R are located on the rear side, where the left display unit 16L, the central display unit 16M, and the right display unit 16R, as well as the left auxiliary display unit 16L and the right auxiliary display unit 16R are provided.

[0142] The three display units—left display unit 16L, center display unit 16M, and right display unit 16R—are sometimes collectively referred to as the "display unit," in which case the symbol 16 is used. All three display units, 16L, 16M, and 16R, have horizontally elongated liquid crystal display screens.

[0143] The left auxiliary display unit 17L and the right auxiliary display unit 17R display the firepower level using light-emitting elements (LEDs, etc.), and do not have a display screen. The left auxiliary display unit 17L displays the automatically set temperature (default temperature) or the current temperature when preheating cooking is selected in the left heating port 4L. The automatically set temperature (default temperature) refers to the target temperature of the bottom surface of the object to be heated (e.g., a metal pot) N when it is heated in the left heating port 4L. The default temperature can be changed by the user US within a certain range. In addition, when timer cooking is set, the time is displayed, and the remaining time and elapsed time can be displayed in a timely manner as cooking progresses.

[0144] The left auxiliary display unit 17L consists of multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in a horizontal line, and displays the flame intensity of the left heating port 4L in multiple stages. The left auxiliary display unit 17L expresses the flame intensity by switching the lighting state (on, off, blinking, etc.) of the multiple LEDs, or by changing the lighting color. This allows for intuitive and easy-to-understand notification of the flame intensity to the user US.

[0145] The right auxiliary display unit 17R has basically the same configuration as the left auxiliary display unit 17L, and when preheating cooking is selected for the right heating port 4R, it displays the automatically set temperature (default temperature) or the current temperature.

[0146] The left auxiliary display unit 17L and the right auxiliary display unit 17R display the set time for "timer cooking" for the object N placed on the left heating port 4L or the right heating port 4R, the elapsed time since the start of heating operation at the left heating port 4L or the right heating port 4R, or the remaining time until the timer setting time is completed, etc.

[0147] The central heating status display unit 17M displays the high-temperature status of the three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, and is explained in detail in Figure 5.

[0148] The left heat level indicator 17L, the right heat level indicator 17R, and the central heating status indicator 17M are sometimes collectively referred to as the "auxiliary indicator unit," in which case the symbol 17 is used.

[0149] Furthermore, adjacent to the right control panel 15R, there is an operating button (key) 20A for the main power switch 20 (see Figure 9). The main power switch 20 turns the main power of the cooking appliance 1 ON or OFF. The button (key) that is pressed down when turning it ON or OFF is the aforementioned operating button 20A.

[0150] When the main power switch of the cooking appliance 1 is OFF, pressing the control button 20A for, for example, a few seconds will turn the main power switch ON. Conversely, when the main power switch of the cooking appliance 1 is ON, pressing the control button 20A for, for example, a few seconds will turn the main power switch OFF.

[0151] In Figure 4, 180 is a dedicated input key 180 for selecting the voice input mode, located at the left end of the input operation unit 15. This input key 180 may be a mechanical switch, or it may be a touch-type input switch key, such as input keys 107 to 109 described later.

[0152] The input key 180, which selects this voice input, allows you to perform subsequent voice inputs after pressing it once. Pressing this input key 180 switches to "Voice Input Mode 2". However, this input key 180 cannot be used to select the heating method or heating port (first heating method HM1) by voice.

[0153] Therefore, the input key 180 must be operated after, for example, touching the input key on the left control panel 15L to operate the heating port 4C. In other words, pressing and holding the input key on the left control panel 15L switches to voice input mode 2, but if you press and hold it briefly instead, you can then press the input key 180 to switch to voice input mode 2 from that point onward.

[0154] Next, Figure 5 will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement and operation of the central input operation unit 15M, the central display unit 16M, and the central heating status display unit 17M. The input keys 107, 108, and 109 of the central control unit 16M are schematically shown with dashed lines to illustrate their relative positions to the central display unit 16M. The state shown in Figure 5 is the display screen before the main power switch 20 is turned ON.

[0155] In Figure 5, the central display unit 16M displays information and alarms for the entire cooking appliance 1 and is composed of a liquid crystal display. The display screen of the central display unit 16M shows the selection result of the induction heating means (first heating means) HM1, the microwave heating means (second heating means) HM2, and the radiant heat heating means (third heating means) HM3, the operating status of each heating means, and cautionary or warning information regarding cooking by each heating means.

[0156] The central display unit 16M is a single liquid crystal display in terms of hardware, but as shown in Figure 5, it has three display areas: a first display area 22 on the left, a second display area 23 in the center, and a third display area 24 on the right, and can display different information in each display area.

[0157] Furthermore, the three display areas 22-24 can be appropriately linked together depending on the display situation to form a single (larger area) display area, which may display one or more purposes. In the following, the first display area 22 will be referred to as the first area (left display area) 22. The second display area 23 will be referred to as the second area (center display area) 23. The third display area 24 will be referred to as the third area (right display area) 24.

[0158] The central heating status display unit 17M is divided into two sections in the front-to-back direction. The lower section (front side) contains the following: a microwave light-emitting element (LED) 310 located behind the "Range" text display; a grill light-emitting element (LED) 311 located behind the "Grill" text display; an oven light-emitting element (LED) 312 located behind the "Oven" text display; and a central IH light-emitting element (LED) 313 located behind the "Central IH" text display. The light-emitting elements 310-313 are located below the top plate 3.

[0159] On the upper (rear) side, there are warning letters that read "Caution: High Temperature" and groups of high-temperature warning light-emitting elements (LEDs) 314 positioned in front of and below a diagram schematically representing the heating chamber 6 and the three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R.

[0160] The high-temperature warning light-emitting element (LED) group 314 consists of two heating chamber high-temperature warning light-emitting elements (LEDs) 314a and IH high-temperature warning light-emitting elements (LEDs) 314b, which are arranged side by side.

[0161] The heating chamber high temperature warning light-emitting element (LED) 314a lights up when the temperature inside the heating chamber 6 is high, for example, 50°C or higher. The IH high temperature warning light-emitting element (LED) 314b lights up when any of the left IH coil 9L, right IH coil 9R, or central IH coil 9C is operating, or when the temperature of the top plate 3 is high, for example, 50°C or higher.

[0162] Next, we will explain Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the central display unit 16M and the arrangement of the central control unit 15M. The input keys 107, 108, and 109 of the central control unit 16M are schematically shown with dashed lines to illustrate their positional relationship with the central display unit 16M.

[0163] Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the second identification screen 16M2 when the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected. Display information (identification information) 160 that identifies the control menu "Manual Range," which is one of the control menus belonging to the combined cooking mode KM2, is displayed in the center of the first area 22 in the front-to-back direction. When the input key 107, described later, is touched, the "Manual Range" control menu moves to the back. At the same time, the "Pre-boil Leafy Vegetables" display information 162, which is displayed on the front, moves to the center. 161 is the display information for the control menu "Reheat".

[0164] Furthermore, when selecting a control menu like this, input key 107 does not function as the "voice input switching key" described later, so the input function does not change depending on whether you use a "short press" or a "long press" as described later. With each touch, the control menus displayed in the first area 22 are updated one by one in sequence.

[0165] In this way, user US can select a specific control menu (for example, "Manual Range") within the "Control Menu" by operating input key 107.

[0166] The aforementioned "Manual Range" control menu originally belongs to the "Single Cooking Mode KM1," which uses only the second heating means HM2. However, control menus for "Combined Cooking Mode M2" and "Cooperative Cooking Mode KM3" (combined cooking), as well as control menus and cooperative cooking menus belonging to cooperative cooking menus (such as "Hamburg Steak"), are also displayed in the first area 22.

[0167] As shown in Figure 6, in the combined cooking mode KM2, the wattage (microwave output value) (Figure 6 shows "500W") is displayed in the second area 23. To change this wattage, simply touch the input key 108, which will be described later. For example, you can change it to 600W, or conversely, to 200W, but there are limitations on the wattage you can select. 34W is heating intensity information indicating the power consumption and microwave output during heating.

[0168] The user US can select the wattage (microwave output value) for microwave cooking performed in the heating chamber 6 (a type of "standalone cooking mode M3" using the microwave oscillator 11) by operating the input key 108.

[0169] As shown in Figure 6, in the combined cooking mode KM2, the third area 24 displays the heating time (set time). This heating time can be changed by touching the input key 109, which is explained in Figure 13. For example, you can select the set time for microwave cooking performed in the heating chamber 6. 34M is the set time information. Note that 34W is heating intensity information indicating the amount of power consumption and microwave output during heating.

[0170] Next, we will explain Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the display operation of the central display unit 16M and the arrangement of the central operation unit 15M. In Figure 7, the input keys 107, 108, and 109 of the central operation unit 16M are schematically shown with dashed lines to illustrate their positional relationship with the central display unit 16M.

[0171] Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the first identification screen 16M1 when the collaborative cooking mode KM1 is selected. The identification information 167 for "Hamburg Steak," one of the cooking menus belonging to the collaborative cooking mode KM1, is displayed in the center of the first area 22 in the front-to-back direction. When the input key 107, described later, is touched, the "Hamburg Steak" cooking menu moves to the back. At the same time, the identification information 169 for "Roast Beef," which is displayed on the front, is moved to the center. 168 is the identification information for another cooking menu item, "Gratin."

[0172] Furthermore, input key 107 does not function as the "voice input switching key" described later when selecting such cooking menus, so the input function does not change depending on whether you use a "short press" or a "long press" as described later. With each touch, the cooking menus displayed in the first area 22 are updated one by one in sequence.

[0173] In this way, user US can select a specific cooking menu item (for example, "hamburger") from the "cooking menu" by operating input key 107. In Figure 7, 170 represents operation support information. In this example in Figure 7, it displays "Press the start button to begin heating the left IH." This means that pressing the input key 113 on the central control unit 15M will start induction heating (in the linked cooking mode KM1) on the left IH coil 9L. However, in this embodiment 1, after pressing the input key 113M, it is necessary to press a specific input key once on the left control unit 15L.

[0174] 172 is process information displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 when the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected. In this example in Figure 7, when "Hamburg Steak" is selected as the cooking menu, there is a preheating process with the left IH coil 9L first, the first cooking process 1 is heating with the left IH coil 9L, and the next cooking process 2 is performed using both microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) and oven heating means (third heating means HM3) to perform range grill cooking (RG cooking).

[0175] The left display unit 16L and the right display unit 16R also have basically the same display function as the central display unit 16M, and have the first area 22 to the third area 24, but the corresponding heating sources are only the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R.

[0176] The display screens of the central display unit 16M, the left display unit 16L, and the right display unit 16R are, in hardware terms, a single liquid crystal display screen, but are divided into up to three areas, from the first area 22 to the third area 24, as described above, by the control display 40 (described later) or a dedicated drive circuit (not shown).

[0177] Since methods for dividing a single display screen into multiple areas for display have been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5425171 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-172940, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0178] Next, we will explain Figure 8. Figure 8 is a control block diagram showing the main functions of the heating cooker 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 8, the heating appliance 1 is equipped with a control device 40 that provides integrated control of the entire heating appliance 1.

[0179] The control device 40 is an electronic circuit board on which electronic components such as control circuits that control the operation of each part constituting the heating cooker 1 are mounted. The control device 40 controls the driving of the left IH coil 9L, the right IH coil 9R, and the central IH coil 9C based on the operation of the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R, as well as the temperature of the object to be heated on the top plate 3.

[0180] The control device 40 controls the operation of the central IH coil 9C, microwave heating means 11, upper radiant heating means 12a, and lower radiant heating means 12b, respectively, based on the operation of the central operating unit 15M, the temperature of the object N to be heated on the top plate 3, and the detection results of the infrared sensor 13 and the thermistor sensor 14.

[0181] Furthermore, the control device 40 controls the displays of the left display unit 16L, the right display unit 16R, and the auxiliary unit 17 based on the operation of the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R.

[0182] Furthermore, the control device 40 controls the display on the central display unit 16M and the central heating status display unit 17M based on the opening signal from the opening / closing detection unit 10, as well as the operation of the left operation unit 15L, the right operation unit 15R, and the central operation unit 15M.

[0183] The control device 40 has a storage device 41 that stores data such as various programs and parameters used to control the cooking appliance 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control data") and data for the display screens displayed on each display unit 16L, 16R, 16M, 17L, and 17R (hereinafter referred to as "display condition data"). The control device 40 also activates the voice notification unit 50 as needed to inform the user US of the operating status of the cooking appliance 1 by voice.

[0184] The control device 40 stores data in the recipe data storage unit 42 of the storage device 41, which is data compiled in a specific format, containing information such as various programs and parameters used for heating and cooking control by the heating control unit 43. This data is the recipe data CD mentioned above. As will be explained later, the heating cooker 1 has a corresponding recipe data CD prepared from the start for each of the eight cooking menus of the cooperative cooking mode KM3.

[0185] The aforementioned "recipe data" CD and "display condition data" can be obtained by the cooking appliance 1 from an external device such as a communication terminal for each individual cooking menu (for example, "hamburg steak").

[0186] 42 is a recipe data storage unit that stores the recipe data CD and the display condition data. The storage unit 42 may constitute one section (area) within the storage device 41, or it may be configured separately from the storage device 41 in terms of hardware.

[0187] 43 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. 53 is a data acquisition unit, which acquires the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51. In addition, it may also acquire the "display condition data" from the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51, which will be described later.

[0188] 51 is a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world and has the function of wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal 200, as shown in Figure 1. It also has the function of connecting with the cloud server 300 via the network NW.

[0189] 54 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. 57 is a power supply circuit that supplies power of a constant voltage to the control device 40. 20 is a main power switch inserted into this power supply circuit 57.

[0190] 55 is a restricting unit 55 that restricts the acquisition of the recipe data CD. The restricting unit 55 has a function of restricting the acquisition of the recipe data CD by the data acquisition unit 53 via the communication unit 51 during the standby period before starting the cooking in the linked cooking mode KM1 (that is, before the "cooking step 1" described later).

[0191] Furthermore, the restricting unit 55 has a function of restricting the acquisition of a new recipe data CD from the communication unit 51 until the cooking process of one cooking menu is completed based on the recipe data CD acquired from the outside. Note that the restricting unit 55 may be realized by one control program of a computer (not shown) constituting the control device 40, and it is not necessarily required to be separately configured from the control device 40 hardware-wise.

[0192] The input operation unit 15 has a voice signal receiving unit 56 that receives the voice uttered by the user US with a microphone (not shown) and converts it into a predetermined voice signal. 15R is the right operation unit, 15L is the left operation unit. Also, 15M is the central operation unit.

[0193] On the other hand, the control device 40 is provided with a voice signal analyzing unit 58 that receives the voice signal from the voice signal receiving unit 56 and analyzes the content of the voice. The voice signal analyzing unit 58 compares with the information in the voice database in the storage device 41, analyzes the content of the voice received by the voice signal receiving unit 56, and transmits the analysis result to the heating control unit 43.

[0194] 70 is an input processing unit. This input processing unit 70 receives an input signal from the input operation unit 15, switches its input reception mode to "voice input mode 1", controls an input signal analysis unit 52 to be described later, and further receives an analysis result from the voice signal analysis unit 58 and transmits control data to the heating control unit 43.

[0195] In FIG. 8, 59 is a human sensor. It also has a receiving unit (not shown) that radiates ultrasonic waves or infrared rays in front of the cooking heater 1 and receives the reflected input. This human sensor 59 is installed so as to radiate infrared rays in the front (forward) direction of the heating chamber 6. Note that a dedicated circuit for processing the signal received by the receiving unit is not provided, and the received signal is analyzed by the control device 40 to determine whether a person is present.

[0196] As shown by the dashed frame in FIG. 8, the voice notification unit 50, the display unit 16, etc. may be collectively referred to as the "notification unit", and in this case, 90 is used as the reference numeral. 26 is a light emission control unit. This light emission control unit controls the light emission of a number of light emitting elements. The light emitting elements 27A composed of LEDs etc. arranged in the individual light emission unit 21M and the light emitting elements 27B arranged in the input key 154M are controlled to emit light by this light emission control unit 26. When two or more light emitting elements 27 with different emission colors are arranged in one place, there is a visual effect such that the emission color changes for the user US depending on the light emission states of these multiple light emitting elements.

[0197] In FIG. 8, 52 is an input signal analysis unit that analyzes the input signal from the input operation unit 15. The input signal analysis unit 52 individually analyzes the input signals transmitted from the right operation unit 15R, the left operation unit 15L, and the central operation unit 15M. In particular, the input signal analysis unit 52 has a determination function that determines whether or not the input mode switching command (voice input mode corresponding signal) MC1 has been received. When it determines that the input mode switching command (voice input mode corresponding signal) MC1 has been received, it issues a switching command to switch the input mode from "touch input mode" to "voice input mode 1".

[0198] In the following explanation, the "input mode switching command MC1" will be referred to as the "voice input mode setting signal MC1". When the input processing unit 70 receives this voice input mode setting signal MC1, it issues a control signal to the voice signal analysis unit 52 to switch to a voice input standby state (for example, by starting a dedicated voice analysis program).

[0199] The input operation unit 15 has various input keys. For example, as explained in Figures 5 and 6, the central operation unit 15M has input keys 107 to 109. The touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when the input key 107, which is one of the "voice input switching keys," is touched, the central operation unit 15M determines whether the touch is a "long press" or a "short press," and the result of this determination (a command signal for voice input mode 1) is input to the control device 40.

[0200] Similarly, the right control unit 15R and the left control unit 15L also have various input keys, and the touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when the input keys 107L and 107R, which are one of the "voice input switching keys," are touched, the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R determine whether the touch is a "long press" or a "short press," and the result of this determination (a command signal for voice input mode 1) is input to the control device 40.

[0201] Furthermore, the central control unit 15M has a start key 113 and a stop key 114, and the touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In addition, the touch states of the start keys 113R, 113L and stop keys 114R, 114L on the right control unit 15R and the left control unit 15L are also input to the input signal analysis unit 52.

[0202] Next, we will explain Figure 9. Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the control device 40 and the central control unit 15M. Note that the audio signal receiving unit 56, described in Figure 8, is omitted from the diagram. The configuration of the right control unit 15R and the left control unit 15L is basically the same as that of the central control unit 15M.

[0203] In Figure 9, 15A is an input key identification unit. This input key identification unit 15A identifies the input key that has been touched. For example, when input key 107 is touched, it emits a unique identification signal for that input key. Similarly, when input key 108 is touched, it emits a unique identification signal for that input key.

[0204] 15B is the touch detection unit. When a user's (US) fingertip (FG) approaches the touch electrode, the detection circuit emits an "ON" signal, and when it moves away, it emits an "OFF" signal. 15T is a time measurement unit. This time measurement unit 15T measures the time from the moment the touch detection unit 15B receives an "ON" signal until the signal changes to an "OFF" signal, and transmits the measured time data.

[0205] 15C is an input mode determination unit. This input mode determination unit 15C receives the measured time data from the time measurement unit 15T and, as mentioned above, uses a threshold of 5 seconds as the dividing line. If the time is 5 seconds or longer, it determines that it is "voice input mode 1". If the time is less than this threshold, it determines that it is a normal "short press" operation.

[0206] The following description describes an embodiment in which the input mode determination unit 15C of the central operation unit 15M determines whether it is a "long press". However, although not adopted in Embodiment 1, the central operation unit 15M can also measure the time from the moment the "ON" signal is received until the signal changes to "OFF", transmit that data to the control device 40, and the control device 40 can determine whether it is a "long press".

[0207] In this embodiment 1, there is a function that detects a "long press" of a specific input key (for example, input key 107, which will be described later, in the central operation unit 15M) and switches to the "voice input mode 1". I will explain this in more detail later.

