Heating device, control method for heating device, and program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a heating device, a control method for the heating device, and a program, through which user convenience related to heating and cooking can be improved.　The heating device according to the present disclosure heats an object to be heated by using a heating unit and comprises: a heating unit that can output microwaves at a plurality of different outputs; an operation unit that receives an input of heating conditions including a heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit on the basis of the heating conditions. The operation unit includes a high output operation unit that instructs high output heating including operating the heating unit at an output higher than that in the heating conditions.

Description

Heating device, heating device control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating device, a control method for a heating device, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for shortening the time required for cooking in a heating device that performs high-frequency cooking based on heating conditions input by a user.

[0003] JP 2014-122715 A

[0004] The present disclosure provides a heating device, a control method for a heating device, and a program that can improve user convenience regarding cooking.

[0005] The heating device of the present disclosure is a heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, and includes: a heating unit that can output microwaves at a plurality of different outputs; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the operation unit includes a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating, including operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions, and the high-output operation unit accepts the instruction for high-output heating, including operating the heating unit at the maximum output of the heating unit.

[0006] The heating device of the present disclosure is a heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, and includes: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the operation unit includes a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating, including operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions, and the control unit obtains an output-capable time during which the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating so that the time during which the heating unit is operated at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0007] The heating device of the present disclosure is a heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, and includes: a heating unit that can output microwaves at a plurality of different outputs; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and the control unit performs high-output heating that includes operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions.

[0008] Further, the heating device of the present disclosure is a heating device that is configured to be able to output microwaves at a plurality of different outputs and includes a heating unit that heats an object to be heated, an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit, and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the control unit performs high-output heating including operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions, and the control unit obtains an output-capable time during which the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating so that the time during which the heating unit is operated at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0009] Furthermore, the method for controlling a heating device disclosed herein is a method for controlling a heating device that includes a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit, and a control unit that controls the heating unit operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performs high-output heating that includes operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions in accordance with operation of a high-output operation unit provided in the operation unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the method for controlling a heating device disclosed herein is a method for controlling a heating device that includes a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit, wherein a control unit that controls the heating unit operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performs high-output heating including operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions in accordance with operation of a high-output operation unit provided in the operation unit, wherein the control unit obtains an output-capable time during which the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating so that the time during which the heating unit is operated at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time, and so that the heating amount in the high-output heating is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0011] The program disclosed herein also includes a computer that controls a heating device including a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at multiple different power levels and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and power of the heating unit. The computer then operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions and, in response to operation of a high-power operation unit included in the operation unit, operates the heating unit at a maximum power level higher than the heating conditions. This specification includes all of the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-105735, filed on June 28, 2023.

[0012] The heating device, the control method for the heating device, and the program disclosed herein enable a user to instruct, through a simple operation, an operation to heat an object to be heated at an output power higher than that specified by the user, thereby improving the user's convenience in cooking.

[0013] 1 is a perspective view of a heating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a heating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the heating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the heating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the heating device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] (Knowledge, etc., that Forms the Basis of the Present Disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, there was a technology in a cooking device that heated an object in a shorter time by heating it at a higher output than the heating conditions entered by the user. However, the inventors discovered a problem in that the conventional technology required operations such as switching between heating according to the heating conditions or at a higher output than the heating conditions, and that there was a need for a simpler operation. To solve this problem, the present disclosure constitutes the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a heating device, a control method for a heating device, and a program that can improve user convenience in cooking.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of heating device] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of heating device 1 in embodiment 1. Heating device 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a box-shaped cabinet 2. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described below, arrows indicate directions corresponding to cabinet 2 when heating device 1 is installed. Symbol UP indicates upward, symbol DW indicates downward, symbol FR indicates forward, symbol RE indicates rearward, symbol R indicates rightward, and symbol L indicates leftward.

[0017] A door 4 is provided on the front of the cabinet 2 so as to be able to open and close, and opening the door 4 exposes a heating chamber 7 provided inside the cabinet 2. The heating chamber 7 contains an object to be heated by the heating device 1. The heating device 1 is a cooking appliance that heats and cooks the object to be heated by irradiating microwaves onto the object contained in the heating chamber 7. In this embodiment, the object to be heated is food.

[0018] An operation panel 3 is arranged on the front surface of the cabinet 2 so as to be aligned with the door 4. The operation panel 3 may be arranged in front of the door 4. The operation panel 3 includes switches and the like that accept operations by a user, as will be described later.

[0019] The heating device 1 heats an object to be heated housed in the heating chamber 7 by a microwave oven function using microwaves. The heating device 1 described in this embodiment also has an oven function and a grill function that heat an object to be heated using a graphite heater or the like, but these functions are not essential to the configuration of the present disclosure.

[0020] 2 is a front view of the operation panel 3 in embodiment 1. The operation panel 3 includes a first operation unit 30, a dial 39, and a second operation unit 40. The first operation unit 30, the dial 39, and the second operation unit 40 constitute an operation unit 3A.

[0021] The first operation unit 30 has a plurality of key operation units including a microwave heating command key 31, a cancel key 32, and a start key 33. The second operation unit 40 has a short-time heating key 41 as a key operation unit. These key operation units are operators that are operated by the user, and accept at least one of a touch operation and a pressing operation by the user.

[0022] The microwave heating command key 31, cancel key 32, and start key 33 may be switches attached to the surface of the operation panel 3, or may be switches embedded behind a flexible surface panel that forms the surface of the operation panel 3. The microwave heating command key 31, cancel key 32, and start key 33 may also be configured with one or more contact sensors that are provided on the surface panel of the operation panel 3 and detect contact operations by the user. Specifically, the microwave heating command key 31, cancel key 32, and start key 33 may each be associated with an operation position of a contact operation detected by a contact sensor.

[0023] The microwave heating command key 31 is a key operation unit that instructs the selection of a microwave function from among a plurality of functions such as a microwave function, an oven function, and a grill function that are provided in the heating device 1. The cancel key 32 is a key operation unit that instructs the cancellation of the content instructed by operating the microwave heating command key 31, the start key 33, and the dial 39. The start key 33 is a key operation unit that determines the content instructed by operating the microwave heating command key 31 and the dial 39, and instructs the operation according to the determined content.

[0024] The heating device 1 is capable of switching between multiple outputs in the microwave oven function. The output of the heating device 1 refers to, for example, the microwave output value, and in this embodiment, an example is given in which the output can be switched between six levels: 150 W (watts), 300 W, 500 W, 600 W, 800 W, and 1000 W. These six levels of output are the output of the heating unit 60, which will be described later, and the switchable output may be limited by user operation. This is just one example, and there is no limit to the output of the heating device 1 to which the present disclosure is applied.

[0025] The first operation of the microwave heating command key 31 is an instruction to select the microwave function. Operations of the microwave heating command key 31 within a predetermined time after the first operation of the microwave heating command key 31 are operations to switch the output of the microwave function. For example, in response to the first operation of the microwave heating command key 31, the initial value of 600 W is selected as the output of the microwave function of the heating device 1. Operations of the microwave heating command key 31 from the second time onwards are operations to switch the output of the microwave function of the heating device 1 in sequence. In this embodiment, the output is switched in the order of 600 W, 500 W, 300 W, 150 W, 800 W, and 600 W, and if the operation is performed more than once, the output is switched in a cyclical manner in the above order. Of course, a configuration in which the output is switched in a different order is also possible.

