Cooking appliances and cooking systems

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker which can accurately acquire recipe data from a communication terminal and which is highly convenient for a user, and to provide a heating cooking system.SOLUTION: A heating cooker includes: an input operation part where a plurality of input keys is provided; notification means having a display part; and a control device for acquiring recipe data from an external communication terminal. The control device sequentially executes: a notification step of, in the case where notice information before transmitting recipe data from the communication terminal has arrived, determining a specific input key arranged in the input operation part and displaying in the display part of the notification means; a confirmation step of transmitting confirmation information for the communication terminal, in the case where the specific input key specified in the notification means is operated; and a reception standby step of being prepared for reception of the recipe data after transmitting the confirmation information. At the communication terminal for receiving an operation command from a user, an individual display screen is displayed for displaying operation of each step, corresponding to the notification step, the confirmation step and the reception standby step of the heating cooker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 59

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating cooker that heats an object to be heated such as a pan placed on a top plate, and a heating cooking system using the heating cooker.

Background Art

[0002] Heating cookers are broadly divided into three types depending on the usage environment. One of them is the so-called "built-in type (built-in installation type)" that is installed in kitchen furniture such as kitchen counters. The second is the "stationary type" which is used by being placed at a predetermined position of kitchen furniture like a gas stove (also referred to as a "gas combustion table"). The third is the small and portable "tabletop type" which is used by being placed at any position on a dining table or the like.

[0003] Many "built-in type" heating cookers are of a type equipped with a plurality of types of heating sources, and are popular as they can cope with various kinds of cooking. However, since they are installed in kitchen furniture, their external dimensions must be designed in accordance with the standards of general kitchen furniture. Compared with "stationary type" and "tabletop type" products, the degree of freedom in design is remarkably low, and the difficulty of making a practical product is high.

[0004] As a typical built-in heating cooker, there is one configured such that a plurality of heating ports are arranged on the upper part of the main body, induction heating is performed at the heating ports, and a grill chamber (also referred to as "oven chamber" or "heating chamber", hereinafter uniformly referred to as "heating chamber") is provided inside the main body, and microwave from a microwave heating source is introduced into the heating chamber for heating cooking (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A cooker provided with a plurality of heating sources having different heating principles like this is called a composite heating cooker.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] As proposed in Patent Document 1 above, in the case of a combined heating and cooking appliance, the number of heating means and input operation units increases, making the process of setting a single cooking menu individually more complex for the user. Therefore, it has been proposed, as shown in Patent Document 2, to transmit recipe data from a smartphone (communication terminal) to each heating element of a cooking appliance and then cook using that recipe data. However, in order to set recipe data on a cooking appliance via a communication terminal, the user must consider and execute the timing of communication between the cooking appliance and the communication terminal, as well as the selection of the heating source to be used, each time. Furthermore, in the case of cooking menus that use multiple heating means in combination, there is a concern that the user may become confused when operating the input control unit. However, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not yet adequately address these issues. As a result, this may lead to user confusion and failure of data communication for cooking menus. In other words, it is necessary to provide timely notifications to the user according to the communication status between the cooking appliance and the communication terminal.

[0007] The first objective of this disclosure is to provide a highly convenient cooking appliance and cooking system that allows users to set various cooking menus on the appliance from a communication terminal, thereby improving user operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The heating appliance relating to the first disclosure is Multiple specific input keys, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The control device is (1) A communication establishment step to establish a communication state with a specific communication terminal, (2) After the communication establishment step, the notice obtained from the communication unit information Accordingly, the specified input key The user is asked to input an action. A notification step in which information is notified by the notification means, (3) When the specific input key that has been notified by the notification means is operated, The corresponding to the operated specific input key choice information of Generate The confirmation steps for sending the message, (4) The above selection information After sending, a waiting step is performed to prepare for the reception of the recipe data, This configuration is characterized by sequentially executing the following steps.

[0009] The heating appliance relating to the second disclosure is: Multiple input operation units, each corresponding to a multiple heating unit or heating means, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The control device is (1) A communication establishment step to establish a communication state with a specific communication terminal, (2) After the communication establishment step, the notice obtained from the communication unit information Accordingly, the input operation unit The user is asked to input an action. A notification step in which information is notified by the notification means, (3) When the input operation unit that has been notified by the notification means is operated, The corresponding to the operated specific input key choice information The confirmation step for sending the message, This configuration is characterized by sequentially executing the following steps.

[0010] The third disclosure pertains to a cooking appliance, a plurality of input operation units respectively corresponding to a plurality of heating units or heating means; a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with the outside; a notification means; a control device configured to perform cooking using recipe data acquired via said communication unit; said control device is configured to: (1) preparation for acquiring said recipe data information a communication establishment step of transmitting from said communication unit; (2) after the transmission of said preparation information , a notification step of notifying information of said input operation unit The user is asked to input an action. by said notification means; (3) by operating the input operation unit notified by said notification means, The corresponding to the operated specific input key selection information a confirmation step of transmitting; wherein said steps are executed sequentially.

[0011] A heating cooker according to the fourth disclosure comprises: a plurality of specific input keys; a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with the outside; a notification means; a control device configured to perform cooking using recipe data acquired via said communication unit; said notification means comprises a key specifying unit for specifying said specific input keys, and a condition display unit for displaying cooking control conditions based on said recipe data, said control device is configured to: (1) after the communication establishment step, a notification information a notification step of specifying, by said key specifying unit, the specific input key to be used in accordance with acquired from said communication unit; (2) after the operation of the specific input key specified by said key specifying unit, The corresponding to the operated specific input key selection information a confirmation step of transmitting; wherein said steps are executed sequentially.

[0013] A heating cooking system according to the 5 disclosure comprises: A heating appliance having a display unit, multiple input operation units, and a communication function, The heating appliance includes a communication terminal connected by wireless communication, The aforementioned communication terminal has a recipe selection unit that displays recipe data related to the food to be cooked on the terminal's display unit. The aforementioned communication terminal is (1) The terminal-side display unit displays the first screen and the second screen in sequence. (2) The aforementioned The first screen displays the recipe data for the food item to be cooked, as described above. (3) When the recipe data displayed on the first screen is selected, a notification is given to identify the input operation unit to be used for cooking. information Switch the display to the second screen that displays the above, The aforementioned heating appliance displays information on the display unit that identifies the input operation unit indicated in the advance notice, and when the input operation unit that is the subject of the display is operated, The corresponding to the operated specific input key choice information It emitted, The aforementioned communication terminal is selected information Upon receiving this, the settings related to the recipe data displayed on the first screen will be changed. information This will enable the transmission to the aforementioned cooking device. This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0014] The 6 The heat cooking system disclosed is A heating appliance having multiple input operation units and a communication function, The heating appliance includes a communication terminal connected by wireless communication, The aforementioned communication terminal has a recipe selection unit that displays recipe data related to the food to be cooked on the terminal's display unit. The aforementioned communication terminal is (1) The terminal-side display unit displays the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen in sequence. (2) The first screen displays the recipe data for a specific food item to be cooked, (3) When the displayed recipe data is selected on the first screen, the display switches to the second screen. (4) The second screen provides a notice indicating the need to operate one of the input operation units. information Display and The aforementioned heating appliance, information When the input operation unit shown is operated, The corresponding to the operated specific input key choice information It emitted, The aforementioned communication terminal is selected information Upon receiving this, the settings related to the recipe data displayed on the first screen will be changed. information The setting is transmitted to the aforementioned cooking appliance. information However, if it is determined that the food has reached the heating appliance, the setting information To display transmission success information on the third screen, indicating that the transmission was successful, This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0015] The 7 Regarding the disclosure of heating appliances, An input operation unit equipped with multiple specific input keys, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The control device is (1) Notice obtained from the communications department information The input key to use depends on the situation. For obtaining the aforementioned recipe data A notification step in which a key is identified as a verification key and notified by the notification means, (2) When the confirmation key identified by the notification means is operated, The corresponding to the operated specific input key choice information The confirmation step for sending the message, Execute the following in order: This configuration is characterized by the following:

[0016] The 8 Regarding the disclosure of heating appliances, A first unit incorporating a first operation unit, a first display unit, a first communication unit, and a heating source, A second unit, in a first state placed on the first unit, capable of performing a heating and cooking operation by the heating source, Equipped with, The second unit includes a second display unit, a second operation unit, a second communication unit, and a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with external communication equipment. The first unit includes a main control device that operates according to recipe data acquired from the wireless communication unit, In the first state, the second unit, after completing the preparation state through communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, provides a warning before receiving the recipe data from the wireless communication unit. information If this is obtained, the second display unit will display information about the specific operation of the second operation unit, and if the specific operation is performed from the second operation unit in this state, the wireless communication unit will , corresponding to the specific input key that was operated choice information It transmits a signal and transitions to a standby state for receiving the aforementioned recipe data. This configuration is characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance that can be linked with a communication terminal to widely support various types of cooking, contributing to the efficiency of user input operations and the reduction of input burden, as well as a cooking system that utilizes this cooking appliance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Diagram 1 shows the configuration of a heating and cooking system illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the installation state of the cooking appliance in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1. [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 a magnified plan view of the central display and central control section of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a magnified plan view of the left display unit, left heat level display unit, and left control unit of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of the right display unit, right heat level display unit, and right control unit of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is a magnified plan view of the central display unit, central control unit, and central heating status display unit of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 9] An enlarged plan view showing an example of the operation of the central display unit of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 11] 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 12] 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 13] A classification table of control menus for the cooking appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 14] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the memory structure of various cooking control menus for the linked cooking mode and combined cooking mode in the heating appliance shown, and the correspondence between these menus and input keys. [Figure 15] Figure 2 shows the operation of the central display unit in the heating appliance during combined cooking mode. (Diagram 1) [Figure 16] Figure 2 shows the operation of the input control unit and the central display unit in the combined cooking mode of the heating appliance shown in Figure 1. [Figure 17] Diagram 2 illustrates the operation of the input control unit and the central display unit in the combined cooking mode of the heating appliance shown in the figure. [Figure 18] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit when the heating appliance shown in Figure 2 is in combined cooking mode. [Figure 19] Figure 2 shows the heating appliance, and Figure 1 illustrates the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 20]Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the linked cooking mode of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 21] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the linked cooking mode of the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 22] Figure 2 shows the heating appliance, and Figure 1 illustrates a modified example, illustrating the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 23] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit, as well as an example of the display of the linked cooking menu, in the linked cooking mode of the heating appliance shown. [Figure 24] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the central display unit in the linked cooking mode of the heating appliance shown. [Figure 25] Figure 2 shows a table listing the various collaborative cooking menus available in the collaborative cooking mode of the heating appliance. [Figure 26] This diagram illustrates example 1 of the operation of the linked preheating cooking mode, one of the linked cooking modes shown in Figure 25. [Figure 27] This diagram illustrates example 2 of the operation of the collaborative preheating cooking mode, one of the collaborative cooking modes shown in Figure 25. [Figure 28] Figure 25 is a step-by-step diagram illustrating the operation of the collaborative cooking mode. [Figure 29] Flowchart 1, showing the operation of the collaborative cooking mode, is shown in Figure 25. [Figure 30] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the permission conditions before transitioning to the cooperative cooking mode and the judgment results for the heating appliance shown. [Figure 31] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 32] 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 33] Flowchart 1 shows the input process after the main power is turned on in the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 34]Flowchart 1 shows the input process for the linked cooking mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 33. [Figure 35] Flowchart 1 shows the input process for the combined cooking mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 33. [Figure 36] Flowchart 1 shows the input process for the single-cook mode in the heating appliance shown in Figure 33. [Figure 37] A flowchart showing the main input steps when using the central control unit to acquire recipe data and cook with the heating appliance shown in Figure 2. [Figure 38] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the heating appliance shown in Figure 33. [Figure 39] Flowchart 2 shows the operation of acquiring recipe data from an external source in the heating appliance shown in Figure 33. [Figure 40] A flowchart illustrating the basic operation of the control device in voice input mode for the heating appliance shown in Figure 33. [Figure 41] Figure 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the changes in the initial standby screen of the central display unit when the heating appliance shown in Figure 33 is started up. [Figure 42] Figure 33 is an explanatory diagram of the central display unit showing the situation before cooking by the first heating means is started in the heating appliance. [Figure 43] Flowchart 1 shows the operation of the heating appliance shown in Figure 33 before transitioning to the linked cooking mode after acquiring recipe data. [Figure 44] This diagram illustrates the state of the central display and central control unit in the heating appliance shown in Figure 33, before acquiring recipe data from an external source and transitioning to the linked cooking mode. [Figure 45] Diagram 1 shows, in chronological order, the relationship between the cooking process of a linked cooking menu and the operation of the input control unit when recipe data is acquired from an external source in the heating cooker of Embodiment 1. [Figure 46] Diagram 1 shows the relationship between the cooking process of the linked cooking menu and the operation of the input control unit in chronological order in the heating cooker of Embodiment 1. [Figure 47] A time chart 1 for illustrating the entire relationship between the recipe data acquisition period and control operation in the linked cooking mode of the heating cooker of Embodiment 1. [Figure 48] A time chart 1 for illustrating the entire relationship between the recipe data acquisition period and control operation in the heating cooker of Embodiment 1. [Figure 49] A time chart showing a modified example 1 of the time chart shown in Figure 46. [Figure 50] This diagram illustrates the display contents of the input operation unit and the central display unit when acquiring recipe data for the linked cooking mode in the heating appliance of Embodiment 1. [Figure 51] A time chart showing a modified example 2 of the time chart shown in Figure 46. [Figure 52] A flowchart showing the display of food ingredients and nutritional information before transitioning to the heating operation in the linked cooking mode, using recipe data obtained from an external source. [Figure 53] A block diagram showing the main internal configuration of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) used in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 54] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in Figure 53. [Figure 55] A flowchart showing the operation of the cooking appliance after receiving data from the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in Figure 53. [Figure 56] Figure 1 illustrates the display operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in Figure 53. [Figure 57] Figure 2 illustrates the display operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in Figure 53. [Figure 58] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the display operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) shown in Figure 53. [Figure 59] A time chart 1 showing the coordinated operation of a communication terminal (information processing terminal) and a cooking appliance in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 60]A time chart 2 shows the coordinated operation of the communication terminal (information processing terminal) and the cooking appliance in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 61] An enlarged plan view of the central display unit, central operation unit, and central heating status display unit of the heating cooker used in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 2. [Figure 62] Figure 61 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content on the terminal-side display unit of the communication terminal used in the heating and cooking system shown in Figure 61. [Figure 63] A block diagram illustrating the relationship between the control unit and the central operating unit of the heating appliance shown in Figure 61. [Figure 64] Figure 61 is a plan view of the central display unit, central operation unit, left and right operation units, and central heating status display unit of the heating cooker 1 shown in Figure 61. [Figure 65] Figure 61 is a magnified plan view of the central display unit, central control unit, and central heating status display unit of the heating appliance shown in Figure 61. [Figure 66] Diagram 1 shows a specific example of a display on the cooking appliance that indicates it has received recipe data for a particular cooking menu from a communication terminal. [Figure 67] Diagram 2 shows a specific example of a display on the cooking appliance that indicates it has received recipe data for a particular cooking menu from a communication terminal. [Figure 68] Figure 61 shows the display content on the terminal-side display unit of the communication terminal used in the heating and cooking system, as illustrated in Figure 1. [Figure 69] Figure 1 shows a modified example of the display content in the terminal-side display unit shown in Figure 68. [Figure 70] Figure 68 shows explanatory diagram 2 illustrating the display content on the terminal-side display unit. [Figure 71] A diagram illustrating the configuration of the heating and cooking system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 72] Figure 71 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the central part of the cooking appliance used in the heating system. [Figure 73] A block diagram showing the configuration of the first unit of the heating appliance shown in Figure 72. [Figure 74]A block diagram showing the configuration of the second unit of the heating appliance shown in Figure 72. [Figure 75] Figure 72 shows a magnified view of the input operation section and display section of the cooking appliance, as seen from the front. [Figure 76] Figure 72 shows a plan view of the cooking appliance from above. [Figure 77] A time chart showing the operation of the cooking appliance and communication terminal used in the heating system in Figure 71, in chronological order. [Figure 78] Figure 72 is a plan view diagram 2 of the cooking appliance shown above. [Figure 79] Figure 3 is a plan view of the cooking appliance 1 shown in Figure 72, viewed from above. [Figure 80] Figure 72 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the input operation section and display section of the cooking appliance shown, viewed from the front. [Figure 81] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the central part of the heating appliance used in the heating cooking system of Embodiment 4. [Figure 82] A time chart showing the operation of the cooking appliance and communication terminal used in the heating system in Figure 81, in chronological order. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The heating and cooking 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. Also, in each drawing, parts with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0020] 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." Furthermore, cooking appliances equipped with a cooking space such as an inner pot, like a rice cooker with a single heating element (for example, an induction heating coil or a sheathed heater), are also called heating appliances. For example, even if such a rice cooker has only one heating element, it can cook regular white rice or multiple types of food such as porridge, and may also offer several cooking methods. Such rice cookers are equipped with multiple input keys (touch keys, push buttons, etc.) that allow users to select these various food items and cooking modes, and improving user-friendliness is one of the challenges.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 using semiconductor elements. Furthermore, multiple heating sources may be provided.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The third heating means HM3 refers to a device capable of cooking in a single heating chamber 6. It may also be a combination of multiple heating sources having different heating principles, such as a heating source consisting of an electric heater and a gas burner. Alternatively, an induction heating source may be used as the heating source for heating the heating chamber 6. A steam generator (boiler) (not shown) that supplies high-temperature steam (such as superheated steam) may also be used.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 the first heating means HM1 (induction heating source).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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."