[0208] Note that touch operations that are not "long presses," that is, touch states that last for less than 5 seconds consecutively, are sometimes referred to as "short presses." This is also related to the detection capability of the central operation unit 15M, so for example, if the touch time is in the range of 0.1 seconds to 4.9 seconds, the input mode determination unit 15C will determine that it is a "short press."

[0209] Although the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R each have determination units corresponding to the input mode determination unit 15C, not just the central operation unit 15M, it is also possible to provide a single (common) input mode determination unit 15C that acquires data individually from all operation units and makes a centralized determination.

[0210] The input mode determination unit 15C transmits a signal (voice input mode corresponding signal MC1) to the control device 40 indicating whether or not the input mode is "voice input mode 1".

[0211] 15D is a memory unit. This memory unit 15D stores various control parameters, thresholds, and program information for the judgment process, such as those for the touch detection unit 15A, time measurement unit 15T, and input mode determination unit 15C described above.

[0212] 15E is a central processing unit (CPU) that performs various information processing operations as an input operation unit (central operation unit 15M). 15F is an input signal transmitting unit. This input signal transmitting unit 15F transmits the unique identification signal of the input key as described above and the voice input mode corresponding signal MC1, which is the result of determining whether it is the "voice input mode 1", to the input signal analysis unit 58 of the control device 40.

[0213] 15G is a dial rotation detection unit that detects a pulse signal generated according to the rotation of a dial-type input means 123 described later, converts it into a command signal corresponding to the rotated angle, and inputs the command signal to the input key identification unit 15A. Note that the dial-type selection means (dial-type input means) 123 rotates in both the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, and its rotation direction is also discriminated.

[0214] In FIG. 9, the touch detection unit 15A, the time measurement unit 15T, the input mode determination unit 15C, etc. are depicted as individual independent blocks, but they may be realized by the software of, for example, one microcomputer without being configured separately on hardware.

[0215] Also, in FIG. 9, an example of the central operation unit 15M is described, but for the right operation unit 15R and the left operation unit 15L as well, it is identified by the control device 40 that they are inputs of their respective operation units. Therefore, in the input key identification unit 15A in the right operation unit 15R, data for specifying that it is an input key existing in the right operation unit 15R is included in the signal from the input key. The same applies to the left operation unit 15L.

[0216] As is clear from the above description, the cooking heater 1 has a first heating means HM1 for inductively heating an object to be heated on the top plate 3, a heating chamber 6 with a metal wall surface, a second heating means HM2 for supplying microwaves to the heating chamber 6, a third heating means HM3 for heating the heating chamber 6 with radiant heat, News Department 90 and, Communications Unit 51 and Display unit 16 and The configuration includes a control device 40.

[0217] The control device 40 displays an initial standby screen on the display unit 16, and then displays a dedicated display screen (first specific screen 16M1 to third specific screen 16M3) for each cooking mode.

[0218] There are three types of cooking modes: single cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, and linked cooking mode KM3.

[0219] The aforementioned single-cook mode KM1 has the following three types: (1) IH standalone mode in which the first heating means HM1 is operated independently (2) Range-only cooking mode in which the second heating means HM2 is operated independently (3) Oven-only cooking mode in which the third heating means HM3 is operated independently

[0220] The combined cooking mode KM2 is a heating pattern in which both the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are heated simultaneously, or their operating times are automatically staggered, to perform cooking in the heating chamber 6.

[0221] The aforementioned cooperative cooking mode KM1 is a heating pattern in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3, or either one thereof, and the first heating means HM1 are operated sequentially after a transition period TR of a length determined by a command from the user US.

[0222] The control device 40 has an operation program that executes the three cooking modes KM1 to KM3 described above. The data acquisition unit 53 of the control device 40 can acquire the recipe data CD from the cloud server 300 or the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 51.

[0223] In the input operation unit 15, "Voice Input Mode 2" can be selected using the input key 180. In other words, voice input mode 2 can be selected by operating all the operation units (15M, 15L, 15R) during the input process.

[0224] Furthermore, among the input keys located on the central control unit 15M, the right control unit 15R, and the left control unit 15L, certain input keys (107, 153R, 153L) can select "Voice Input Mode 1" depending on the "long press" state, which is one of the touch modes.

[0225] (4. Configuration of the control menu on the central control panel) Next, the control menus that can be displayed on the central display unit 16M and selected by the central operation unit 15M will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0226] Figure 10 shows the entire control menu that can be selected by the central control unit 15M. In the table in Figure 10, the first area 22 is labeled "Left Display Area," the second display area 23 is labeled "Center Display Area," and the third area 24 is labeled "Right Display Area."

[0227] The control menus selectable by the central control unit 15M are divided into two groups: the RG (range grill) menu group, which uses either or both of the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) and the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b; and the IH menu group, which uses the central IH coil 9C corresponding to the central heating port 4C.

[0228] Figure 11 shows the control menus shown in Figure 10, categorized into four perspectives (classifications 1-4). As is clear from Figure 11, the control menus are broadly divided into single cooking mode KM1 and combined cooking mode KM2. Although the linked cooking mode KM1 is not shown in Figures 10 and 11, linked cooking menus can be executed using the linked cooking mode on the central control unit 15M.

[0229] When the main power switch 20 is turned "ON" and the input key 108 on the central control panel 15M is pressed for the first time, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected.

[0230] Therefore, the display screen of the central display unit 16M switches to the second specific screen 16M2. In the first area 22 of the second specific screen 16M2, as shown in Figure 6, the first area (left display area) 22 always displays a control menu such as "Reheat" first. This is because the "Reheat" control menu is set as the default.

[0231] The left display area in Figure 10 corresponds to the display area 22. In other words, the various control menus listed in the "left display area" of the list in Figure 11 are displayed sequentially within the first area 22.

[0232] As shown in the "Left Display Area" of the list in Figure 10, in addition to "Reheat," there are a total of 13 control menus: "Manual Microwave," "Blanch Leafy Vegetables," "Blanch Root Vegetables," "Defrost Meat," "Microwave Grill (RG) Cooking," "Microwave Grill (RG) Reheating," "Manual Microwave Grill (RG)," "Grill," "Oven," "IH Keep Warm," "IH Rice Cooking," and "IH Heating."

[0233] The following control menus are included in the RG menu group: "Reheat", "Manual Microwave", "Blanch Leafy Vegetables", "Blanch Root Vegetables", "Defrost Meat", "Microwave Grill (RG) Cooking", "Microwave Grill (RG) Reheating", "Manual Microwave Grill (RG)", "Grill", and "Oven". Furthermore, "IH keep warm," "IH rice cooking," and "IH heating" are included in the "IH menu group" which uses induction heating sources.

[0234] The information displayed in the "Central Display Area" in Figure 10 is what is shown in the second area 23 of the central display unit 16M, and relates to the adjustment of heating conditions during cooking, such as temperature, time, heat level, and settings like "high" and "low." In other words, the various control conditions listed in the "Central Display Area" are what are displayed in the second area 23. The default settings for this "Central Display Area" are listed in the "Default" column in the right-hand column of the "Central Display Area."

[0235] The information listed in the "right display area" of the table in Figure 10 represents the information displayed in the third area 24 of the central display unit 16M. The default settings for the "Right Display Area" are listed in the "Default" column in the rightmost column of that "Right Display Area." Blank spaces do not indicate changeable control conditions; rather, they indicate that no information is displayed, or that appropriate explanatory text that cannot be selected or changed (by the user) is displayed in the Right Display Area (Third Area 24).

[0236] Next, we will explain the 13 control menus displayed in the "left display area" of the table in Figure 10. (1) Reheating: This refers to heating the food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6 using the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2). This "reheating" method is also suitable for reheating the food to be cooked. The default setting is "80°C," so when the food is heated to 80°C, the microwave heating will automatically stop. Note that "80°C" is the target temperature, and this temperature can be adjusted by the user US before heating begins. As shown in the central display area of ​​Figure 10, for example, the range from 0°C to 90°C can be set in 5-degree increments.

[0237] (2) Manual Range: This refers to heating the food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6 using the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2). The heating time is set by the user US to a specific time between 10 seconds and 60 minutes.

[0238] (3) Blanching leafy vegetables: This method is suitable for blanching food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6, especially leafy vegetables whose leaves are eaten, such as spinach and Chinese cabbage, using microwave heating means (second heating means HM2). An infrared sensor 13 measures the temperature rise of the food to be cooked in real time and automatically stops the heating.

[0239] (4) Blanching root vegetables: This is suitable for blanching food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6, especially roots, rhizomes, and root vegetables such as potatoes, using a microwave heating means (second heating means HM2).

[0240] (5) Meat thawing: This is suitable for thawing various types of frozen meat in heating chamber 6. (6) Range Grill (RG) Cooking: This method combines microwave heating using a microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) with oven heating using an upper radiant heat heating means 12a and a lower radiant heat heating means 12b to heat and cook the food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6.

[0241] (7) Range Grill (RG) Reheating: Suitable for reheating cooked food in heating chamber 6. (8) Range Grill (RG) Manual: The user US can appropriately select between microwave heating and oven heating to cook the food in the heating chamber 6.

[0242] (9) Grill: This method uses either or both of the upper radiant heating means 12a and the lower radiant heating means 12b to heat the food in the heating chamber 6. In other words, it is a control menu that uses the third heating means HM3.

[0243] In the aforementioned "grill" function, the temperature of the heating chamber 6 is not controlled, nor is there any control to stop the heating operation when the temperature of the food being cooked rises. Heating is performed only for a time specified by the user US, within the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0244] (10) Oven: The food to be cooked in the heating chamber 6 is heated using either or both of the upper radiant heating means 12a and the lower radiant heating means 12b. The temperature of the heating chamber 6 is measured in real time by the thermistor sensor 14, and the power supply to the upper radiant heating means 12a and the lower radiant heating means 12b is controlled to reach the set target temperature.

[0245] (11) IH Warming: This function heats the object to be heated, such as a pot, located above the central heating port 4C, to maintain the temperature set by the user US. The induction heating power ranges from low to medium, from 200W to 750W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C detects the temperature of the object to be heated in real time, and the heating control unit 43 of the control device 40 controls the heat output based on the detected temperature. The default temperature is 80°C, as shown in Figure 10. For example, it is suitable for keeping soup warm.

[0246] (12) IH rice cooking: Heating is performed according to the number of cups (amount of rice to be cooked) set by the user US. The induction heating power ranges from low to high, from 200W to 1500W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C is used to detect abnormal heating of the heated object (also called overheating; the same applies hereinafter), and if an abnormal temperature is detected, the control device 40 reduces the heating power or stops the heating operation.

[0247] (13) IH heating: Heating is performed according to the induction heating power set by the user US. There are five power levels that can be set: Power 1: 200W, Power 2: 500W, Power 3: 750W, Power 4: 1000W, and Power 5: 1500W. A temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the central IH coil 9C is used to detect abnormal heating of the object being heated. If an abnormal temperature is detected, the control device 40 will reduce the power or stop the heating operation. The default power level is 500W (power level 2).

[0248] Next, Figure 11 will be explained. Figure 11 is a classification table of the RG control menu (the "RG menu group" in Figure 10) and the IH control menu for the standalone cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 (the "IH menu group" in Figure 10).

[0249] As is clear from classification 2 of the list in Figure 11, the names of the control menus are also displayed in text in the first area 22 of the central display unit 16M, and are used by the user US to select a control menu.

[0250] Next, we will explain Figure 12. Figure 12 is a table showing the correspondence between cooking menus in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode and the operation support information 170 (see Figure 7).

[0251] As is clear from Figure 12, the cooking menus in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 include hamburgers and roast beef, and as explained in Figure 7, the contents of the process display unit 172 and support information A and support information B are predetermined to correspond to the identification information 167 that identifies each of these individual cooking menus. In other words, the display data that determines the display information displayed on the display unit 16 is stored in the storage unit 41.

[0252] As can be seen from Figure 12, there are two types of operation support information 170: operation support information A and operation support information B. One is "Press the start button to begin heating the left IH," and the other is "Confirm with the start button." This "start button" refers to the input key 113 (see Figure 13).

[0253] The two types of operation support information 170 described above are automatically switched before the start of the cooking process in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode. For example, they are displayed alternately every few seconds. As is clear from Figure 12, the cooking menus in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode include at least eight types, such as hamburgers and roast beef, and can be broadly divided into two categories: cooking menus that use microwave heating first and cooking menus that use induction heating first.

[0254] Let me explain why "IH preheating" is written in the "Display in process display unit 172" column of the table in Figure 12. In this embodiment 1, a "cooperative preheating cooking mode" KM1A is provided as one type of cooperative cooking mode KM1. There are two types of the KM1A integrated preheating cooking mode.

[0255] One example of a cooking menu that utilizes the aforementioned linked preheating cooking mode KM1A is "hamburg steak." In the case of "hamburg steak," the preheating process is performed by the first heating means HM1.

[0256] If cooking step 1 is started while the preheating step is being executed, the heating operation of the preheating step has not been stopped at the time cooking step 1 is disclosed. Therefore, the energization of the first heating means HM1 and the energization of the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) and the third heating means HM3, which are responsible for cooking process 1, will occur in parallel during the same time period.

[0257] In other words, in the coordinated preheating cooking mode KM1A, the heating source (the first heating means HM1 in the above description), which has started operating before cooking process 1, is not necessarily stopped at the start of cooking process 1. During cooking process 1, the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) and either or both of the third heating means HM3 may be energized together.

[0258] Unless otherwise inconsistent, the following explanation assumes that the linked cooking mode KM1 includes the linked preheating cooking mode KM1A.

[0259] When selecting the KM1A linked cooking mode, once the identification information 167 indicating the name of the food to be cooked is displayed on the central display unit 16M, the left control unit 15L becomes unavailable for use for other cooking menus (also referred to as "occupied state").

[0260] Specifically, among the various input keys on the left control unit 15L, at least the input key 107L (not shown) that selects the left heating port 4L is disabled by the heating control unit 43. This "disabled" means both that no valid command signal is sent from the input key 107L (not shown) to the heating control unit 43, and that even if a valid command signal is sent, the heating control unit 43 does not process that command signal as a valid command signal. In either case, heating with the left IH coil 9L cannot be selected.

[0261] At the same time, when identification information 167 is displayed, the right control unit 15R of the right heating port 4R may be disabled. This is done by "disabling" the input key 107R (not shown), similar to the case of the left control unit 15L. However, if the user US has previously set the function on the input control unit 15 (using the function setting key 115 shown in Figure 13) to prevent this "disabling," then the right IH coil 9R can be used as is if it is already being used for another control menu (heating operation is continuing). On the other hand, in the linked cooking mode KM1, it is determined that it cannot be used based on the fact that it is already being used (by the heating control unit 43).

[0262] Therefore, only the left IH coil 9L is "occupied" by selecting the linked cooking mode KM1. Also, looking at the first heating means HM1 as a whole, only a portion of the three heating units 4L, 4C, and 4R (the left IH coil 9L) is "restricted" from use. Note that if the right IH coil 9R is not being used for other cooking, this right IH coil 9R may also be occupied in the same way.

[0263] Next, we will explain Figure 13. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the central display unit 16M in the standby state of the heating cooker 1. The display screen 16MH of the central display unit 16M is the initial standby screen. The initial standby screen 16MH is explained in detail in Figure 28. There are several types of initial standby screens 16MH, and the screen shown in Figure 13 is sometimes called display screen 2D to distinguish it from display screens 2A to 2C shown in Figure 28.

[0264] In Figure 13, 102 is a display unit that shows information identifying the input key 107 for selecting the KM1 cooperative cooking mode, and is labeled with the text "To Key 1". 103 is a display unit that shows information identifying the input key 108 for selecting the combined cooking mode, and it is indicated by the text "To Key 2". 104 is a display unit that shows information identifying the input key 109 for selecting the single-mode induction heating (IH) cooking mode, and is indicated by the text "To Key 3". Furthermore, the three display units 102-104 do not have touch input functionality, so touching them will not allow any input.

[0265] Input key 107 is an input key that allows selection of the KM1 cooperative cooking mode. It consists of a touch-sensitive switch. This input key 107 is located on the front side of the first area 22. 107A is the first specific information, and it is displayed as the number "1". In other words, this first specific information 107A corresponds to the display content "To Key 1" in the display unit 102.

[0266] Input key 108 is an input key that allows selection of the combined cooking mode KM2. It consists of a touch-sensitive switch. This input key 108 is located on the front side of the second area 23. 108A is the second identification information, and it is displayed as the number "2". In other words, this second identification information 108A corresponds to the content displayed on the display unit 103.

[0267] Input key 109 is an input key that allows selection of the induction heating (IH) single cooking mode KM3. It consists of a touch-type switch. This input key 109 is located on the front side of the third area 24. 109A is the third type of specific information, and it is displayed as the number "3". In other words, this third type of specific information 109A corresponds to the content displayed on the display unit 104.

[0268] The first specific information 107A to the third specific information 109A and the display contents of the display units 102 to 104 correspond to each other using the numbers "1" to "3" as shown in Figure 5, but the correspondence may also be indicated using symbols other than numbers, characters, or the same shapes.

[0269] This indicates that, for example, to select the collaborative cooking mode KM1, one should operate the input key 107 on which the first specific information 107A is displayed. In addition to the number "1", a name or abbreviation indicating the cooking mode, such as "collaborative cooking," may also be displayed.

[0270] Several types of the first specific information 107A are available. Only during the first operation of the input key 107, the number "1" is displayed, as shown in Figure 15, but in the next operation, the word "Menu" is displayed, as shown in Figure 14. In this way, the content of the first specific information 107A changes as appropriate depending on the display of the light-emitting part (not shown) located below the operating surface (visible light-transmitting material) of the input key 107.

[0271] The information displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M1 is sequentially updated in response to input operations by the display program of the control device 40 (described later) or a dedicated drive circuit (not shown).

[0272] When the input key 107 is operated, the central display unit 16M displays the first specific screen 16M1 used in the linked cooking mode KM1. An example of the first specific screen 16M1 is shown in Figure 14. When the input key 108 is operated, the central display unit 16M displays the second specific screen 16M2 (see Figure 41) used in the combined cooking mode KM2. By operating the input key 109, the central display unit 16M will display the third specific screen 16M3 (not shown), which is used in the induction heating (IH) single cooking mode KM3. An example of the third specific screen 16L3 when using the left operation unit 16L is shown in Figure 29.

[0273] The first specific screen 16M1 to the third specific screen 16M3 are not displayed simultaneously on the central display unit 16M, but are displayed selectively.

[0274] 113 is an input key that allows the start of three types of heating cooking in the central control unit 15M. It is a touch-type input key, and touching it will generate an input command signal. This input key 113 will henceforth be referred to as the "start key". 114 is an input key that allows the three types of heating and cooking modes in the central control unit 15M to be stopped at any time. It is a touch-type input key, and touching it sends an input command signal. This input key 114 will henceforth be referred to as the "stop key".

[0275] The three types of heating and cooking methods in this central control unit 15M are as follows: (1) Cooperative cooking mode KM1 using heating chamber 6 (2) Combined cooking mode KM2 using heating chamber 6 (3) Single cooking mode KM3 using microwave heating means (second heating means) HM2 with heating chamber 6 (4) Single cooking mode KM3 using induction heating means (first heating means) HM1 with central heating port 4C

[0276] The input key 115, located on the far left of the central control unit 15M, is for setting various operations and displays of the entire cooking appliance 1 according to the user's preferences.