[0026] The heating device 1 of this embodiment limits the output selectable by user operation to an output other than 1000 W. As will be described later, an upper limit is set on the time that the heating unit 60 can continuously output microwaves at 1000 W. By restricting the user from manually selecting 1000 W, there is an advantage that the user will not feel dissatisfied due to the upper limit on the output time. After an output has been selected by operating the microwave heating command key 31 one or more times, operating the start key 33 will determine the output of the microwave oven function.

[0027] In addition, the first operation unit 30 may include other key operation units, such as a key operation unit that accepts operations related to the oven function and grill function of the heating device 1, and a key operation unit that accepts operations related to the automatic heating function that heats the heated object according to a predetermined program.

[0028] The dial 39 is an operating unit that accepts rotational operations. Rotating the dial 39 is, for example, an operation to input a numerical value. Specifically, rotating the dial 39 clockwise (CW) increases the numerical value, and rotating the dial 39 counterclockwise (CCW) decreases the numerical value. The numerical value input by the dial 39 is, for example, the time for heating using the microwave function, i.e., the heating time. When a specific numerical value is determined by rotating the dial 39 and the start key 33 is operated, the heating time input by the dial 39 is determined. The dial 39 may also be capable of executing an operation to instruct switching of the output of the microwave function. For example, with the initial output of the heating device 1 set to 600 W, rotating the dial 39 clockwise may switch the output to 800 W, and rotating the dial 39 counterclockwise may switch the output to 500 W, 300 W, and 150 W in that order. Switching of the output by operating the dial 39 may not be cyclical.

[0029] In this way, heating conditions including the microwave output and heating time are input using the microwave heating command key 31, start key 33, and dial 39. When the start key 33 is operated after the heating conditions have been input, the heating device 1 heats the object to be heated in accordance with the heating conditions.

[0030] The short-time heating key 41 is a key operation unit dedicated to instructing short-time heating when the heating device 1 performs microwave cooking. Short-time heating includes heating at a higher output than the heating conditions input by operating the microwave heating instruction key 31, start key 33, and dial 39, and is an operation that ends the heating in a shorter time than the heating conditions. Short-time heating is an example of "high-output heating." When the microwave function is selected, the heating device 1 performs heating according to the heating conditions if the short-time heating key 41 is not operated, and performs short-time heating if the short-time heating key 41 is operated. The short-time heating key 41 corresponds to an example of a "high-output operation unit."

[0031] Cooking instructions, recipes, and other cooking instructions for various foods, including processed foods, often specify microwave power and heating time. It is expected that a user using the heating device 1 in accordance with these instructions will input the power and heating time specified in the instructions using the microwave heating command key 31 and dial 39. On the other hand, if the heating device 1 has a high-power heating function, heating the object to be heated at a higher power than the power specified in the instructions can complete the required heating time in a shorter time. However, to perform heating equivalent to the power and heating time specified in the instructions at a higher power, the power and heating time must be determined taking into account the required amount of heat. Making such a decision on the user's own is burdensome and not easy. The heating device 1 of this embodiment can perform short-time heating by operating the short-time heating key 41 after the user inputs the heating conditions. During short-time heating, the heating device 1 uses a higher power to perform heating that matches the input heating conditions. This allows the user to easily perform the required heating in a shorter time, thereby improving user convenience.

[0032] The display unit 50 has a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and displays characters and symbols. In the example of Fig. 2, the display unit 50 displays a numerical value display section 51, a unit display section 52, a start guide icon 53, and a short-time heating icon 54.

[0033] The numeric display section 51 displays a multi-digit numeric value. For example, the numeric display section 51 displays the output value selected by operating the microwave heating command key 31, the heating time input by operating the dial 39, and the remaining heating time during heating. The unit display 52 displays the unit of the numeric value displayed on the numeric display section 51. In this embodiment, the unit display 52 can display "W" when the numeric display section 51 displays an output, and "minutes" and "seconds" when the numeric display section 51 displays a time.

[0034] The start guide icon 53 is an image or symbol that guides the user on how to operate the start guide icon 53. The start guide icon 53 is displayed, for example, after a heating time is selected with the dial 39. The short-time heating icon 54 is an image or symbol related to short-time heating of the heating device 1. The short-time heating icon 54 is displayed, for example, when short-time heating can be performed by operating the short-time heating key 41 and while short-time heating is being performed. Displaying the short-time heating icon 54 by the display unit 50 is an example of notifying the user that short-time heating is possible, and the display unit 50 corresponds to an example of a "notification unit."

[0035] [1-1-3. Configuration of the Control System of the Heating Device] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the heating device 1 in embodiment 1. The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls each component of the heating device 1. The control unit 100 is connected to a first operation unit 30, a dial 39, and a second operation unit 40 that constitute the operation unit 3A. When the first operation unit 30 receives operation of the microwave heating instruction key 31, the cancel key 32, the start key 33, or any other key operation unit, it outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operated key operation unit to the control unit 100. The dial 39 outputs an operation signal indicating the direction and amount of rotation of the dial 39 to the control unit 100 in response to an operation of rotating the dial 39. When the second operation unit 40 receives operation of the short-time heating key 41, it outputs an operation signal indicating the operation of the short-time heating key 41 to the control unit 100.

[0036] The control unit 100 is connected to the display unit 50, the heating unit 60, and the sound output unit 70. The heating unit 60 includes a magnetron 61 that outputs microwaves, a drive board 62 that supplies power to and controls the output of the magnetron 61, and a cooling fan 63 that cools the magnetron 61. The heating unit 60 may also include a waveguide and an antenna (not shown). The sound output unit 70 is a device that outputs an alarm sound, and is a buzzer or other speaker. The sound output unit 70 corresponds to an example of an "alarm unit."

[0037] The control unit 100 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, and a nonvolatile storage unit 130. The processor 110 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The memory 120 is a volatile storage device, and is configured with, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 120 forms a work area that temporarily stores programs and data executed by the processor 110. The nonvolatile storage unit 130 is configured with, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory, and nonvolatilely stores programs executed by the processor 110 and data processed by the processor 110.

[0038] For example, the non-volatile storage unit 130 stores a control program 131 , setting data 132 , and count data 133 .

[0039] The processor 110 reads and executes the control program 131 to function as a reception unit 111 , a display control unit 112 , and a heating control unit 113 .

[0040] The reception unit 111 receives operations performed by the user on the operation unit 3A based on operation signals output by the first operation unit 30, the dial 39, and the second operation unit 40. The display control unit 112 controls the display on the display unit 50 in accordance with the operation content received by the reception unit 111 and the control of the heating unit 60 executed by the heating control unit 113.

[0041] The heating control unit 113 controls the heating unit 60 based on the operation content received by the reception unit 111 and the state of the heating unit 60. Specifically, the heating control unit 113 determines the microwave output from the magnetron 61 and the time for outputting the microwave, and controls the drive board 62 to cause the magnetron 61 to oscillate the microwave.