[0031] "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".

[0032] 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 dedicated voice input key (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "dedicated voice input key") 180, which will be described later.

[0033] In a single input unit, if there are multiple input keys, including the aforementioned "shared key," when the "voice input mode 1" is changed using the shared key, there are two types of control patterns: one in which the input function of (some of) the other input keys (e.g., 156M) is temporarily disabled (this control pattern is referred to as "voice input mode 1A"), and another in which it is not disabled (this control pattern is referred to as "voice input mode 1B"). Both cases correspond to "voice input mode 1" as referred to herein.

[0034] In one input operation unit, if the "voice input dedicated key" 180 is pressed while touch input is being performed using an input key (for example, 153M or 153L), "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 (for example, 156M) 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.

[0035] The "recipe data" CD refers to the data used to control the cooking appliance 1 in order to heat and cook a single food item. One form of recipe data CD includes all of the following: data specifying the heating method, data defining the heating process and sequence, and control conditions during heating (including, but not limited to, heat level, target temperature, and cooking time).

[0036] 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 (hereinafter referred to as "commands" or "command data") that determine control conditions such as heating capacity and heating time. In this case, if the recipe data CD held by the cooking appliance 1 is configured based on, for example, one serving of food to be cooked, the cooking appliance can respond to external commands by changing the control conditions (for example, one parameter such as heating time) using its built-in program to accommodate two or four servings.

[0037] The individual operation units 15L and 15R are each equipped with first specific input keys 152L and 152R, respectively. The shared operation unit 15M has a second specific input key 153M. In Embodiment 1, an additional input key 154M may also be set as a second specific input key, but it is sufficient to provide at least one specific input key in one input operation unit (in this case, the shared operation unit 15M).

[0038] The three specific input keys mentioned above (152L, 152R, and 153M) each generate individual selection information A (202A, 202B, and 202C) corresponding to the input key when it is pressed. In other words, since they each generate different selection information A (202A, 202B, and 202C), the input key identification unit 15A of the input operation unit 15 can uniquely identify which specific input key was pressed. For example, the selection information for specific input key 152L is 202A. The selection information for specific input key 152R is 202B. As a result, the control device 40 can determine which specific input keys (152L, 152R, and 153M) were pressed based on the input information from the input operation unit 15. If the specific input keys themselves do not have a function to generate unique selection information A (202A, 202B, 202C), the input operation unit 15 on which the specific input keys are located may assign a unique identification number (code) to each specific input key and transmit the identification information of each specific input key to the control device 40. In the following explanation, the representative code for selection information A is 202. That is, code 202 encompasses all of the selection information 202A to 202C, and may also represent any one of them.

[0039] In the following embodiments, the above-described forms of recipe data will not be described in any particular distinction. In the following embodiments, the term "display screen" includes liquid crystal display screens using liquid crystal display elements (liquid crystal panels) and display screens using other light-emitting methods (such as organic EL panels). It also includes "pop-up windows" that automatically appear within the displayed screen. A "pop-up" is a separate window that automatically appears (launches and starts displaying) on ​​the screen of an internet browser (also called a "web browser"). For example, the terminal-side display unit (display screen) 216 of the communication terminal 200, which will be described later, will explain the first screen 216A, the second screen 216B, etc., but these may be configured as pop-up screens.

[0040] Embodiment 1. (1. Configuration of the heating and cooking system) Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is shown in Figures 1 to 60. Let's explain Figure 1. The heating and cooking system of this embodiment 1 comprises a heating and cooking device 1, a smartphone 200 (also called a high-function communication terminal, but referred to as a "communication terminal" in the following description) that has the function of wirelessly communicating with the heating and cooking device 1, and a cloud server 300. Note that the communication terminal 200 may be something other than a smartphone, such as a tablet terminal with communication functions or a personal computer. In this embodiment 1, these devices are also collectively referred to as the communication terminal 200.

[0041] The communication terminal 200 communicates wirelessly with a wireless router 340 (Figure 2) installed in a house (not shown) where the cooking appliance 1 is used, using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

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

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

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

[0045] As will be explained in detail later, the aforementioned recipe data CD1 contains instructions (command data) that specify heating means and control conditions (including, but not limited to, at least one of the following: heat level, heating time, temperature, etc.) so that a specific food to be cooked (e.g., "hamburger") can be cooked using the cooking device 1. However, as mentioned above, it may also consist only of unique data that identifies the recipe data CD1.

[0046] In the following explanation, recipe data may be described with codes such as CD1, CD2, etc. However, these codes do not necessarily indicate different content in the recipe data; they may be the same. These codes (CD1, CD2) are assigned based on the source of the recipe data to facilitate understanding. When a uniform reference code is used for recipe data, "CD" will be used.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The aforementioned cooking appliance 1 has a function to execute a "single cooking mode" KM3, which drives the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 independently.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 3).

[0053] Unlike the linked cooking mode KM1 described later, the aforementioned "combined cooking mode" KM2 does not have a "cooking menu" corresponding to a specific food item (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. One control pattern can handle multiple food items (for example, thawing meat or boiling vegetables).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 in a predetermined order inside the heating chamber 6 and on top of the top plate 3. In other words, the recipe data differs between the combined cooking mode KM2 and the linked cooking mode KM1.

[0057] 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 type of control menu. 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 cooking menu item.

[0058] The aforementioned cooking appliance 1 has a function to execute a "cooperative cooking mode" KM1 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven with a time difference determined depending on the operation of the user US.

[0059] The aforementioned "cooperative cooking mode" KM1 includes a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed using the first heating means HM1, and a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed using the second heating means HM2. For example, in order to move from cooking step 1 using the first heating means HM1 to cooking step 2, the food to be cooked is moved to the heating chamber 6, and then the operation of the second heating means HM2 is started. Therefore, between cooking step 1 and cooking step 2, there is a "heating pause period" (transition period TR) in which no heating operation is performed. This heating pause period is explained in Figures 45 and 46.

[0060] In this "cooperative cooking mode" KM1, a recipe data CD is prepared for each specific dish to be cooked (e.g., hamburgers, roast beef, gratin). The aforementioned recipe data CD specifies the heating means to be used, the order in which the heating means are driven, and the control conditions for the heating means (including at least one of the following: heat output, heating time, temperature, etc.).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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" KM1, but also to the "combined cooking mode" KM2 and the "single cooking mode" KM3.

[0063] In other words, while the heating appliance 1 allows the user to select a control menu such as "reheat" in the combined cooking mode KM2, the recipe data CD provided to the heating appliance 1 from the communication terminal 200 is not provided on a control menu basis. Therefore, although there are various control menus within the control menus for microwave heating, etc., such as "reheat," "manual microwave," "blanch leafy vegetables," "blanch root vegetables," and "defrost meat" as described later, the communication terminal 200 does not provide a recipe data CD on a control menu basis. For example, in the case of defrosting, the communication terminal 200 provides recipe data (including identification information) such as "defrost XX," which specifies the item to be heated.

[0064] As described above, the communication terminal 200 requests the recipe data server 301 to provide a recipe data CD for the desired dish, and downloads the recipe data CD1 corresponding to the desired recipe (see Figure 1).

[0065] The communication terminal 200 can transmit a recipe data CD2, which corresponds to a single recipe and is generated by the recipe data provision server 301 and obtained from the server 301, to the heating appliance 1 (see Figure 1). To utilize this recipe data acquisition function, the user 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] Furthermore, the user US pairs the communication terminal 200 with the cooking appliance 1 using the recipe selection app, thereby establishing direct wireless communication 330BT between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. This wireless communication 330BT may also use the Near Field Communication (NFC) method.

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

[0069] Although not shown in Figure 1, in this first embodiment of the heating and cooking system, the communication terminal 200 may send a recipe data CD (corresponding to one recipe) created by the user US to the recipe provision site (recipe data provision server 301), have it temporarily stored in the recipe DB 302, and then provide it to the heating and cooking appliance 1. In other words, even if the communication terminal 200 is located far away from the house where the heating and cooking appliance 1 is installed (for example, while away from home), the recipe data CD on the communication terminal 200 can be stored on the recipe data provision server 301, which is convenient.

[0070] A wireless router 340 (see Figure 2) may be used to connect the cooking appliance 1 and the cloud server 300.

[0071] 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 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 10). 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).

[0072] In the following explanation, the abbreviation "NW" will be used consistently when referring to networks such as the aforementioned internet lines.

[0073] The "device identification information" of cooking appliance 1 is unique information used to identify cooking appliance 1. Specifically, it is important information required for information communication, and includes the MAC address, manufacturer name, model name, type number, serial number, etc.

[0074] The cloud server 300 has a function to acquire information regarding the current status of the heating appliance 1, such as operation, stop, and standby status, via the network NW. The cloud server 300 is connected to the target cooking appliance 1 using the device identification information.

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

[0076] The information provision server (not shown) may be, for example, a server set up by an external organization such as a local earthquake information provision agency or a power company, or a server provided by the manufacturer that produced the cooking appliance 1.

[0077] The cloud server 300 stores control application software that enables remote control of the heating appliance 1. The communication terminal 200, which will be described in detail later, can access the cloud server 300 and download (load) the control application software to achieve the aforementioned remote control.

[0078] In this embodiment 1, the communication terminal 200 is equipped with the function of sending and receiving signals via short-range communication while being located a few centimeters away from (or even touching) the input / output section of the cooking appliance 1. This short-range communication refers to the international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviated as NFC).

[0079] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the induction heating cooker 1. Alternatively, control data can be sent from the communication terminal 200 to the NFC storage unit of the cooking appliance 1, and the cooking appliance 1 can be controlled according to the control data.

[0080] Next, we will explain Figure 2. 600 is a kitchen unit equipped with a cooking appliance (such as a heating appliance). 600D is a water inlet installed on kitchen unit 600. 340 is a wireless router capable of wireless communication with the cooking appliance 1. This wireless router 340 also serves as an access point for the internet and other networks (NW).

[0081] The cooking appliance 1 places the object to be heated (such as a magnetic metal pot) on the top plate 3 that covers its upper surface, and inductively heats it using IH coils 9 (reference numerals 9C, 9L, and 9R shown in Figures 3 and 4). Specifically, the top plate 3 has a left heating port 4L, a right heating port 4R, and a central heating port 4C.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] (2. Detailed configuration of the cooking appliance) Next, the specific configuration of the heating appliance 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 11. 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.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the heating appliance 1 is a built-in IH cooking heater used in kitchen furniture (kitchen furniture) 600 equipped with a countertop on top. The heating appliance 1 has a main body 2 and a top plate 3 installed on top of the main body 2. The top plate 3 is exposed on the kitchen countertop that forms the top surface of the kitchen furniture 600.

[0086] 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: the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the central heating port 4C.

[0087] 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) for placing the object to be heated 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.

[0088] The heating appliance 1 places an object to be heated (not shown, such as a pot made of magnetic metal) on a top plate 3 that covers its upper surface, and heats it by induction using an IH coil 9. 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 the IH coils 9 (9C, 9L, 9R) are housed in positions (directly below) the three heating ports 4L, 4R, and 4C.

[0089] In other words, a right IH coil 9R, which serves as a right induction heating means, is provided below the right heating port 4R, and a central IH coil 9C, which serves as a central induction heating means, is provided below the central heating port 4C.

[0090] These IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R are circular heating coils made 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.

[0091] 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 description, unless otherwise inconsistent, the term "first heating means" HM1 will be used consistently.

[0092] Near the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R, a group of temperature sensors 30 (see Figure 10) consisting of multiple temperature sensors (not shown) is installed to detect the temperature of the top plate 3 and the cooking container (food to be heated). 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.

[0093] 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.

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

[0095] A horizontally elongated rectangular opening (not shown) is formed on the front of the heating chamber 6 for inserting and removing food to be cooked. The opening on the front of the heating chamber 6 is covered by 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).

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

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

[0098] 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.

[0099] Other types of radiant heating means (for example, 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.

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

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

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

[0104] 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.

[0105] The left control unit 15L, the central control unit 15M, and the right control unit 15R are located on the rear side (back side) of the left heat level indicator unit 17L, the central display unit 16M, and the right heat level indicator unit 17R, as well as the left display unit 16L and the right display unit 16R, and the central heating status indicator unit 17M.

[0106] The left display unit 16L, the central display unit 16M, and the right display unit 16R are sometimes collectively referred to as the "display unit," in which case the symbol 16 is used. The central display unit 16M has a horizontally elongated liquid crystal display screen.

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

[0108] 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 "heat level indicator," in which case the symbol 17 is used.

[0109] Furthermore, adjacent to the right control panel 15R, there is an operating button (key) 20A for the main power switch 20 (see Figure 10). 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Next, we will explain Figure 5. In Figure 5, the central control unit 15M of the input control unit 15 has an input key 180 for selecting the voice input mode. This input key 180 may be a mechanical switch, or it may be a touch-type input switch key, such as the input keys 153M to 159M described later.

[0112] 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.

[0113] Therefore, input key 180 must be operated after, for example, touching ("short press") input key 153L to select heating port 4L. In other words, "long press" input key 153L switches to voice input mode 2, but if "short press" is used instead of "long press," then pressing input key 180 will switch to voice input mode 2 from that point onward.

[0114] In the central control unit 15M, if any one of the input keys 153M, 154M, or 155M is touched, and then the input key 180 is operated, the system switches to "Voice Input Mode 2," and the input processing unit (input limiting unit) 70 in the control device 40 puts the voice signal analysis unit 58 (see Figure 10) into input standby mode. Even if the input key 180 is touched, the input functions of the other five input keys—input key 153M, the input key 151M for starting the heating operation, the input key 152M for stopping, and the input keys 153L and 153R for the left and right control units 15L and 15R—are not affected in any way. Furthermore, when any of these five input keys are touched, "Voice Input Mode 2" activated by the input key 180 is deactivated.

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

[0116] When the aforementioned input key 180 is pressed, "Voice Input Mode 2" is activated from that moment. In other words, it switches to "Voice Input Mode 2". Then, as explained in Figure 10, when a voice signal is received from the voice signal receiving unit 56, the voice signal analysis unit 58 analyzes the content of the voice one by one and outputs the analysis result to the heating control unit 43.

[0117] Furthermore, the input key 180 for selecting voice input may limit the "area in which touch input is disabled" to only the central control unit 15M. In this case, when the input key 180 is pressed, the input function of certain (touch) input keys such as the various touch input keys 154M to 159M located on the central control unit 15M will be disabled, as will be described later. The system will then transition to an input standby state that accepts voice commands from the user US. Note that once the heating operation has started, this disabling of touch input by the input key 180 cannot be performed, so there are no restrictions on input from various input keys (for example, the stop command by 152M) during the heating operation.

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

[0119] As will be explained in detail later, the light-emitting unit 21 includes, in addition to the (center) light-emitting unit 21M, a (right) light-emitting unit 21R corresponding to the right operation unit 15R and a (left) light-emitting unit 21L corresponding to the left operation unit 15L. This light-emitting unit 21 has the function of prompting the operation of one input key by indicating that the input function of a nearby input key is enabled. This light-emitting unit 21 also serves as a "key identification unit." That is, in order to perform coordinated operation with the communication terminal 200 described later, the light-emitting unit 21 has the function of displaying the input key to be operated (for example, 152L in Figure 6) by emitting light immediately after receiving "preview information A" 201 (explained in Figures 59 and 60) from the communication terminal 200. This point will be explained in Figure 59.

[0120] In the central control unit 15M, the input key 151KP for function settings is located adjacent to the left of the input key 153M. The function of this input key 151KP will be explained later.

[0121] In this embodiment 1, the input method in which the user US controls the heating appliance 1 by pressing with their fingertip or the like (including light contact) is called the "touch input mode." For this reason, the various input keys 151M~159M, 151R~155R, and 151L~155L, which will be described later, may be referred to as the "touch input mode selection unit."

[0122] Next, we will explain Figure 6. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the left display unit 16L, left heat level display unit 17L, and left operation unit 15L according to Embodiment 1. The left display unit 16L displays information related to heating in the left heating port 4L and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display.

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

[0124] The aforementioned "timer cooking" is a cooking method in which the heating operation is performed only for a time set (set time) by the user (for example, by inputting key 151L, etc.). Once the set time has elapsed, the heating operation automatically stops, making it a convenient function for the user.