[0277] When input key 115 is pressed, the control device 40 (described later) switches to "function mode," and the following "function setting menu" is displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M. (1) Child lock setting (setting to disable operation of various input keys) (2) Ventilation fan interlock mode setting (3) Cleaning guide setting (automatic notification function setting 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 needed on the voice notification unit 50 and the three display units 16L, 16M, and 16R) (8) HEMS registration settings (settings related to the power usage restriction function by the household power control device) (9) Time unit setting for timer cooking (change from 1-minute increments to 5-minute or 30-minute increments) (10) Switching between beginner mode and normal (expert) mode (11) Setting the type (range) of inventory information to be obtained from refrigerator 403 (12) Setting the display priority of each cooking menu (e.g., "Hamburg Steak") in the KM1 linked cooking mode (specific cooking menus that should be displayed by default, identification information 167) (13) Setting the display priority (specific control menus that should be displayed by default) for each control menu of the combined cooking mode KM2 (e.g., "Range Grill", "Pre-boil Leafy Vegetables"). (14) After the main power switch 20 is turned ON, if the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened, the setting of the cooking mode (such as the display priority between the two modes, linked cooking mode KM1 and combined cooking mode KM2) will be automatically displayed on the central display unit 16M. (15) When displaying individual cooking menus of the linked cooking mode KM1 on the central display unit 16M, the settings are configured to display the components and nutritional components of the target cooking item (food) individually each time. Note that either one of the food components or nutrients may be displayed, or both, but in this embodiment 1, a single press (short press) of the input key 109 is used as the command key to display food components, and a double press (short press) is used as the command key to display nutritional components. The food ingredients or nutritional information will be displayed when the input key 109 is pressed once or twice within a predetermined period, or when voice input mode 1 is set and a command is given by voice. In other words, it is not always displayed together with the cooking menu identification information 167 (described later), but is displayed in response to the user's (US) operation (including voice). See Figure 20 for details. (16) When selecting individual cooking menus in the KM1 linked cooking mode, the system searches for cooking menu candidates based on the food's ingredients and nutritional information and displays them on the central display unit 16M. In this case, the user US can search by voice by pressing the input key 180 to enter "Voice Input Mode 2". See Figure 20 for details. (17) Setting the display priority of each cooking menu in the linked cooking mode KM1. This relates to setting specific cooking menus to be displayed by default, but you should set either the food components or the nutritional components mentioned above as the highest priority item for display. When this is set, for example, cooking menus can be displayed in ascending order of energy content (calorie value) among the nutritional components, as shown in Figure 20. Alternatively, cooking menus can be displayed in descending order of the amount of "iron" as a nutritional component.

[0278] The aforementioned "beginner mode" is an optional function for users who are unfamiliar with using the cooking appliance 1. When this beginner mode is enabled, the voice guidance from the voice notification unit 50 becomes more detailed and thorough. In addition, the voice guidance for input operations on the input operation unit 15 is increased, and the display information on the display screens of the display units 16L, 16M, and 16R is increased.

[0279] When the device is set to the beginner mode, especially when cooking in the combined cooking mode KM2 and the linked cooking mode KM1, the amount of reference information displayed on the central display unit 16M's screen increases, or the content of the voice guidance in the voice notification unit 50 increases, during cooking steps 1 and 2. This enhances the functionality that can assist the user's input operations.

[0280] After the main power switch 20 is turned ON, if the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened, the setting of the cooking mode to be automatically displayed on the central display unit 16M refers to setting either the linked cooking mode KM1 or the combined cooking mode KM2. Since both linked cooking mode KM1 and combined cooking mode KM2 use the same central display unit 16M, the user can set which display takes priority.

[0281] If the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 40 detects that the door 7 has been opened. This function assumes that the user will perform cooking using the heating chamber 6, and automatically displays either the first specific screen 16M1 for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 or the second specific screen 16M2 for the combined cooking mode KM2 on the central display unit 16M. The first specific screen 16M1 or the second specific screen 16M2 is automatically displayed immediately after the door 7 is opened, following the display of the aforementioned standby initial screen.

[0282] When input key 115 is pressed, the "Function Settings Menu" is displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M. After this, by "long-pressing" (hereinafter referred to as "long press") a specific input key other than input key 15 (for example, 107) on the central operation unit 16M, one of the setting menus in the "Function Settings Menu" can be selected, and then the desired setting can be changed.

[0283] Alternatively, if two specific input keys other than the input key 115 (for example, 107 and 108) are pressed and held simultaneously, one of the setting menus in the aforementioned "function setting menu" can be called up, and the desired setting can be changed.

[0284] The term "long press" refers to, for example, a state in which a button is pressed continuously for 5 seconds or more. Whether or not the "long press" state is being determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see Figure 9) comparing the timing of the touch input in the central operation unit 15M with a reference value. In other words, in the central operation unit 15M, the timing when the input key (for example, 107) is pressed can be determined by the ON (touch) - OFF (non-touch) signal, but whether or not it is a "long press" is determined by measuring the time from the moment the ON signal is issued until the signal changes to OFF. This is the same as the "long press" process for input key 107, so it will be explained in detail later.

[0285] In Figure 13, 123 is a dial-type selection means located at the right end of the central control unit 40M. This selection means 123, when pressed by the user after pressing any one of the input keys 107 to 109, allows the user to set the cooking menu for the cooperative cooking mode KM1, or control conditions (heat output during induction heating, microwave output, etc.) to be applied to a specific cooking menu. This will be explained in the following Figure 14.

[0286] The selection means can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise around the rotation center point CP, as shown by the arrows in Figure 13. It can also be rotated more than one full rotation, but the rotation range may be limited to a certain range. The selection means 123 is rotatably fixed to the central operating unit 15M by a rotation axis (not shown) located at the center point CP.

[0287] 21M1 to 21M5 are individual light-emitting units that indicate that the input function of the six input keys 107, 108, 109, 113, 114, and 115 is enabled. These individual light-emitting units 21M1 to 21M5 receive light from light-emitting elements 27 such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and emit light upwards from the central operation unit 15M. In Figure 13, the individual light-emitting units 21M1, 21M2, 21M3, and 21M5 are each marked with a star shape, which indicates that the corresponding light-emitting element 27 is emitting light. In other words, in the example in Figure 13, all four input keys 107, 108, 109, and 115 are indicating that the input function is enabled.

[0288] Next, we will explain Figure 14. When the input key 107 is touched in the state shown in Figure 13, the central display unit 16M switches to the first specific screen 16M1 as shown in Figure 14. In other words, it switches from the initial standby screen (Figure 13) to the state showing the first specific screen 30SP for the linked cooking mode KM1, and the identification information 167 for "hamburger" is displayed as the default cooking menu. Note that in this case, the touch operation of the input key 107 can be either a "short press" or a "long press".

[0289] As shown in the first identification screen 16M1 in Figure 14, the first identification information 107A displayed on the input key 107 changes from a number to a name indicating a type of function, which is "menu". In this case, "menu" refers to a cooking menu. Furthermore, the second specific information 108A displayed on the input key 108 changes from the number "2" to information that allows selection of the heating ports 4L and 4R of the induction heating source 9, indicated by "left / right". Note that since there are no items to be entered on the input key 109, nothing is displayed as the third specific information 109A.

[0290] In the state shown in Figure 14, the input key 107 has a "menu" selection function as indicated by the first specific information 16M1. Therefore, after operating the input key 107, if the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by the thick arrow, the identification information 167 of the cooking menu displayed in the first area 22 changes sequentially in a certain order according to the range of rotation. In other words, it changes to the identification information of the cooking menu for a different food item.

[0291] As described above, the arrow portion displayed on the dial of the selection means 123 illuminates the moment input key 107 is selected. This prompts the user to rotate the selection means 123. The illumination color of the arrow portion may be changed before and after the operation of input key 107.

[0292] As shown in Figure 14, the heating element identification sections 116L and 116R are also displayed simultaneously with the identification information 167. Either the heating element specification section 116L or 116R can be selected by operating the input key 108. Specifically, press the input key 108, then rotate the dial-type selection means 523 clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by the thick arrow. Alternatively, if the input key 107 is pressed once, "left" may be selected first (by default) as shown in Figure 14, and if the input key 108 is pressed again afterward, "right" may be selected. Furthermore, if the same input key 108 is pressed again, "left" will be selected once more.

[0293] As can be seen from the above explanation, in the input operation unit 40, if the input key 107 is operated once (either a short press or a long press) to select the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the input key 107 is operated once immediately afterward (either a short press or a long press). This then leads to the selection process of a cooking menu displayed in the first area 22. By rotating the selection means 123, cooking menus are displayed one after another in the first area 22 according to the rotation range of the selection means 123. In other words, a cooking menu selection signal corresponding to the rotation of the selection means 123 is supplied to the control device 40.

[0294] In Figure 14, individual light-emitting units 21M1, 21M2, and 21M4, corresponding to the three input keys 107, 108, and 113, are marked with star shapes. This indicates that all three input keys 107, 108, and 113 are active.

[0295] Next, we will explain Figure 15. When either of the heating element identification sections 116L or 116R shown in Figure 14 is selected, the display content of the first identification screen 16M1 switches to the content shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15, the input key 109 becomes active, and pressing it switches to the input mode for "heat output," one of the control conditions. Therefore, when the selection means 123 is rotated, the four heat output indicator bands 117 light up. As a result, rotating the selection means 123 changes the illuminated range left or right according to the rotation angle. At the same time, a specific heat output value, such as "1000W," is displayed as additional information 118 (a level, such as "medium heat output," may also be displayed).

[0296] In this way, the user US can select the desired flame level simply by holding the dial-type selection means 123 and turning it lightly clockwise. Therefore, the user US's operational burden is significantly reduced compared to methods such as touch input switches, which require repeated touch operations to select the flame level.

[0297] As is clear from Figure 15, when setting the heat output value of the induction heating source 9, only the individual light-emitting units 21M3 and 21M4 corresponding to the two input keys 109 and 113 have star-shaped marks, indicating that the input function is active for these two input keys 109 and 113. The dial-type selection means 123 also has a thick arrow lit up, as shown in Figure 15, indicating that the input function is active.

[0298] Therefore, pressing the input key 113 in the state shown in Figure 15 will switch to the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Consequently, the preheating process (IH preheating) of the object to be heated, such as a frying pan, can be started in either heating port 4L or 4R.

[0299] In Figure 15, 109A is the third specific information displayed on the input key 109. In the scene shown in Figure 15, this third specific information 109A is displayed as the word "heating power," but it automatically changes to other control conditions such as "time" or "temperature" depending on the input scene.

[0300] Figure 16 shows a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 13 to 15, and is a plan view of the front portion to explain the arrangement of the central operation unit 15M and the central display unit 16M.

[0301] The characteristic configuration of Figure 16 will be explained below. The heating appliance 1 in this modified example 1 is The main body 2 has three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R on its top surface where the object to be heated N is placed, A first heating means HM1 (induction heating source 9) is installed inside the main body 2 and heats the object to be heated N, A heating chamber 6 formed inside the main body 2, The heating chamber 6 is equipped with a second heating means HM2 (microwave heating source 11) and a third heating means HM3 (radiant heat heating means 12) for heating the food to be cooked, A display means (central display unit) 16M having a display screen that can be seen from above the main body 2, The input operation unit 15 is installed on the upper front part of the main body 2, and is elongated in the left-right direction. The system includes a control device 40 that controls the heating operation in response to a command from the input operation unit 15, The input operation unit 15 is located adjacent to the display means (central display unit 16M) and in front of it. The input operation unit 15 includes a first cooking mode selection means (input key) 107 and a second cooking mode selection means (input key) 108, which display the cooking menu for the linked cooking mode KM1 and the control menu for the combined cooking mode M2, respectively, on the display screen. The operation panel (operating surface) of the first cooking mode selection means 107 or a position near it displays first specific information 107A indicating that it is for the linked cooking mode KM1, and the operation panel (operating surface) of the second cooking mode selection means 108 or a position near it displays second specific information 108A indicating that it is for the combined cooking mode KM2. Furthermore, after selecting the first cooking mode selection means (input key) 107, the system is configured to display the cooking menu of the linked cooking mode KM1 in a selectable format using a dial-type selection means 123.

[0302] Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, the touch operation section of the input key 107, which is the first cooking mode selection means, and the touch operation of the input key 108, which is the second cooking mode selection means The unit is located in front of the central display unit 16M and on the upper surface of the main body 2. Furthermore, the central operation unit 15M is equipped with a dial-type selection means 123 that, after the first cooking mode selection means 107 is touched, displays identification information 167 indicating the cooking menu on the central display unit 16M (the first specific screen 16M1 displayed), in order according to the rotation operation.

[0303] Furthermore, the central operation unit 15M utilizes the dial-type selection means 123 as a means to sequentially display identification information 160 indicating the control menu on the central display unit 16M (the second specific screen 16M2 displayed) in accordance with the rotation operation after the input key 108, which is the second cooking mode selection means, is touched.

[0304] The display screen of the central display unit has a first area 22 that displays the cooking menu and the control menu, and a second area 23 that displays information related to the information displayed in the first area 22, arranged side by side. The first area 22 displays the identification information 167 or the identification information 160. The second area 23 is configured such that, in response to the rotation of the dial-type selection means 123, control conditions (such as heat level and heating time) that can be applied to either the cooking menu or the control menu are sequentially updated and displayed one at a time.

[0305] The "control conditions" referred to here are basically the same as those described in Embodiment 1. That is, they are at least one of the following, but are not limited to: a heat output value indicating heating intensity or power consumption, a level value indicating the hierarchy of heating intensity (e.g., "high" or "low"), a microwave output value, a target heating temperature, or a heating time.

[0306] In Figure 16, 120 is the display information shown in place of the "Cooperative Cooking" display in Figure 13. There are three types: "Menu," "Heat Level / Time," and "Reference," but an example of "Reference" is not shown in Figure 16.

[0307] The aforementioned "Menu" display information 120 is always displayed in the first area 22. The aforementioned "heat output / time" display information 120 is always displayed in the second area 23. The "reference" display information 120 is displayed in the third area 24, but in some cases, the second area 23 and the third area 24 are combined into a larger display area, and the information is displayed in that area.

[0308] In Figure 16, the first specific information 107A and the second specific information 108A were displayed as text on the touch operation area (operating surface) of the first cooking mode selection means (input key) 107 and the second cooking mode selection means (input key) 108, rather than on the upper surface of the central operation unit 15 itself. However, this configuration may be changed to something else, and the information may be displayed (printed, engraved, etc.) as text or the like in a position adjacent to the touch operation area of ​​the input keys 107 and 108, and in front of them.

[0309] In the modified example shown in Figure 16, 180 is a dedicated input key 180 for selecting the voice input mode shown in Figure 4. However, in Figure 16, the input key 180 is dedicated to the central control unit 15M.

[0310] In this modified version, input key 180 is not a mechanical switch, but a touch-type input switch, like input keys 107-109. 21M6 is an individual light-emitting unit that illuminates to indicate when the input function of input key 180 is enabled. In the state shown in Figure 16, the three individual light-emitting units 21M1, 21M2, and 21M3 are marked with star shapes. This indicates that all three input keys are enabled, and that touching any one of them allows selection of one of the following modes: linked cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, or single cooking mode KM3.

[0311] Next, we will explain Figure 17. Figure 17 is an enlarged plan view of the right display unit 16R and the right operation unit 15R of the cooking appliance 1. In Figure 17, the right control panel 15R has an input key 153R that has the function of selecting the voice input mode. This input key 153R is a touch-type input switch, just like the five input keys 113R, 114R, 156R, 157R, and 191R which will be described later.

[0312] The aforementioned input key 153R, when pressed for the first time after the main power is turned on, allows the user to select the right heating port 4R. When the input key 153 is "pressed and held," the right control unit 15R sends a signal to the control device 40 to switch to the "voice input mode 1" state. If you press input key 153R, you cannot cancel "Voice Input Mode 1" until you press the start switch 113R to begin the cooking process. Once the cooking process begins, the Voice Input Mode 1 setting will be automatically canceled.

[0313] In other words, as explained in Embodiment 1, the input key 153R in this Embodiment 4 temporarily disables the input function of some of the other input keys (191R, 156R, 157R) after selecting "Voice Input Mode 1" (this control pattern is referred to as "Voice Input Mode 1A"). To change this state ("Voice Input Mode 1A") to "Voice Input Mode 1B", it is necessary to operate the input key 115 for setting the function of the central operation unit 15M. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, we will assume that "Voice Input Mode 1A" is selected.

[0314] The right control unit (second control unit) 15R cannot be used to select cooking in the KM1 linked cooking mode, which uses the second heating source 19R. For example, various cooking menus in the KM1 linked cooking mode, which involves performing cooking step 1 in the right heating port 4R and cooking step 2 in the heating chamber 6 (for example, "hamburg steak"), cannot be selected using the second control unit 15R of the right heating port 4R (second heating source 19R). In the case of the linked cooking mode KM1, in which such cooking process 1 is performed using the right heating port 4R, the central control unit 15M is the first to select the cooking mode KM1.

[0315] The right control panel 15R is used to input operations related to heating cooking using the right heating port 4R, and allows you to set the cooking for the standalone cooking mode KM3, which uses induction heating cooking with the right heating port 4R.

[0316] It is equipped with various touch-type input keys 113R, 114R, 153R, 156R, 157R, 158R, and 159R. Although not shown in the figure, the left control panel 15L is also equipped with various input keys (113L, 114L, 153L, 156L, 157L, 158L, and 159L) similar to those in Figure 17.

[0317] 123R is a dial-type selection mechanism located at the right end of the central operating unit 15M. The dial rotates clockwise and counterclockwise around the pivot point CP.

[0318] 21R are individual light-emitting units positioned near the input keys 113R, 114R, 153R, 156R, 157R, 158R, and 159R. They illuminate to indicate when the input function of the corresponding input key is enabled. In other words, they correspond to the individual light-emitting units 21M described in Embodiment 1.

[0319] 21VR is a display unit that indicates that the device is in voice input mode, and is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode. This 21VR lights up when the voice input mode is set by the input key 153R.

[0320] In this embodiment 1, the right control unit 15R also has a function to detect a "long press" of a specific input key (153R) for selecting the standalone cooking mode KM3 using the right heating unit 19R, as described in the central control unit 15M, and switch to the "voice input mode 1".

[0321] The right display unit 16R has two display areas, the first area 22 and the second area 23, and the area of ​​the first area 22 and the second area 23 changes depending on the scene. In addition, the initial standby screen 16MH displays both the first area 22 and the second area 23 as a single unit.

[0322] Each of the input keys 153R and 191R is equipped with one light-emitting unit 21R. The two adjacent input keys 156R and 157R share a single light-emitting unit 21R because they both change the display content of the second area 23.

[0323] The two adjacent input keys 158R and 159R share a single light-emitting unit 21R because they both change the display content of the second area 23.

[0324] 113R is the start key, which is pressed (touched) to begin cooking, and 114R is the stop key, which is pressed (touched) to pause or end cooking.

[0325] The aforementioned input key 153R is an input key that, after turning on the main power switch 20, can be touched (either a short press or a long press) before the input key 153M on the central control unit 15M and the input key 153L (not shown) on the left control unit 15L to select the standalone cooking mode KM3 (by induction heating) which can be started on the right control unit 15R.

[0326] The input key 191R is an input key that, after touching the input key 153, allows the user to select one of the control menus (by induction heating source) displayed in the first area 22 of the third specific screen 16R3 shown on the right display unit 16R.

[0327] For example, if the control menu initially displayed in the first area 22 was "Simmer" as shown in Figure 17, then touching the input key 191R once more will change it to the next option, "Keep Warm". In this way, from among the multiple control menus that can be selected using this right control unit 15R, they can be displayed sequentially in the first area 22.

[0328] On the other hand, when you press input key 191R to display the control menus one by one, the default values ​​of the control conditions corresponding to each control menu are displayed in the second area 23. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the standard cooking time of "30 minutes" is displayed. 280 is identification information indicating the "Simmer" menu, which is one of the control menus for the standalone cooking mode KM3. 281 is the control condition display unit.