[0042] The heating control unit 113 manages the operating state of the magnetron 61 to protect the magnetron 61. Specifically, it limits the time that the magnetron 61 continuously outputs high-power microwaves. To achieve this limitation, the heating control unit 113 stores a first counter 121 and a second counter 122 in the memory 120. The first counter 121 and the second counter 122 correspond to an example of "status data."

[0043] The first counter 121 and the second counter 122 are counters that count the time during which the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at a predetermined output or higher. In this embodiment, an example in which two counters are formed in the memory 120 will be described, but this is just an example and the number of counters is not limited.

[0044] An output greater than or equal to a predetermined level is, for example, an output greater than the default output value of the microwave oven function of the heating device 1, i.e., 600 W. In this embodiment, this is 1000 W and 800 W. In the following description, as an example, there are two types of outputs greater than or equal to a predetermined level of the magnetron 61. These two types of outputs are referred to as the first output and the second output. The first output is the highest output used by the heating device 1 for heating, and is 1000 W in this embodiment. The second output is the next highest output after the first output used by the heating device 1 for heating, and is 800 W in this embodiment.

[0045] The count value per second that heating control unit 113 adds to first counter 121 is count value A, and the count value per second that heating control unit 113 adds to second counter 122 is count value B. Count value A includes count value A1 and count value A2. Count value A1 is the count value per second that is added to first counter 121 while magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 1000 W. Count value A2 is the count value per second that is added to first counter 121 while magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 800 W.

[0046] The count value B includes a count value B1 and a count value B2. The count value B1 is the count value per second added to the second counter 122 while the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 1000 W. The count value B2 is the count value per second added to the second counter 122 while the magnetron 61 outputs microwaves at 800 W.

[0047] The count values ​​A1, A2, B1, and B2 may all be different from one another, or may include a common value. The specific values ​​of the count values ​​A1, A2, B1, and B2 are set appropriately based on the specifications of the magnetron 61. For example, the count value A1 can be 10, the count value A2 can be 16, the count value B1 can be 12, and the count value B2 can be 14.

[0048] Each of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 has an upper limit. When the first counter 121 reaches its upper limit, the heating control unit 113 stops the magnetron 61 from outputting 1000 W. Similarly, when the second counter 122 reaches its upper limit, the heating control unit 113 stops the magnetron 61 from outputting 800 W. In other words, the count value of the first counter 121 limits the first main output of the magnetron 61, and the count value of the second counter 122 limits the second output of the magnetron 61. The upper limits of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 may be the same or different. These specific values ​​are set appropriately based on the specifications of the magnetron 61, etc. For example, the upper limit of the first counter 121 may be 1500, and the upper limit of the second counter 122 may be 5000. As described above, when the first output is set to be larger than the second output, it is preferable that the upper limit value of the first counter 121 is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value of the second counter 122 .

[0049] The heating control unit 113 subtracts the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 while the magnetron 61 is not outputting microwaves. This corresponds to a decrease in the temperature of the magnetron 61 while the magnetron 61 is stopped. The subtraction values ​​per second by which the heating control unit 113 subtracts the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 may be the same value or different values. These specific values ​​are set appropriately based on the specifications of the magnetron 61, etc. For example, the subtraction value per second of the first counter 121 may be 10, and the subtraction value per second of the second counter 122 may be 10.

[0050] The count values ​​A1, A2, B1, and B2, the upper limit and subtraction value of the first counter 121, and the upper limit and subtraction value of the second counter 122 are, for example, included in setting data 132 and stored in the non-volatile storage unit 130. The heating control unit 113 performs processing related to the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 in accordance with the setting data 132. The difference between the count value and the upper limit of the first counter 121 corresponds to the time during which microwaves can be output at the first output, and indicates the time during which the first output can be output. The difference between the count value and the upper limit of the second counter 122 corresponds to the time during which microwaves can be output at the second output, and indicates the time during which the second output can be output.

[0051] Because the memory 120 is a volatile storage device, the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 may be lost if the heating device 1 is powered off. For example, if the heating device 1 is powered on again shortly after being powered off, the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 will be set to 0 regardless of the temperature of the magnetron 61. In such a case, it is difficult to efficiently manage the magnetron 61. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heating control unit 113 stores the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 as count data 133 in the nonvolatile storage unit 130 depending on the operating state of the heating device 1. Specifically, the heating control unit 113 stores the count data 133 in the nonvolatile storage unit 130 when the heating device 1 stops heating and when the heating device 1 is powered off. If the count data 133 is already stored in the nonvolatile storage unit 130, the heating control unit 113 updates the count data 133. When the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 are lost, the heating control unit 113 resets the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 based on the count data 133. This makes it possible to appropriately manage the state of the magnetron 61 even if the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 are lost due to a power outage or the like. The count data 133 corresponds to an example of "state data."

[0052] The heating control unit 113 executes short-time heating in response to operation of the short-time heating key 41. Short-time heating is an operation that operates the magnetron 61 at a higher output than the heating conditions input by operating the first operation unit 30 and the dial 39, and by performing short-time heating, it is possible to complete heating of the object to be heated in a time shorter than the heating conditions.

[0053] When short-time heating is performed, the heating control unit 113 determines the output and heating time of the magnetron 61 for short-time heating. At this time, the heating control unit 113 determines the output and heating time so that the heat amount of short-time heating corresponds to the heat amount when the heating conditions input by the user are executed. The heat amount can be rephrased as the energy imparted to the object to be heated in the heating chamber 7, and can be approximated by the microwave energy output by the magnetron 61. In this embodiment, the microwave energy output by the magnetron 61 is considered to be the heat amount. Specifically, the value obtained by multiplying the output of the magnetron 61 by the heating time is used as an index of the heat amount.

[0054] For example, when the heating conditions are 600 W and 5 minutes, the heating control unit 113 calculates the index value of the amount of heating by the following formula (1): 600 [W] × 300 [seconds] = 180000 (1)

[0055] Here, the heat amount used when executing the heating conditions input by the user is called the designated heat amount. The heat amount for short-time heating is the heat amount corresponding to the designated heat amount. A corresponding heat amount means, for example, that the index value of the heat amount for short-time heating is the same as the index value of the designated heat amount, or that the index value of the heat amount for short-time heating is greater than the index value of the designated heat amount and the difference is within a preset range. Alternatively, the corresponding heat amount may also mean that the index value of the heat amount for short-time heating is smaller than the index value of the designated heat amount and the difference is within a preset range.

[0056] The heating control unit 113 determines the output and heating time of the short-term heating so that the heating amount corresponding to the specified heating amount is obtained, including an output higher than the heating conditions. Hereinafter, the combination of the output and heating time for short-term heating will be referred to as the short-term heating condition.

[0057] For example, if the heating conditions are 600 W and 5 minutes, the heating control unit 113 generates a short-time heating condition that includes at least one of 800 W and 1000 W and corresponds to an index value of 180,000.

[0058] The heating control unit 113 generates the short-time heating condition based on the amount of heat as well as the operation history of the magnetron 61. Specifically, the heating control unit 113 generates the short-time heating condition so that the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 do not exceed their upper limit values. For example, if the heating condition is 600 W and 5 minutes, and the index value is set to 180,000 using only an output of 1,000 W, the heating time will be 180 seconds.