[0125] The left display unit 16L 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) 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, the target temperature can be set to any temperature by touch operation of input keys 155L and 154L, for example (however, temperatures exceeding a predetermined tolerance range will be rejected by the heating control unit 43 shown in Figure 10).

[0126] The left heat level indicator unit 17L consists of multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in a horizontal line, and displays the heat level of the left heating port 4L in multiple stages. The left heat level indicator unit 17L expresses the heat level 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 heat level to the user US.

[0127] The left control panel 15L is used to input operations related to heating and cooking in the left heating port 4L. As shown in Figure 6, the left control unit 15L is equipped with five input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L. These input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L are touch-sensitive keys. They are capacitive touch sensors (touch switches) that can be used to input data by utilizing the change in capacitance when a user US lightly touches them with their finger or the like.

[0128] A light-emitting unit 21L is provided corresponding to the input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L. The light-emitting unit 21L is composed of multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) and illuminates in response to the operation of the input keys 151L, 152L, 153L, 154L, and 155L. The two adjacent input keys 154L and 155L share a single light-emitting unit 21L because they perform the same type of function, increasing or decreasing the flame intensity.

[0129] The aforementioned input key 151L is the key that is touched when selecting "Timer Cooking" for the left heating port 4L. As mentioned above, this Timer Cooking is a cooking method in which the user US sets the heating operation time, and the heating operation is performed only during that set time.

[0130] Input key 152L is pressed to select a "control menu" for the left heating port 4L. Each time input key 152L is pressed, one of several control menus can be selected. These "control menus" include, for example, boiling water, simmering, and frying (automatic cooking). The operating time, heat level, or operating pattern of the left heating port 4L differs depending on the control menu.

[0131] The control menu for using the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R by operating the left control unit 15L or the right control unit 15R, without operating the central control unit 15M, is the "Single Cooking Mode" KM3 control menu, which uses induction heating for all operations. The "Single Cooking Mode" KM3 will be explained later.

[0132] Input key 153L is pressed to select the heating method for the left heating port 4L. Specifically, pressing input key 153L selects the cooking method (single cooking mode KM3) that uses the left IH coil 9L located below the left heating port 4L. If input key 153L is pressed again while the left IH coil 9L is operating, the operation of the left IH coil 9L is stopped, and the induction heating operation is immediately halted.

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

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

[0135] Next, we will explain Figure 7. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the right display unit 16R, the right heat level display unit 17R, and the right operation unit 15R according to Embodiment 1. The right display unit 16R displays information related to cooking in the right heating port 4R and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The information related to cooking in the right heating port 4R displayed on the right display unit 16R is the same as the information related to cooking in the left heating port 4L.

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

[0137] The right control unit 15R is used to input operations related to heating and cooking at the right heating port 4R. As shown in Figure 7, the right control unit 15R is equipped with five input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R, and 155R.

[0138] The input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R, and 155R are configured in the same way as the left control unit 15L. For example, they are capacitive touch keys that can be used to input data by utilizing the change in capacitance when the user US lightly touches them with their finger or the like.

[0139] A light-emitting unit 21R is provided for each of the input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R, and 155R. The light-emitting unit 21R is a light-emitting element (LED), and in response to the operation of the input keys 151R, 152R, 153R, 154R, and 155R, the light-emitting unit 21R corresponding to that input key illuminates. However, the two adjacent input keys 154R and 155R share a single light-emitting unit 21R because they perform the same type of function, which is to increase or decrease the heat output.

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

[0141] Input key 153R is pressed to select the heating method for the right heating port 4R. Specifically, pressing input key 153R selects the cooking method (single cooking mode KM3) that uses the right IH coil 9R located below the left heating port 4R. If input key 153R is pressed again while the right IH coil 9R is operating, the operation of the right IH coil 9R is stopped, and the induction heating operation is immediately halted.

[0142] Input keys 154R and 154R are used to specify the heat level when cooking with the right heating port 4R. Pressing the left input key 154R decreases the heat level by one step at a time. Conversely, pressing the right input key 155R increases the heat level by one step at a time. The heat level for induction cooking with the right heating port 4R has nine settings, from the rated minimum heat level (heat level 1) of 150W to the rated maximum heat level (heat level 9) of 3200W.

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

[0144] Next, we will explain Figure 8. Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of the central display unit 16M, the central operation unit 15M, and the central heating status display unit 17M according to Embodiment 1.

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

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

[0147] Furthermore, the three display areas 22-24 can be appropriately coordinated depending on the display situation to form a single (larger area) display area, which may display one or more purposes. In the following, the first display area 22 will be referred to as Area 12, the second display area 23 as Area 23, and the third display area 24 as Area 34.

[0148] The central heating status display unit 17M is divided into two sections in the front-to-back direction. The lower section (front side) contains a range 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.

[0149] 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. These LEDs 311-313 and LED group 314 are located in the installation space 33 below the top plate 3.

[0150] 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.

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

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

[0153] The nine input keys 151M to 159M mentioned above are capacitive touch keys that emit an input command signal each time they are touched. In addition, a light-emitting unit 21M is provided near each of these input keys 151M to 159M.

[0154] The leftmost part of the central control unit 15M is the function setting key 151KP (see Figure 5). This function setting key 151KP allows the user US to set various operations and displays of the entire cooking appliance 1 according to their preferences.

[0155] When the aforementioned function setting key 151KP is pressed, the control device 40, which will be described later, switches to "function setting mode," and the following "function setting menu" is displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M. (1) Child lock setting (disables operation of various input keys). (2) Setting the ventilation system's interlocking mode (the ventilation system operates in conjunction with the operation of the cooking appliance 1). (3) Cleaning guide setting (automatic notification function for when to clean the heating chamber 6 and exhaust cover 5). (4) Peak cut setting (select one of four levels for maximum power consumption: 5700W, 5000W, 4800W, and 4000W). (5) Audio settings for the audio guide. (6) Audio guide volume settings. (7) Settings to prevent forgetting to remove food being cooked, cooking utensils, etc. from the heating chamber 6 (whether or not an alarm is required from the voice notification unit 50 and the central display unit 16M). (8) HEMS registration settings (settings related to the power usage limiting function by the household power control device). (9) Time setting for timer cooking (change from 1-minute increments to 5-minute or 30-minute increments). (10) Switch between beginner mode and normal (expert) mode. (11) Setting the types (range) of food inventory information to be obtained from external devices (refrigerators, etc.). (12) Setting the display priority of each cooking menu (for example, "hamburg steak") in the KM1 collaborative 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 (for example, "Range Grill" and "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) is automatically displayed on the central display unit 16M. (15) A setting to prevent the additional information 165 and 166 (see Figure 15), described later, from being displayed automatically, and a setting to prevent the additional information 165 and 166 from being announced by voice by the voice notification unit 50. (16) 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, input key 158M is set as the command key to display food components, and input key 159M is set as the command key to display nutritional components. The food ingredients or nutritional information will be displayed if either input key 158M or 159M is operated within a predetermined period, or if a voice command is given when the system is set to voice input mode 1. In other words, it is not always displayed together with the cooking menu identification information 167 (described later), but is displayed in response to user US operations (including voice commands). See Figure 24 for details. (17) 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 24 for details. (18) 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 24. Alternatively, cooking menus can be displayed in descending order of the amount of "iron" as a nutritional component.

[0156] As explained above, by pressing the function setting key 151KP and selecting "Function Setting Mode," you can add the display of food ingredients or nutritional information. You can also set it so that the display setting can be canceled later in Function Setting Mode. Therefore, there is the advantage that users can select the information, range, and display method to set according to their preferences.

[0157] The aforementioned "beginner mode" is an optional function for users (User US) who are unfamiliar with using the heating appliance 1. When this beginner mode is enabled, the voice guidance from the voice notification unit 50 (see Figure 10) becomes more detailed and thorough. In addition, the voice guidance for input operations on the input operation unit 15 increases, and the display information on the display screen of the central display unit 16M also increases.

[0158] When the device is set to the beginner mode, in particular, when cooking in the combined cooking mode KM2 and the linked cooking mode KM1, the amount of reference information displayed on the display screen of the central display unit 16M (for example, including the additional information 165 and 166 described later) increases, or the content of the voice guidance in the voice notification unit 50 increases. As a result, the function that can assist the user US's input operations is enhanced.

[0159] Furthermore, when switching from "beginner mode" to "normal (expert) mode," the settings may be automatically configured to not change the content of the voice guidance of the voice notification unit 50.

[0160] After the main power switch 20 (described later) is turned "ON," if the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened, the setting for the cooking mode that is 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 US can set which display takes priority. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0161] In Embodiment 1, the "combined cooking mode" KM2 exceptionally includes several control menus for the single cooking mode KM3 using the central IH coil 9M (for example, a cooking operation called "rice cooking").

[0162] 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. The system has a function that, assuming that the user US will perform cooking using the heating chamber 6, 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. In addition, the central display unit 16M displays the standby initial screen 16MH, which will be described later, immediately after the main power switch 20 is turned "ON". After this, the second specific screen 16M2 is automatically displayed immediately after the door 7 is opened.

[0163] After the "Function Setting Menu" is displayed on the central display unit 16M, pressing and holding a specific input key other than the function setting key 151KP (for example, 154M) for a certain period of time or longer (hereinafter referred to as "long press") allows you to select one of the setting menus from the "Function Setting Menu" and then change the setting to the desired content.

[0164] Alternatively, by simultaneously "long-pressing" two specific input keys other than the aforementioned function setting key 151KP, one of the setting menus in the aforementioned "function setting menu" can be called up, and the desired setting can be changed.

[0165] The aforementioned "long press" refers to a state in which a button is pressed continuously for 5 seconds or more. Whether the state is "long press" is determined by the control device 40 comparing the timing from ON to OFF of the touch input in the central operation unit 15M with a reference value. Alternatively, the input mode determination unit 15C (see Figure 11) located inside the central operation unit 15 makes the determination. In this embodiment 1, we will explain later (using Figure 11) an example in which the central operation unit 15M determines whether the "long press" state is active.

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

[0167] The following description describes an embodiment in which the input operation unit 15M determines whether a "long press" has occurred. However, although not adopted in Embodiment 1, the input 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 then determine whether a "long press" has occurred.

[0168] In this embodiment 1, there is a function that detects a "long press" of a specific input key (for example, 154M, 153R) as described above and switches to the "voice input mode 1". This will be explained in detail in Figures 10 and 11. Note that touch operations that are not "long presses," that is, touch states that last for less than 5 seconds consecutively, are sometimes called "short presses." This is related to the detection capabilities of the respective input operation units 15M, 15L, and 15R, so for example, if the touch time is in the range of 0.1 seconds to 4.9 seconds, the control device 40 will determine that it is a "short press."

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

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

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

[0172] As described above, the functions of the heating cooker 1 can be changed with the aforementioned function setting key 151KP in accordance with the user US's wishes and usage environment (power conditions of the installed household). When such a peak cut value is set, the setting result is stored in the control device 40, so when the user US selects the cooperative cooking mode KM1 as described later, it is used for determining whether to permit the use of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 (determination of permission conditions). Therefore, during the period in which recipe data CD described later is being received from the communication terminal 200, the peak cut value cannot be changed by the function setting key 151KP (see FIG. 11).

[0173] In FIG. 8, the light-emitting unit 21M is formed of an LED, and emits light in response to operations of the input keys 151M to 159M. That is, when the input function is enabled, the corresponding light-emitting unit 21M keeps emitting light. The two adjacent input keys 155M and 154M share a common purpose of changing the display content of the first area 22, so they share one light-emitting unit 21M.

[0174] The two adjacent input keys 157M and 156M share a common purpose of changing the display content of the second area 23, so they share one light-emitting unit 21M. The two adjacent input keys 159M and 158M share one light-emitting unit 21M, since they have a common function of changing the display content of the third area 24.

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

[0176] The input key 153M is an input key for selecting said "linked cooking mode" KM1 when operated after turning on the main power switch 20 (hereinafter may be referred to as "first input key").

[0177] The input keys 154M and 155M are input keys for selecting said "combined cooking mode" KM2 when operated after turning on the main power switch 20 (in a state where the input key 153M is not pressed) (hereinafter may be referred to as "second input keys").

[0178] The input keys 153R and 153L described with reference to Fig. 7 are input keys for selecting said "independent cooking mode" KM3 when operated after turning on the main power switch 20 (in a state where the input keys 153M, 154M and 155M are not pressed) (hereinafter may be referred to as "third input keys").

[0179] Said input key 151M has a function of determining the start of cooking for two types of cooking, namely "combined cooking mode" KM2 and "linked cooking mode" KM1, and may hereinafter be referred to as "start key". Furthermore, in said "independent cooking mode" KM3, said input keys 153L and 153R have a function of determining the start of cooking.

[0180] Said input key 152M has a function of ending (including pausing) cooking for two types of cooking, namely "combined cooking mode" KM2 and "linked cooking mode" KM1, and may hereinafter be referred to as "stop key". Furthermore, in said "independent cooking mode" KM3, said input keys 153L and 153R have a function of determining the end of cooking.

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

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

[0183] When one of the single cooking mode KM3, combined cooking mode KM2, or linked cooking mode KM1 is selected, the selection result is displayed on the central display unit 16M. Similarly, when the "voice input mode 1" is switched, this is also indicated (see Figures 21 and 22). The details of single cooking mode KM3, combined cooking mode KM2, and linked cooking mode KM1 will be explained later.

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

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

[0186] Furthermore, when input key 155M is pressed, the "Manual Range" display information 25A shown in the first area 22 moves forward. Consequently, the "Reheat" display information 25C shown on the rear side is moved to the center. Note that, unlike the input key 154M, input key 155M in this case is not the "Voice Input Switching Key," so if it is "long-pressed," it will not switch to voice input mode and will not be recognized as a valid input operation.

[0187] In this way, the user US can select a specific control menu (for example, "Manual Range") within the "Control Menu" by operating input keys 154M and 155M.

[0188] The aforementioned "Manual Range" control menu originally belongs to the "Single Cooking Mode KM3," which uses only the second heating means HM2. However, control menus belonging to the "Combined Cooking Mode M2" and "Cooperative Cooking Mode KM1" (for 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.

[0189] Then, when the input key (start key) 151M is pressed, that is, when operated by the user US, the start of cooking is determined to be "Manual Range" on the control menu displayed in the center (see Figure 9), and the heating operation begins. In other words, the heating means (in this case, the microwave oscillator 11) is driven. Therefore, the input keys 154M and 155M correspond to the selection keys for the control menu operated by the user US. Similarly, they correspond to the selection keys for the control menu (for combined cooking). Furthermore, they also correspond to the selection keys for the linked cooking menu.

[0190] As shown in Figure 8, input keys 156M and 157M are positioned adjacent to the second area 23 of the central display unit 16M, in a position near its front, and are keys for switching the display content of the screen displayed in the second area 23 of the central display unit 16M.

[0191] Referring again to Figure 9, pressing input key 156M increases the wattage (microwave output value) displayed in the second area 23 (500W in Figure 9) by one step (for example, to 600W). Conversely, pressing input key 157M decreases the wattage displayed in the second area 23 by one step (for example, to 200W).

[0192] 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 M1" using the microwave oscillator 11) by operating input keys 156M and 157M.

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

[0194] As shown in Fig. 8, when the input key 158M is pressed, the heating operation time (set time) displayed in the third area 24 is increased by one step. Conversely, when the input key 159M is pressed, the heating operation time displayed in the third area 24 is decreased by one step.

[0195] The user US can select the set time for range cooking performed in the heating chamber 6 by operating the input keys 158M and 159M, and 34M is the set time information. Additionally, 34W is heating intensity information indicating the magnitude of power consumption, the magnitude of microwave output, etc. during heating. In Fig. 9, "500W" is displayed

[0196] Next, Fig. 10 will be described. Fig. 10 is a control block diagram showing main functions of the heating cooker 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the heating cooker 1 includes a control device 40 that integrally controls the entire heating cooker 1.

[0197] The control device 40 is an electronic circuit board on which electronic components such as a control circuit that controls 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 operations of the left operation unit 15L and the right operation unit 15R, and the temperature of the object to be heated on the top plate 3.

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

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

[0200] Furthermore, the control device 40 controls the display of the central display unit 16M and the central heating status display unit 17M based on the 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.

[0201] 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 display control data 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.

[0202] The control device 40 stores data in the recipe data storage unit 42 of the storage device 41, which is data that has been compiled into a certain 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 comes with a recipe data CD for each of the eight cooking menus, which are provided from the start for the execution of the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

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

[0204] 42 is a 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.

[0205] 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 can acquire the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51. In addition, the display condition data may also be acquired from the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 via the communication unit 51.

[0206] 51 is a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it has the function of performing wireless communication 330 (330BT) with the communication terminal 200. Alternatively, it has the function of performing wireless communication with the cloud server 300 via the network NW. The communication unit 51 has a first communication unit 51B (not shown) and a second communication unit 51W (not shown) that support at least two communication methods, as will be described later. The first communication unit 51B supports Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the communication method with the communication terminal 200. The second communication unit 51W (not shown) has a function that supports the wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark) as the communication method with the wireless router 340.