[0329] To change the control condition displayed on the control condition display unit 281 (30 minutes in Figure 17), it is necessary to touch the input keys 156R and 157R. As shown in Figure 17, the individual display unit 21R indicates that the input function is enabled, as indicated by the star-shaped mark. Pressing the right input key 156R will extend the time in one-minute increments with each touch. Conversely, pressing the left input key 157R will shorten the time in one-minute increments.

[0330] 123R is a dial-type selection means that has the same function as the dial-type selection means 123 of the central operation unit 15M. By rotating the dial portion of this dial-type selection means 123R clockwise or counterclockwise, the control conditions can be changed one step at a time. Note that the dial-type selection means 123R cannot select control menus, so if it is displayed on the right display unit 16R as shown in Figure 17, the control conditions displayed in the second area 23, such as heat output, heating temperature, and time, can be changed simply by rotating the dial-type selection means 123R.

[0331] In Figure 17, the pair of input keys 158R and 159R are used to change the control condition displayed on the right side when two types of control conditions (for example, heat level and heating time) are displayed simultaneously in the second area 23. In this case, by pressing either input key 158R or 159R and then rotating the dial-type selection means 123R, the control condition (on the right side) corresponding to input keys 158R and 159R can be changed one step at a time.

[0332] Next, we will explain Figure 18. Steps ST1 to ST8 are operation steps defined in the operation program (including the recipe data CD) for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 of the heating control unit 43. First, if the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (ST1), the next step ST2 is a step in which the heating control unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0333] In step ST2, the central display unit 16M is activated and displays a message indicating that "there are no abnormalities and cooking can begin." At this stage, the heating control unit 43 also checks whether it has received a setting command from the input operation unit 15 regarding the upper limit of total power consumption.

[0334] In addition, the right control unit 15R and the right display unit 16R, as well as the left control unit 15L and the left display unit 16L, are activated during step ST2 and display the same content as the central display unit 16M.

[0335] If, at step ST2, the cooking appliance 1 is configured to send startup information to the communication terminal 200 or external server 417 (cloud server 300), the communication unit 51 wirelessly transmits startup information (a type of operating status data OS) at this stage.

[0336] In the next step, ST3, the central display unit 16M and the voice notification unit 51 also provide notifications and voice guidance to prompt the user to select a heating method. In the next step, ST4, the central display unit 16M displays the initial standby screen 16MH, and also displays usage precautions information for the user US.

[0337] Furthermore, the right display unit 16R and the left display unit 16L also provide notification to prompt the selection of a heating method at step ST3, but since the voice notification unit 50 has already provided notification, it does not provide redundant notification.

[0338] Then, it is determined whether an input key other than input key 107 (for example, 108M) on the central control unit 15M has been operated (ST5). If input key 107 has been operated, step ST5 becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step ST6. In other words, the process proceeds to the step where "cooperative cooking mode" KM1 is used.

[0339] In step ST6, the permission condition determination unit 54 (see Figure 8) checks whether the "permission conditions" are met. For example, it checks the usage status of the heating source used in the cooking process (cooking process 1, cooking process 2, etc.) of the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1. For example, it checks whether microwave heating is being performed in the heating chamber 6.

[0340] Step ST5 checks the initial input operation. For example, it determines whether the left control unit 15L or the right control unit 15R was operated before input key 107 was pressed, and whether the "combined cooking mode" KM2 was selected by the central control unit 15M (by input key 108). It also determines whether input key 109 was pressed.

[0341] If the input key 107 on the central control unit 15M is operated for the first time within a certain grace period (for example, 30 seconds) from step ST3 (either a short press or a long press using touch operation), the display for the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1 will start as described above.

[0342] On the other hand, if input key 107 is not operated, and another input key (for example, input key 108 or 109) is touched, step ST5 will be judged as "Yes," and the process will proceed to step ST9, which starts cooking in a mode other than "cooperative cooking mode" KM3. A detailed explanation of step ST9 will be omitted here.

[0343] In Figure 18, steps ST6 and ST7 are the operation steps of "Permission Condition 1," which determines whether or not to allow cooking using the "Cooperative Cooking Mode" KM1. Step ST6 is the stage where "Permission Condition 1" is determined.

[0344] 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 40 receives a power reduction command signal from an external cloud server 300 or communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 51, 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.

[0345] 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.

[0346] (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 "permission condition 4" described later must be met. In other words, the latest temperature of the top plate 3 must not be within the limit (for example, not exceeding 80°C or 100°C).

[0347] If all four conditions are met, step ST7 will result in a "Yes" judgment. Then, you proceed to step ST10. In other words, you can proceed to the step of inputting the start of cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0348] If the result in steps ST6 and STR7 is "No", the system proceeds to step ST8, and the central display unit 16M and the voice notification unit 50 inform the user US that the cooperative cooking mode KM1 cannot be selected.

[0349] Here, we will explain the meaning of the aforementioned "permission condition 1," which specifies that the power consumption must be "5000W or more." For the sake of simplicity, the following explanation will not specifically mention the power consumption of electrical components other than the heating source, such as the internal cooling fan (not shown) of the main unit 2.

[0350] The reason why a demand of 5000W or more is required when implementing the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 is that the maximum (instantaneous) power consumption of each heating source during operation when the cooperative cooking mode is in operation is as follows:

[0351] (1) During microwave operation (second heating means HM2): 1000W (2) When the oven is in operation: 2000W (upper radiant heating means 12a: 1000W, lower radiant heating means 12b: 1000W) (3) When the range grill is in operation: 1500W (Second heating means HM2: 500W, Upper radiant heat heating means 12a: 1000W)

[0352] On the other hand, the maximum power consumption for cooking menus in "Cooperative Cooking Mode" KM1 is 1500W. Therefore, in the cooperative cooking mode, the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 may operate simultaneously.

[0353] In other words, the total maximum power is 3500W, which is the sum of the "1000W" of the second heating means HM2, the "1000W" of the third heating means HM3 (2000W is supplied by alternating 1000W at a time), and the "1500W" of the first heating means HM1 that performs induction heating.

[0354] If the demand (advance securing of electricity demand) is 5000W: When the right IH coil 9R is heating at 3000W (normal heating), the remaining demand is 2000W. If you activate "Cooperative Cooking Mode" KM1 from this state, the remaining demand is 1500W short of the 3500W of power required for cooperative cooking. Therefore, the power of the right IH coil 9R can be reduced (from 3000W) to 1500W to start cooperative cooking.

[0355] If the demand (advance securing of electricity demand) is 4000W: When deep-frying (requiring a maximum of 1500W) using the right heating port 4R, the remaining demand power will be 2500W. If we were to perform coordinated cooking from this state, the remaining demand would be 1000W short of the 3500W required for coordinated cooking, so the heat output of the right IH coil would need to be reduced. However, if the heat output is reduced while the automatic control menu is running, the cooking will not be successful, so the heat output of the automatic control menu cannot be reduced. Ultimately, 4000W is insufficient to provide the necessary heat output for the automatic control menu.

[0356] As is clear from the above explanation, before starting the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1, it is necessary to determine (confirm) whether there is a demand (prior securing of electricity demand) of 5000W, which is the sum of the power required for cooperative cooking (3500W) and the power required for the cooking menu of the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L (1500W).

[0357] The first specific screen 16M1 is not displayed unless the prerequisites (permission conditions 1 and 2) for transitioning to the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1 are met. Therefore, after the user US has set (selected) various conditions for cooperative cooking mode KM1 (for example, identification information 167), it is not the case that the system returns to the initial standby screen stage if permission condition 1 or permission condition 2 is not met. Thus, the user US is not forced to perform unnecessary input operations.

[0358] Next, Figure 19 will be explained. Figure 19 illustrates the operation from the start of the cooking appliance 1 until the recipe data CD for the cooking appliance 1 is obtained from the communication terminal 200 or external server 417 (cloud server 300).

[0359] In this embodiment 1, the recipe data CD for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 includes the cooperative cooking menu number (identification information 167), the order of the multiple heating means used, the heating means used in cooking step 1, and the heating means used in cooking step 2. If there are cooking steps 3 and beyond, it also includes information on the heating means used for each of those cooking steps, and if there are default (standard setting) control conditions (heat level, heating time, target heating temperature, etc.) for each cooking step, the set values ​​or ranges of those set values, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, not all of this information is required; only a portion may be included.

[0360] In Figure 19, steps SS1 to SS8 are operation steps defined in the integrated control program of the control device 40, and are basically the same as those defined in the operation program of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 described in Figure 18.

[0361] First, if the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (SS1), the next step SS2 is a step in which the heating control unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0362] Steps SS1 to SS4 are the same as steps ST1 to ST4 explained in Figure 18, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0363] Step SS5 is a step in which the heating appliance 1 asks the user US to confirm in advance whether to send a signal to a communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone or a cloud server 300 that has been set up in advance to request the provision of a cooking recipe data CD. A "confirmation screen" is displayed on the central display unit 16M, and the voice notification unit 50 also notifies the user. This "confirmation screen" is a type of the standby initial screen 16MH which will be described later.

[0364] If the user US has previously set the external connection in step SS5 to be performed automatically using the function setting key 115 (see Figure 13) on the input operation unit 15, it will be performed automatically at a predetermined timing.

[0365] In other words, as explained in Figure 1, the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be automatically paired, and wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be established.

[0366] The external connection in step SS5 involves repeated transmission and reception between the cooking appliance 1 and the external communication device (such as a communication terminal 200 or a cloud server 300). For example, when the cooking appliance 1 first sends a standby signal 1, the external communication device receives the standby signal 1 and sends a setting signal 1 containing setting information. The cooking appliance 1 then checks its internal standby state (for example, the set value of total power consumption), and if there are no problems, sends a standby signal 2 to proceed to the next stage.

[0367] Finally, the necessary configuration information (including the recipe data CD) is received from the external communication device. In other words, the cooking appliance 1 receives the information once, then immediately sends a confirmation signal, and so on, performing several alternating communications until it finally completes receiving the necessary configuration information. In this sequence of events, there is a step in which the user US is asked to decide whether or not to receive the recipe data CD. In other words, the cooking appliance 1 has a step in which the user US can clearly and in advance recognize whether or not to receive the recipe data CD, thus preventing the device from proceeding to the execution stage of the recipe data CD without the user US's knowledge.

[0368] On the other hand, if the system is not configured to automatically perform the external connection described above, step SS6 displays a predetermined icon or the like on the central display unit 16M to inform the user US that the recipe data CD is available. This is shown in the display screen 2C (standby initial screen 16MH) in Figure 29. The information displayed to the user US is shown concisely in text, for example, as shown in the acquisition operation support information 60P on the display screen 2C.

[0369] In step SS6, if the user does not consent to connecting to an external device (such as the communication terminal 200), a non-reception message such as "Currently, we are not receiving recipe data CDs" will be sent to the registered external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300), as shown in step SS9. In this way, the user US can also be configured to refuse reception.

[0370] On the other hand, if the user agrees to connect to an external device and is instructed to acquire data in step SS6, the cooking appliance 1 will have its data acquisition unit 53 acquire the recipe data CD from the external device via the communication unit 51. The acquired recipe data CD is stored in a predetermined "temporary storage unit" (not shown) within the recipe data storage unit 42 (step SS7).

[0371] In the next step, SS8, the contents of the recipe data CD acquired from the external device, particularly the identification information 167, are displayed on the central display unit 16M. The voice notification unit 50 also notifies the fact of reception, for example, "Hamburger recipe received."

[0372] Incidentally, in this embodiment 1, the control device 40 is programmed to allow the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD if the input key 180, which is the selection unit for the voice input mode 2, is operated during the standby period after the main power switch 20 is turned ON and power supply has started, while waiting for a command to start the heating operation.

[0373] In other words, if user US presses input key 180 at step SS6, the step is determined to be "Yes," and the acquisition of the recipe data CD is permitted. However, several conditions must be met before the recipe data CD is actually acquired by the control device 40, which will be explained in detail later.

[0374] Next, we will explain Figures 20 to 26. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the main input steps for the three cooking modes after the main power is turned on in the heating cooker 1. Figure 21 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps after the main power is turned on in the heating cooker 1. Figure 22 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the linked cooking mode in the heating cooker 1. Figure 23 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the combined cooking mode in the heating cooker 1. Figure 24 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the single cooking mode in the heating cooker 1. Figure 25 is flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the cooking appliance 1. Figure 26 is flowchart 2 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the cooking appliance 1.

[0375] Figures 20 to 26 show the case of the aforementioned "voice input mode 1A". That is, in one input operation unit 15 (for example, the central operation unit 15M), an input key 107 (see Figure 13) is provided among multiple input keys as the "combined key" for specifying the voice input mode VM.

[0376] Therefore, when the input mode is changed to "Voice Input Mode 1A" by the input key 107, the input functions of the input keys other than the input key (shared key) 107 (in the case of the central operation unit 15M, input keys 108 and 109) are disabled from that point onward. This control pattern (the state of "Voice Input Mode 1A") will be described below.

[0377] Figure 20 will be explained. In Figure 20, the white symbols (107, 108, etc.) indicate the input keys 107, 108, etc., to be operated in the following steps S2 to S16. In Figure 20, the main input keys are also displayed in white lettering. Additionally, the selection means 123 are also displayed in white lettering (numbers). Furthermore, the area indicated by the dashed frame shows the range of input that can be done by voice in "Voice Input Mode 1," which is activated by "long-pressing" input keys (combined keys) 107, 108, and 109.

[0378] Figure 20 shows the operation steps when starting cooking using the central control unit 15M, which differs slightly from those for the left control unit 15L and the right control unit 15R.

[0379] Steps S2 to S6 show the operation steps for the KM1 cooperative cooking mode. Steps S7 to S11 show the operating steps for the combined cooking mode KM2. Steps S12 to S15 show the operation steps for the single-cook mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 (central heating port 4C).

[0380] When the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the initial standby screen 16MH is first displayed on the central display unit 16M (step S1). In this case, the initial standby screen 16MH on the central display unit 16M is shown in Figure 13. Next, when the input key 107 is touched, the linked cooking mode KM1 is selected (step S2), and the first identification screen 16M1 is displayed (step S3).

[0381] Step S2A represents the process of obtaining a recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300, etc.

[0382] As explained in Figure 14, at least three cooking menus are displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 at this stage, but each time the input key 107 is touched and the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated by one step (a predetermined angle), a different cooking menu can be displayed one after another (step S4).

[0383] In step S5, if the control conditions for one linked cooking menu are satisfactory, pressing input key 113 will transition to cooking process 1 of linked cooking mode KM1 (step S6).

[0384] As is clear from Figure 20, if the input key (shared key) 107 is "long-pressed" at step S2, the control device 40 switches to a "voice input standby state," allowing range conditions to be input by voice between steps S4 and S5. For example, the user US can input the cooking menu and control conditions together by uttering a command such as "Hamburg steak, preheat 180°C." Alternatively, only the control conditions other than the food being cooked can be input by voice, such as "Heat level 7 hours 10 minutes."

[0385] Next, we will explain Figure 20. In step S2, if you touch input key 108 instead of input key 107, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected (step S7), and the second identification screen 16M2 is displayed (step S8). By touching the input key 108 once more (in step S9) (regardless of whether it is a "long press" or a "short press"), and rotating the dial-type selection means 123 by one step (a predetermined angle), a succession of different control menus (see Figures 6 and 10) can be displayed (step S9). For example, control menus such as "Reheat," "Manual Microwave," and "Pre-boil Leafy Vegetables" can be sequentially displayed in the center of the first area 22 of the second specific screen 16M1.

[0386] Step S7A indicates the process of obtaining a recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300, etc.

[0387] In step S9, if one control menu (for example, "heat") displayed on the second specific screen 16M2 is acceptable, pressing the input key 108 will move to the input process of selecting control conditions (microwave output, heating time, etc.) displayed in the second area 23. Each time the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated by one step (a predetermined angle), different control conditions can be displayed one after another (step S10).

[0388] In step S10, if the control conditions for one combined cooking mode are satisfactory, pressing the input key 113 will transition to cooking process 1 of combined cooking mode KM2 (step S11). Depending on the control menu, the control conditions may be displayed in the third area 24 (see Figure 6). In that case, after pressing the corresponding input key 109, the control conditions in the third area 24 can be selected by rotating the dial-type selection means 123 one step (a predetermined angle) each time.

[0389] As is clear from Figure 20, if the input key (shared key) 108 is "long-pressed" at step S7, the control device 40 switches to a "voice input standby state" at step S7, allowing range conditions to be input by voice between steps S9 and S10. For example, the user US can input the control menu (in this case, "heat") and control conditions together by uttering a command such as "heat 500W". Alternatively, only the control conditions can be input by voice, such as "500W time 10 minutes".

[0390] Next, we will explain Figure 20. If, in step S2, the user touches input key 109 without touching input key 107, and also without touching input key 108 in step S7, the single-cook mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 is selected in the central heating port 4C, which is operated by the central control unit 15M (step S12), and the third specific screen 16M3 is displayed on the central display unit 16M (step S13).

[0391] Step S12A indicates the process of obtaining a recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300, etc.

[0392] In step S14, if the control menu displayed in the first area 22 of the third specific screen 16M3 (with default settings) is acceptable (for example, "Manual Range"; see Figure 6), pressing the input key 113 will start the heating operation.

[0393] If you want to select a different control menu from the one displayed in the first area 22 (see Figure 6), in step S14, touch the input key 107 once (either a short press or a long press is acceptable), and then rotate the dial-type selection means 123 by one step (a predetermined angle). This allows you to change the control menu displayed in Area 1 22 to the desired control menu.

[0394] Figure 20 also shows the case where the control conditions are displayed in the third area 24. In this case, by touching the input key 109 once (either a short press or a long press), and then rotating the dial-type selection means 123, the desired control conditions can be displayed in the third area 24 (step S14).

[0395] If one of the control menus displayed on the third specific screen 16M3 (see Figure 6) is acceptable, then pressing the input key 113 will confirm the control conditions (such as the heat output of induction heating and the heating time) (step S15).

[0396] Furthermore, in step S15, if the control conditions for a single cooking mode KM3 are sufficient, the heating operation may be automatically started after a certain period of time (10 seconds) has elapsed, even without pressing an input key.

[0397] Figure 20 also shows the case where the control conditions are displayed in the third area 24. In this case, by touching the input key 109 once (either a short press or a long press), and then rotating the dial-type selection means 123, the desired control conditions can be displayed in the third area 24.

[0398] As is clear from Figure 20, if the input key (shared key) 109 is "long-pressed" at step S12, the control device 40 switches to a "voice input standby state," allowing the user to input control conditions and select control conditions by voice from steps S14 to S15. For example, from step S14, the user US can input a control menu (in this case, "boil water") and control conditions together by speaking, such as "boil water, heat level 6." Alternatively, only the control conditions may be input by voice.

[0399] Additionally, at steps S14 and S15, you can select timer cooking and input the timer setting time by voice. For example, when you reach step S14, you can say something like, "Power level 6, Timer 10 minutes."

[0400] As is clear from Figure 20, the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1 is The input operation unit 15 has three input keys 107 to 109 corresponding to three cooking modes. The control device 40 enables touch input from only the earliest input key among the input keys 107 to 109 and selects one of the heating cooking modes (cooperative cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, or single cooking mode KM3).

[0401] Furthermore, the system was configured to detect a "long press" input of the first of the three input keys 107-109 that was touched, and then switch to voice input mode. Only the touch input of the first touched input key was enabled, and the input process for other cooking modes was not started during the period between completing the input of the cooking menu, control menu, and control conditions (such as heat level and heating time) necessary to start cooking in the heating cooking mode and starting the heating cooking with input key 113.

[0402] In other words, for the three heating and cooking modes (cooperative cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, and single cooking mode KM3), the control device 40 receives a voice input mode VM command from only one of the input keys 107, 108, or 109 that was pressed and held first, and input commands from the other input keys are not accepted.