[0059] Here, if the count value of the first counter 121 exceeds the upper limit after 180 seconds of heating, the heating control unit 113 generates short-time heating conditions that include heating at a lower output in addition to heating at 1000 W. That is, the heating time at 1000 W is set to a time that does not exceed the upper limit, and heating is performed at an output included in the input heating conditions. Here, the heating control unit 113 may prioritize the input heating condition of 500 W. For example, if the heating conditions are 600 W and 5 minutes, the heating control unit 113 generates short-time heating conditions that include heating at 1000 W for 2 minutes and heating at 500 W for 2 minutes. The index value of the heat amount for this short-time heating condition is calculated using the following formula (2). In this example, the period in which the output is 1000 W corresponds to an example of a "first period," and the period in which the output is 500 W corresponds to an example of a "second period." The first period may be a period in which a higher output is provided than the heating conditions, for example, a period in which an output of 800 W or 600 W is provided. Furthermore, in the process of generating the short-time heating conditions, the heating control unit 113 may generate short-time heating conditions in which the heating time at 1000 W is set to a time that does not exceed the upper limit, and heating is performed at an output lower than 1000 W and higher than the heating condition. For example, if the heating conditions include an output of 500 W, the heating control unit 113 may generate short-time heating conditions that include heating at 800 W or 600 W in addition to heating at 1000 W.

[0060] 1000 [W] x 120 [seconds] + 500 [W] x 120 [seconds] = 180000...(2)

[0061] The heating control unit 113 determines whether short-time heating is possible. For example, if the heating time cannot be shortened using the short-time heating conditions compared to the input heating conditions, or if the shortened time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, there is little point in adopting the short-time heating conditions. In this case, the heating control unit 113 determines that short-time heating is not possible. If the heating control unit 113 determines that short-time heating is possible, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 50 to display the short-time heating icon 54. Furthermore, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 50 to display the short-time heating icon 54 while short-time heating is being performed. To distinguish the display state of the short-time heating icon 54, for example, the display control unit 112 may flash the short-time heating icon 54 before short-time heating is performed and constantly display the short-time heating icon 54 while short-time heating is being performed.

[0062] When heating or short-time heating is performed according to the input heating conditions, the heating control unit 113 causes the sound output unit 70 to output an alarm sound when heating is completed.

[0063] 4, 5, and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the heating device 1 in embodiment 1. Fig. 4 shows the operation of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. Steps S11 to S25 in Fig. 4 are executed by the heating control unit 113.

[0064] The operation of FIG. 4 is started at least one of after the power supply of the heating device 1 is turned on, after the heating device 1 finishes heating, and at other designated timing.

[0065] The control unit 100, referring to the processor 110, determines whether the heating device 1 has just been powered on (step S11). Here, powering on includes, for example, powering on the heating device 1 after it has been completely shut off, and the heating device 1 returning to a normal operating state from a power-saving state. The power-saving state is a state in which the power consumption of the heating device 1 is reduced by stopping or reducing the operating frequency of each component of the heating device 1, including the control unit 100, and is called, for example, a sleep state. For example, if the heating device 1 is configured to stop supplying power to the volatile memory 120 in the power-saving state, the control unit 100 determines that the heating device 1 has just been powered on (step S11: YES) immediately after the heating device 1 returns from the power-saving state.

[0066] If the power has just been turned on (step S11: YES), it is highly likely that the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 have been lost. Therefore, the control unit 100 acquires the count data 133 from the non-volatile storage unit 130 (step S12). The control unit 100 restores the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 using the count data 133 (step S13), and proceeds to step S14. If the power of the heating device 1 has not just been turned on (step S11: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S14.

[0067] In step S14, the control unit 100 starts decrementing the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. The control unit 100 determines whether heating by the heating unit 60 has started (step S15), and if heating has not started (step S15: NO), continues decrementing the count value and waits.

[0068] If heating has started (step S15: YES), the control unit 100 starts incrementing the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 100 increments the count value of the first counter 121 while the magnetron 61 is performing heating at the first output, and increments the count value of the second counter 122 while the magnetron 61 is performing heating at the second output. Alternatively, if the first output is higher than the second output, the control unit 100 may increment the count values ​​of both the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 while the magnetron 61 is performing heating at the first output.

[0069] The control unit 100 determines whether heating by the heating unit 60 has ended (step S17), and if heating has not ended (step S17: NO), continues adding the count value and waits. If heating has ended (step S17: YES), the control unit 100 stops adding the count value (step S18) and overwrites the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 to the count data 133, thereby storing the count values ​​in the non-volatile storage unit 130 (step S19).

[0070] The control unit 100 waits for a preset second wait time (step S20) and then starts decrementing the second counter 122 (step S21). Furthermore, the control unit 100 waits for a preset first wait time (step S22) and then starts decrementing the first counter 121 (step S23). The second wait time is the wait time from when the magnetron 61 stops until the second counter 122 is decremented. The sum of the first wait time and the second wait time is set as the wait time from when the magnetron 61 stops until the first counter 121 is decremented. The first wait time and the second wait time are limitations imposed to allow the count value to be decremented after the temperature of the magnetron 61 has dropped, and may be omitted depending on the specifications of the magnetron 61, etc.

[0071] The control unit 100 determines whether a condition for stopping the operation of the heating device 1 is met (step S24). Stopping the operation includes, for example, transitioning to the power-saving state described above. This condition is, for example, a period in which the operation panel 3 is not operated and the heating unit 60 is not operated for a set time or longer. If the condition is met (step S24: YES), the control unit 100 overwrites the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 with the count data 133, thereby storing the count values ​​in the non-volatile storage unit 130 (step S25). If the condition is not met (step S24: NO), the control unit 100 returns to step S15.

[0072] 4, the operation of the heating device 1 has been described as a flow chart, but interrupt processing may be performed in response to an operation on the operation panel 3. For example, when heating by the heating unit 60 starts during the waiting time of steps S20 and S22 or at other timings, the control unit 100 may start incrementing the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 by interrupt processing (step S16).

[0073] 5 and 6 show the operation of heating an object by the heating device 1. Steps S31 to S34 are executed by the reception unit 111, steps S35 to S39 and S41 to S44 are executed by the heating control unit 113, and step S40 is executed by the display control unit 112. The operation in Fig. 5 is triggered by the reception of an operation by the operation unit 3A.

[0074] Control unit 100 accepts a microwave heating instruction from microwave heating instruction key 31 (step S31). Control unit 100 accepts a microwave output specification from microwave heating instruction key 31 or dial 39 (step S32), and accepts a heating time specification from dial 39 (step S33). When control unit 100 accepts a heating start instruction from start key 33 through operation of start key 33 (step S34), control unit 100 executes a short-time heating determination process (step S35).

[0075] The short-time heating determination process is a process for determining whether short-time heating is possible and for generating short-time heating conditions. Details of the short-time heating determination process are shown in Figure 6. Steps S61 to S71 in Figure 6 are executed by the heating control unit 113.

[0076] The control unit 100 selects an output from among the outputs that the heating device 1 can execute to determine whether it can be used for short-term heating (step S61). Specifically, the control unit 100 selects one of the outputs that the heating device 1 can execute and that is higher than the heating conditions received in steps S32 and S33 (step S61). The control unit 100 determines whether the available output time for the output selected in step S61 is equal to or greater than a threshold (step S62). For example, the control unit 100 calculates the available output time (seconds) by dividing the difference between the count value and the upper limit of the counter corresponding to the selected output by the added value per second. The control unit 100 compares the available output time with a preset threshold and makes a negative determination if the available output time is below the threshold.