[0207] 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 a constant voltage of power to the control device 40. 20 is a main power switch inserted into this power supply circuit 57, which is opened and closed by the user US.

[0208] 55 is a limiting unit 55 that restricts the acquisition of the recipe data CD. The restriction unit 55 has a function that restricts the acquisition of the recipe data CD by the data acquisition unit 53 via the communication unit 51 during the waiting period before cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 starts (i.e., before "cooking process 1" described later).

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

[0210] As shown in Figure 10, the input operation unit 15 includes an audio signal receiving unit 56 that receives the voice emitted by the user US using a microphone (not shown) and converts it into a predetermined audio signal.

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

[0212] 70 is the input processing unit. This input processing unit 70 receives an input signal from the input operation unit 15 and switches its own input acceptance mode to "voice input mode 1". It also controls the input signal analysis unit 52. Furthermore, it receives the analysis results from the voice signal analysis unit 58 and transmits control data to the heating control unit 43.

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

[0214] As shown by the dashed frame in Figure 10, the voice notification unit 50 and the display unit 16, etc., are sometimes collectively referred to as the "notification unit," in which case the symbol 90 is used. 26 is a light emission control unit. This light emission control unit controls the emission of multiple light-emitting elements. The light-emitting elements 27A, which are composed of LEDs etc., arranged in the light-emitting section 21 (21M, 21L, 21R), and the light-emitting elements 27B, which are 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, the user US will perceive a visual effect of changing emission colors depending on the emission state of these multiple light-emitting elements.

[0215] In Figure 10, 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".

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

[0217] As explained in Figure 7, the right control unit 15R has various input keys (153R, 154R, 151R, etc.), and the touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when the input key 152R, which is one of the "voice input switching keys," is touched, the right operation unit 15R determines whether the touch 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.

[0218] Similarly, the left control unit 15R has various input keys (153L, 154L, 151L, etc.), and the touch input results of these input keys are transmitted to the input signal analysis unit 52. In particular, when the input key 152L, which is one of the "voice input switching keys," is touched, the left operation unit 15L 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.

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

[0220] Next, Figure 11 will be explained. Figure 11 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 10, 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.

[0221] In Figure 11, 15A is an input key identification unit. This input key identification unit 15A identifies the input key that has been touched. For example, when input key 153M is touched, it emits a unique identification signal for that input key. Similarly, when input key 154M is touched, it emits a unique identification signal for that input key.

[0222] 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 elapsed 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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".

[0225] 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.

[0226] 15E is the central processing unit (CPU) that performs various information processing operations as the input operation unit (central operation unit 15M). 15F is an input signal transmitter. This input signal transmitter 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 or not it is "voice input mode 1", to the input signal analysis unit 58 of the control device 40.

[0227] In Figure 11, the touch detection unit 15A, the time measurement unit 15T, the input mode determination unit 15C, etc., are depicted as individual, independent blocks. However, instead of having separate hardware configurations, these functions may be implemented, for example, using software on a single microcomputer.

[0228] Furthermore, although Figure 11 illustrates the example of the central control unit 15M, the control device 40 also identifies the inputs of the right control unit 15R and the left control unit 15L as being for their respective control units. Therefore, the input key identification unit 15A in the right control unit 15R includes data in the signal from the input key that identifies it as an input key present in the right control unit 15R. The same applies to the left control unit 15L.

[0229] As is clear from the above explanation, the heating appliance 1 described in Figures 10 and 11 is, A first heating means HM1 that induces heating of an object to be heated on the top plate 3, A heating chamber 6 with metal walls, A second heating means HM2 that supplies microwaves to the heating chamber 6, A third heating means HM3 heats the aforementioned heating chamber 6 with radiant heat, News Department 90 and, Communications Unit 51, Display unit 16 and The configuration includes a control device 40.

[0230] , The control device 40 displays an initial standby screen 16MH (explained in Figure 41) on the display unit 16, and then displays dedicated display screens (first specific screen 16M1 to third specific screen 16M3) for each cooking mode. The first specific screen 16M1 to third specific screen 16M3 are explained in Figures 15 to 22 and Figure 42.

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

[0232] The aforementioned single-cook mode KM3 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

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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 communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 51.

[0236] In the input operation unit 15, "Voice input mode 2" can be selected using the input key 180 provided on the central operation unit 15M. 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 (152L, 152R, 153M, 154M) can select "Voice Input Mode 1" depending on the "long press" state, which is one of the touch modes.

[0237] (3. 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 12.

[0238] Figure 12 shows the entire control menu that can be selected by the central control unit 15M. 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.

[0239] Figure 13 shows the control menus shown in Figure 12, categorized into four perspectives (classifications 1-4). As is clear from Figure 13, the control menus are broadly divided into single cooking mode KM3 and combined cooking mode KM2. Although the linked cooking mode KM1 is not shown in Figures 12 and 13, linked cooking menus can be executed using the linked cooking mode on the central control unit 15M.

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

[0241] Therefore, the display screen of the central display unit 16M switches to the second specific screen 16M2 (see Figure 15). In the first area 22 of the second specific screen 16M2, the control menu labeled "Reheat" as shown in the "Left Display Area" of Figure 12 is always displayed first. This is because the "Reheat" control menu is set as the default.

[0242] The "left display area" in Figure 12 corresponds to the display area 22 described in Figure 8. In other words, the various control menus listed in the "left display area" of Figure 12 are displayed sequentially within the first area 22.

[0243] As shown in the "Left Display Area" of Figure 12, 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."

[0244] 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 warming," "IH rice cooking," and "IH heating" are included in the "IH menu group" that uses the first heating means HM1.

[0245] The information displayed in the "Central Display Area" in Figure 12 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 "Central Display Area" contains various control conditions. The default settings for this "Central Display Area" are listed in the "Default" column in the right-hand column of the "Central Display Area."

[0246] The contents described in the "Right Display Area" in Figure 12 represent the contents displayed in the third area 24 of the central display unit 16M. The default settings for the "Right Display Area" are listed in the "Default" column in the rightmost column of that "Right Display Area". Blank spaces do not indicate control conditions that can be changed; rather, they indicate that no information is displayed, or that appropriate explanatory text that cannot be selected or changed (by the user US) is displayed in the third area 24.

[0247] Next, we will explain the 13 control menus displayed in the "left display area" of Figure 12. (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 12, for example, the range from 0°C to 90°C can be set in 5-degree increments.

[0248] (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.

[0249] (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.

[0250] (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).

[0251] (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.

[0252] (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.

[0253] (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.

[0254] In the "Grill" setting of the aforementioned control menu, 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.

[0255] (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.

[0256] (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 12. For example, it is suitable for keeping soup warm.

[0257] (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.

[0258] (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.

[0259] Next, Figure 13 will be explained. Figure 13 is a classification table of the RG control menu (the "RG menu group" in Figure 12) and the IH control menu for the standalone cooking mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1 (the "IH menu group" in Figure 12).

[0260] In Figure 12, the "left display area" in the first region refers to the first area 22 (see Figure 8). As is clear from classification 2 in Figure 13, 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.

[0261] Next, we will explain Figure 14. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the memory structure of various cooking control menus in linked cooking mode and combined cooking mode, and their correspondence to input keys. The "information indicating the key points of each control menu" shown in classification 2 of Figure 13 is stored as data in the third layer of the recipe data storage unit 42, as shown in Figure 14.

[0262] Therefore, by operating input keys 154M and 155M to select the desired control menu, the user US can automatically or manually display information indicating the key points of each control menu, as shown in classification 2 of Figure 13, which is linked to that control menu on a one-to-one basis. Figure 15 shows one example of this automatic display.

[0263] Next, we will explain Figure 15. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display operation on the central display unit 16M when the central control unit 15M is operated. First, when the user US turns on the main power by pressing the operation button 20A on the main power switch 20 (see Figure 10), 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 a predetermined screen (hereinafter referred to as the "standby initial screen" 16MH) (see Figure 41) is displayed on the central display unit 16M, although this screen is not shown.

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

[0265] Behind the identification information 160 for the control menu "Reheat" displayed in the center of Area 1 22, the words "IH Heating" (control menu identification information) 161 are displayed in slightly smaller font, while on the front side, the words "Manual Range" (control menu identification information) 162 are displayed in slightly smaller font.

[0266] This means that when user US selects a control menu, the next options are "IH heating" and "manual microwave." If the input key 154M is pressed once at this stage, 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 word "control menu identification information" 162 has not actually moved; only the displayed information has switched.

[0267] Furthermore, pressing the input key 155M once causes the text "IH heating" (control menu identification information) 161 to appear larger and move (forward) from the position of the text "warm" (control menu identification information) 160. In this case as well, the control menu identification information 162 has not actually moved; only the displayed information has switched.

[0268] As shown in Figure 15, the display screen 15ST shows 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.

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

[0270] 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).

[0271] 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).

[0272] Furthermore, as shown in classification 2 of Figure 13, information (reference information) 164 indicating the key points of each control menu may be displayed as needed in response to the operation of input keys 158 or 159. 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").

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

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

[0275] In Figure 15, the display screen shown in the central display unit 16M is a dedicated display screen for the "combined cooking mode" KM2, and is referred to as the second specific screen 16M2.

[0276] Next, we will explain Figures 16 to 22. Figure 16 is a plan view showing the relationship between the display operation of the central display unit 16M and the central control unit 15M in the combined cooking mode KM2. It shows the operating procedure before the start of the heating operation.

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

[0278] If input key 153M is pressed before input key 154M or 155M, the input process will change to the KM1 linked cooking mode. In other words, from that point onward, the standby initial screen 16MH (see Figure 41) switches to the first specific screen 16M1 (see Figures 19 to 22).

[0279] As described above, when either input key 154M or 155M is pressed with the fingertip FG, three candidate control menus for multiple combined cooking modes KM2 are displayed in the first area 22 of the display screen (second specific screen) 16M2 of the central display unit 16M. In other words, three pieces of identification information (including graphic marks and names of cooked items) 160, 161, and 162 are displayed to identify each of the three control menus on a one-to-one basis. The position where the identification information 160 for one of the control menus is displayed may hereafter be referred to as "display position A".

[0280] In Figure 16, there are three control menus displayed on the central display unit 16M: "Reheat," "IH Heating," and "Manual Microwave." The number of control menus in this way is called the "number of control menus for combined cooking."

[0281] In this embodiment 1, the positions where the identification information 161 and 162 are displayed may hereafter be referred to as "display position B" and "display position C," respectively.

[0282] In this embodiment 1, the control menu displayed at "Display Position A" (shown as "Warm" in Figure 16) has the highest selection priority. In other words, in the state shown in Figure 16, when input key 151M is pressed, the heating operation starts with "Warm".

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

[0284] Furthermore, to change the target temperature of 85°C in the "Reheat" function, simply touch input key 156M or 157M. In this case, even if you use a "long press" instead of the usual "short press," only the normal temperature change input will be possible. In other words, changing to voice input mode 2 cannot be done using input keys 156M or 157M.

[0285] In Figure 16, one light-emitting unit 21M corresponding to the input key 153M is marked with a star shape, which indicates that the light-emitting unit 21M is blinking (or emitting light in a different color from the other light-emitting units) and is operational.

[0286] As is clear from Figure 16, at the stage when the control menu is displayed in the first area 22, one of the light-emitting units 21M corresponding to input keys 156M and 157M does not yet blink (or emit light in a different color from the other light-emitting units). In other words, it indicates that input operation is not possible.

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

[0288] Furthermore, in Figure 17, one light-emitting unit 21M corresponding to the input key 151M is enclosed in a dashed circle. This indicates that the light-emitting unit 21M is blinking (or emitting light in a different color from the other light-emitting units) and is waiting for a command to start cooking.

[0289] Incidentally, in Figure 17, when the input key 154M, which is one of the "voice input switching keys," is touched, if the touch state is "long press," a mark 154V indicating that it has switched to "voice input mode 1" is displayed by the light-emitting element 27B (see Figure 10) surrounding the touch area of ​​the input key 154M. In other words, the light-emitting element 27B (see Figure 10), such as an LED located below the top plate 3, lights up in response to a signal from the light-emitting control unit 26, and displays a frame as shown in Figure 17 around the input key 154M. Alternatively, the entire touch area of ​​the input key 154M is illuminated from below so that it can be clearly distinguished from other input keys.

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

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

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

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

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

[0295] The aforementioned information 179B refers to the conditions shown in "Region 2" as explained in Figure 12. In other words, it indicates that the user US can only be selected within the range of 0°C to 90°C. The aforementioned information 179C refers to the conditions shown in "Region 2," which is also explained in Figure 12. In other words, it indicates that in the "reheat" control menu for microwave heating of frozen food, the user US can only select a temperature range of -10°C to 0°C.

[0296] The auxiliary information 179 (179A~179C) shown in Figure 18 indicates that the user (US) can input information by voice, and by specifying in advance the range of control conditions that can be input by voice, unnecessary voice input and the utterance of inappropriate conditions can be avoided, resulting in improved usability for the user (US).

[0297] As is clear from Figure 18, after the mark 154V is displayed, if the auxiliary information 179 for voice input mode 1 remains displayed in the large display area formed by combining the second area 23 and the third area 24, the conditions for starting the heating operation are not met. In other words, the state shown in Figure 18 does not recommend pressing down (touching) the input key (start key) 151M, as shown in Figure 17. Therefore, the light-emitting unit 21M is not emitting light (flashing).

[0298] In other words, in this embodiment 1, after switching to voice input mode, the heating operation cannot be started if no predetermined control conditions are input (the state shown in Figure 18).

[0299] Next, we will explain Figures 19 to 22. Figure 19 is a plan view showing the relationship between the display operation of the central display unit 16M and the central control unit 15M in the KM1 linked cooking mode. It shows the operating procedure before the start of the heating operation.

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

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

[0302] Furthermore, even if input keys 155M or 156M have been pressed earlier and the setting operation for the "combined cooking mode" KM2, such as microwave heating or microwave grill (RG) cooking, has been partially completed, if it is before the input key 151M has been pressed, the input process will change to the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 from the moment input key 153M is pressed. In other words, from this point onward, only the first specific screen 16M1 will be displayed on the central display unit 16M.

[0303] Figure 19 shows the state immediately after pressing the input key 153M, where the identification information 167 for a specific cooking menu (e.g., hamburger) set by default is displayed in the first area 22.

[0304] When the input key 153M is touched, and then the input key 154M or 155M is touched, further identification information (including graphic marks and names of cooked items) 168 or 169 is displayed in the first area 22 of the display screen (first specific screen) 16M1 of the central display unit 16M to identify the cooked items that are the target of multiple linked cooking modes KM1 (which are linked cooking menus).

[0305] In Figure 19, the number of "items to be cooked" that can be prepared in the linked cooking mode displayed on the central display unit 16M is three. These are hamburgers, gratin, and roast beef, and the number of items to be cooked is referred to as the "number of linked cooking menus."

[0306] In this embodiment 1, there are a total of 8 linked cooking menus. Details are explained in Figure 25. However, it is possible to further increase the number of linked cooking menus by obtaining recipe data from a smartphone (communication terminal) 200, as described later.

[0307] In Figure 19, 167, 168, and 169 are identification information, and in this embodiment 1, this information represents a one-to-one correspondence between the names of the cooked items (e.g., hamburger steak, gratin, roast beef). When describing all the identification information of the linked cooking menu KM1, the reference numeral 167 is used.

[0308] The position where the control menu identification information 160, as explained in Figures 15 to 18, was displayed was referred to as "display position A". In contrast, in the collaborative cooking mode KM1, the position where the identification information 167 is displayed is also display position A.

[0309] In this embodiment 1, the positions where identification information 160 and identification information 167 are displayed are the same "display position A," but they may be set to different positions. However, to avoid confusing the user US, in the linked cooking mode KM1, the same position (display position A) is always used for all eight linked cooking menus. Similarly, in the combined cooking mode KM2, it is best to unify the "display position A" to the same (one) position for each control menu.

[0310] If input keys 154M and 155M are not pressed (within a certain time), the system will automatically proceed to the next step and switch to the display screen shown in Figure 20. Figure 20 will be explained. In Figure 20, the heating unit identification sections 171L and 171R are displayed in the first identification screen 16M1. The user US can then select either the right IH coil 9R or the left IH coil 9L by operating the adjacent input keys 157M and 156M. In this embodiment 1, the left heating unit 4L is set as the default, and operation of input keys 157M and 156M is not mandatory.

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

[0312] As shown in Figure 20, above the identification information 167 shown on the first specific screen 16M1 (at the rear position in a plan view), identification information 168 indicating the name of another dish (for example, gratin) is displayed.