[0403] Therefore, for example, if input key 107 is touch-operated and then long-pressed to switch to voice input mode, input from other input keys (e.g., 108, 109) will become impossible. However, the input function of the start key 113 will be maintained until the heating and cooking operation begins. Also, once the heating and cooking operation has started, the input function of the stop key 114 will be maintained.

[0404] Therefore, if the voice input mode is started by pressing any one of the input keys 107, 108, or 109, it becomes impossible to select other heating modes or control modes using the "touch input keys," and control conditions will not be unintentionally input via voice input. Furthermore, if the voice input mode is started by pressing any one of the input keys 107, 108, or 109, and the stop key 114 is pressed one or more times before the start key 113 is pressed, all previous input settings will be canceled. The voice input mode VM will also be canceled.

[0405] Furthermore, if the input for the KM1 linked cooking mode is performed using voice input mode with a single input key (for example, 107), the voice input mode will be deactivated when the start key 113 is pressed to begin heating. After that, the voice input mode will not be set again until the entire cooking process is completed. Therefore, when the user (US) subsequently selects other cooking methods using touch controls, no confusion will occur. Furthermore, there will be no instances of accidentally receiving voice input for other cooking settings and changing the currently running cooking method.

[0406] Next, we will explain Figure 21. In Figure 21, the white symbols (107, 108, 109) indicate the respective input keys (107, 108, 109) operated in steps SM3, SM4, and SM8.

[0407] In Figure 21, step SM1 performs the same processing as steps ST2 and ST3 in Figure 18. That is, the central display unit 16M is activated and the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed. An abnormality check is performed, and if there is no abnormality, a message is displayed stating, "There is no abnormality, so cooking can begin." Then, the standby initial screen 16MH and the voice notification unit 51 provide notification and voice guidance to prompt the selection of a heating method.

[0408] Furthermore, if the system is configured to send startup information from the cooking appliance 1 to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 at step SM1, the communication unit 51 wirelessly transmits the startup information (a type of operating status data OS) at this stage. Note that the initial standby screen 16MH also displays usage precautions for the user US, which will be explained in detail later.

[0409] In the next step, SM2, the input functions of all input operation units 15M, 15L, and 15R are enabled to prepare for touch input operation of each input key (107-109, etc.). Furthermore, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) located within the input operation unit 15 initiates the measurement of elapsed time. While Figure 9 shows an example of the central operation unit 15M, the right operation unit 15R and left operation unit 15L have a similar configuration to the central operation unit 15M. Therefore, they also have a configuration equivalent to the time measurement unit 15T.

[0410] In the next step SM3, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected. In step SM4, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected. In step SM8, the single cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 is selected.

[0411] First, step SM3 determines whether input key 107 has been touched. If it has been touched, the process proceeds to route A1 shown in Figures 21 and 22. In step SM3, if no touch operation is performed, the result is "No," and the process proceeds to step SM4. In step SM4, if input key 108 is touched, the result is "Yes," and the process proceeds to route B1 shown in Figures 21 and 23.

[0412] In step SM4, if no touch operation is performed, the result is "No," and the process proceeds to step SM8. In step SM8, if input key 109 is touched, the result is "Yes," and the process proceeds to route C1 shown in Figures 21 and 24.

[0413] In step SM8 shown in Figure 21, if there is no touch operation, the result is "No," and the process proceeds to step SM5. In step SM5, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) determines whether the pre-set time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SM3.

[0414] On the other hand, if step SM5 determines that the pre-set time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM6, where the main power supply is automatically shut off (hereinafter referred to as "automatic shutoff process 1"). Then the series of operations ends (SM7). In this way, if no input operation is performed, the main power switch 20 is automatically released after the time limit (for example, 30 minutes) has been exceeded.

[0415] Next, we will explain Figure 22. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the operations after the input key 107 is touched in step SM3. When input key 107 is touched, if the touch operation is a "long press," this is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see Figure 9) of the central operation unit 15M.

[0416] If the result is "Yes" in step SM40, the process proceeds to step SM41. On the other hand, if it was a "short press", the result is "No", and the process proceeds to step SM50. Step SM41 is a step to determine whether the aforementioned "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are met. If these permission conditions are not met, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM47). Note that the denial process is the process of step ST8 explained in Figure 18.

[0417] If the result of step SM41 is "Yes", proceed to step SM42. In step SM42, the first identification screen 16M1 is displayed. In the center of the first area 22 of the first identification screen 16M1, the identification information 167 of the default cooking menu "hamburger" is displayed (see Figure 7).

[0418] To select another cooking menu item (e.g., roast beef), the user touches the input key 107 and rotates the selection means 123.

[0419] In Figure 22, in step SM43, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM43, if voice input is received from the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see Figure 8), step SM44 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM45.

[0420] By the way, at step SM43, the control device 40 has already switched to "voice input mode 1A". Therefore, if input keys 108 and 109 are touch-activated after step SM43, the input from those input keys 108 and 109 will not be accepted by the control device 40 due to the "voice input mode 1A".

[0421] In other words, unless voice input is performed, step SM44 will not become "Yes," and therefore the system cannot proceed to step SM46, which indicates input completion. However, if "Voice Input Mode 1B" is set, touch input can continue as described above. Additionally, exceptionally, the voice input control program may be modified so that if the input key 107, which still maintains touch input functionality at this point, is touched again (in this case, a "short press"), the "Voice Input Mode" is deactivated.

[0422] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the system switches to voice input mode 1A immediately after the input key 107 is "long-pressed," and this voice input mode 1A continues automatically thereafter. However, this voice input mode 1A is deactivated when the heating operation starts (i.e., when the start key 114 is touched).

[0423] If the aforementioned time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM46. In step SM46, it is determined whether the input has been completed. If step SM46 is determined to be "Yes", the system enters a waiting state, awaiting input from the start key 114 (A21).

[0424] On the other hand, if steps SM44 and SM46 are "No", the system returns to step SM44 and waits for voice input from user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM45 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM45 will be "No", and the process will proceed to error handling step SM48. Note that the error handling referred to here differs slightly from the automatic shutdown process 1 shown in step SM6 of Figure 21. It involves returning from the display of the first specific screen 16M1 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input was not performed correctly, or providing an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. After that, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6 for automatic shutdown.

[0425] Furthermore, steps SM50 and beyond will be explained using Figure 22. Step SM50 is a step to determine whether the aforementioned "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are met. If neither "permission condition 1" nor "permission condition 2" are met, a denial process is performed at this stage (step SM56). Note that the denial process is the process of step ST8 explained in Figure 18.

[0426] If the result of step SM50 is "Yes", proceed to step SM51. In step SM51, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed. After this first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the input key 107 is touched once more to select a specific cooking menu (e.g., roast beef), and the selection means 123 is operated (it may be operated multiple times).

[0427] In Figure 22, in step SM52, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM52, if input is received from the user US via the audio signal receiving unit 56 (see Figure 8), for example, by the input key 107 or the selection means 123, step SM53 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to the next step SM54.

[0428] By the time of step SM53, the control device 40 has already switched to touch input mode. Therefore, if input key 107 is touch-activated after step SM52, the input from input keys 107 to 109 is accepted by the control device 40 due to the touch input mode. In other words, as long as it is touch input, step SM53 will be "Yes", and the system can proceed to step SM46, which indicates input completion. As an exception, if input key 107 is touch-activated again (in this case, "long-pressed"), the system may be modified to cancel touch input mode and return to "voice input mode 1".

[0429] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the touch input mode is maintained unless the input key 107 is "long-pressed," and this touch input mode continues automatically thereafter. This touch input mode is automatically canceled when the heating operation starts.

[0430] If the aforementioned time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM55. Then, a determination is made as to whether the input is complete, and if step SM55 is determined to be "Yes", the system enters a waiting state, awaiting input from the start key 113 (A22).

[0431] On the other hand, if steps SM53 and SM55 are "No", the system returns to step SM53 and waits for touch input from user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM54 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM54 will be "No", and the process will proceed to error handling step SM57. Note that the error handling referred to here differs slightly from the automatic shutdown process shown in step SM6 of Figure 21. It involves returning from the display of the first specific screen 16M1 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input was not performed correctly, or providing an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. After that, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6 for automatic shutdown.

[0432] Next, we will explain Figure 23. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the operations after the input key 108 is touched in step SM4. When input key 108 is touched, if the touch operation is a "long press," this is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see Figure 9) of the central operation unit 15M.

[0433] If this occurs, the determination in step SM60 will be "Yes," and the process will proceed to step SM61. On the other hand, if it was a "short press," the determination will be "No," and the process will proceed to step SM70. Step SM61 is a determination step to determine whether "Permission Condition 3" is met. The "permission condition 3" referred to here is different from permission conditions 1 and 2 (see Figure 18) of the cooperative cooking mode. In this combined cooking mode, "permission condition 3" refers to the case where the latest temperature of the heating chamber 6 is checked by the temperature sensor group 30 and the result is, for example, 100°C. This is because it exceeds the temperature detection range for the "reheating" function (90°C or less).

[0434] If "Permission Condition 3" is not met, the application will be denied at this stage (step SM67). The denial process involves displaying a message such as "The heating chamber is too hot to cook" on the initial standby screen 16MH, or similar notification being given by the voice notification unit 50. Note that if cooking is performed in the heating chamber 6 using the third heating means HM3, the heating chamber 6 may remain hot for a while after cooking is finished due to residual heat.

[0435] If the result of step SM61 is "Yes", proceed to step SM62. In step SM62, the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed. From the moment this second specific screen 16M2 is displayed, the input key 107 is touched again (multiple touches are allowed) to select a specific control menu (e.g., reheat). Then, the control menu can be selected by rotating the dial-type selection means 123.

[0436] In Figure 23, in step SM63, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM63, if voice input is received from the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see Figure 8), step SM64 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM65.

[0437] By the way, at step SM63, the control device 40 has already switched to voice input mode 1. Therefore, even if you touch input the input keys 108 or 109 after step SM63, the control device 40 will not accept the input from those input keys 108 and 109 because it is set to voice input mode (as described above). In other words, unless you make a voice input, step SM64 will not become "Yes", and you cannot proceed to step SM66, which indicates that the input is complete. As an exception, if you touch input the input key 107 again (in this case, a "short press"), it may be modified so that "voice input mode 1" is canceled. On the other hand, if it is set to "voice input mode 1B", the control device 40 will accept the touch input of input keys 108 and 109.

[0438] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the system switches to voice input mode 1 immediately after pressing and holding the input key 107, but this voice input mode 1 is automatically deactivated when the command to start heating is given (by touching the start key 114).

[0439] If the aforementioned time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM66. In step SM65, it is determined whether the input has been completed. If step SM66 is determined to be "Yes", the system enters a waiting state, awaiting input from the start key 114 (B21).

[0440] On the other hand, if steps SM64 and SM66 are "No", the process returns to step SM64, respectively, and waits for voice input from user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM65 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM65 will be "No", and the process will proceed to error handling step SM68. Note that the error handling referred to here differs slightly from the automatic shutdown process shown in step SM6 of Figure 21. It involves returning from the display of the second specific screen 16M2 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input was not performed correctly, or providing an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. After that, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6 for automatic shutdown.

[0441] Next, we will explain steps SM60 and beyond using Figure 23. Step SM70 is a step to determine whether the aforementioned "permission condition 3" is met. If permission condition 3 is not met, the application is denied at this stage (step SM76). The "denial process" in this case is the same as the denial process in step SM67.

[0442] If the result of step SM70 is "Yes", proceed to step SM71. In step SM71, the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed. The state at the time when this second specific screen 16M2 is displayed is shown in Figure 6, for example. Subsequently, the input key 107 is touched and the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated in order to select a specific control menu (e.g., reheat).

[0443] Thus, in this embodiment 1, when selecting the combined cooking mode KM2 or selecting a control menu (e.g., reheat), pressing and holding the input key 107 immediately switches to voice input mode 1. However, voice input mode 1 does not automatically continue thereafter, but is canceled when the heating operation starts. Alternatively, the system may be modified so that pressing the same input key 107 briefly cancels voice input mode 1 at that point.

[0444] In Figure 23, in step SM72, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM72, if touch input is made using input keys 108 or 109, step SM73 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM74.

[0445] By the time of step SM72, the control device 40 has already switched to touch input mode TM. Therefore, if input keys 108 or 109 are touch-activated after step SM72, the input of those input keys 107, 108, or 109 is accepted by the control device 40 because it is in touch input mode TM. In other words, as long as it is a touch input, step SM73 will be "Yes", and the system can proceed to step SM75, which indicates that the input is complete. As an exception, if input key 107 is touch-activated again (in this case, "long-pressed"), the system may be modified to cancel touch input mode TM and return to "voice input mode 1".

[0446] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the touch input mode TM of the combined cooking mode KM2 is maintained unless the input key 108 is "long-pressed," and this touch input mode continues automatically thereafter. This touch input mode is automatically canceled when the heating operation starts. Therefore, it returns to the normal touch input mode.

[0447] If the aforementioned time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM75. Then, a determination is made as to whether the input is complete, and if step SM75 is determined to be "Yes", the system enters a waiting state to await input from input key 113 (B22).

[0448] On the other hand, if steps SM73 and SM75 are "No", the system returns to step SM73 and waits for touch input from user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM74 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM74 will be "No", and the process will proceed to error handling step SM77. Note that the error handling referred to here differs slightly from the automatic shutdown process shown in step SM6 of Figure 21. It involves returning from the display of the second specific screen 16M2 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input was not performed correctly, or providing an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. After that, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6 for automatic shutdown.

[0449] Next, we will explain Figure 24. Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the operations after the input key 109 is touched in step SM8 of Figure 21.

[0450] If the touch operation of input key 109 is a "long press," this is determined by the input mode determination unit 15C (see Figure 9) of the central operation unit 15M. Although Figure 9 is an example of the central operation unit 15M, the left operation unit 15L has a similar configuration to that shown in Figure 9, so the left operation unit 15L or the right operation unit 15R will perform basically the same operation.

[0451] If this occurs, the determination in step SM80 will be "Yes," and the process will proceed to step SM81. On the other hand, if it was a "short press," the determination will be "No," and the process will proceed to step SM90. Step SM81 is a step to determine whether "Permission Condition 4" is met. The "permission condition 4" referred to here is different from permission conditions 1 and 2 of the linked cooking mode KM1, and the aforementioned "permission condition 3". In this standalone cooking mode KM3, "permission condition 4" refers to, for example, the case when the latest temperature of the top plate 3 is checked by the temperature sensor group 30 and the result is a high temperature, such as 80°C or 100°C. This is because when the temperature of the object to be heated N is detected non-contactively and induction heating control is performed, a high temperature from the start of the heating operation can hinder accurate temperature control and induction heating control.

[0452] If "Permission Condition 4" is not met, the application will be denied at this stage (step SM87). The denial process involves displaying a message such as "The top plate is too hot to cook" on the initial standby screen 16MH, or similar notification via the voice notification unit 50. Note that when induction heating cooking is performed, the top plate 3 may remain hot for a while even after cooking is complete.

[0453] If the result of step SM81 is "Yes", proceed to step SM82. In step SM82, the third specific screen 16M3 is displayed. This third specific screen 16M3 will be explained in detail later. After the display of this third specific screen 16M3, you may touch the input key 107 once more to select a specific control menu (e.g., preheating), and then rotate the dial-type selection means 123.

[0454] By the way, at this stage, the system has already switched to "Voice Input Mode 1," so in the next step SM83, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) starts measuring the elapsed time to determine whether the pre-set time limit TY has been exceeded. After step SM83, if voice input is received from the user US via the voice signal receiving unit 56 (see Figure 8), step SM84 becomes "Yes," and the system proceeds to the next step SM85. For example, if user US says "Preheat 200℃", the voice signal receiving unit 56 converts this voice input into an electrical signal and inputs it to the voice signal analysis unit 58.

[0455] In step SM85, it is determined whether the time limit TY has been exceeded. If it has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SM86. In step SM86, it is determined whether the input has been completed. If step SM86 is determined to be "Yes," the induction heating operation is automatically started within a certain time (for example, 10 seconds). In other words, with the first heating means HM1 using the central control unit 15M (in the case of single-cooking mode HM1), no special input key operation is required to start heating, and the heating operation proceeds directly (C21). Alternatively, the heating operation may be started when the start key 113 is touched.

[0456] On the other hand, if steps SM84 and SM86 are "No", the process returns to step SM84, respectively, and waits for voice input from user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM85 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM85 will be "No", and the process will proceed to error handling step SM88. Note that the error handling referred to here differs slightly from the automatic shutdown process shown in step SM6 of Figure 21. It involves returning from the display of the third specific screen 16M3 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input was not performed correctly, or providing an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. After that, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6 for automatic shutdown.

[0457] Next, we will explain steps SM80 and beyond using Figure 24. Step SM90 is a step to determine whether the aforementioned "permission condition 4" is met. If permission condition 4 is not met, the application is denied at this stage (step SM96). The "denial process" in this case is the same as the denial process in step SM87.

[0458] If the result of step SM90 is "Yes", proceed to step SM91. In step SM91, the third specific screen 16M3 is displayed. After this third specific screen 16M3 is displayed, the user touches the input key 17 once more to select a specific control menu (e.g., preheating), and then rotates the dial-type selection means 123.

[0459] In Figure 24, in step SM92, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) starts measuring the elapsed time in order to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded.

[0460] Incidentally, at this stage, since it is in "touch input mode," in the next step SM93, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 9) starts measuring the elapsed time in order to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded.

[0461] Simply touch the input key 107 once, then select a control menu (e.g., preheating) using the dial-type selection means 123. Control conditions such as preheating temperature can be entered by touching the input key 107 once, followed by rotating the selection means 123.

[0462] Thus, if user US inputs via touch input or dial-type selection means 123, step SM93 becomes "Yes," and if the time limit TY has not been exceeded, the process proceeds from step SM94 to the next step SM95. For example, if the user US inputs the conditions "preheat" and "200°C" by touching the input key 107 once and then inputting them using the dial-type selection means 123, the left operation unit 15L converts this input into an electrical signal and inputs it to the input signal analysis unit 52 (see Figure 8).

[0463] Even if you press and hold input key 109 at step SM95, you will have already passed the step for switching to voice input mode (step SM80), and at step SM95, pressing and holding the input key will not switch you to voice input mode 1.

[0464] Thus, in this embodiment 1, in order to select the standalone cooking mode HM3 of the first heating means HM1, the input key 109 is "long-pressed" for the first time, and the system switches to voice input mode 1, which continues automatically thereafter.

[0465] In other words, once you "long-press" input key 109, voice input mode 1 will be maintained regardless of any further operation of that voice input key (if it is set to "voice input mode 1B"). Even if you "long-press" input key 109 again (twice in a row), it will remain in voice input mode 1.

[0466] If the time limit TY has not been exceeded in the determination in step SM94, the process proceeds to step SM95. Then, a determination is made as to whether the input has been completed, and if the determination in step SM95 is "Yes", the induction heating operation is automatically started within a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds). In other words, with the first heating means HM1 using the left operation unit 16L (in the case of single cooking mode HM1), no special input key operation is required to start heating, and the heating operation proceeds directly (C22). Alternatively, the process may be changed to start the heating operation on the condition of touching the start key 113.

[0467] On the other hand, if steps SM93 and SM95 are "No", the system returns to step SM93, respectively, and waits for touch input from user US. Furthermore, if it is determined in step SM94 that the time limit TY has been exceeded, step SM94 will be "No", and the process will proceed to error handling step SM97. Note that the error handling referred to here differs slightly from the automatic shutdown process shown in step SM6 of Figure 21. It involves returning from the display of the third specific screen 16M3 to the initial standby screen 16MH, displaying that the input was not performed correctly, or providing an audio notification from the audio notification unit 50. After that, the process may proceed to step SM5, and then to step SM6 for automatic shutdown.