[0077] If the available output time is not equal to or greater than the threshold (step S62: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S68 (described later). If the available output time is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S62: YES), the control unit 100 calculates a heating time for obtaining a heat amount corresponding to the heating conditions at the output selected in step S61 (step S63). The control unit 100 determines whether the heating time calculated in step S63 exceeds the available output time (step S64). If the calculated heating time exceeds the available output time (step S64: YES), the control unit 100 calculates a heating time for obtaining a heat amount corresponding to the heating conditions by combining multiple outputs (step S65). In step S65, the control unit 100 generates a short-time heating condition that includes, for example, the output selected in step S63 and the output specified as the heating condition, and calculates the total heating time for the short-time heating. After processing step S65, the control unit 100 proceeds to step S66. If the calculated heating time does not exceed the available output time (step S64: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S66.

[0078] In step S66, the control unit 100 determines whether the difference between the calculated heating time and the heating time specified as the heating condition is equal to or greater than a reference value (step S66). If the difference in heating time is smaller than the reference value (step S66: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S68, which will be described later. As a result, the heating device 1 does not perform short-time heating, which has little effect in shortening the heating time, and this prevents the user's expectations for short-time heating from being damaged.

[0079] If the difference in heating time is equal to or greater than the reference value (step S66: YES), the control unit 100 temporarily stores the short-time heating condition in the memory 120 (step S67), and proceeds to step S68.

[0080] In step S68, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an undetermined output among the outputs that the heating device 1 can execute and that are higher than the output specified as the heating condition (step S68). That is, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an output that has not been selected as a target for determination in step S61. If there is an undetermined output (step S68: YES), the control unit 100 returns to step S61.

[0081] If there is no undetermined output (step S68: NO), the control unit 100 determines whether there is a short-time heating condition stored in the memory 120 (step S69). If there is a short-time heating condition (step S69: YES), the control unit 100 selects the short-time heating condition with the shortest heating time (step S70) and proceeds to step S36 in Fig. 5. If there is no corresponding short-time heating condition (step S69: NO), the control unit 100 determines that short-time heating is not possible (step S71) and proceeds to step S36 in Fig. 5.

[0082] 5, the control unit 100 determines whether short-time heating is possible (step S36) based on the result of the short-time heating determination process (step S35). If it determines that short-time heating is not possible (step S36: NO), the control unit 100 starts heating by the heating unit 60 according to the heating conditions accepted in steps S32 and S33 (step S37). The control unit 100 waits until heating is complete (step S38), and after heating is complete, it notifies the user that heating is complete (step S39). In step S39, the control unit 100 causes, for example, the sound output unit 70 to output a notification sound.

[0083] If the short-time heating condition is selected in the short-time heating determination process (step S35), the control unit 100 determines in step S36 that short-time heating is possible (step S36: YES). In this case, the control unit 100 causes the short-time heating icon 54 on the display unit 50 to flash to indicate that short-time heating is possible (step S40). The flashing of the short-time heating icon 54 corresponds to a notification that short-time heating is possible. The control unit 100 determines whether a short-time heating instruction has been issued (step S41). The short-time heating instruction is specifically an operation of the short-time heating key 41.

[0084] If a command for short-time heating has not been issued (step S41: NO), the control unit 100 determines whether a preset time limit has elapsed since displaying that short-time heating is possible (step S42). If the time limit has not elapsed (step S42: NO), the control unit 100 returns to step S41. If the time limit has elapsed (step S42: YES), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S37.

[0085] If a short-time heating instruction is issued (step S41: YES), the control unit 100 starts heating by the heating unit 60 in accordance with the short-time heating conditions selected in the short-time heating determination process (step S35) (step S43). The control unit 100 waits until heating is completed (step S44), and proceeds to step S39 after heating is completed.

[0086] [1-2-2. Transition of Display in Heating Device] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of transition of display in heating device 1 in embodiment 1, and shows the operation shown in FIG. 5 in association with the display state on display unit 50.

[0087] When an output is specified by operating the microwave heating command key 31 (step S32), the display control unit 112 causes the specified output to be displayed on the numerical display unit 51. Furthermore, when a heating time is specified by operating the dial 39 (step S33), the display control unit 112 causes the specified heating time to be displayed on the numerical display unit 51. After specifying the heating time, the user can start heating by operating the start key 33. For this reason, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 50 to display a start guide icon 53 to inform the user that the start key 33 can be operated.

[0088] Furthermore, if it is determined that short-time heating is possible through the short-time heating determination process ( FIG. 6 ), the display control unit 112 causes the short-time heating icon 54 to flash on the display unit 50. The flashing of the short-time heating icon 54 notifies the user that heating can be completed in a shorter time than the heating conditions input by the user.

[0089] If the short-time heating key 41 is operated within the time limit while the short-time heating icon 54 is flashing, the heating control unit 113 starts short-time heating. At this time, the display control unit 112 switches the flashing display of the short-time heating icon 54 to a constant display. This notifies the user that short-time heating is being performed.

[0090] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the heating device 1 that heats an object to be heated using the heating unit 60 includes the heating unit 60 that can output microwaves at a plurality of different output powers, and the operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The operation unit 3A includes a short-time heating key 41 that instructs short-time heating, which includes operating the heating unit 60 at an output power higher than the heating conditions.

[0091] This allows the user to instruct, through a simple operation, to heat the object to be heated at a higher output than the output specified by the user, thereby improving the user's convenience regarding cooking.

[0092] The short-time heating key 41 accepts a short-time heating instruction, which includes operating the heating unit 60 at its maximum output.

[0093] This allows heating to be performed in a shorter time by utilizing the maximum output of the heating device 1.

[0094] The control unit 100 determines the heating time of the short-time heating so that the amount of heat in the short-time heating corresponds to the heating conditions.

[0095] This allows heating to be performed in a short time so as to obtain the amount of heat corresponding to the heating conditions input by the user, and the required heating can be performed in a shorter time.

[0096] The control unit 100 determines the heating time of the heating unit 60 when short-term heating is performed based on the amount of heat applied to the object to be heated and the operation history of the heating unit 60.

[0097] This allows heating to be performed in a short time by avoiding excessive load on the heating unit 60, and the object to be heated can be heated appropriately in a shorter time.

[0098] The control unit 100 acquires the available output time during which the heating unit 60 can output microwaves at a higher output than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and output of the heating unit 60 for short-time heating so that the time during which the heating unit 60 operates at a higher output than the heating conditions does not exceed the available output time and so that the heating amount for short-time heating corresponds to the heating conditions.

[0099] This allows heating to be performed in a short time by operating the heating unit 60 so as not to exceed the limit, and the object to be heated can be heated appropriately in a shorter time.

[0100] When the heating time for achieving the heating amount in short-time heating corresponding to the heating conditions exceeds the available output time, the control unit 100 executes short-time heating including a first period and a second period. The first period is a period during which the heating unit 60 operates at an output higher than the heating conditions. The second period is a period during which the heating unit 60 operates at an output included in the heating conditions.