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

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

[0315] In this embodiment 1, as mentioned above, there are a total of 8 types of food to be cooked in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Therefore, for example, if you operate the left input key 155M 8 times, the identification information 167 for one food to be cooked (e.g., hamburger) will cycle through. Conversely, if you operate the right input key 154M 8 times, the identification information 167 for one food to be cooked (e.g., hamburger) will cycle through.

[0316] By the way, after selecting a cooking menu (e.g., hamburger), as described above, you need to select the left and right heating units 4L and 4R or input control conditions (e.g., preheating temperature), and then give the command to start the heating operation using input key 151M.

[0317] As described above, inputting the left and right heating sections 4L and 4R and control conditions (e.g., preheating temperature) requires repeatedly pressing either input key 154M or 155M, thus requiring the user US to perform multiple touch operations. This is also the case for the combined cooking mode KM2 mentioned earlier. For example, as explained in Figure 12, the temperature setting for "reheating" can be selected within the range of 0 to 90°C, but since input keys 156M and 157M can only input a 5-degree increase (or decrease) with a single touch operation, inputting 15 degrees requires three touch operations ("short presses").

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

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

[0320] Let's explain Figure 21. At the moment when the mark 154V indicating that the system has switched to voice input mode is displayed, voice input mode display information 179A indicating that voice input is being accepted may be displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 as auxiliary information 179, as shown in Figure 21.

[0321] The state shown in Figure 21 is one in which the left and right heating sections 4L and 4R have not yet been selected. However, in this state shown in Figure 21, if the user US inputs setting information, for example, "left IH," then the selection of the left heating section 4L will be displayed on the first identification screen 16M1. Figure 22 below shows an example where the function is set to automatically select the left heating section 4L. As shown in Figure 22, the result of the automatic selection of the left heating section 4L is displayed on the first identification screen 16M1.

[0322] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 22, one light-emitting unit 21M corresponding to input key 151M blinks (or emits light in a different color from the other light-emitting units) as indicated by the dashed circle, and the unit proceeds to a state waiting for a command to start cooking. Therefore, pressing input key 151M will start the heating and cooking operation.

[0323] Next, we will explain Figure 23. In Figure 23(A), FG represents the fingertip of user US. Each time the input key 155M is pressed, the display content of the first specific screen 16M1 changes as shown in Figure 23(B), as shown in display screens 23A to 23D.

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

[0325] For example, as mentioned above, pressing the function setting key 151KP displays a dedicated display screen for the "function setting menu" on the central display unit 16M. Therefore, it is advisable to pre-configure the system so that pressing and holding a specific input key other than the aforementioned function setting key 151KP (for example, 156M) automatically selects the food ingredient display mode. For example, one of the setting menus in the aforementioned "function setting menu" (for example, hamburger) can be set to automatically display the "food ingredient display" or "nutritional information display" screen.

[0326] Furthermore, while the display screen for setting such "food composition information" or "nutritional information information" is set, operating one specific input key other than the function setting key 151KP (for example, any one of 156M, 157M, etc.) may allow the user to set conditions for "food composition information" or "nutritional information information" or cancel the settings. For example, it may be possible to set the display to show only "iron" and "energy (calorie equivalent)" from the nutrients within a specific range.

[0327] Therefore, if the function setting key 151KP is used to prioritize either food components or nutritional components and display them preferentially based on that, then "Hamburger" may not necessarily be displayed first, as shown in Figure 23(A).

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

[0329] For example, Figure 23 displays three cooking menus: gratin, hamburger steak, and roast beef. At this point, pressing the input key 180 will switch to voice input mode 2. After this, user US may give the voice input "low-calorie menu". Incidentally, the energy content (in kilocalories) per 100g is approximately 152 for gratin (macaroni gratin), 223 for hamburger steak, and 196 for roast beef. Therefore, among these three, macaroni is selected as the "menu with the lowest calorie value".

[0330] Alternatively, in the state shown in Figure 23, you can switch to voice input mode 1 by "long-pressing" input key 154M, and then use voice input to extract menus with low calorie values.

[0331] Next, we will explain Figure 24. Figure 24 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.

[0332] At the stage shown in Figures 20 to 23, if the user US issues a command via voice input to display either food components or nutritional components, or if the user touches input key 158M or 159M at the stage where operation support information 170 is displayed (see Figure 20), the first specific screen 16M1 will temporarily switch to the display screens shown in Figures 24(A) and 24(B). Pressing input key 158M will result in a command to display food components.

[0333] In the following explanation, the display screen in Figure 24(A) will be referred to as the "Food Composition Display Screen" 16M1A, and the display screen in Figure 24(B) will be referred to as the "Nutritional Composition Display Screen" 16M1B.

[0334] 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 either input key 158M or 159M is operated one more time within the aforementioned fixed time (10 seconds).

[0335] Let's explain Figure 25. Figure 25 is a table showing the correspondence between cooking menus in "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 and the operation support information 170 (see Figure 20).

[0336] As can be seen from Figure 25, 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 151M.

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

[0338] Next, we will explain Figure 26. In this embodiment 1, a "cooperative preheating cooking mode" KM4 is provided as one type of cooperative cooking mode KM1. There are two types of this KM4 integrated preheating cooking mode.

[0339] One example of a cooking menu that utilizes the aforementioned linked preheating cooking mode KM4 is "hamburg steak." In the case of "hamburg steak," the preheating process is performed by the first heating means HM1.

[0340] 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.

[0341] In other words, in the coordinated preheating cooking mode KM4, 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.

[0342] Unless otherwise inconsistent, the following explanation assumes that the linked cooking mode KM1 includes the linked preheating cooking mode KM4.

[0343] When selecting the KM1 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 of the left IH coil 9L becomes unavailable for use for other cooking menus (also referred to as "occupied state").

[0344] Specifically, of the various input keys on the left control unit 15L, at least input key 153L is disabled by the heating control unit 43. This "disabled" means both that no valid command signal is sent from input key 153L 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.

[0345] At the same time, when identification information 167 is displayed, the right control unit 15R of the right heating port 4R may be disabled (by "disabling" the input key 153R). However, if the user US has previously set the function on the input control unit 15 (using the function setting key 151KP) so that this "disabling" is not performed, 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).

[0346] Therefore, only the left IH coil 9L is "occupied" by selecting the KM1 linked cooking mode. Also, looking at the first heating source HM1 as a whole, only a portion of the three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R (the left IH coil 9L) is "restricted" to use. Note that if the right IH coil 9R is not in use for other cooking, this right IH coil 9R may also be occupied in the same way.

[0347] Next, we will explain Figure 26. Figure 26 shows the operation steps when "karaage" (Japanese fried chicken) is performed in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode. In Figure 26, #1 to #9 show the user US's operations and the changes in the state of the heating appliance 1.

[0348] Unlike the case of the "hamburger" mentioned earlier, the "karaage" shown in Figure 26 has cooking step 1 performed in the heating chamber 6, and cooking step 2 performed in the first heating means HM1.

[0349] In Figure 26, before starting cooking step 1 to cook "karaage" (Japanese fried chicken), user US first selects the left IH coil 9L and presses input key 151L. Then, preheating of the object to be heated N, which is placed on top plate 3, begins. In this case, the object to be heated N is a metal pot or frying pan, and a certain amount of cooking oil is added to it.

[0350] Meanwhile, user US opens the door 7 of heating chamber 6 and places the ingredients for "karaage" (seasoned chicken, etc.) into heating chamber 6 (#1). Then, after closing door 7, perform operation A23, which is called "pressing the start button." This involves pressing input key 151M on the central control panel 15M.

[0351] At this point, the microwave heating source (second heating means HM2) is activated and cooking process 1 of microwave heating cooking begins. Then, reference information notification 1 is issued.

[0352] The aforementioned notification 1 is, for example, an announcement that the time remaining until the end of heating has been reached, such as "Microwave heating has started. Heating time is XX minutes." Alternatively, if the control system detects the temperature of the food being cooked to determine when to end the heating process, the notification could also be an announcement indicating the target temperature, such as "Heating to XX°C."

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

[0354] User US can stop microwave heating at any time during cooking process 1. To stop it, simply open door 7. Pressing input key 152M on the central control panel 15M once will temporarily stop microwave heating. However, pressing input key 152M twice in quick succession will cancel the cooking mode, and the "karaage" (fried chicken) selection in the linked cooking mode will be canceled.

[0355] Opening door 7 immediately stops the microwave heating operation, and cooking process 1 ends (#3). Next, the user US moves the food heated in the heating chamber 6 into the food to be heated on the top plate 3, which is now being preheated (#4).

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

[0357] As described above, the user US does not need to operate the input control unit 15 in order to start cooking process 2 (#5). The start of cooking step 2 is when the food to be cooked is placed on top of the food to be heated and is in a state where it is heated. Alternatively, the start of cooking step 2 can be electrically determined by the temperature sensor group 30 (see Figure 10) detecting the temporary drop in the temperature of the food to be cooked as a result of placing the food on top of it. The cooking process 2 can be terminated at any time by the user US operating the left control unit 15L.

[0358] Next, the user US moves the food being cooked again. First, open door 7 and place the food to be cooked into heating chamber 6, then close door 7 (#6). Then, press input key 151M on the central control unit 15M to start cooking process 3 of the range grill control menu (RG control menu).

[0359] In this case, to prevent microwave heating or other methods from being performed without placing the food to be cooked into the heating chamber 6 (so-called "empty heating"), the heating operation can only be started by pressing the input key 151M if the door 7 is opened once after the cooking process 1 is completed and then closed again (as detected by the door 7 opening / closing detection unit 10). Furthermore, safety is enhanced by limiting the timing of operating this input key 151M to a certain period of time (for example, 3 minutes) from the end of the cooking process 1, or to a certain period of time (for example, 2 minutes) from the time the door 7 is opened and then closed again.

[0360] When the cooking process 3 by the range grill drive unit in the heating chamber 6 is started by user US's operation input A26, a predetermined time (TN5) has elapsed, and the operation support information 170 is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1. An audio notification is also provided.

[0361] The aforementioned voice notification includes information such as, for example, "Heating will be finished in 30 seconds. If you wish to extend the time further, please set the time." Also, since it is clear that the final cooking process is complete, the user US can begin preparing to remove the "karaage" from the heating chamber 6 from the moment this operation support information 170 is notified. In synchronization with this, the content of the operation support information 170 is displayed in text or other format on the central display unit 16M. The operation support information 170 is displayed at a specific position on the first specific screen 16M1, as shown in the example in Figure 20.

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

[0363] Induction heating cooking can be terminated by operating the left control panel 15L. In other words, user US operation A28 at this point is to press input key 153L on the left control panel 15L, which corresponds to the left IH coil 9L.

[0364] The cooking sequence shown in Figure 26 can shorten the time required from the start of induction heating (start of preheating process) to the end of cooking process 1. In other words, the food ingredients (items to be cooked) are placed in the heating chamber 6 and cooking process 1 is started at an earlier point, without waiting for the preheating process by induction heating to be completed or for the preheating completion notification to be issued.

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

[0366] Note that while the example of "karaage" (Japanese fried chicken) in Figure 26 includes cooking step 3, cooking steps 3 and 4 are not always necessary. Depending on the type of food being cooked and the user's preferences, the process should be completed at the necessary cooking steps.

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

[0368] Next, we will explain Figure 27. Figure 27, like Figure 26, shows the operation steps when "karaage" (Japanese fried chicken) is selected as the cooking menu in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode. In Figure 27, #1 to #9 indicate user US operations and changes in the state of the cooking appliance 1, as explained in Figure 26. The other symbols correspond to those in Figure 26.

[0369] The differences between Figure 27 and Figure 26 will be explained below. Figure 27 shows the case where cooking process 1 is started in the heating chamber 6 after waiting for the preheating of the object to be heated by the first heating means HM1 to be completed and for the notification (#2) to be given.

[0370] When the preheating of the object to be heated by the first heating means HM1 is indicated on the first specific screen 16M1, the left and right display units 16L and 16R, and the user US is notified by voice from the voice notification unit 50, the user US opens the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 and places the ingredients for "karaage" (seasoned chicken, etc.) into the heating chamber 6 (#1). Then, after closing door 7, press input key 151M on the central control unit 15M.

[0371] At this point, the microwave heating cooking process 1 begins. Then, the reference information notification 1 is issued. From this point onward, the process is the same as shown in Figure 26.

[0372] In the cooking sequence shown in Figure 27, the time required from the start of the heating operation of the first heating means HM1 (start of preheating process) to the end of cooking process 1 is longer compared to Figure 26.

[0373] However, since the heating of the food (food to be cooked) in the heating chamber 6 is started only after the preheating by the first heating means HM1 is complete or an indication of preheating completion has been received, there is a guarantee that cooking process 2 can be immediately started with the first heating means HM1 when cooking process 1 in the heating chamber 6 is finished, simply by moving the food to the heating chamber 6. For this reason, this method is suitable for users US who are not very familiar with the linked preheating cooking mode KM4.

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

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

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

[0377] Next, we will explain Figure 28. Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heating control unit 43 until the transition to the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0378] In the cooperative cooking mode KM1 of this embodiment 1, there is a pattern (first cooperative cooking mode) in which the first heating means HM1 is driven first, and then at least one of the second heating means HM2 or the third heating means HM3 is driven. There are four representative cooking menus suitable for cooking with this pattern, ranging from "hamburg steak" to "gratin," as shown in the table in Figure 25.

[0379] There is also a second collaborative cooking mode, which is in the reverse order. There are four representative cooking menus suitable for this second collaborative cooking mode, ranging from "karaage" (Japanese fried chicken) to "tempura," as shown in the lower half of the list in Figure 25.

[0380] The steps in Figure 28 are common to both the first and second coordinated cooking modes. First, in the initial step SB1, the input key 153M of the central control unit 15M is operated. This initiates the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

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

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

[0383] In the next step, SB3, it is determined whether at least one of the input keys 154M and 155M has been operated. As explained in Figures 8 and 19-22, by operating the two input keys 154M and 155M, identification information 167 indicating the name of the food to be cooked in cooperative cooking mode (for example, hamburger) can be selected.

[0384] If input keys 154M and 155M are not pressed (within a certain time), proceed to step SB4. Step SB4 is the step in which the user selects one of the two heating element identification sections 171L and 171R displayed on the first identification screen 16M1, as described above. The user US can select either the right IH coil 9R or the left IH coil 9L by operating the adjacent input keys 157M and 156M.

[0385] Alternatively, you can set the left heating port 4L as the default setting, display the heating unit identification unit 171L on the first identification screen 16M1 first, and then proceed to step S5. In the example explained in Figure 22, when cooking hamburgers using the linked cooking function, the left heating port 4L was set as the default setting, and the left IH coil 9L was set to be selected preferentially.

[0386] In the next step, SB5, it is determined whether an input operation has been performed to cancel the selection of the cooperative cooking mode. If input key 152M is pressed once, it is determined to be "Yes". Then the process returns to step SB3. If input key 152M is pressed twice in a short period of time (for example, 5 seconds), it is determined that cooperative cooking mode KM1 has been canceled, and the process returns to the initial standby screen state before step SB1. Therefore, the selection of the three cooking modes KM1 to KM3 returns to its initial state.

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

[0388] In Figure 28, step SB7 is the activation of various functional parts in the operation program of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, according to the "cooking conditions" (including "control conditions" such as heat level and heating time) of a specific cooperative cooking menu (recipe), such as "hamburg steak". In other words, the system transitions to cooperative cooking mode KM1 from this stage.

[0389] First, in step SB7, the display unit corresponding to the heating unit selected in step SB4 is activated. However, in the case of cooking menus that use the microwave heating means (second heating means HM2) or the third heating means HM3 in cooking process 1 (as mentioned above, for example, "karaage"), the central display unit 16M is already activated, so no new display unit is activated in step SB7.

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

[0391] In step SB8, the cooking process of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 begins after waiting for the input key 153L to be operated. Furthermore, the content displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 of step SB8 includes process information 172, such as the fact that the first cooking process 1 uses the left IH coil 9L, and the next cooking process 2 uses a microwave heating means (second heating means HM2), as explained in Figure 19.

[0392] Next, Figures 29 and 30 will be explained. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heating control unit 43 until it transitions to the cooperative cooking mode. Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the permission conditions and judgment results before transitioning to the cooperative cooking mode.

[0393] Figure 29 will be explained. Steps ST1 to ST8 are operation steps defined in the basic operation program 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.

[0394] 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.

[0395] If, at step ST2, the device is configured to send startup information from the cooking appliance 1 to the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300, the communication unit 51 wirelessly transmits the startup information (operating status data OS) at this stage.

[0396] 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.

[0397] Next, it is determined whether an input key other than input key 153M (for example, 154M) has been operated (ST5). If input key 153M has been operated, step STC becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step ST6. In other words, the process proceeds to the step where "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 is used.

[0398] In step ST6, the permission condition determination unit 54 checks whether the "permission conditions" are met. For example, it checks the usage status of the heating source used in the "cooperative cooking mode" KM3. These permit conditions and the judgment results are explained in detail in Figure 30 below.

[0399] 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 153M was pressed, and whether the "combined cooking mode" KM2 was selected by the central control unit 15M (by input key 154M or 155M).