[0468] Next, we will explain Figure 25. Figure 25 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the heating appliance 1.

[0469] In Figure 25, step SL1 performs the same processing as step SM1 in Figure 21. The next step, SL2, performs the same processing as step SM2 in Figure 21. Step SL3 is a process corresponding to step SS5 of the external connection and notification process described in Figure 19. In other words, it is a step that seeks prior confirmation from the user US regarding whether to send a signal to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 that has been pre-registered, requesting the provision of the recipe data CD.

[0470] As mentioned above, it is also possible to automatically perform external connections from this step SL3 (SS5) stage (if pre-configured using the function setting key 115 mentioned above). If the control device 40 acquires the recipe data CD, the next step SL4 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SL5.

[0471] The next step, SL5, is the process of determining whether the received recipe data CD meets the predetermined permission conditions. As mentioned above, for example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, anything that does not satisfy "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" is not permitted as a cooking menu (see Figure 22). In the combined cooking mode KM2, a determination is also made as to whether a specific "permission condition 3" is met. Note that permission condition 3 is the same as that explained in step SM61 in Figure 23. Furthermore, the first heating means HM1 must satisfy the aforementioned "permission condition 4" (see step SM81 in Figure 24).

[0472] If it is determined in step SL5 that the permission conditions are not met, the communication unit 51 sends a signal (data) to the outside informing that the recipe data CD cannot be received, as explained in step ST8 in Figure 18 (step SL9). Note that although Figure 18 shows the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, such a "non-received message" is also sent for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the standalone cooking mode KM3.

[0473] If the permission conditions are met, the determined recipe data CD is stored as legitimate data in a predetermined storage area of ​​the recipe data storage unit 42 (step SL6). Furthermore, the identification information 160, 167, 168, and 169 and control conditions (heat level, heating time, target temperature, etc.) included in the recipe data CD are displayed on the central display unit 16M. For example, in the linked cooking mode KM1, these are displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SL6).

[0474] The next step, SL7, is the step for modifying the control conditions. For example, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the control conditions displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (e.g., heating time, target heating temperature, heat level, etc.) can be changed as appropriate by operating the dial-type selection means 123 on the central operation unit 15M. Note that since the recipe data CD is acquired on a per-cooking menu basis, it is already determined that a specific cooking menu (e.g., hamburger steak) has been selected, and this cannot be changed to another cooking menu (e.g., roast beef).

[0475] If you want to modify the control conditions, for example, in the KM1 linked cooking mode, you can input the changes as appropriate using the central control unit 15M (step SL10). In this case, you can select either "Voice Input Mode 1" or "Voice Input Mode 2," and input can also be done by voice.

[0476] If it is determined in step SL4 that the recipe data CD has not been received, the process proceeds to step SL8. In step SL8, it is determined whether the pre-set time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SL4. However, if the time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SL11. Step SL11 is "automatic shutdown process 1," which automatically shuts off the main power supply, similar to step SM6 as described in Figure 21. Note that the time limit TX in step SL8 and the time limit TX in step SM6 as described in Figure 21 do not have to be the same; different times may be set.

[0477] Next, we will explain Figure 26. Figure 26 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the heating appliance 1. Figure 26 shows the operation when using the (dedicated) input key 180 to select the voice input mode.

[0478] In Figure 26, step SS5 is the same as that described in Figure 19, so redundant explanations are omitted. Step SS10 is a step to determine whether the input key 180 in voice input mode 2 has been operated. If the input key 180 is pressed once, the answer is "Yes," and the user proceeds to the next step SS11. If the input key 180 is not operated, the user proceeds to the normal touch input mode (step SS15).

[0479] If the data acquisition unit 53 is able to acquire the recipe data CD via the communication unit 51, step SS11 will be "Yes". If it is determined in step SS11 that the recipe data CD has not been received, the process proceeds to step SS16. In step SS16, it is determined whether the pre-set time limit TX has been exceeded. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS11. However, if the time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS17. Step SS17 is "automatic shutdown process 1," which automatically shuts off the main power supply, similar to step SM6 as described in Figure 21. Note that the time limit TX in step SS17 and the time limit TX in step SM5 as described in Figure 21 do not have to be the same; different times may be set.

[0480] The contents of the recipe data CD received in step SS11 are checked to see if they meet the aforementioned "permission conditions" (see step SL5 in Figure 24). If they do, step SS12 will be "Yes".

[0481] If the permission conditions are not met, the communication unit 51 transmits a signal (data) to the outside world indicating that the recipe data CD cannot be received, as explained in step SL9 of Figure 25 (SS18).

[0482] If the permission conditions are met, the determined recipe data CD is stored as legitimate data in a predetermined storage area of ​​the recipe data storage unit 42. Furthermore, the identification information 160, 167, 168, 169, etc., and control conditions included in the recipe data are displayed on the central display unit 16. For example, if the recipe data CD is in linked cooking mode KM1, it is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS13).

[0483] The control conditions displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (for example, heating time, target heating temperature, heat output, etc.) can be changed as appropriate by voice input acquired via the voice signal receiving unit 56 of the input operation unit 15 (steps SS14, SS15).

[0484] When "Voice Input Mode 2" is selected by input key 180, "Voice Input Mode 2" will remain in place until the heating process for a single cooking menu begins. The system will not switch to "Touch Input Mode" during any input steps. This is because switching in the middle of the input process could confuse the user.

[0485] To switch back to touch input mode, simply press input key 180 again at any point during the process. You will return to touch input mode from the point you pressed the key. Note that after returning to touch input mode, if you, for example, "long-press" input key 107, it will switch to "voice input mode 1". Therefore, in voice input mode 1 (set to voice input mode 1B), if you attempt to input using input key 108, for example, the input function of that input key is not disabled, and you will be able to input.

[0486] Next, we will explain Figures 27 and 28. Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device 40 when the heating appliance 1 is switched to voice input mode 1. Although Figure 27 shows the case of cooperative cooking mode KM1, the process is basically the same for other cooking modes.

[0487] In Figure 27, step SS20 indicates the point in time when the input mode of the control device 40 switches to voice input mode 1. In the next step, SS21, the voice notification unit 50 and the central display unit 16M notify that they have started accepting voice input. At this point, the status of the central display unit 16M is indicated by, for example, a mark 179D indicating that it has switched to voice input mode, which is displayed in text or other characters in the second area 23 or third area 24 of the central operation unit 15M (see Figure 38). This makes it easy for the user US to recognize that voice input is being accepted.

[0488] In the next step, SS22, the voice signal analysis unit 58 enters an input standby state to receive voice commands from the user US. At the same time, the elapsed time is measured by the internal time measurement unit (not shown) of the control device 40.

[0489] Voice input information emitted by user US is acquired by the voice signal receiving unit 56 via a microphone (not shown). The voice signal receiving unit 56 converts the acquired voice information into a predetermined voice signal and transmits it to the voice signal analysis unit 58 (step SS23).

[0490] The audio signal analysis unit 56 analyzes the received audio signal (step SS24) and displays the input content on the central display unit 16M (first specific screen 16M1). Figure 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display in the central display unit 16M. As shown in Figure 28, the area between the second area 23 and the third area 24 is displayed with text (text information 170) such as "Please select left or right IH" (step SS25). An audio notification is also provided.

[0491] In step SS25, if the input information is insufficient, the voice notification unit 50 will further provide voice guidance such as "Please specify the preheating temperature." Alternatively, it may provide a specific range of control conditions, such as "A preheating temperature of 200°C is recommended. Please specify the temperature."

[0492] If the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation are not input, the system returns to step SS23. Before returning to step SS23, the voice notification unit 50 will indicate the control conditions for which input is insufficient and prompt the user to input them (not shown).

[0493] If the heating control unit 43 determines that the input of the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation has been completed (step SS26), the process proceeds to step SS27. In step SS27, the system notifies the user that voice input is complete and that voice input mode 1 will be canceled, and recommends touching the start key 113 (step SS27). Voice input mode 1 is canceled when the start key 113 is touched.

[0494] On the other hand, if no voice command is received in step SS23, the process proceeds to step SS28. In step SS28, it is determined whether the elapsed time since step SS22 exceeds a predetermined time limit TZ. If the time limit TZ has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS23. However, if the time limit TZ (for example, 5 minutes) has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS29. Step SS29 is "Automatic Shutdown Process 2," similar to step SM6 in Figure 21. This "Automatic Shutdown Process 2" is a series of processes in which, while the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the voice notification unit 50 issues an alarm to the user US, then the system automatically switches to the standby initial screen 16MH, and then the main power switch 20 is automatically opened. This prevents the system from being left unattended for a long time for any reason during the input process, thus ensuring safety.

[0495] Next, we will explain Figure 29. Figure 29 shows the display contents of the central display unit 16M corresponding to each of the main operation steps after the main power switch 20 is turned ON.

[0496] Let's explain Figure 29. When the main power switch 20 is OFF, the central display unit 16M is not activated and therefore does not display any information. When the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 40 performs a self-diagnosis, such as checking for abnormalities, as described above, and then displays "Display Screen 1," one of the display modes of the standby initial screen 16MH shown in Figure 29, on the central display unit 16M.

[0497] In the display screen 1 shown in Figure 29, 60A is a message indicating that the power is on. 60B is two-dimensional information (a two-dimensional code) for guiding the user to the recipe data provision server 301, a dedicated recipe posting site, via the network NW. 60C is a text explaining the meaning of the two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as the "two-dimensional information explanation text").

[0498] When the two-dimensional code 60B 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 60C and the display statement 60A are a type of "standby common information" 60N.

[0499] After display screen 1 in Figure 29 is shown, display screen 2A or 2B may be displayed automatically. Furthermore, after display screen 1, display screen 2A, or 2B in Figure 29 are displayed, display screen 2C is automatically displayed. On this display screen 2C, the user US is prompted to input a message 60H to select a heating source. After display screen 2C in Figure 29, display screen 2D shown in Figure 13 is always displayed. Alternatively, display screen 2D may be displayed immediately after display screen 1.

[0500] In the aforementioned display screen 2A, the text "Caution: Sudden Boiling" is one of the warning displays 60E. "Sudden boiling" refers to a phenomenon that occurs when heating viscous food (liquid), such as curry or stew, where the inside of the food becomes overheated above its boiling point, causing a sudden and violent boil. As steam erupts from the heated liquid, hot droplets may scatter, which can be dangerous. The timing and cause of sudden boiling are said to be the intrusion of foreign matter or impact from the outside. Therefore, when using induction heating with a metal pot or similar container containing food on the top plate 3, this warning is issued to caution against stirring the food. The information displayed in this warning is one of the "Standby Common Information" 60N.

[0501] The four display screens shown in Figure 29, display screen 1 and display screens 2A to 2C, are referred to as the "common screen" or "standby initial screen" 16MH. Note that other configurations may also be included in the common screen 16MH.

[0502] On display screen 2B, 60E is a warning that the inside of the heating chamber 6 is at a high temperature and that you should not touch it unintentionally. If the control device 40 detects that the heating chamber 6 has not yet cooled down sufficiently after oven cooking has been performed in the heating chamber 6, it will automatically switch to the state shown on display screen 2B.

[0503] Display screens 2A and 2B cannot be displayed simultaneously, but they may be displayed alternately at intervals of a few seconds to provide warnings about both the sudden boiling and high temperature indicators. Additionally, the audio notification unit 50 may provide audio notifications in parallel with the warnings displayed on screens 2A and 2B.

[0504] In the display screen 2C of Figure 29, 60P is the acquisition operation support information described above. As shown in Figure 29, the cooking appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200, etc., and stores the acquired data in the recipe data storage unit 42 (see Figure 8). By pressing the input key 180 (for selecting voice input mode 2), the user US can recognize that the recipe data CD stored in the recipe data storage unit 42 (see Figure 8) can also be acquired by voice. In addition, the voice notification unit 50 may also provide voice notification in conjunction with this display.

[0505] As is clear from display screens 1 to 2A to 2C in Figure 29, the display of these various types of information, including the acquisition operation support information 60P, utilizes the entire display screen. In other words, rather than displaying it partially using one of the aforementioned first area 22 to third area 24, the three areas 22 to third area 24 are integrated into a single display so that they cannot be distinguished, making it appear to the user US as if the entire central display section 16M is displaying the information.

[0506] Figure 29 shows the central display unit 16M, but the left display unit 16L and the right display unit 16R also display the same information as the central display unit 16M. In other words, when the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 40 performs a self-diagnosis, such as checking for abnormalities, as described above, and then simultaneously displays "Display Screen 1," one of the display modes of the standby initial screen 16MH shown in Figure 29, on the central display unit 16M, the left display unit 16L, and the right display unit 16R.

[0507] Next, Figure 30 will be explained. Figure 30 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the operation of the left display unit 16L of the heating appliance 1. Figure 30 shows the third specific screen 16L3 for the single cooking mode KM3. Figure 30 is displayed when the input key 107L (not shown) is operated from step SS4 onwards in Figure 19. Input key 107L corresponds to input key 107 on the central control unit 15M. In other words, the voice input mode VM can be started by "long-pressing" it.

[0508] Next, when the dial-type selection means 123L (not shown) located on the left operation unit 15L is rotated, a control menu to be performed at the left heating port 4L is displayed one by one on the left display unit 16L each time it is rotated by a predetermined angle. As shown in the display screen 3A of Figure 30, the user can separately set the control menu that is initially displayed (default setting) using the input key 115, such as whether to set it to "Keep Warm," "Deep Frying" on display screen 3B, or "Preheat" on display screen 3C. Note that the dial-type selection means 123L (not shown) corresponds to the dial-type selection means 123 on the central operation unit 15M and has a similar function.

[0509] Although Figure 17 explains that the dial-type selection means 123R of the right operation unit 15R and the dial-type selection means 123L (not shown) of the left operation unit 15L cannot select the control menu displayed in the first area 22, this may be changed to enable selection. In this configuration, after operating the input key 153R (see Figure 17) on the right control unit 15R, rotating the dial-type selection means 123R (see Figure 17) will change the display of the control menu one by one (such as keep warm, fry, preheat, etc.) according to the rotation operation. In other words, the user US can easily select one from among multiple control menus.

[0510] The control menus selectable for the left heating port (4L) (in the induction heating single cooking mode KM3) include, for example, "Keep Warm," "Boil Water," "Simmer," "Fry (Automatic Cooking)," and "Preheat." The operating time, heat output, or operating pattern of the left IH coil (9L) differs for each control menu.

[0511] Display screen 3A in Figure 30 shows the case when the "Keep Warm" control menu is selected. Display screen 3B shows the case when the "Deep Frying" control menu is selected. Display screen 3C shows the case when the "Preheat" control menu is selected. 179A is the aforementioned auxiliary information. This auxiliary information 179A is displayed adjacent to the display area for the names of each control menu on the third specific screen 16M3 after switching to voice input mode. Therefore, it is not displayed when not in voice input mode.

[0512] Furthermore, when the central IH coil 9M, which is responsible for the central heating port 4C, is used on the central display unit 16M to select "Keep Warm" from the control menu (for the induction heating single cooking mode KM3), a screen similar to the display screen 3A shown in Figure 30 is displayed. In this case, the central display unit 16M will have a display format similar to display screen 3A, and this screen will be called the "third specific screen" 16M3.

[0513] Next, we will explain Figure 31. Figure 31 illustrates the operation steps of the control device 40 of the cooking appliance 1 from the time the cooking appliance 1 is turned on until just before cooking begins. This is the case when the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected.

[0514] In Figure 31, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed and the initial standby screen 16MH is displayed on the central display unit 16M, a determination is made as to whether or not a recipe data CD for the collaborative cooking mode KM1 has been acquired from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300) (step SU2).

[0515] In step SU3, the control device 40 compares the current state of the heating appliance 1 with that of the cooker 1 and determines whether the state satisfies permission condition 1 and permission condition 2.

[0516] If it is determined that permission conditions 1 and 2 are met simultaneously (SU6), the identification information 167 contained in the recipe data CD obtained from the external device (communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300) is displayed on the central display unit 16M. In this case, the identification information 167 (for example, "Name: Hamburg") is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SU7).

[0517] In step SU7, the identification information 167 (for example, "Name: Hamburger") is displayed as shown in Figure 32. In addition, operation support information 170 (Figure 32) is also displayed. This prompts the user US to press the start key 113 to begin cooking. The voice notification unit 50 also provides notification, for example, "Press the start key to begin cooking" (step SU8).

[0518] Furthermore, after step SU7, if user US presses input key 109 once, the food ingredient display screen 16M1A shown in Figure 33(A) will be displayed. If input key 109 is pressed again, the food ingredient display screen 16M1B shown in Figure 33(B) will be displayed.

[0519] Furthermore, at step SU8, the user US may set control conditions (for example, heat level or heating time) as appropriate. In this case, by pressing the input key 180, which is dedicated to voice input mode, the control conditions can be entered by voice.

[0520] Furthermore, if the "Function Settings" via input key 115 have been pre-configured to disable the display of the food component display screen 16M1A and the food component display screen 16M1B, the control conditions (for example, the heat level) can be set using input key 109.

[0521] On the other hand, step SU4 describes the case where, at step SU3, the control device 40 compares the latest state of the heating appliance 1 with that of the appliance and determines that the conditions for permission 1 and permission 2 are not met.

[0522] The contents of the initial standby screen 16HM in the central display unit 16M are partially changed to display a text message indicating that the recipe data CD acquired from the external device cannot be executed by the current heating appliance 1. The same message is also announced audibly by the voice notification unit 50 (step SU5). Then, the process returns to step SU1. This operation corresponds to the operation of step ST8 described in Figure 18.

[0523] Next, we will explain Figure 32. Figure 32 is an enlarged plan view showing the central control unit 15M and the central display unit 16M, similar to the case in Figure 14.

[0524] In Figure 32, 173 is an external recipe identification unit that indicates that the recipe data CD was obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300). It displays the words "Received Recipe" in text, making it easy to see that the cooking menu (for cooking hamburgers) displayed on this first identification screen 16M1 is a recipe obtained from an external source.

[0525] In Figure 32, the individual light-emitting unit 21M4 corresponding to the input key 113 is in a standby state where the heating operation can be started at any time. To indicate this, it is blinking to prompt the user to operate the input key 113. The dashed circle indicates that the individual light-emitting unit 21M4 is blinking.

[0526] In Figure 32, star shapes are drawn at the positions of the individual light-emitting units 21M2 and 21M3. These shapes indicate that the input functions of the input keys (108, 109) located in front of the individual light-emitting unit 21M4 are active, and that an input command can be given by touching them at this point.

[0527] In Figure 32, the individual light-emitting unit 21M2 corresponding to input key 108 is illuminated. In other words, the user US can select either the heating unit 116L, which selects to cook using the left heating port 4L, or the heating unit 116R, which selects to cook using the right heating port 4R.

[0528] Recipe data CDs acquired from external devices are displayed preferentially on the first identification screen 16M1 by the external recipe identification unit 173. In other words, the identification information 167 of the received recipe data CD is displayed at the front-to-back center position of the first area 22 of the first identification screen 16M1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 32, cooking in the linked cooking mode KM1 can be started immediately by pressing the input key 113.

[0529] As described above, the recipe data CD obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300) can be used in two ways: one that limits cooking to specific heating elements (right heating element 4R, central heating element 4C, left heating element 4L), and another that allows the user to specify the range of heating elements that can be used according to their preference. Therefore, even when a user uses a recipe data CD obtained from an external source, the ease of use is not compromised. Furthermore, using the function setting key 115, before turning on the main power switch 20, in the case of linked cooking mode KM1, either the right heating section 19R or the left heating section 19L may be set as the default, and the system may be set to prioritize the selection of either heating section 116R or 116L.

[0530] Next, Figure 33 will be explained. Figure 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the central display unit 16M in the KM1 linked cooking mode, and is an example showing the standard components and nutritional components for "hamburg steak," one of the cooking menus.