[0101] This allows multiple outputs to be utilized to achieve the required heating in a shorter time.

[0102] The control unit 100 determines the lengths of the first period and the second period so that the sum of the heating amount in the first period and the heating amount in the second period is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

[0103] This allows multiple outputs to be utilized to achieve the required heating in a shorter time.

[0104] The heating device 1 includes a notification unit. The notification unit includes, for example, a display unit 50 that displays a short-time heating icon 54, and a sound output unit 70. When the available output time is equal to or greater than a threshold, the control unit 100 causes the notification unit to notify that short-time heating is possible. This notifies the user that short-time heating is possible, and the user can operate the short-time heating key 41 in accordance with the notification to complete heating more easily and in a shorter time. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0105] When the heating time for short-time heating is shorter than the heating conditions, the control unit 100 notifies the user, via the notification unit, that short-time heating is possible.

[0106] This allows the user to more reliably shorten the heating time by operating short-time heating key 41 in response to the notification.

[0107] After receiving an operation to instruct the start of heating through the operation unit 3A, the control unit 100 notifies the user through the notification unit that short-time heating is possible.

[0108] According to this, after the heating conditions input by the user are confirmed, the user is notified that short-time heating can be performed. Therefore, by operating the short-time heating key 41 in accordance with the notification, the user can more reliably shorten the heating time.

[0109] After notifying that short-time heating is possible, if the short-time heating key 41 remains unoperated for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 100 operates the heating unit 60 according to the heating conditions.

[0110] According to this, when the user does not want to perform short-time heating, heating is quickly performed based on the heating conditions input by the user, thereby improving the user's convenience regarding cooking.

[0111] The heating device 1 includes a memory 120 that temporarily stores data and a nonvolatile storage unit 130 that nonvolatilely stores data. The control unit 100 stores a first counter 121 and a second counter 122 that indicate the operating state of the heating unit 60 in the memory, and updates the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 according to the operation of the heating unit 60. The control unit 100 calculates an output available time based on the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. When the operating state of the heating device 1 becomes a predetermined state, the control unit 100 stores count data 133 that indicates the count values ​​of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 in the nonvolatile storage unit 130. The control unit 100 then reads the count data 133 from the nonvolatile storage unit 130 and stores it in the memory 120.

[0112] According to this, by storing the first counter 121 and the second counter 122 related to the state of the heating unit 60 in the memory 120, it is possible to easily update the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. Furthermore, by storing the count data 133 in the non-volatile storage unit 130, it is possible to prepare for the loss of the first counter 121 and the second counter 122. Therefore, the state of the heating unit 60 can be appropriately managed.

[0113] A heating device 1 that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit 60 includes a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves at multiple different output powers and an operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The operation unit 3A includes a short-time heating key 41 that instructs short-time heating, including operating the heating unit 60 at an output power higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 acquires the available output time during which the heating unit 60 can output microwaves at an output power higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60 for short-time heating so that the time during which the heating unit 60 operates at an output power higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the available output time and the heat amount during short-time heating corresponds to the heating conditions. This allows a user to instruct, through a simple operation, to heat an object to be heated at an output power higher than the output power specified by the user. Then, short-time heating can be performed by operating the heating unit 60 so as not to exceed the limit. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0114] The heating device 1 includes a heating unit 60 configured to output microwaves at multiple different power levels and heat an object to be heated, and an operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and power of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 also includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The control unit 100 acquires an output-capable time during which the heating unit 60 can output microwaves at a power level higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and power of the heating unit 60 for short-term heating so that the time during which the heating unit 60 operates at a power level higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time and the heat amount during short-term heating corresponds to the heating conditions. This allows the user to instruct, through simple operations, to heat an object to be heated at a power level higher than the power level specified by the user. Then, the heating unit 60 can be operated to perform short-term heating without exceeding the limit. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0115] The heating device 1, which heats an object to be heated using a heating unit 60, includes the heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different output powers, and an operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60. The heating device 1 includes a control unit 100 that operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions. The control unit 100 performs short-time heating, which includes operating the heating unit 60 at an output power higher than the heating conditions.

[0116] According to this, by heating the object to be heated at an output higher than the output specified by the user, the object can be heated in a shorter time, thereby improving the convenience of the user in terms of cooking.

[0117] The heating device control method of the present disclosure is a control method for a heating device 1 including a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different output powers and an operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60. This control method operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions using a control unit 100 that controls the heating unit 60, and performs short-time heating including operating the heating unit 60 at a maximum output power higher than the heating conditions in response to operation of a short-time heating key 41 provided on the operation unit 3A. This achieves the same effects as the heating device 1 described above.

[0118] The heating device control method of the present disclosure is a control method for a heating device 1 including a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves at multiple different output powers and an operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60. This control method performs short-time heating by having a control unit 100 that controls the heating unit 60 operate based on the heating conditions, and by operating the heating unit 60 at a maximum output power higher than the heating conditions in response to operation of a short-time heating key 41 provided on the operation unit 3A. In this control method, the control unit 100 obtains an output-capable time during which the heating unit 60 can output microwaves at an output power higher than the heating conditions. The control unit 100 determines the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60 during short-time heating so that the time during which the heating unit 60 operates at an output power higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time, and so that the heating amount during short-time heating corresponds to the heating conditions. This achieves the same effects as the heating device 1 described above.

[0119] The control program 131 of the present disclosure is a program that causes the processor 110 to function, which controls the heating device 1, which includes a heating unit 60 capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different output powers and an operation unit 3A that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and output power of the heating unit 60. The control program 131 causes the processor 110 to function as the control unit 100. The control unit 100 operates the heating unit 60 based on the heating conditions, and performs short-time heating, including operating the heating unit 60 at a maximum output power higher than the heating conditions, in response to operation of the short-time heating key 41 provided on the operation unit 3A. This achieves the same effects as the heating device 1 described above.

[0120] (Embodiment 2) [2-1. Operation of Heating Device] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of heating device 1 in embodiment 2. The configuration of heating device 1 in embodiment 2 is the same as that of heating device 1 described in embodiment 1. In addition, in the flowchart of Fig. 8, processes that are common to the operation described in Fig. 5 are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0121] In the second embodiment, when the start key 33 is operated (step S34), the control unit 100 determines whether the output power input in step S32 is an output power that does not require switching to high output power (step S45). An output power that does not require switching to high output power is, for example, a lower output power among the multiple outputs of the microwave oven function of the heating device 1. Specifically, assume a configuration in which the magnetron 61 is capable of outputting microwaves at six output power levels: 150 W, 300 W, 500 W, 600 W, 800 W, and 1000 W. In this case, the user can operate the microwave heating command key 31 or the dial 39 to select the output power to be used for heating the object from the five output power levels: 150 W, 300 W, 500 W, 600 W, and 800 W. In this configuration, the lowest output power of 150 W and the second lowest output power of 300 W are set as outputs that do not require switching to high output power. The number of outputs that do not require switching to high output may be one or more.