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

[0401] On the other hand, if input key 153M is not operated, and another input key (for example, input key 155M or 154M) 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.

[0402] In Figure 29, steps ST6 and ST7 are the operation steps of "Permission Condition 1," which determines whether to allow cooking using the "Cooperative Cooking Mode" KM3. Step ST6 is the stage where "Permission Condition 1" is determined.

[0403] 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.

[0404] 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.

[0405] (3) In the first heating means HM1, neither the right heating port 4R nor the left heating port 4L is being used for heating (or only one of them is being used for heating). In other words, neither the left IH coil 9L nor the right IH coil 9R is being used for heating. (4) The "permission condition 4" described later must be met. In other words, the latest temperature of the top plate 3 must be within the limit (for example, not exceeding 100°C).

[0406] 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.

[0407] 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.

[0408] 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.

[0409] The reason why a demand of 5000W or more is required when implementing the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1 is that the maximum (instantaneous) power consumption of each heating source during operation when the cooperative cooking mode is in operation is as follows:

[0410] (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)

[0411] 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.

[0412] 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.

[0413] 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.

[0414] 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.

[0415] 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).

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

[0417] In step STX1 of Figure 30, voice (notification) 1 to voice (notification) 4 indicate the content that is notified to the user US by the voice notification unit 50. In other words, it specifically shows the content of step ST8 in Figure 29.

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

[0419] The first specific screen 16M1 is not displayed unless the prerequisites (permission conditions 1 and 2) for transitioning to "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 are met. Therefore, after the user US has set (selected) various conditions for "cooperative cooking mode" KM3 (for example, identification information 167), it is not the case that the system will return to the initial standby screen (step ST4 in Figure 29) if permission condition 1 or permission condition 2 is not met. Thus, the user US is not forced to perform unnecessary input operations.

[0420] Next, Figure 31 will be explained. Figure 31 illustrates the operation from starting the heating appliance 1 to obtaining a recipe data CD for the heating appliance 1 from the communication terminal 200 or an external server (cloud server 300).

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

[0422] In Figure 31, 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 basic operation program explained in Figure 29.

[0423] 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.

[0424] Steps SS1 to SS4 are the same as steps ST1 to ST4 explained in Figure 29, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0425] In step SS5, the heating appliance 1 performs an operation to ask the user US for prior confirmation on whether to send a signal to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300, which has been pre-registered, requesting the provision of a cooking recipe data CD. A "confirmation screen" is displayed on the central display unit 16M, and an announcement is also made by the voice notification unit 50. This "confirmation screen" is a type of the standby initial screen 16MH, which will be described later.

[0426] If the user US has previously set the external connection in step SS5 to be performed automatically using the function setting key 151KP on the input operation unit 15, it will be performed automatically at a predetermined timing.

[0427] In other words, as explained in Figure 1, the smartphone 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be automatically paired, and wireless communication 330 can be established between the smartphone 200 and the cooking appliance 1.

[0428] The external connection in step SS5 involves repeatedly transmitting and receiving data alternately several times between the heating 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 signal 1, the communication terminal 200 receives signal 1 and sends signal 2. Upon receiving this, the cooking appliance 1 checks its internal status (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.

[0429] Finally, the necessary "configuration information" (including the recipe data CD) is received from the external communication device (communication terminal 200, etc.). In other words, the cooking appliance 1 receives one signal, immediately sends another signal back, and performs several alternating communications until it finally receives 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. These details are explained in Figures 59 and 60.

[0430] On the other hand, as part of facilitating the external connection described above, in step SS6, the central display unit 16M displays predetermined icons and information to inform the user US that the recipe data CD can be obtained. An example of this is shown in display screen 2C of Figure 40. The information displayed to the user US is shown concisely in text, for example, as shown in the acquisition operation support information 60P on display screen 2C of Figure 40.

[0431] In step SS6, if the user does not consent to connecting to an external device (such as the communication terminal 200), a non-received 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.

[0432] 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).

[0433] In the next step, SS8, the contents of the recipe data CD acquired from the external device, particularly the identification information 167, are displayed on the central display unit 16M. The voice notification unit 50 also notifies the fact of reception, for example, "Hamburger recipe received."

[0434] 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.

[0435] 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. These will be explained in detail later.

[0436] Next, we will explain Figures 32 to 38. Figure 32 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 33 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps after the main power is turned on in the heating cooker 1. Figure 34 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the linked cooking mode in the heating cooker 1. Figure 35 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the combined cooking mode in the heating cooker 1. Figure 36 is flowchart 1 showing the input steps for the single cooking mode in the heating cooker 1. Figure 37 is a flowchart showing the main input steps from acquiring recipe data to starting cooking, using the central control unit. Figure 38 is flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the heating cooker 1. Figure 39 is flowchart 2 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the heating cooker 1.

[0437] Figures 32 to 36 show the case of the "voice input mode 1A" described above. That is, in a single input operation unit 15 (for example, the central operation unit 15M), an input key 154M is provided as the "combined key" among multiple input keys. Therefore, when the input mode is changed to "Voice Input Mode 1A" by the input key 154M, the input function of the input keys other than the input key (shared key) 154M (156M, 158M, etc.) is disabled from that point onward.

[0438] Figures 32 to 36 illustrate a case where the user US operates the input control unit 15 of the cooking appliance 1 to perform cooking, rather than a case where recipe data CD is obtained from an external source (such as a communication terminal 200) and cooking is performed using that data.

[0439] Figure 32 will be explained. In Figure 32, the white symbols (such as 153M) indicate the input keys 153M, etc., to be operated in the following steps S2 to S15. In Figure 32, the main input keys are also shown in white lettering. 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" the input key (combined key) 154M.

[0440] 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 operating steps for the single-cook mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1.

[0441] 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). Next, when the input key 153M is touched, the linked cooking mode KM1 is selected (step S2), and the first identification screen 16M1 is displayed (step S3).

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

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

[0444] As is clear from Figure 32, if the input key (shared key) 154M is "long-pressed" at step S4, 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."

[0445] Next, we will explain Figure 32. In step S2, if you touch input key 154M or 155M instead of input key 153M, the combined cooking mode KM2 is selected (step S7), and the second identification screen 16M2 is displayed (step S8). Each time you touch input key 154M or 155M, you can display a succession of different control menus (see Figure 16) (step S9).

[0446] In step S9, if one of the control menus displayed on the second specific screen 16M2 (for example, "reheat") is acceptable, then pressing input key 156M or 157M will allow you to select control conditions (microwave output, heating time, etc.) (step S10).

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

[0448] As is clear from Figure 32, if the input key (shared key) 154M is "long-pressed" at step S7, the control device 40 switches to a "voice input standby state," allowing range conditions to be entered 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 entered by voice, such as "500W for 10 minutes."

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

[0450] Each time you touch the input key 152L or 152R, you can display a succession of different control menus (see Figure 41) (step S14).

[0451] In step S14, if one of the control menus displayed on the third specific screen 16M3 (see Figure 41) is acceptable, then pressing input key 155L or 156L (for left control unit 15L) or input key 155R or 156R (for right control unit 15R) allows you to select control conditions (such as induction heating power and heating time) (step S15).

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

[0453] As is clear from Figure 32, if the input key (shared key) 153L or 153R is "long-pressed" at step S12, the control device 40 switches to a "voice input standby state," allowing the range conditions to be input by voice between steps S14 and S15. For example, the user US can input the control menu (in this case, "boil water") and control conditions together by uttering a command such as "boil water, heat level 6." Alternatively, only the control conditions may be input by voice.

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

[0455] As is clear from Figure 32, the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1 is The input operation unit 15 has a first input operation unit (right operation unit 15R and left operation unit 15L) for the first heating means HM1, and a second input operation unit (center operation unit 15M) for the second heating means. The first input operation units 15L and 15R each have input keys A (153L, 153R), and the second input operation unit 15M has input keys B (153M, 154M), The control device 40 is configured to enable the earlier touch input of either input key A (153L, 153R) or input key B (153M, 154M), and to not start the input process using the other input key until the input of the control conditions (heat level, heating time, etc.) for the heating cooking mode (cooperative cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, single cooking mode KM3) or control mode (such as "reheat") has been completed and heating cooking has started.

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

[0457] Therefore, for example, if input key 154M is touch-operated and then long-pressed to switch to voice input mode, input from other input keys will be disabled (however, input keys 151M and 152M will retain their input functionality).

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

[0459] Furthermore, if the KM1 linked cooking mode is entered using voice input mode via a single input key (for example, 154M), the voice input mode will be deactivated when input key 151M is pressed to start the cooking process. Therefore, when the user then selects another cooking mode using touch controls, no confusion will occur.

[0460] Next, Figure 33 will be explained. In Figure 33, the white symbols (e.g., 153M) indicate the input keys (153M, etc.) operated in steps SM3, SM4, and SM8. In Figure 33, step SM1 performs the same processing as steps ST2 and ST3 in Figure 29. That is, the central display unit 16M is activated and the standby initial screen 16MH is displayed. An abnormality 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.

[0461] In the next step, SM2, the input functions of all input operation units 15M, 15L, and 15R are enabled, preparing for touch input operations on each input key (153M, 154M, 153L, 154R, etc.). Furthermore, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 11) located within the input operation unit 15 initiates the measurement of elapsed time. While Figure 11 shows an example of the central operation unit 15M, the right operation unit 15R and the 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.

[0462] 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.

[0463] First, step SM3 determines whether the input key 153M has been touched. If it has been touched, the process proceeds to route A1 shown in Figures 33 and 34. In step SM3, if no touch operation is performed, the result is "No," and the process proceeds to step SM4. In step SM4, if either input key 154M or 155M is touched, the result is "Yes," and the process proceeds to route B1 shown in Figures 33 and 35.

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

[0465] In step SM8 shown in Figure 33, 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 11) 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.

[0466] 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.

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

[0468] 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). The denial process is the process described in step ST8 in Figure 29.

[0469] If the result of step SM41 is "Yes", proceed to step SM42. From step SM42 onwards, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed. The state at the time this first specific screen 16M1 is displayed is shown, for example, in Figure 20. Subsequently, the input keys 154M or 155M are touched (multiple touches are allowed) to select a specific cooking menu (e.g., hamburger).

[0470] In Figure 34, in step SM43, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 11) 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 10), step SM44 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM45.

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

[0472] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the system switches to voice input mode 1A immediately after "long-pressing" the input key 154M, and this voice input mode 1A continues automatically thereafter. However, this voice input mode 1A is deactivated when the heating operation starts (i.e., it is deactivated when the input key 151M is touched).

[0473] 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 is complete. If step SM46 is determined to be "Yes", the system enters a waiting state to await input from input key 151M (A21).

[0474] 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 shown in step SM6 of Figure 39. 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.

[0475] We will continue to explain steps SM50 and beyond using Figure 34. 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 29.

[0476] If the result of step SM50 is "Yes", proceed to step SM51. From step SM51, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed. The state at the time this first specific screen 16M1 is displayed is shown, for example, in Figure 20. Subsequently, the input keys 154M or 155M are touched (multiple touches are allowed) to select a specific cooking menu (e.g., hamburger).

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

[0478] By the time of step SM53, the control device 40 has already switched to touch input mode. Therefore, if the input key 155M is touch-activated after step SM52, the input to the input key 155M is accepted by the control device 40 due to the touch input mode. In other words, as long as it is a touch input, step SM53 will be "Yes", and the system can proceed to step SM46, which indicates that the input is complete. As an exception, if the input key 154 is touch-activated again (in this case, "long-pressed"), the system may be modified to cancel the touch input mode and return to "voice input mode 1".

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

[0480] If the elapsed time from step SM52 has not exceeded the time limit TY, the process proceeds to step SM55. Then, a check is performed to determine if the input is complete. If step SM55 results in a "Yes" determination, the system enters a waiting state, awaiting input from input key 151M (A22).

[0481] 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 33. 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.

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

[0483] If the result is "Yes" in step SM60, the process proceeds to step SM61. On the other hand, if it was a "short press", the result is "No", and the process proceeds 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 of the cooperative cooking mode (see Figures 29 and 30). In this combined cooking mode, "permission condition 3" is defined as the result of checking the latest temperature of the heating chamber 6 by the temperature sensor group 30 being, for example, 80°C or lower. If the result measured by the temperature sensor group 30 is, for example, 100°C, it will exceed the temperature detection range (90°C or lower) of the control menu "reheat".

[0484] 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.

[0485] If the result of step SM61 is "Yes", proceed to step SM62. From step SM62 onwards, the second specific screen 16M2 is displayed. The state at the time this second specific screen 16M2 is displayed is shown in Figure 16, for example. Subsequently, the input keys 154M or 155M are touched (multiple touches are allowed) to select a specific control menu (e.g., reheat).

[0486] In Figure 35, in step SM63, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 11) 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 10), step SM64 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM65.

[0487] By the way, at step SM63, the control device 40 has already switched to voice input mode 1. Therefore, if the input key 155M is touch-pressed after step SM63, the input of the input key 155M will not be accepted by the control device 40 due to the voice input mode (because it is set to "Voice Input Mode 1A"). In other words, unless voice input is made, step SM64 will not become "Yes", and the system cannot proceed to step SM66, which indicates input completion. As an exception, if the input key 154M is touch-pressed again (in this case, a "short press"), "Voice Input Mode 1" may be deactivated. Also, if it is set to "Voice Input Mode 1B", the touch input of the input key 155M will be accepted by the control device 40.

[0488] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the system switches to voice input mode 1 immediately after pressing and holding input key 154M, but this voice input mode 1 is automatically deactivated when the command to start heating is given (by touching input key 151M).

[0489] 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 is complete. If step SM66 is determined to be "Yes", the system enters a waiting state to await input from input key 151M (B21).

[0490] 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 33. 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.

[0491] Next, we will explain steps SM70 and beyond using Figure 35. 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.

[0492] 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 this second specific screen 16M2 is displayed is shown in Figure 16, for example. Subsequently, the input keys 154M or 155M are touched (multiple touches are allowed) to select a specific control menu (e.g., reheat). At this stage, if you "long-press" input key 154M, the system switches to voice input mode 1 and proceeds to step SM63. However, if you do not "long-press" input key 154M, but instead input using input key 155M, or "short-press" input key 154, the "touch input mode" is maintained and the system proceeds to step SM72.

[0493] Thus, in this embodiment 1, when selecting a combined cooking mode or a control menu (e.g., reheat), pressing and holding the input key 154M 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 154M briefly cancels voice input mode 1 at that point.

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

[0495] By the time of step SM72, the control device 40 has already switched to touch input mode. Therefore, if the input key 155M is touch-activated after step SM72, the input of the input key 155M is accepted by the control device 40 due to the touch input mode. In other words, as long as it is a touch input, step SM73 will be "Yes", and the system can proceed to step SM75, which indicates that the input is complete. As an exception, if the input key 154M is touch-activated again (in this case, "long-pressed"), the system may be modified to cancel the touch input mode and return to "voice input mode 1".

[0496] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the touch input mode is maintained unless the input key 154M 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.

[0497] 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 process enters a waiting state to await input from input key 151M (B22).

[0498] 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 33. 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.

[0499] Next, Figure 36 will be explained. Figure 36 is a flowchart showing the operations after either input key 153L or 153R is touched in step SM8 of Figure 33. To simplify the following explanation, we will limit it to cases where the left control unit 15L is operated.

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

[0501] 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 (see Figures 29 and 30) 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 exceeding 100°C. This is because when the temperature of the object to be heated 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.

[0502] 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.

[0503] If the result of step SM81 is "Yes", proceed to step SM82. From step SM82 onwards, the third specific screen 16M3 is displayed. The state at the time this third specific screen 16M3 is displayed is shown, for example, in Figure 42. After that, you may touch the input keys 154L or 155L to select a specific control menu (e.g., preheating) (you may touch them multiple times).

[0504] 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 11) 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 10), 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.

[0505] 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 left control 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 (C21). It is also possible to modify the system so that the actual induction heating operation is started when a different input key 152L or 152R than the one operated in step SM8 (see Figure 33) is touched.

[0506] 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 33. 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.

[0507] Next, we will explain steps SM80 and beyond using Figure 36. 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.

[0508] If the result of step SM90 is "Yes", proceed to step SM91. From step SM91 onwards, the third specific screen 16M3 is displayed instead of the initial standby screen 16MH. The state at the time this third specific screen 16M3 is displayed is shown, for example, in Figure 42. Subsequently, input keys 154L, 155L, 151L, etc. are touched to select a specific control menu (e.g., preheating) (multiple touches are permitted).

[0509] In Figure 36, in step SM92, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 11) starts measuring the elapsed time in order to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded.

[0510] Incidentally, at this stage, since it is in "touch input mode," in the next step SM93, the time measurement unit 15T (see Figure 11) starts measuring the elapsed time in order to determine whether the preset time limit TY has been exceeded.

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

[0512] Note that if you "long-press" input keys 154L or 155R, these input keys do not have a function to switch to voice input mode 1, so voice input is not possible.