[0531] If, at step SU7A in Figure 31, the user US issues a command via voice input to display either food components or nutritional components, or if the user touches the input key 109 while the operation support information 170 is displayed (see Figure 32), the first specific screen 16M1 temporarily switches to the display screens shown in Figures 33(A) and 33(B).

[0532] The display screen in Figure 33(A) is the food ingredient display screen 16M1A described above, as explained in Figure 32, and the display screen in Figure 33(B) is the nutrition ingredient display screen 16M1B described above.

[0533] The food ingredient display screen 16M1A and the nutrition ingredient display screen 16M1B automatically return to the original state of the first specific screen 16M1 after a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since they were displayed. Alternatively, the display program of the control device 40 is configured to return to the original state of the first specific screen 16M1 if the user US gives any command via voice input, or if the input key 109 is operated one more time within the aforementioned fixed period (10 seconds).

[0534] Next, Figure 34 will be explained. Figure 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking process of the cooking menu in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode (hereinafter referred to as the "cooperative cooking menu") and the operation of the input operation unit (central operation unit 15M and right operation unit 15R). In the example shown in Figure 34, the collaborative cooking menu consists of three steps: cooking step 1, cooking step 2, and cooking step 3. Cooking process 1 is an example using the first heating means HM1.

[0535] In the example shown in Figure 34, the aforementioned recipe data CD specifies the following conditions in a predetermined computer program format. Control conditions such as heat output may also be specified. (1) Wait for input from input key 113, then start induction heating operation at the right heating port 4R (or left heating port 4L). (2) When the stop key 114R (114L) (not shown) for stopping heating of the right heating port 4R (or left heating port 4L) is pressed, the heating operation shall be stopped, or when certain conditions (continuous cooking time or reaching the target temperature) are met, the heating operation shall be stopped at that point. The stop key 114R is located on the right control unit 15R, and the stop key 114L is also located on the right control unit 15R; these are input keys corresponding to the stop key 114 on the central control unit 15M.

[0536] The program included in the aforementioned recipe data CD specifies heating pause periods P3 and P5, which will be described later, but the duration of these heating pause periods P3 and P5 is not specified. However, in order to prevent excessively long interruptions in cooking, for example, the program may include a process to count the elapsed time from the end of cooking process 1 and cooking process 2, and if, for example, 30 minutes have elapsed, issue an alarm and forcibly stop the execution of the cooking menu.

[0537] In the example of the recipe data CD shown in Figure 34, cooking step 1 is performed using the first heating means HM1, cooking step 2 is performed using a microwave heating source (second heating means HM2), and finally, cooking step 3 is provided in which the food to be cooked is moved onto the top plate 3 and finished by induction heating to compensate for any insufficient heating.

[0538] Furthermore, this heating appliance 1 includes additional measures to protect against unintentional changes to cooking mode settings or control conditions in response to external command signals.

[0539] In the example shown in Figure 34, the first heating means HM1 is operated first, and after the heating operation is completed, the second heating means HM2 is operated. However, the third heating means, the radiant heat heating means 12, may be operated simultaneously with the second heating means HM2.

[0540] As shown in Figure 34, the collaborative cooking menu presented here consists of four stages. P1 is the first stage (preparation period), which is the period from when the input key 107 is operated to execute the coordinated cooking menu until the (induction) heating cooking operation is started at the right heating port 4R by input key 113R (not shown).

[0541] When the input key 109 is operated, if the "permission conditions" described above are met, the control device 40 displays the first specific screen 16M1. Note that the first specific screen 16M1 is not shown in Figure 34.

[0542] When the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, one of the linked cooking menus can be selected by operating the input key 107 or the dial-type selection means 123 on the central operation unit 15M. Subsequently, by operating the input key 113R, the system switches to linked cooking mode (using the right heating port 4R) and proceeds to the heating cooking process P2.

[0543] When the input key 107 is pressed once, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed on the central display unit 16M. If the identification information 167 of the linked cooking menu desired by the user US is displayed in a predetermined position on the first specific screen 16M1 (default display), then if the user wishes to cook the linked cooking menu displayed by default, it is not necessary to press the input key 107 again. Furthermore, the operation of selecting a linked cooking menu using the dial-type selection means 123 is also unnecessary.

[0544] P2 is the heating and cooking period (cooking process 1) by the first heating means HM1. In this cooking process 1, the food to be cooked, such as a suitable metal pot, is placed on the right heating port 4R, and the heating and cooking operation begins when the input key 113R (see Figure 17) on the right operation unit 15R is pressed. In other words, in the linked cooking mode KM1, where the right heating unit 19R is used in cooking process 1, it is not necessary to touch the input key 153R before starting cooking process 1.

[0545] At the start of the cooking process 1, the control device 40 has already determined the permit conditions (1 and 2), and therefore knows which heating section of the first heating means HM1 (induction heating means) is in use. In other words, it knows the usage status of both the right heating port 4R and the left heating port 4L. Therefore, as a default setting, the control device 40 decides to use the "right heating section" 4R in cooking step 3 of the cooperative cooking mode, and occupies this right heating port 4R.

[0546] The aforementioned cooking process 1 is basically predetermined by the operation program of the linked cooking menu. For example, when the standard heating time has elapsed, an announcement is made from the voice notification unit 50, and a message such as "X minutes will soon have passed" is also displayed on the first specific screen 16M1. In other words, the user US is notified that the end of cooking process 1 is approaching. To complete cooking step 1, user US simply needs to press the input key 114R on the right control panel 15R (see Figure 17) once. Pressing the input key 114R at this point does not cancel the linked cooking mode KM1, which includes the subsequent cooking step 2.

[0547] P3 is a heating pause period during which cooking process 1 by the first heating means HM1 is temporarily stopped and cooking process 2 by the second heating means HM2 is started.

[0548] This heating pause period P3 is necessary for checking the degree of heating of the food being cooked in cooking step 1, adding seasonings, or adding another food item to proceed with cooking step 2. Furthermore, it is the period necessary to move the food being cooked to heating chamber 6. The heating pause process P3 ends when you press the start key 113, and you proceed to cooking process 2 P4.

[0549] This cooking process 2 is initiated when the control device 40 confirms that the door 7 was opened once during the pause period P3 and then closed. The door opening / closing signal from the opening / closing detection unit 10 is used by the control device 40. Furthermore, the control device 40 measures the time required from the moment door 7 is opened until door 7 is closed again. If a certain allowable time TX is exceeded, safety measures are in place to prevent the heating operation from starting even if the input key 113 is pressed from that point onward.

[0550] The aforementioned cooking process 2 basically ends automatically when the heating time predetermined by the operation program of the linked cooking menu has elapsed, or when the temperature of the food being cooked has risen to a set value (for example, 90°C). For example, in one linked cooking menu, heating starts with a microwave output of 500W. Furthermore, if the user US opens door 7 at any time, the microwave irradiation stops instantly, and the heating operation stops.

[0551] In cooking process 2 of P4, the user US may be able to individually set control conditions (e.g., heating time and target temperature) by operating at least one of the two input keys 108 and 109 and the dial-type selection means 123. However, depending on the cooking menu, the user US may not be able to change the control conditions.

[0552] In this example, Figure 34 shows the case where the stop key 114 on the central control unit 15M is pressed to end cooking process 2. When cooking process 2 is stopped in this way, cooking process 2 ends and the process proceeds to the heating pause period P5.

[0553] The heating pause period P5 is the time required to check the degree of heating of the food being cooked in cooking step 2, to add seasonings, or to add another food item to proceed to the next cooking step 3. For example, in cooking step 2, only frozen food can be heated as the food item, and in cooking step 3, the food can be immersed in seasonings or cooking liquid, or another food item that has been preheated separately can be added to the same food item. This broadens the range of cooking possibilities.

[0554] During this heating pause period P5, the user US opens the door 7, removes the food to be cooked from inside the heating chamber 6, and places it on the top plate 3. The food to be cooked is placed inside a heating object N (not shown), such as a metal pot. Then, when the input key 113R (not shown) for the four right heating ports is pressed to command the start of cooking, the heating pause period P5 ends and the process proceeds to the heating and cooking period P6 ("Cooking Process 3" of induction heating).

[0555] P6 switches from cooking step 2 using the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating source) to cooking step 3 using the first heating means HM1 (in this case, induction heating means; for example, the right heating port 4R). In this cooking process 3, when cooking using the right heating port 4R as described above, the user US can individually set the control conditions (for example, cooking time and target temperature) by operating the input keys 156R and 157R (Figure 17) located on the right control unit 15R. The control conditions can also be selected using the dial-type selection means 123.

[0556] Furthermore, if this cooking process 3 is performed using the left heating port 4L, the user US can individually set the control conditions (for example, cooking time and target temperature) by operating the input keys 156L and 157L (neither of which are shown) located on the left control unit 15L. The control conditions can also be selected using the dial-type selection means 123.

[0557] Then, by pressing the stop key 114R (not shown) on the right control panel 15R to command the end of cooking, cooking process 3 is completed, and all operations of the KM1 cooperative cooking mode are finished at this stage. In the case of timer cooking, induction heating cooking automatically ends after the set time has elapsed, and cooking process 3 is completed.

[0558] As is clear from Figure 34, the right control unit 15R of the right heating port 4R becomes unavailable for use (occupancy) from the moment cooking is started by pressing the start key 113 on the central control unit 15M, not from the stage of selecting a linked cooking menu, that is, when the identification information 167 indicating the name of the linked cooking menu is displayed on the central display unit 16M. If the left heating port 4L is set in the default setting, the left heating port 4L will be occupied, and the right heating port 4R will not be subject to occupation.

[0559] As is clear from the above explanation, the control device 40 performs the following function restriction processing. (1) Input signals from the right control unit 15R are disabled or their input is restricted. For example, the input functions of input keys 153R, 156R, and 157R are disabled. As a result, during the heating and cooking period (cooking process 1) to the heating and cooking period (cooking process 3), the right heating port 4R cannot be used (input) except when input is required in the linked cooking mode KM1. (2) The left control unit 15L can be used even when the heating cooking period (cooking process 1) has begun (the input signal from the left control unit 15L will not be disabled).

[0560] Thus, once the heating and cooking period (cooking process 1) begins, the control device 40 occupies only the right heating port 4R for the duration from cooking process 1 to cooking process 3.

[0561] Therefore, the right heating port 4R is "occupied" by the selection of the linked cooking menu. Also, looking at the first heating means HM1 as a whole, the use of only a portion of the three heating sections (the right side) is "restricted".

[0562] Furthermore, even after the heating and cooking period (cooking step 1) is complete, the above restriction on the right heating port 4R is not released. During the preparation period P1, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed on the central display unit 16M, making it easy for the user US to understand that they are entering the cooperative cooking mode. Subsequently, during the cooking process 1, the display of the first specific screen 16M1 on the central display unit 15M disappears, and instead, the first specific screen 16R1 (not shown) is displayed on the right display unit 15R. Therefore, when operating the right control unit 15R, the user US can easily understand from the right display unit 16R that they are in the linked cooking mode. The same applies to cooking step 3.

[0563] Furthermore, even if the control device 40 detects that the door 7 has changed from an open state to a closed state before the heating period (cooking process 2) begins, if the temperature inside the heating chamber 6 is higher than the standard value, there is a concern that the control device 40, the non-contact (infrared) sensor 13, and thermistor sensor 14 may mistakenly recognize the abnormally high temperature in the heating chamber 6 as the completion of cooking even before cooking begins. Therefore, before the start of the heating period (cooking process 1), if the temperature of the heating chamber 6 is too high, the first specific screen 16M1 displayed on the central display unit 16M will display a message indicating that "the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) cannot be used immediately due to the high temperature."

[0564] The periods indicated by the thick arrows in Figure 34 represent the restriction period for receiving one recipe data CD and the restriction period for obtaining additional recipe data CDs.

[0565] In the central operation unit 15M, after the input key 107 is touched once and the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the restriction unit 55 performs the following restriction operation. Furthermore, the communication unit 51's receiving and transmitting functions are enabled when the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed (before that, at least the receiving function is disabled).

[0566] In other words, the limiting unit 55 built into the control device 40 operates as follows. As shown in Figure 34, it is not possible to change a specific collaborative cooking menu A obtained from an external source to another collaborative cooking menu B (for example, "hamburg steak") in the same collaborative cooking mode KM1. To make a change, you must operate the stop key 114 to temporarily deactivate collaborative cooking mode KM1 and return to the initial standby screen 16MH.

[0567] In other words, once the restriction period indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 34 is entered, the cooking process using a specific linked cooking menu A, which was acquired from an external source, can be canceled at any time by operating the stop key 114. After performing this cancellation operation, the system returns to the initial standby screen 16MH, and it is necessary to touch the input key 107 again in that state.

[0568] Furthermore, for a specific collaborative cooking menu A based on a recipe data CD obtained from an external source, the control device 40 cannot obtain a recipe data CD for another collaborative cooking menu C from an external source (such as a communication terminal 200) until all cooking processes are completed.

[0569] In other words, when the time limit indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 34 is reached, operating the start key 113 on the central control unit 15M will initiate cooking process 1 of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, and cooking will be performed using the recipe data CD for a specific cooperative cooking menu A that was acquired immediately before this decision. However, until all cooking processes of this cooking menu A are completed, it is not possible to acquire additional recipe data CDs from an external source.

[0570] Furthermore, if a specific linked cooking menu D, based on a recipe data CD obtained from an external source, involves performing cooking step 1 using the right heating port 4L, pressing the start key 113R (Figure 17) located on the right operation unit 15R will prevent the control device 40 from obtaining recipe data CDs for other linked cooking menus from an external source (such as a communication terminal 200) until all cooking steps for that specific linked cooking menu D are completed.

[0571] Next, Figures 35 to 37 will be explained. Figure 35 is a time chart 1 for explaining the entire relationship between the recipe data acquisition interval and the control operation in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 of the heating cooker 1.

[0572] In Figure 35, SA1 to SA9 indicate the operation of the control device 40. First, the control device 40 detects that the main power switch 20 has been turned ON (step SA1), transmits data indicating that it has been started (a type of operating status data OS) from the communication unit 51 to the outside, and starts the self-diagnosis mode (SA2). In other words, it checks whether each circuit, sensor, and other component of the cooking appliance 1 is functioning correctly.

[0573] Next, the display unit 16 is activated, and the initial standby screen is displayed on each of the three display units 16: the central display unit 16M, the right display unit 16R, and the left display unit 16L.

[0574] The heating and cooking mode can be selected from any of the three control units: the central control unit 15M, the right control unit 15R, and the left control unit 15L. However, the central control unit 15M allows selection between the linked cooking mode KM1 and the combined cooking mode KM2. Therefore, Figures 35 to 37 will explain the case where heating is started in the central control unit 15M.

[0575] The central display unit 16M displays the initial standby screen 16MH. Subsequently, the initial standby screen 16MH prompts the user US to select a heating method, and the voice notification unit 50 provides similar voice guidance (SA3A).

[0576] Next, the user US presses the input key 107 on the central control unit 15M to select the linked cooking mode KM1. This is step SA4 in Figure 35.

[0577] In this embodiment 1, the "initial standby period" TP refers to the period starting from step SA3A, and the timing of the end of this initial standby period TP is when the input key for starting the heating operation is pressed (SA7). In the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the input key for starting the heating operation is input key 113. SA9 indicates the time when the heating operation and oscillation operation of the heating coils 9L, 9C, 9R and the microwave oscillation source 11 actually begin.

[0578] The initial waiting period TP cannot exceed the first limit period (first limit time TX). In other words, as explained in step SM5 in Figure 21, it is, for example, a maximum of 30 minutes.

[0579] Next, during the initial waiting period TP, while waiting for a command to start the heating operation described above, if the input key 107, which also serves as the selection unit for the voice input mode 1, is "pressed and held," the voice input mode VM is started. If you do not consent to the acquisition of recipe data CDs from an external source during the initial standby period (TP), you will not be able to acquire recipe data CDs for modes such as collaborative cooking mode KM1 and combined cooking mode KM2.

[0580] However, in the heating appliance 1 of this embodiment 1, pressing and holding the input key 107 at step SA4 satisfies the "recipe acquisition permission conditions" described later. In other words, the program allows the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD.

[0581] Note that even if you "short-press" input key 107 at step SA4, the "recipe acquisition permission conditions" described later will be met.

[0582] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1 of this embodiment 1, pressing or short-pressing the input key 108 at step SA4 satisfies the "recipe acquisition permission conditions" described later. In other words, the program allows the data acquisition unit 53 to acquire the recipe data CD (for the combined cooking mode KM2).

[0583] Incidentally, the input key 107 also serves as the selection unit for the voice input mode 1. Therefore, if you "long press" it at step SA4 and the touch time TA exceeds the threshold (5 seconds) mentioned above, it will automatically switch to voice input mode 1 at that point (step SA5).

[0584] Therefore, the system switches to voice input mode 1 from step SA5 shown in Figure 35, and during this voice input mode 1 period, the control conditions for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be set by voice input. Note that voice input mode 1 automatically ends when the command to start the heating operation is given using input key 113.

[0585] Within the initial waiting period TP, the period from steps SA4 to SA7 is the acquisition period TB1 for the recipe data CD of the combined cooking mode KM2. Furthermore, the period from steps SA4 to SA7 is also the cancellation period TB1 for the recipe data CD of the linked cooking mode KM1. Furthermore, the period from step SA4 to SA7 is the period TB3 during which the control conditions (control data) of the recipe data CD for the linked cooking mode KM1 can be changed.

[0586] Next, we will explain Figure 36. Figure 36 is explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between the input operation unit (central operation unit 15M) and the central display unit 16M in chronological order. In Figure 36, user US operates input key 154M to select combined cooking mode KM2 (step SA4). In this case, during the initial waiting period TP, the "recipe acquisition conditions" are met at step SA4 when the input key 108 is pressed.

[0587] During the initial standby period TP, if the "recipe acquisition conditions" are met, the data acquisition unit 53 can acquire the recipe data CD for the control menu (e.g., "reheat") of the combined cooking mode KM2 only once via the communication unit 51.

[0588] Furthermore, during the initial standby period TP, the recipe data CD for the KM2 cooking menu acquired from an external source can be canceled using the stop key 114. In practice, during the initial waiting period TP, the second identification screen 16M2 is displayed first, and after the identification information 160 of the recipe data CD is displayed on that screen, the process can be canceled by pressing the stop key 114.

[0589] Furthermore, during the initial waiting period TP, the control conditions of the acquired recipe data CD can be changed as appropriate by operating the input keys 108, 109 or the dial-type selection means 123 (some control conditions cannot be changed). The control conditions are displayed on the second specific screen 16M1, so you can check the displayed content before making any changes.

[0590] Incidentally, the input key 108 also serves as the selection unit for the voice input mode 1. Therefore, if you "long press" it at step SA4 and the touch time TA exceeds the threshold (5 seconds) mentioned above, it will automatically switch to voice input mode 1 at that point (step SA5).

[0591] Therefore, the system switches to voice input mode 1 from step SA5 shown in Figure 36, and during this voice input mode 1 period, the control conditions for the combined cooking mode KM2 can be set by voice input. Note that voice input mode 1 automatically ends when the command to start the heating operation is given using input key 113.

[0592] In the case of Figure 36, the initial waiting period TP ends when the input key 113 is operated (SA7). The actual heating operation then begins immediately afterward (SA9). Note that the initial waiting period TP ends at step SA9 when the start key 113 is pressed, as described above. Therefore, after this point, it is not possible to obtain a recipe data CD for another combined cooking mode KM2 from an external source (however, if the combined cooking mode KM2 is canceled using the stop key 114 during the cooking process, it is possible to obtain the recipe data CD again).