[0122] A user can easily understand that when the heating device 1 heats at a low output, the heating time is longer than when the heating device 1 heats at other outputs. Therefore, when a low output is specified by the user's operation, it is presumed that the user intends to heat at a low output and for a long heating time. In such a case, even if the short-time heating icon 54 is displayed, the user is unlikely to select short-time heating. Therefore, if one or more outputs on the lowest side of the selectable outputs of the heating device 1 are preset as outputs that do not require switching to high output, the process related to short-time heating can be omitted, which is efficient.

[0123] If the control unit 100 determines that the input output is an output that does not require switching to high output (step S45: YES), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S37 and starts heating according to the heating conditions. If the control unit 100 determines that the input output in step S32 is not an output that does not require switching to high output (step S45: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S35 and executes short-time heating determination processing.

[0124] In this way, in the second embodiment, if the output specified by the user is an output that does not require switching to high output (step S45: YES), heating is promptly started according to the heating conditions. In this case, the short-time heating determination process and the process of flashing the short-time heating icon 54 are omitted. This reduces the user's waiting time and allows for more efficient heating.

[0125] [2-2. Effects, etc.] According to the heating device 1 of embodiment 2, in addition to the effects described in embodiment 1, when it is highly likely that the user does not want short-time heating, the short-time heating determination process and the process of flashing the short-time heating icon 54 can be omitted, and heating can be quickly performed according to the heating conditions. This reduces the user's waiting time and improves the processing efficiency of the heating device 1.

[0126] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0127] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the dial 39 is provided as a configuration for inputting the heating time, but this is just one example. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple time setting keys to which times are assigned are provided on the first operation unit 30, and the heating time can be input using these time setting keys.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, the heating device 1 is provided with multiple heating means including heater heating and microwave heating, but the present disclosure can also be applied to a heating device that only has a microwave oven function using microwave heating as a heating means. Furthermore, the heating device 1 may be configured to perform microwave heating at multiple outputs, and there are no limitations on the maximum and minimum outputs or the number of outputs of the heating device 1. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be applied to both commercial and home heating devices 1.

[0129] The configuration of the heating device 1 shown in Figure 3 is one example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the device so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0130] The "programs" in the above-described embodiments can be non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium that is readable by the processor 110, for example. The recording medium can be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Alternatively, these programs can be stored in a server device or the like, and the heating device 1 can download the programs from the server device to achieve the above-described operations.

[0131] The processor 110 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0132] The step units of the operations shown in each of Figures 5 to 8 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0133] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0134] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0135] (Technology 1) A heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, the heating device comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different power outputs; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and power of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, the operation unit comprising a high-power operation unit that instructs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a power higher than the heating conditions. This allows the user to instruct the operation of heating the object to be heated at a power higher than the power specified by the user through a simple operation. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0136] (Technology 2) The heating device according to Technology 1, wherein the high-power operation unit receives the high-power heating instruction, which includes operating the heating unit at its maximum output. By using the maximum output of the heating device, heating can be performed in a shorter time.

[0137] (Technology 3) The heating device according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the control unit determines a heating time for the high-power heating so that the amount of heat in the high-power heating corresponds to the heating conditions. This allows high-power heating to be performed so as to obtain an amount of heat corresponding to the heating conditions input by a user, and enables necessary heating to be performed in a shorter time.

[0138] (Technology 4) The heating device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 3, wherein the control unit determines the heating time of the heating unit when performing the high-power heating based on the amount of heat applied to the object to be heated and the operation history of the heating unit. This makes it possible to perform high-power heating while avoiding excessive load on the heating unit, and to heat the object to be heated appropriately in a shorter time.

[0139] (Technology 5) The heating device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, wherein the control unit acquires an output-capable time during which the heating unit can output microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit for the high-output heating so that the time during which the heating unit operates at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time and the heating amount in the high-output heating is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions. This allows high-output heating to be performed so as not to exceed the limit on the time during which the heating unit is operated, and the object to be heated can be heated appropriately in a shorter time.

[0140] (Technology 6) A heating device for heating an object to be heated using a heating unit, the heating unit being capable of outputting microwaves at multiple different power levels; an operation unit for receiving input of heating conditions, including the heating time and power of the heating unit; and a control unit for operating the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The operation unit includes a high-power operation unit for instructing the heating unit to perform high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a power level higher than the heating conditions. The control unit acquires an output-capable time during which the heating unit can output microwaves at a power level higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and power of the heating unit for the high-power heating so that the time during which the heating unit operates at a power level higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time, and the amount of heat generated during the high-power heating corresponds to the heating conditions. This allows a user to easily instruct the operation of heating an object to be heated at a power level higher than the power level specified by the user, and the heating can be performed without exceeding the time limit for operating the heating unit. This allows the object to be heated appropriately in a shorter time, improving user convenience in cooking.

[0141] (Technology 7) The heating device according to Technology 5 or Technology 6, wherein, when a heating time for setting the heating amount in the high-output heating to a heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions exceeds the available output time, the control unit executes the high-output heating including a first period in which the heating unit operates at an output higher than the heating conditions and a second period in which the heating unit operates at an output included in the heating conditions. This makes it possible to perform necessary heating in a shorter time by utilizing multiple outputs.

[0142] (Technology 8) The heating device according to Technology 7, wherein the control unit determines the lengths of the first period and the second period so that the sum of the heating amount in the first period and the heating amount in the second period is the heating amount corresponding to the heating condition. This makes it possible to perform necessary heating in a shorter time by utilizing multiple outputs.

[0143] (Technology 9) The heating device according to any one of Technology 5 to Technology 8, further comprising a notification unit, and the control unit notifies the user by the notification unit that high-power heating is possible when the output available time is equal to or greater than a threshold. This notifies the user that high-power heating is possible, and the user can operate the high-power operation unit in accordance with the notification to complete heating more easily and in a shorter time. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0144] (Technology 10) The heating device according to Technology 9, wherein the control unit notifies the user that high-power heating is possible when the heating time when high-power heating is performed is shorter than the heating conditions, by the notification unit. This allows the user to more reliably shorten the heating time by operating the high-power operation unit in accordance with the notification.

[0145] (Technology 11) The heating device according to Technology 9 or Technology 10, wherein the control unit notifies the user that high-power heating is possible after receiving an instruction to start heating from the operation unit. This notifies the user that high-power heating can be performed after the heating conditions input by the user are confirmed. Therefore, the user can more reliably shorten the heating time by operating the high-power operation unit in accordance with the notification.

[0146] (Technology 12) The heating device according to Technology 10, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit according to the heating conditions if the high-power operation unit has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer after notifying that the high-power heating is possible. According to this, if the user does not want to perform high-power heating, heating based on the heating conditions input by the user is quickly performed. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0147] (Technology 13) A heating device according to any one of Technology 5 to Technology 12, comprising a memory for temporarily storing data and a nonvolatile storage unit for nonvolatilely storing data, wherein the control unit stores status data indicating the operating status of the heating unit in the memory, updates the status data according to the operation of the heating unit, calculates the available output time based on the status data, stores the status data in the nonvolatile storage unit when the operating status of the heating device reaches a predetermined state, and then reads the status data from the nonvolatile storage unit and stores it in the memory. This facilitates updating by storing status data regarding the status of the heating unit in memory, and prepares for loss of the status data by storing the status data in the nonvolatile storage unit. This allows the status of the heating unit to be appropriately managed.