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

[0514] In other words, once you "long-press" input key 153L or 153R, 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 153L (153R) again (twice in a row), it will remain in voice input mode 1.

[0515] 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 time (for example, 10 seconds). In other words, with the first heating means HM1 using the left control 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). Note that the system may be modified so that the actual induction heating operation is started when a different input key 152L or 152R than the one operated in step SM8 (see Figure 33) is touched.

[0516] 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 33. 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.

[0517] Next, we will explain Figure 37. Figure 37 shows the operation of the cooking appliance 1 when cooking is performed using a recipe data CD obtained from an external source (such as a communication terminal 200). This Figure 37 shows the range when using the central control unit 15M. Therefore, it differs from Figure 32, which explains the range including the left and right control units 15L and 15R. The area indicated by the dashed frame shows the range of voice input available in "Voice Input Mode 1," which is switched when you "long-press" input key (combined key) 154M, etc., and "Voice Input Mode 2," which can be selected with input key 180.

[0518] For parts identical to those in Figure 32, the same reference numerals may be used, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Steps S2A to S6 show the operation steps for the KM1 cooperative cooking mode. Steps S7A to S11 show the operating steps for the combined cooking mode KM2. Steps S12A to S15 show the operating steps for the single-cook mode KM3 using the first heating means HM1.

[0519] 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). Step S1A represents the process of obtaining a recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300, etc. In step S1A, during the process of obtaining the recipe data CD from an external communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300, there is a process in which the user US operates specific input keys in advance.

[0520] In other words, in step SA1, the data acquisition unit 53 analyzes various information, such as identification information, contained in the received recipe data CD, and identifies one cooking mode and cooking menu from among the three types of cooking modes. Then, it identifies the "specific input key to be entered" corresponding to the cooking menu. If the specific input key is 153M, the operation of the shared operation unit 15M becomes necessary, and step S1A is performed.

[0521] As shown in Figure 37, in the case of the central operation unit 15M, after receiving the notification information A (which will be explained in detail later) 201 from an external source, it inputs the "specific input key to be operated" 153M necessary for executing the recipe data CD notified in the notification information A. Then, the confirmation information B (202) generated by this input operation is sent to the external communication terminal 200. After sending the confirmation information B, it receives the setting information for the recipe data CD sent from the communication terminal 200. This series of processes constitutes step S1A.

[0522] Steps S2A, S7A, and S12A perform the same determination processes as steps S2, S7, and S12 in Figure 32, but they differ slightly from those in Figure 32. In Figure 32, the cooking mode is selected according to the input key that is pressed (for example, 153M, 154M). In contrast, in steps S2A, S7A, and S12A of Figure 37, the data acquisition unit 53 analyzes various information, such as identification information, contained in the received recipe data CD, and identifies one cooking mode and one cooking menu from among the three types of cooking modes.

[0523] In step S3, the first identification screen 16M1 is displayed according to the cooking mode (cooperative cooking mode KM1) identified in step S2, and one cooking menu acquired from an external source is displayed. Next, by touching the input keys 154M or 155M, the control conditions (such as heat level and target heating temperature) for that cooking menu can be changed, and the results of the changes can be displayed on the first identification screen 16M1 (step S5).

[0524] Figure 37 shows a case where the system switched to voice input mode before step S5. As explained in Figure 32, in touch input mode, the control conditions (such as heat output and target heating temperature) can be changed by touching input keys 154M or 155M. In contrast, in Figure 37, the system switches to voice input mode at step S1A (by "long-pressing" input key 153M), so the desired control conditions can be entered by voice (step S20).

[0525] In step S5, if the control conditions for one linked cooking menu are satisfactory, pressing input key 151M will result in a "Yes" judgment in step S5, and the system can proceed to cooking process 1 of linked cooking mode KM1 (step S6).

[0526] As is clear from Figure 37, if the input key (shared key) 153M is "long-pressed" at step S1A, control conditions can be input by voice within a certain range at step S20. For example, the user US can input the cooking menu and control conditions together by speaking, such as "Hamburg steak, preheat 180℃". Alternatively, only the control conditions other than the food being cooked can be input by voice, such as "Heat level 7 hours 10 minutes".

[0527] Next, we will explain Figure 37. If it is determined in step S2A that the cooking mode is not KM1, the process proceeds to step S7A. If it is determined in step S7A that the cooking menu is for combined cooking mode KM2, the second identification screen 16M2 is displayed (step S8). In this second specific screen 16M2, only one cooking menu targeted by the recipe data CD is displayed. This is different from step S8 in Figure 32. In touch input mode, each time you touch input key 154M or 155M, the results reflecting successive different control conditions can be displayed on the second specific screen.

[0528] However, in Figure 37, if the input key (shared key) 153M is "long-pressed" at step S1A, the control device 40 transmits selection information A (202), and in addition, switches to a voice-activated "input standby state," so that in step 21, control conditions can be entered using voice input mode.

[0529] In step S10, if the control conditions for one (combined cooking mode) cooking menu are satisfactory, pressing input key 151M will allow you to proceed to cooking process 1 of combined cooking mode KM2 (step S11).

[0530] As is clear from Figure 37, at step S1A, the system can be switched to a voice-activated "input standby state," allowing control conditions to be input by voice within a certain range in step S21. For example, control conditions can be input by the user US uttering "500W," etc. Multiple control conditions can also be input simultaneously by voice, such as "500W 10 minutes."

[0531] Next, we will explain Figure 37. If it is determined in step S7A that the combined cooking mode KM2 is not being used, the process proceeds to step S12A. In step S12A, the third identification screen 16M3 is displayed (step S13). Then, if the cooking menu targeted by the received recipe data CD is, for example, "rice cooking" performed by the first heating means HM1 in the central heating port 4C, the control conditions for that rice cooking are displayed on the third specific screen 16M3. Furthermore, if the cooking menu targeted by the received recipe data CD is, for example, "keep warm" performed by the first heating means HM1 in the central heating port 4C, the control conditions for keeping warm will be displayed on the third specific screen 16M3.

[0532] Thus, on the third specific screen 16M3, the identification information of a specific (one) cooking menu (for example, "keep warm" as explained in Figure 42) and the control conditions are displayed (step S15). Therefore, by pressing the input key 154R or 155R for the cooking menu displayed on the third specific screen 16M3, the control conditions (such as the heat output of induction heating, the time to keep warm, and the temperature to keep warm) can be selected (step S22).

[0533] However, in Figure 37, if the input key 153M is "pressed and held" at step S1A, the control device 40 switches to a voice-activated "input standby state," so in step 22, the control conditions (for the central heating port 4C) can be input via voice input mode. In other words, the control device 40 switches to a voice-activated "input standby state" before step S22, so in step S22, control conditions can be input by voice within a certain range. For example, control conditions can be input by the user US speaking, such as "heating power 2 for 30 minutes".

[0534] As is clear from Figure 37, the heating appliance 1 of this embodiment 1 is The input operation unit 15 has a first input operation unit (right operation unit 15R and left operation unit 15L) for the first heating means HM1, and a second input operation unit (center operation unit 15M) for the second heating means. The first input operation units 15L and 15R each have input keys A (153L, 153R), and the second input operation unit 15M has input keys B (153M, 154M), The control device 40 is configured to enable the earlier touch input of either input key A (153L, 153R) or input key B (153M, 154M), and to not start the input process using the other input key until the input of the control conditions (heat level, heating time, etc.) for the heating cooking mode (cooperative cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, single cooking mode KM3) or control mode (such as "reheat") has been completed and heating cooking has started.

[0535] In other words, for the three heating and cooking modes (cooperative cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, and single cooking mode KM3), only one of the input keys 153M, 154M, 153L, or 153R that was touched first is accepted by the control device 40, and the input commands for the other input keys are not accepted.

[0536] Therefore, for example, if input key 154M is touch-operated and then long-pressed to switch to voice input mode, input from other input keys will be disabled (however, input keys 151M and 152M will retain their input functionality).

[0537] Therefore, if the voice input mode is activated by either input key A (153L, 153R) or input key B (153M, 154M), it becomes impossible to select other heating modes or control modes, and setting conditions will not be unintentionally input via voice input.

[0538] Furthermore, if the KM1 linked cooking mode is entered using voice input mode via a single input key (for example, 154M), the voice input mode will be deactivated when input key 151M is pressed to start the cooking process. Therefore, when the user then selects another cooking mode using touch controls, no confusion will occur.

[0539] Next, we will explain Figures 38 and 39. Figure 38 is flowchart 1 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source in the cooking appliance 1. Figure 39 is flowchart 2 showing the operation of acquiring a recipe data CD from an external source.

[0540] In Figure 38, step SL1 performs the same processing as step SM1 in Figure 33. The next step, SL2, performs the same processing as step SM2 in Figure 33. Step SL3 is a process corresponding to Step SS5 of the external connection and notification described in Figure 31. In other words, it is a step that asks the user US to confirm in advance whether to send a signal to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 that has been registered in advance, requesting the provision of the recipe data CD.

[0541] 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 151KP mentioned earlier). Step SL3 involves the user US operating the input keys, so the details will be explained in detail in Figures 54, 55, 59, and 60, etc. If the control device 40 acquires the recipe data CD, the next step SL4 will be "Yes", and the process will proceed to step SL5.

[0542] 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 Figures 29 and 30). In the combined cooking mode KM2, a determination is also made as to whether a specific "permission condition 3" is met. Note that permission condition 3 is the same as that explained in step SM61 in Figure 35. Furthermore, the first heating means HM1 must satisfy the aforementioned "permission condition 4" (see step SM81 in Figure 36).

[0543] If step SL5 determines that the permission conditions are not met, then, in the case of a cooking menu belonging to the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the communication unit 51 sends a signal (data) to the outside informing that the recipe data CD cannot be received, as described in step ST8 of Figure 29 (step SL9). Note that although Figure 29 shows the case of cooperative cooking mode KM1, such a "non-received message" is also sent for combined cooking mode KM2 and standalone cooking mode KM3. This will be explained in detail later.

[0544] 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 167,160 and control conditions (heat level, heating time, target temperature, etc.) contained in the recipe data CD are displayed on the central display unit 16. For example, if it is a cooking menu for the linked cooking mode KM1, it will be displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SL6).

[0545] 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 needed by operating the input keys 156M to 159M on the central control 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).

[0546] 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 "Voice Input Mode 1" and input by voice.

[0547] 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 33. Note that the time limit TX in step SL8 and the time limit TX in step SM6 as described in Figure 33 do not have to be the same; different times may be set.

[0548] Next, Figure 39 will be explained. Figure 39 shows the operation when "Voice Input Mode 2" is selected by operating input key 180. In Figure 39, step SS5 is the same as step SS5 described in Figure 31, 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).

[0549] 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 33. Note that the time limit TX in step SS17 and the time limit TX in step SM6 as described in Figure 33 do not have to be the same; different times may be set.

[0550] 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 38). If they do, step SS12 will be "Yes".

[0551] 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 38 (SS18).

[0552] 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, identification information 167, 160, etc., and control conditions included in the recipe data are displayed on the central display unit 16. For example, if the recipe data CD is in linked cooking mode KM1, it is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS13).

[0553] 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).

[0554] 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.

[0555] 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 "long-press" input key 154M, for example, it will switch to "Voice Input Mode 1". Therefore, in Voice Input Mode 1 (set to Voice Input Mode 1B), if you attempt to input using input key 156M, for example, the input function of that key is not disabled, and you will be able to input.

[0556] Next, we will explain Figure 40. Figure 40 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the heating control unit 43 when the control device 40 switches to voice input mode 1 in the heating cooker 1. Although Figure 40 shows the case of cooperative cooking mode KM1, the operation is basically the same for other cooking modes.

[0557] In Figure 40, 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 21, for example. Specifically, a mark 154V indicating that the system has switched to voice input mode is displayed on the central operation unit 15M, and 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.

[0558] 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.

[0559] 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).

[0560] The audio signal analysis unit 56 analyzes the received audio signal (step SS24) and displays the input content on the central display unit 16M (first specific screen 16M1). For example, as explained in Figure 22, it announces a message aloud such as "Hamburg steak, right induction cooktop, automatically selected," and also displays it in text on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SS25).

[0561] 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."

[0562] 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).

[0563] 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 they deactivate voice input mode 1, and that they touch the input key 151M (step SS27). Voice input mode 1 is immediately deactivated when the input key 151M is touched.

[0564] 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 33. 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.

[0565] Next, we will explain Figure 41. Figure 41 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. 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 41, on the central display unit 16M.

[0566] In the display screen 1 shown in Figure 41, 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").

[0567] 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.

[0568] After display screen 1 in Figure 41 is shown, display screen 2A or 2B may be displayed automatically. Furthermore, after display screen 2A or 2B in Figure 41 is displayed, display screen 2C may be automatically displayed. On this display screen 2C, the user US is prompted to input a message 60H to select a heating source.

[0569] On display screen 2A, the text "Caution: Sudden Boiling" is one of the warning indicators 60E. "Sudden boiling" refers to a phenomenon where, when heating viscous food (liquid) such as curry or stew, 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 objects or impact from the outside. Therefore, when using induction heating with a metal pot or similar container on 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.

[0570] The four display screens shown in Figure 41, 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.

[0571] 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 2.

[0572] 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.

[0573] In the display screen 2C of Figure 41, 60P is the acquisition operation support information described above. As shown in Figure 41, the heating appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200, etc., and displays that a specific input key should be touched in advance in order to store the acquired data in the recipe data storage unit 42 (see Figure 10). For example, in the case of the "Hamburg Steak" cooking menu belonging to the KM1 cooperative cooking mode, cooking step 1 is performed at either the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L, so the operation support information 60P indicates that either input key 152L or 152R should be touched. In addition, the voice notification unit 50 may also provide voice notification in conjunction with this display.

[0574] As is clear from display screens 1 to 2A to 2C in Figure 41, 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.

[0575] Next, we will explain Figure 42. Figure 42 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the operation of the left display unit 16L of the heating appliance 1. Figure 42 shows the third specific screen 16M3 for the single-cook mode KM3. This Figure 41 is displayed after step SS4 in Figure 31 when the input key 153L (see Figure 6) is operated.

[0576] Next, when the input key 152L is operated, the control menus to be performed at the left heating port 4L are displayed one by one on the left display unit 16L. As shown in display screen 3A in Figure 42, the user can separately set whether the control menu that is initially displayed (default setting) is "Keep Warm," "Deep Frying" on display screen 3B, or "Preheat" on display screen 3C.

[0577] Furthermore, when the input key 153L is operated at step SM8 in Figure 33, and the input key 152L is operated at step SM93 in Figure 36, the control menu to be performed at the left heating port 4L is displayed on the left display unit 16L. Each time the input key 152L is pressed, the display of the control menu changes one by one (e.g., keep warm, fry, preheat, etc.). In other words, each time the input key 152L is pressed, one of several control menus can be selected.

[0578] 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.

[0579] Display screen 3A in Figure 42 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.

[0580] 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), the display screen 3A shown in Figure 42 is displayed. In this case, the central display unit 16M will display in the form of display screen 3A, and this screen will be called the "third specific screen" 16M3.

[0581] Next, we will explain Figure 43. Figure 43 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.

[0582] In Figure 43, 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 has been acquired from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300) (step SU2).

[0583] 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.

[0584] 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 (the 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: Hamburger") is displayed on the first specific screen 16M1 (step SU7).

[0585] In step SU7, the identification information 167 (for example, "Name: Hamburg") is displayed as shown in Figure 44. In addition, operation support information 170 is displayed. This prompts the user US to press the input key 151M to start cooking. The voice notification unit 50 also provides notification, for example, "Press the start key to begin cooking" (step SU8).

[0586] Furthermore, after step SU7, if user US presses either input key 158M or 159M once, the food ingredient display screen 16M1A (see Figure 24), which will be described later, will be displayed. If user US presses either input key 158M or 159M again, the food ingredient display screen 16M1B (see Figure 24) will be displayed.

[0587] Furthermore, at step SU8, the user US may set the heat level, heating time, etc., as appropriate by operating an input key (e.g., 156M or 155M) that allows selection of control conditions (e.g., heat level).

[0588] 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.

[0589] 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 with 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 29.

[0590] Next, we will explain Figure 44. Figure 44 is the same as the part described in Figure 19, and is an enlarged plan view showing the central control unit 15M and the central display unit 16M.

[0591] In Figure 44, 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.

[0592] In Figure 44, the light-emitting unit 21M, which corresponds to the input key 151M, is in a standby state where it can start the heating operation at any time. To indicate this, it is flashing to prompt the user to operate the input key 151M. The dashed circle indicates that the light-emitting unit 21M is flashing.

[0593] In Figure 44, a star shape is drawn at the position of the light-emitting unit 21M. This shape indicates that the input functions of the input keys (e.g., 156M, 157M) located in front of the light-emitting unit 21M are active, and that touch operation at this point allows for adjustment of the heat level, heating time, etc.