[0593] In Figure 36, the time difference between obtaining the recipe data CD in steps SA3 and SA4 is limited to within 30 minutes. If 30 minutes are exceeded, the control device 40 forcibly turns off the main power switch 20 for safety reasons, as the user US may have forgotten the operation input. Alternatively, it commands the voice notification unit 51 to issue an alarm (see step SL8 in Figure 25).

[0594] Alternatively, instead of restricting the time difference between obtaining the recipe data CD in step SA3 and step SA4 to within 30 minutes, it may be changed to restrict the period from step SA3A to step SA4, which is when the initial waiting period TP begins, to within 30 minutes.

[0595] As is clear from Figure 36, within the initial waiting period TP, the period from step SA4 to SA7 is the acquisition period TB1 for the recipe data CD of the combined cooking mode KM2.

[0596] Within the initial waiting period TP, the period from steps SA4 to SA7 is the cancelable period TB2 for the recipe data CD in combined cooking mode. Furthermore, the period from step SA4 to SA7 is the period TB3 during which the control conditions (control data) of the recipe data CD for the combined cooking mode KM2 can be changed.

[0597] Next, Figure 37 will be explained. Figure 37 is a time chart showing a modified example 1 of the time chart shown in Figure 35. SA1 to SA9 show the operation of the heating control unit 43 of the control device 40 when cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, similar to Figure 35. Step SA4 is when the user US touches the input key 107 to select the cooperative cooking mode KM1. In this Figure 37 as well, the initial waiting period TP starts from step SA3A and ends when the start key 113 is pressed.

[0598] Even in the case of the collaborative cooking mode KM1 shown in Figure 37, the input key 107 is pressed during the initial waiting period TP, which is limited to a predetermined time (for example, within 30 minutes), so the "recipe acquisition permission condition" is met at step SA4.

[0599] When the "recipe acquisition permission conditions" are met, the data acquisition unit 53 can acquire the recipe data CD for the KM1 collaborative cooking mode only once via the communication unit 51. In Figure 37, the timing of obtaining the recipe data CD differs from the example shown in Figure 35, as explained below.

[0600] If the input key 107, which also serves as the selection button for the voice input mode 1, is not pressed during the initial standby period TP, the cooking menu for the linked cooking mode KM1 cannot be selected. In other words, the recipe data CD to be acquired cannot be identified.

[0601] Therefore, when the input key 107 is operated, the "recipe acquisition permission condition" is met. In other words, the data acquisition unit 53 is programmed to allow the acquisition of the recipe data CD. From this point in step SA4, the recipe data CD can be acquired (however, due to limitations such as the performance of the communication infrastructure, the acquisition of the recipe data CD may not be completed instantly and may take several seconds to 20 seconds).

[0602] Incidentally, the input key 107 also serves as the selection unit for the voice input mode 1. Therefore, if you "long press" it at step SA4 and the touch time TA exceeds the threshold (5 seconds) mentioned above, it will automatically switch to voice input mode 1 at that point (step SA5).

[0603] However, there may be cases where the user is unaware that they have switched to voice input mode 1 at the stage described above. Alternatively, they may not have consciously performed a long press operation. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 37, when the first specific screen 16M1 displays that the recipe data CD has been acquired after the automatic switch, it also displays that the system has switched to voice input mode 1. At the same time, the voice notification unit 50 also provides notification. An example of the actual first specific screen 16M1 is shown in Figure 38.

[0604] Therefore, from step SA5 shown in Figure 37, input in voice input mode 1 is accepted. Consequently, from step SA5, the control conditions for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be set by voice input. Note that voice input mode 1 automatically ends when the command to start the heating operation is given using input key 113.

[0605] Next, we will explain Figure 38. Figure 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation unit 15 and the central display unit 16M in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, which corresponds to the modified example shown in Figure 37. The auxiliary information 179 shown in Figure 38 consists of two types. One is voice input mode display information 179D, which indicates that voice input is being accepted, as this is the voice input mode. The other is reference information 179E, which recommends inputting control conditions and includes examples (standard values) of control conditions that can be input. Note that instead of showing a single standard value, an acceptable range of input (upper and lower limits) may be displayed.

[0606] As explained in Figure 32, 173 is an external recipe identification unit. This makes it easy to see that the linked cooking menu currently displayed on the first identification screen 16M1 was obtained from an external source.

[0607] Next, Figure 39 will be explained. Figure 39 is a time chart illustrating the entire relationship between the acquisition interval of recipe data CD for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 and the control operation, and shows a modified version 2 of the time chart shown in Figure 35.

[0608] In Figure 39, SA1 to SA9 show the operation of the control device 40, similar to Figure 35. The example in Figure 39 shows a modified hardware configuration of the dedicated voice input key 180. Specifically, the operating surface of the input key 180 is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (LED) (not shown) located below the operating surface.

[0609] The input key 180 becomes active when input keys 107, 108, or 109 are touched after the control device 40 is activated (step SA4). Furthermore, from the point onward when the input function is activated, it is illuminated by the light-emitting element (not shown), making it a conspicuous presence within the operation unit 15.

[0610] For example, if a dedicated voice input key 180 is provided on both the right control unit 15R and the left control unit 15L, when the input key 153R (see Figure 17) on the right control unit 15R is first pressed and held, only the voice input key 180 on the right control unit 15R will be illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown) to indicate that the device has switched to voice input mode VM.

[0611] Furthermore, the initial standby period TP begins from the point when the initial standby screen 16MH prompts the user US to select a cooking mode (step SA3A).

[0612] Step SA4 occurs when any one of input keys 107, 108, or 109 is touched, similar to Figure 35. At this point, the "recipe acquisition permission condition" is met, and the acquisition of the recipe data CD can be performed. Subsequently, the initial waiting period TP ends when input key 113 is operated.

[0613] In the example shown in Figure 39, after the input key 107 is touched with a "short press," recipe data for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be acquired externally via the communication unit 51. If the input key 108 is touched with a "short press" without touching the input key 107, recipe data for the combined cooking mode KM2 can be acquired.

[0614] If input keys 107 or 108 are both short-pressed as described above, and then input key 180 is touch-pressed at step SA5, the control device 40 switches to voice input mode 2. Therefore, from step SA5 onward, the user US can input control conditions by voice. In the example shown in Figure 39, since this is the case of voice input mode 2A, the input functions of (some) of the input keys other than the dedicated voice input key 180 (for example, 107) are temporarily disabled from the moment the voice input key is activated. Therefore, even if you touch input keys 107 and 108, you will not be able to input anything. The input function of the start key 113 is not disabled.

[0615] Next, we will explain Figure 40. Figure 39 shows the main processes of the control device 40 from the acquisition of recipe data CD to the start of cooking. In particular, it shows the process of displaying data on food components and nutritional components.

[0616] In Figure 39, the recipe data CD acquired from the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51 is stored in the recipe data storage unit 42 of the storage device 41 (step SS30). Then, it is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS31).

[0617] At step SS31, the central display unit 16M shows the first specific screen 16M1. In other words, at least the identification information 167 is displayed.

[0618] In the next step, SS32, it is determined whether a display command has been received from the user US to display the food components. Since the system has already switched to voice input mode 1, if the user speaks a predefined term (phrase) such as "food components" or "calories," step SS32 will be determined to be "Yes." The voice signal analysis unit 58 (see Figure 8) analyzes this voice signal and reads the food component data for the target cooking menu from the storage device 41.

[0619] The first specific screen 16M1 displays a food ingredient display screen 16M1A, as shown in Figure 33(A) (step SS33). The amounts of energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates are then displayed. Next, the process proceeds to step SS34, which determines whether the start key 113 has been pressed. In step SS34, the system waits for a certain amount of time for user US to perform an action. If the start key 113 is pressed during this waiting period, the system returns to displaying the first specific screen 16M1. Then, the heating means (such as the first heating means HM1) is started to operate (SS35).

[0620] If the input key 109 is not pressed within a certain period of time from step SS31, and there is no voice command to display food ingredients, the determination in step SS32 will be "No".

[0621] If the result of step SS32 is "No", proceed to step SS36. In step SS36, it is determined whether there was a command to display the nutritional information of the food. Since the system has already switched to voice input mode 1, at this stage of step SS36, the system will speak a prescribed term (phrase) such as "nutrients" or "nutrition".

[0622] The audio signal analysis unit 58 (see Figure 8) then analyzes this audio signal and reads the nutritional data of the target cooking menu from the storage device 41. Step SS36 then determines "Yes". Note that even if you press input key 180 again to cancel audio input mode 2 and then press input key 156M, step SS36 will still result in "Yes".

[0623] If step SS36 is determined to be "Yes", the display unit 16 will display the nutrition information screen 16M1B as shown in Figure 33(B) (step SS37). The amount of energy, protein, fat, and iron will then be displayed. Then the process proceeds to step SS34.

[0624] As mentioned above, if the input key 115 for function settings has not been operated in advance to set the food components and nutritional information to be displayed individually each time before cooking begins, then steps SS33 and SS37 shown in Figure 40 will not be performed.

[0625] Although the examples in Figures 35 to 39 do not show the standalone cooking mode KM3, the recipe data CD can be obtained from an external source via the communication unit 51 during the initial standby period TP, similar to the recipe data CDs for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the linked cooking mode KM1.

[0626] Next, we will explain Figure 40. Figure 41 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device 40 when the heating appliance 1 switches to voice input mode. Although Figure 41 shows the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM3, the process is basically the same for other cooking modes.

[0627] In Figure 41, step SS20 indicates the point in time when the input mode of the control device 40 switches to voice input mode 1. In the next step SS21, the voice notification unit 50 and the central display unit 16M notify that they have started accepting voice input. At this point, the state of the central display unit 16M is as shown in Figure 28, for example. Specifically, as auxiliary information 179, voice input mode display information 179A, indicating that voice input is being accepted, is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1.

[0628] In the next step, SS22, the voice signal analysis unit 58 enters an input standby state to receive voice commands from the user US. At the same time, the elapsed time is measured by the internal time measurement unit (not shown) of the control device 40.

[0629] Voice input information emitted by user US is acquired by the voice signal receiving unit 56 via a microphone (not shown). The voice signal receiving unit 56 converts the acquired voice information into a predetermined voice signal and transmits it to the voice signal analysis unit 58 (step SS23).

[0630] The audio signal analysis unit 56 analyzes the received audio signal (step SS24) and displays the input content on the central display unit 16M (first specific screen 16M1). For example, it announces a message aloud such as "Hamburg steak, right induction cooktop, received," and also displays it in text on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS25).

[0631] In step SS25, if the input information is insufficient, the voice notification unit 50 will further provide voice guidance such as "Please specify the preheating temperature." Alternatively, it may provide a specific range of control conditions, such as "A preheating temperature of 200°C is recommended. Please specify the temperature."

[0632] If the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation are not input, the system returns to step SS23. Before returning to step SS23, the voice notification unit 50 will indicate the control conditions for which input is insufficient and prompt the user to input them (not shown).

[0633] If the heating control unit 43 determines that the input of the control conditions necessary to start the heating operation has been completed (step SS26), the process proceeds to step SS27. In step SS27, the system notifies the user that voice input is complete and recommends that voice input mode 1 be deactivated, and that the user touch the start key 113 (step SS27). Voice input mode 1 is deactivated when the touch key 113 is touched.

[0634] On the other hand, if no voice command is received in step SS23, the process proceeds to step SS28. In step SS28, it is determined whether the elapsed time since step SS22 exceeds a predetermined time limit TZ. If the time limit TZ has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SS23. However, if the time limit TZ (for example, 5 minutes) has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SS29. Step SS29 is "Automatic Shutdown Process 2," similar to step SM6 in Figure 21. This "Automatic Shutdown Process 2" is a series of processes in which, while the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, the voice notification unit 50 issues an alarm to the user US, then the system automatically switches to the standby initial screen 16MH, and then the main power switch 20 is automatically opened. This prevents the system from being left unattended for a long time for any reason during the input process, thus ensuring safety.

[0635] Next, we will explain Figure 42. Figure 42 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the control menu displayed on the central display unit 16M when the central control unit 15M is operated for the combined cooking mode KM2. First, when the user US turns on the main power by pressing the operation button 20A on the main power switch 20 (see Figure 8), the input functions of the left operation unit 15L, the central operation unit 15M, and the right operation unit 15R become active. In other words, the control device 40 becomes ready to receive operation signals from each of these operation units 15L, 15M, and 15R, and the initial standby screen 16MH is displayed on the central display unit 16M.

[0636] In this state, when user US presses input key 108, the display screen 16ST (default setting) is displayed as shown in Figure 42. Figure 42 shows the changes in the second specific screen 16M2. As is clear from the display screen 16ST, the name (identification information) 160 of the control menu, "Warm Up," is prominently displayed in the center of the front-to-back direction of the first area 22.

[0637] Behind the control menu identification information 160, which reads "Reheat," displayed in the center of Area 122, the words "IH Heating" (control menu identification information) 161 are displayed in slightly smaller font, while on the front side, the words "Manual Microwave" (control menu identification information) 162 are displayed in slightly smaller font.

[0638] This means that when the user US selects a control menu, the next options are "IH heating" and "manual microwave." If, at this stage, the input key 107 is pressed once more and the dial-type selection means 123 is rotated (for example, clockwise), the control menu identification information 162 for "manual microwave" will be displayed larger, as if it had moved (backward) from the position of the word "heat" (control menu identification information) 160. Note that the words of the control menu identification information 162 have not actually moved; only the displayed information has switched.

[0639] Furthermore, the text "IH heating" (control menu identification information) 161 appears to have moved (forward) to the position of the text "warm" (control menu identification information) 160, and is displayed larger. In this case as well, the control menu identification information 162 has not actually moved; only the displayed information has switched.

[0640] As shown in Figure 42, the display screen 16ST displays a target temperature of "80°C" in the second area 23. When microwave heating is performed at this target temperature, the microwave heating is automatically stopped when the infrared sensor 13 detects that the temperature of the food being cooked is 80°C.

[0641] If you want to change the temperature displayed in the second area 23 and change the temperature at which the automatic shutoff occurs, simply press the input key 108 corresponding to the second area 23 once and rotate the dial-type selection means 123. For example, rotating the dial-type selection means 123 clockwise will raise the temperature by 5°C to 85°C, as shown in the display screen 16UP1. Conversely, rotating it counterclockwise will lower the temperature by 5°C to 75°C, as shown in the display screen 16DN1.

[0642] In addition, in the second area 23, a heating source indicator 163 is displayed, which shows in text that the heating source is a microwave heating means (second heating means HM2).

[0643] As mentioned above, 164 is reference information that automatically displays that it is a recommended control menu for warming up side dishes, etc. The content of this reference information may also be other additional information 165, and two or more types of information may be displayed alternately for a few seconds each or sequentially on the display screen of the central display unit 16M (for example, the third area 24).

[0644] Furthermore, as shown in classification 2 of Figure 11, information (reference information) 164 indicating the key points of each control menu may be displayed as needed in response to the rotation operation of the dial-type selection means 123. In other words, in this embodiment 1, the reference information 164, which corresponds one-to-one with each control menu (for example, "reheat"), is displayed so that the user US does not hesitate about whether to select each control menu (for example, "reheat").

[0645] Furthermore, if reference information 164 is displayed in the third area 24 as shown in Figure 42, the reference information 164 displayed in the third area can be changed by touching the input key 109 located in front of the reference information 164 once and rotating the dial-type selection means 123. In other words, by rotating the dial-type selection means 123, more detailed additional information 166 may be displayed in the third area 24 instead of the reference information 164. Note that there may be more than one additional piece of information 166.

[0646] As shown in Figure 42, the characteristic of the aforementioned "combined cooking mode" KM2 is that multiple heating means, such as the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3, which have different heating principles, are driven simultaneously or automatically switched on with a time difference to heat and cook a common food item.

[0647] Next, we will explain Figure 43. Figure 43 is a time chart illustrating interference prevention measures for the voice input mode when heating and cooking are performed simultaneously in the central control unit 15M and the left control unit 15L. In Figure 43, the number "107" represents the input key 107, and "113" represents the start key 113. "123" represents the dial-type selection means 123.

[0648] As shown in Figure 43, when the input key 107 is "short-pressed" on the central control unit 15M, the heating and cooking operation (cooking process) will start if the dial-type selection means 123 is pressed after the input key 107, and then the start key 1113 is pressed. On the other hand, if the initial touch operation on input key 107 is a "long press," the system switches to voice input mode, and pressing the start key 113 starts the heating and cooking operation (cooking process).

[0649] Once the input process for one cooking cycle is complete and cooking has begun, the voice input mode is automatically deactivated. The voice input mode VM ends, and the device automatically returns to the default touch input mode TM. Therefore, during the cooking process, it is not possible to stop or restart heating, or to control conditions such as the heat level, via voice input.

[0650] Furthermore, in the heating cooker 1 of Embodiment 1, the control device 40 is characterized in that it does not simultaneously accept the start command for the voice input mode VM relating to the central operation unit (15M) and the start command for the voice input mode VM relating to the right operation unit 15R or the left operation unit 15L. This is schematically shown in Figure 43.

[0651] As shown in Figure 43, when the input key 107 of the central control unit 15M is "long-pressed" to start the voice input mode, if the left control unit 15L is not in the aforementioned "occupied" state, the input functions of the input keys 108L to 109R (none of which are shown) of the left control unit 15L are enabled. However, even in that case, pressing and holding the input key 107L (not shown) on the left control panel 15L will not set the device to voice input mode.

[0652] As shown in Figure 43, when the input key 107 of the central control unit 15M is "long-pressed" and the voice input mode is started, the "prohibition period ET" for voice input begins. During this prohibition period, command signals from the input key 153L of the left control unit 15L are rejected, whether they are "long-pressed" or "short-pressed". Therefore, nothing can be input. The left display unit 16L may also notify the user of this "reception rejection".

[0653] Furthermore, even if the voice input "prohibition period ET" begins from the moment the input key 107 of the central control unit 15M is "long-pressed" and the voice input mode is started, if the input key 153L of the left control unit 15L is subsequently pressed twice, once "long-pressed" and once "short-pressed," within a certain period of time (for example, within 10 seconds), the selection of the heating source 19L on the left control unit 15L may be exceptionally allowed, and the input process by the left control unit 15L may be permitted in touch input mode TM instead of voice input mode VM.

[0654] Therefore, when the central control unit 15M is in voice input mode, the left control unit 15L cannot be set to voice input mode. Consequently, the voice signal receiver 56L (not shown) of the left control unit 15L will not receive the voice signal emitted by the user US (for the central control unit 15M) as an input command for the left control unit 15L...

Claims

1. A cooking appliance having a communication section and a heating chamber, The system includes a communication terminal connected to the aforementioned communication unit via wireless communication, The communication terminal has a function to transmit recipe data to the heating appliance. Each of the multiple input control units of the aforementioned cooking appliance has multiple input keys, and a specific input key among these input keys selects one cooking mode from among multiple cooking modes, and voice input mode is permitted for only one input control unit. The aforementioned cooking appliance has a function to acquire the recipe data when the specific input key is operated. If the aforementioned cooking appliance does not permit the acquisition of the recipe data transmitted from the communication terminal, the communication unit shall send a notification of the denial to the communication terminal. A heating and cooking system characterized by the following.

2. When the aforementioned communication terminal receives a notification of the denial process, it shall display at least one of the following on its terminal display unit: information indicating the denial process or a transmission failure notification unit. A heating and cooking system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. When the aforementioned communication terminal receives notification of the denial of permission, it shall display reference information on its display unit to help deal with the denial of permission. A heating cooking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. When the communication terminal receives notification of the denial of permission, the terminal's display unit will display an auxiliary information display unit indicating the reason for the denial of permission. A heating cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the following:

5. When the aforementioned communication terminal receives notification of the disallowance process, it shall simultaneously display the countermeasure information display unit on the terminal's display unit. A heating cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the following:

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