[0148] (Technology 14) A heating device comprising: a heating unit configured to output microwaves at multiple different power levels and heating an object to be heated; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and power of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions. The control unit performs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a power higher than the heating conditions. The control unit acquires an output-capable time during which the heating unit can output microwaves at a power higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and power of the heating unit during the high-power heating so that the time during which the heating unit operates at a power higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time, and the amount of heat generated during the high-power heating corresponds to the heating conditions. This allows a user to easily instruct an operation to heat an object to be heated at a power higher than the output specified by the user, and the heating can be performed without exceeding the time limit for operating the heating unit during this operation. This allows the object to be heated appropriately in a shorter time, improving user convenience in cooking.

[0149] (Technology 15) A heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, the heating unit being capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different power levels, an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and power level of the heating unit, and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the control unit performs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a power level higher than the heating conditions. This allows a user to instruct the operation of heating the object to be heated at a power level higher than the power level specified by the user through a simple operation. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0150] (Technology 16) A control method for a heating device including a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different power levels and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and power of the heating unit, wherein the control unit that controls the heating unit operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a maximum power higher than the heating conditions, in response to operation of a high-power operation unit included in the operation unit. This allows a user to instruct, through a simple operation, to heat an object to be heated at a power higher than the power specified by the user. This improves user convenience regarding cooking.

[0151] (Technology 17) A control method for a heating device including a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at multiple different power levels and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and power of the heating unit. The control unit controls the heating unit to operate based on the heating conditions, and performs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a maximum power higher than the heating conditions, in response to operation of a high-power operation unit included in the operation unit. The control unit obtains an output-capable time during which the heating unit can output microwaves at a power higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and power of the heating unit during high-power heating so that the time during which the heating unit operates at a power higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-capable time and the amount of heat generated during the high-power heating corresponds to the heating conditions. This allows a user to easily instruct an operation to heat an object to be heated at a power higher than the power specified by the user, and the heating can be performed without exceeding the time limit for operating the heating unit. This allows the object to be heated appropriately in a shorter time, improving user convenience in cooking.

[0152] (Technology 18) A program that controls a heating device including a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at multiple different power levels and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions, including the heating time and power of the heating unit, and that causes the computer to function as a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions and performs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a maximum power higher than the heating conditions, in response to operation of a high-power operation unit included in the operation unit. This allows the user to instruct, through a simple operation, to heat an object to be heated at a power higher than the power specified by the user. This improves user convenience in cooking.

[0153] As described above, the heating device, the control method for the heating device, and the program according to the present invention can be used for heating food.

[0154] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Heating device 2 Cabinet 3 Operation panel 3A Operation unit 4 Door 7 Heating chamber 30 First operation unit 31 Microwave heating instruction key 32 Cancel key 33 Start key 39 Dial 40 Second operation unit 41 Short-time heating key (high-power operation unit) 51 Numerical display unit 52 Unit display 53 Start guide icon 54 Short-time heating icon 60 Heating unit 61 Magnetron 62 Drive board 63 Cooling fan 70 Sound output unit (alarm unit) 100 Control unit 110 Processor 111 Reception unit 113 Heating control unit 120 Memory 121 First counter (status data) 122 Second counter (status data) 130 Non-volatile storage unit 131 Control program 132 Setting data 133 Count data (status data)

Claims

1. A heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different power outputs; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including a heating time and power output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the operation unit comprises a high-power operation unit that instructs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a power output higher than the heating conditions, and the high-power operation unit accepts the instruction for high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at the maximum power output of the heating unit.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a heating time of the high-output heating so that the amount of heat in the high-output heating corresponds to the heating conditions.

3. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the heating time of the heating unit when performing the high-output heating based on the amount of heat applied to the object to be heated and the operation history of the heating unit.

4. A heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the operation unit comprises a high-output operation unit that instructs high-output heating including operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions, and the control unit obtains an output-available time during which the heating unit is capable of outputting microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating so that the time during which the heating unit is operated at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output-available time and the amount of heat in the high-output heating corresponds to the heating conditions.

5. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein, when the heating time for making the heating amount in the high-output heating correspond to the heating conditions exceeds the possible output time, the control unit executes the high-output heating including a first period during which the heating unit is operated at an output higher than the heating conditions, and a second period during which the heating unit is operated at an output included in the heating conditions.

6. The heating device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines the lengths of the first period and the second period so that the sum of the heating amount in the first period and the heating amount in the second period is the heating amount corresponding to the heating conditions.

7. A heating device as described in claim 4, further comprising an alarm unit, wherein the control unit notifies, when the output possible time is equal to or greater than a threshold value, that the high-output heating is possible by means of the alarm unit.

8. The heating device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit notifies, via the notification unit, that the high-power heating is possible when the heating time required for performing the high-power heating is shorter than the heating conditions.

9. The heating device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit notifies the user that high-output heating is possible after receiving an operation from the operation unit to start heating.

10. The heating device of claim 9, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit according to the heating conditions if the high-power operating unit is not operated for a predetermined period of time or longer after notifying that high-power heating is possible.

11. A heating device as described in claim 4, comprising: a memory for temporarily storing data; and a non-volatile storage unit for non-volatilely storing data, wherein the control unit stores status data indicating the operating status of the heating unit in the memory, updates the status data according to the operation of the heating unit, calculates the output possible time based on the status data, and when the operating status of the heating device becomes a predetermined state, stores the status data in the non-volatile storage unit, and then reads out the status data from the non-volatile storage unit and stores it in the memory.

12. A heating device that heats an object to be heated using a heating unit, comprising: a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different power outputs; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including a heating time and power output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the control unit performs high-power heating including operating the heating unit at a maximum power output higher than the heating conditions.

13. A heating device comprising: a heating unit configured to be capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs and heating an object to be heated; an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit; and a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, wherein the control unit performs high-output heating including operating the heating unit at an output higher than the heating conditions, wherein the control unit obtains an output available time during which the heating unit is capable of outputting microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating so that the time during which the heating unit is operated at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output available time and the amount of heat in the high-output heating is the amount of heat corresponding to the heating conditions.

14. A method for controlling a heating device comprising a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including heating time and output of the heating unit, wherein a control unit that controls the heating unit operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performs high-output heating including operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions in response to operation of a high-output operation unit provided in the operation unit.

15. A control method for a heating device comprising a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including heating time and output of the heating unit, wherein a control unit that controls the heating unit operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions, and performs high-output heating including operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions in accordance with operation of a high-output operation unit provided in the operation unit, wherein the control unit obtains an output available time during which the heating unit is capable of outputting microwaves at an output higher than the heating conditions, and determines the heating time and output of the heating unit in the high-output heating so that the time during which the heating unit is operated at an output higher than the heating conditions does not exceed the output available time, and the heating amount in the high-output heating is an amount of heating corresponding to the heating conditions.

16. A program that causes a computer that controls a heating device having a heating unit capable of outputting microwaves at a plurality of different outputs and an operation unit that accepts input of heating conditions including the heating time and output of the heating unit to function as a control unit that operates the heating unit based on the heating conditions and performs high-power heating, including operating the heating unit at a maximum output higher than the heating conditions in response to operation of a high-power operation unit provided in the operation unit.

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