[0594] In Figure 44, the light-emitting units 21M corresponding to input keys 157M and 156M are illuminated. In other words, the user US can choose either the heating unit identification unit 171L, which selects to cook using the left heating unit 4L, or the heating unit identification unit 171R, which selects to cook using the right heating unit 4R. However, Figure 44 shows the case where neither of the two selectable heating units 4L is selected during the process in which the cooking appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200. In this embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 60 and 61, there is a step to select either heating unit 4L or 4R in advance (see step SG5 in Figure 60), and the heating unit identification units 171L and 171R in Figure 44 are not displayed.

[0595] Recipe data CDs acquired from external devices are displayed preferentially on the first specific 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 "display position B" on the first specific screen 16M1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 44, cooking in the linked cooking mode KM1 can be started immediately by pressing the input key 151M. As will be explained later, after the first specific screen 16M1 shown in Figure 44 is displayed, the actual induction heating will not start unless either the left control panel 15L or the right control panel 15R input key (for example, input key 153L) is touched.

[0596] As described above, the recipe data CD obtained from an external device (the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300) comes in two types: one that limits cooking to a specific heating element (right heating element 4R, central heating element 4C, left heating element 4L), and another that allows the user US to specify the heating element they wish to use for cooking. Therefore, even when the user US uses a recipe data CD obtained from an external source, the ease of use is not compromised. For example, in this embodiment 1, the heating capacity of the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R are the same. However, if the left heating port 4L were equipped with an IH coil that provides higher heat output and more complex control, then depending on the cooking menu, only the left heating port 4L might be able to handle it. In such cases, the control device 40 will restrict the heating unit (heating port) to use only the left heating port 4L, so the heating unit identification units 171L and 171R will not be displayed. Furthermore, the communication terminal 200 will also be unable to select a heating port (heating unit).

[0597] Next, we will explain Figure 45. Figure 45 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking process of the linked cooking menu and the operation of the input control unit. In the example shown in Figure 45, the collaborative cooking menu consists of three steps: cooking step 1, cooking step 2, and cooking step 3. Furthermore, this case involves cooking using a recipe data CD from an external source. Cooking process 1 is an example using the first heating means HM1.

[0598] In the example shown in Figure 45, 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) After waiting for input from input key 151M, the induction heating operation at the right heating port 4R (or left heating port 4L) is determined, and then the heating operation is started after waiting for a touch operation of either input key 153L or 153R. (2) When input key 153R (153L) is pressed, the heating operation of cooking process 1 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.

[0599] 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.

[0600] In the example of the recipe data CD shown in Figure 45, 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 with induction heating to compensate for any insufficient heating.

[0601] 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.

[0602] In the example shown in Figure 45, 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.

[0603] As shown in Figure 45, 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 153M is operated to execute the coordinated cooking menu until the (induction) heating cooking operation is started by the input key 152R (or 152L).

[0604] Operating the input key 153 (central control unit 15M) during the preparation period P1 is one method necessary to establish communication between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. However, there are other methods for establishing communication. As explained in Figure 41, during the initial standby screen 16MH, two-dimensional information 60B is displayed first. When this is read by the communication terminal 200, the communication terminal 200 connects to the cloud server 300. The method can then be changed to one in which the communication terminal 200 sends a connection signal to the heating appliance 1 based on the result.

[0605] The operation of the input key 152R (right control unit 15R) during the preparation period P1 corresponds to step SG5 of the "confirmation step" SP3 described in Figure 59. This operation causes the heating port used to perform cooking process 1 to become the right heating port 4R. After receiving the recipe data CD, when input key 153R is operated, the preparation period P1 ends and the process moves to the heating and cooking period P2 (cooking step 1). Furthermore, when receiving the recipe data CD, the initial standby screen 16MH switches to the first specific screen 16M1. Therefore, when the user US presses the input key 153R, the first specific screen 16M1 will be displayed on the central display unit 16M.

[0606] P2 is the heating and cooking period (cooking process 1) by the first heating means HM1. In this cooking process 1, a suitable metal pot or other food item N (not shown) is placed on the right heating port 4R, and after pressing the input key 153R, the actual heating and cooking operation begins.

[0607] 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 port 4R" in cooking step 3 of the cooperative cooking mode, and sets this right heating port 4R to be occupied.

[0608] 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 input key 153R once more.

[0609] 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.

[0610] 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 input key (start key) 151M to begin the next cooking process, and you proceed to cooking process 2, P4.

[0611] 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, a safety measure is in place to prevent the heating operation from starting even if the input key 151M is pressed from that point onward. Cooking process 2 will not start unless the input key (start key) 151M is pressed after door 7 has been closed.

[0612] 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.

[0613] 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 four input keys 156M to 159M. However, depending on the cooking menu, it may not be possible for the user (US) to change the control conditions.

[0614] In this example in Figure 45, the input key 152M on the central control unit 15M is pressed to end cooking process 2. When input key 152M is pressed to command the end of cooking, cooking process 2 ends and the process proceeds to the heating pause period P5.

[0615] 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 container N, such as a metal pot. Then, when you press the input key 153R for the right heating port 4R to start cooking, the heating pause process P5 ends and the process proceeds to the heating and cooking period P6 ("Cooking Process 3" of induction heating).

[0616] This heating pause period P5 is necessary 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.

[0617] The heating and cooking period P6 is cooking step 3 using the first heating means HM1 (in this case, an induction heating means, for example, the right heating port 4R). In this cooking process 3, if heating is being performed using the right heating port 4R as described above, the user US can individually set the control conditions (for example, heating time and target temperature) by operating input keys 154R and 155R (see Figure 7). It is also possible to adjust the heat level, etc., by operating input keys 154R and 155R after the induction heating operation has started.

[0618] Furthermore, if cooking step 3 is being 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 input keys 154L and 155L.

[0619] Then, pressing input key 153R commands the end of cooking, completing cooking step 3 and ending the operation of the linked cooking mode. In the case of timer cooking, induction heating automatically ends and cooking step 3 ends after the set time has elapsed.

[0620] As is clear from Figure 45, once the right control unit 15R used in cooking process 1 is selected using input key 152R to select a coordinated cooking menu, the right control unit 15R of the right heating port 4R becomes unavailable for use in other cooking processes. Note that depending on the cooking menu, the input key operation during the preparation period P1 (corresponding to step SG5 of the "confirmation step" SP3 explained in Figure 59) may be for the left heating port 4R. In that case, when the input key 152L of the left control unit 15L corresponding to the left heating port 4L is operated, the left heating port 4L becomes occupied.

[0621] 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 151R and 152R are disabled. As a result, during the heating period P2 (cooking process 1) to heating period P6 (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).

[0622] Thus, once the heating and cooking period (cooking process 1) begins, the control device 40 occupies only the right heating port 4R of cooking process 3 from the stage of cooking process 1.

[0623] 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".

[0624] 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. Furthermore, at the stage of cooking process 1, the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, and the user US can easily understand that they are in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Therefore, there is no restriction on the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 to execute other cooking menus. This is also the case during the heating pause period P3 to cooking process 2.

[0625] 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 and cooking period (cooking process 1), if the temperature of the heating chamber 6 is too high, the first specific screen 15M1 displays a message indicating that "the second heating means HM2 (microwave heating means) cannot be used immediately due to the high temperature."

[0626] The periods indicated by the thick arrows in Figure 45 represent the reception restriction period TZ1 for one recipe data CD and the acquisition restriction period TZ2 for additional recipe data CDs. During the acquisition restriction period indicated by the thick arrows, it is not possible to acquire any other recipe data CDs other than the one acquired during the preparation period P1. In other words, Figure 45 shows that a second recipe data CD cannot be acquired.

[0627] After the input key 153M 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).

[0628] In other words, the limiting unit 55 built into the control device 40 operates as follows. As shown in Figure 45, it is not possible to change a specific cooking menu A of the linked cooking mode OK3, obtained from an external source, to another cooking menu B (for example, "hamburg steak") of the same linked cooking mode KM1. To make a change, you must operate input key 152M to temporarily deactivate linked cooking mode KM1 and return to the initial standby screen 16MH.

[0629] In other words, once the restriction period indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 45 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 input key 152M. Once this cancellation operation is performed, the system returns to the initial standby screen 16MH, and in that state (preparation period P1), it is necessary to touch the input key 152R again in response to the operation of the communication terminal 200.

[0630] 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 smartphone 200) until all cooking processes are completed.

[0631] In other words, once the time limit indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 45 is reached, operating the input key 151M will initiate cooking in the KM1 cooperative cooking mode, 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 steps of this cooking menu A are completed, it is not possible to acquire additional recipe data CDs from external sources.

[0632] Next, we will explain Figure 46. Figure 46 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking process of the linked cooking menu and the operation of the input control unit. In the example shown in Figure 46, the linked cooking menu consists of three steps: cooking step 1, cooking step 2, and cooking step 3. Furthermore, this is an example where the user US selects the cooking menu using the input operation unit 15, rather than cooking using an external recipe data CD. Cooking step 1 is an example where the first heating means HM1 is used.

[0633] The contents of the aforementioned recipe data CD, as shown in the example in Figure 46, are defined in a predetermined computer program format, including the following conditions. Control conditions such as heat output are also defined. Note that Figure 46 does not show an example of the simplified recipe data CD. (1) Wait for input from input key 151M, then start induction heating operation at the right heating port 4R (or left heating port 4L). (2) When input key 153R (153L) 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.

[0634] The program included in the aforementioned recipe data CD specifies heating pause periods P3 and heating pause periods P5, similar to those in Figure 45. The duration of the heating pause periods P3 and P5 is not specified. However, to prevent excessively long interruptions in cooking, it is possible to implement a process such as counting the elapsed time from the end of cooking process 1 and cooking process 2, and issuing an alarm and forcibly stopping the execution of the cooking menu if, for example, 30 minutes have elapsed.

[0635] In the example of the recipe data CD shown in Figure 46, 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.

[0636] 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.

[0637] In the example shown in Figure 46, 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.

[0638] As shown in Figure 46, 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 153M is operated to execute the coordinated cooking menu, until the input key 153R is operated and the heating cooking operation starts at the right heating port 4R (induction).

[0639] When the input key 153M is operated, if the "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" are met, the control device 40 displays the first specific screen 16M1. Note that the first specific screen 16M1 is not shown in Figure 46.

[0640] Once the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed (on the central display unit 16M), one of the linked cooking menus can be selected by operating the input keys 154M and 155M. Subsequently, by operating the input key 153R, the system switches to linked cooking mode (using the right heating port 4R) and proceeds to the heating process of P2.

[0641] When the first specific screen 16M1 is displayed, 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 operation of the input keys 154M and 155M is unnecessary.

[0642] P2 is the heating and cooking period (cooking process 1) by the first heating means HM1. In this cooking process 1, the cooking operation begins when a suitable metal pot or other food item to be cooked is placed on the right heating port 4R and the input key 153R is pressed.

[0643] At the stage when the cooking process 1 is started, the control device 40 has already determined the permit conditions 1 and 2, and therefore knows which heating part 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.

[0644] 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 only needs to press input key 153R once.

[0645] 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.

[0646] 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 input key 151M, and you proceed to cooking process 2 P4.

[0647] 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.

[0648] 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" is exceeded, safety measures are in place to prevent the heating operation from starting even if the input key 151M is pressed after that point. The "allowable time" here may be set to the same time as the time limit TX (30 minutes) explained in Figures 33 and 39.

[0649] 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.

[0650] 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 four input keys 156M to 159M. However, depending on the cooking menu, it may not be possible for the user (US) to change the control conditions.

[0651] In this example in Figure 46, the input key 152M on the central control unit 15M is pressed to end cooking process 2. Pressing input key 152M to stop cooking ends cooking process 2 and proceeds to the heating pause period P5.

[0652] 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 container N, such as a metal pot. Then, when you press the input key 153R for the four right heating ports to start cooking, the heating pause process P5 ends and the process proceeds to the heating and cooking period P6 ("Cooking Process 3" of induction heating).

[0653] This heating pause period P5 is necessary for checking the degree of heating of the food being cooked in cooking step 2, adding seasonings, or adding 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 item 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 N. This broadens the range of cooking possibilities.

[0654] P6 switches from cooking step 2 using the second heating...

Claims

1. Multiple specific input keys, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The control device is (1) A communication establishment step to establish a communication state with a specific communication terminal, (2) After the communication establishment step, the notification means notifies information requesting the user to input the specific input key in accordance with the notification information obtained from the communication unit, (3) When the specific input key notified by the notification means is operated, a confirmation step is performed to generate and transmit selection information corresponding to the operated specific input key, (4) After transmitting the selection information, a receiving standby step is performed to prepare for receiving the recipe data, Execute the following in order: A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

2. Multiple input operation units, each corresponding to a multiple heating unit or heating means, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The control device is (1) A communication establishment step to establish a communication state with a specific communication terminal, (2) After the communication establishment step, the notification means notifies information requesting that the input operation unit be operated in accordance with the advance notice information obtained from the communication unit, (3) When the input operation unit that has been notified by the notification means is operated, a confirmation step is taken to transmit selection information corresponding to the specific input key that was operated, Execute the following in order: A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

3. Multiple input operation units, each corresponding to a multiple heating unit or heating means, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The control device is (1) A communication establishment step in which the communication unit transmits preparation information for acquiring the recipe data, (2) A notification step in which, after the transmission of the preparation information, the notification means notifies information requesting that the input operation unit be operated, (3) A confirmation step in which the input operation unit notified by the notification means transmits selection information corresponding to the operated specific input key, Execute the following in order: A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

4. Multiple specific input keys, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The notification means includes a key identification unit for identifying the specific input key and a condition display unit for displaying the cooking control conditions based on the recipe data. The control device is (1) After the communication establishment step, the notification step involves the key identification unit identifying the specific input key to be used according to the advance information obtained from the communication unit, (2) A confirmation step in which, after the operation of the specified input key identified by the key identification unit, selection information corresponding to the operated specified input key is transmitted, Execute the following in order: A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

5. A heating appliance having a display unit, multiple input operation units, and a communication function, The heating appliance includes a communication terminal connected by wireless communication, The aforementioned communication terminal has a recipe selection unit that displays recipe data related to the food to be cooked on the terminal's display unit. The aforementioned communication terminal is (1) The terminal-side display unit displays the first screen and the second screen in sequence. (2) The first screen displays the recipe data for the food to be cooked, (3) When the recipe data displayed on the first screen is selected, the display switches to the second screen which displays preliminary information for identifying the input operation unit to be used for cooking. The aforementioned heating appliance displays information on the display unit that identifies the input operation unit indicated in the advance notice, and when the input operation unit that is the target of the display is operated, it emits selection information corresponding to the specific input key that was operated. Upon receiving the selection information, the communication terminal becomes capable of transmitting the setting information related to the recipe data displayed on the first screen to the heating appliance. A heating and cooking system characterized by the following.

6. A heating appliance having multiple input operation units and a communication function, The heating appliance includes a communication terminal connected by wireless communication, The aforementioned communication terminal has a recipe selection unit that displays recipe data related to the food to be cooked on the terminal's display unit. The aforementioned communication terminal is (1) The terminal-side display unit sequentially displays the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen. (2) The first screen displays the recipe data relating to a specific food item to be cooked, (3) When the displayed recipe data is selected on the first screen, the display switches to the second screen. (4) The second screen displays advance notice indicating the need to operate one of the input operation units, When the input operation unit indicated in the advance notice is operated, the aforementioned heating appliance will emit selection information corresponding to the operated specific input key. When the communication terminal receives the selection information, it determines that the setting information relating to the recipe data displayed on the first screen has been transmitted to the heating appliance, and that the setting information has reached the heating appliance, it displays transmission success information on the third screen indicating that the transmission of the setting information was successful. A heating and cooking system characterized by the following.

7. An input operation unit equipped with multiple specific input keys, A communications unit that communicates wirelessly with the outside world, Notification methods, The system includes a control device that performs cooking using recipe data acquired via the communication unit, The control device is (1) A notification step in which the input key to be used according to the advance information obtained from the communication unit is identified as the confirmation key for obtaining the recipe data and notified by the notification means, (2) When the confirmation key identified by the notification means is operated, a confirmation step is performed to transmit selection information corresponding to the operated specified input key, Execute the following in order: A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

8. A first unit incorporating a first operation unit, a first display unit, a first communication unit, and a heating source, A second unit, in a first state placed on the first unit, capable of performing a heating and cooking operation by the heating source, Equipped with, The second unit includes a second display unit, a second operation unit, a second communication unit, and a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with external communication equipment. The first unit includes a main control device that operates according to recipe data acquired from the wireless communication unit. In the first state, after completing the preparation state through communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, if the second unit receives advance information from the wireless communication unit regarding the reception of the recipe data, it displays information for a specific operation of the second operation unit on the second display unit. If the specific operation is performed from the second operation unit in this state, the wireless communication unit transmits selection information corresponding to the operated specific input key and transitions to a standby state for receiving the recipe data. A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

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