Cooking device and method for controlling cooking device

Abstract

A cooking device according to one embodiment may comprise: a heating means disposed at a position corresponding to a heating area; a temperature sensor disposed on one side of the heating means; and a controller for controlling driving of the heating means. In one embodiment, the controller may: receive cooking information from a user; receive a boiling alarm timing from the user; receive a heating start command from the user; perform a heating operation by driving the heating means according to the heating start command; determine a temperature value of a load in a container provided to the heating area on the basis of at least one of cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information, and a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor; compare a reference temperature value corresponding to the boiling alarm timing with the temperature value of the load; and perform a boiling alarm operation if the temperature value of the load is greater than or equal to the reference temperature value.

Description

Cooking device and method of controlling the cooking device

[0001] This specification relates to a cooking device and a method for controlling the cooking device.

[0002]

[0003] Cooking appliances are appliances primarily used for cooking and processing food. Today, cooking appliances are being used to automate or assist cooking-related tasks in the kitchen, and cooking appliances that integrate various functions and technologies are being released.

[0004] Cooking devices can generate thermal energy for cooking food. The type of cooking device can vary depending on the means of generating thermal energy, i.e., the type of heating element. Examples of heating elements included in cooking devices include working coils, surface heating elements (electric ranges), and gas burners (gas ranges).

[0005] When a user sets the heat output of a heating device equipped with a cooking device, the heating device operates according to the user-set heat output, thereby heating the load inside the container provided to the cooking device. Typically, the user-set heating device is not automatically adjusted, and the user-set heat output remains fixed. Therefore, the user must continuously monitor the status of the cooking device and the container until the load inside the container boils, which is inconvenient.

[0006]

[0007] The purpose of this specification is to provide a cooking device and a control method of the cooking device that can accurately notify a user that the load inside the container has reached a boiling state by estimating the temperature of the load inside the container based on information input by a user.

[0008] The purpose of this specification is not limited to the aforementioned purposes, and other purposes and advantages of this specification not mentioned herein will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of this specification described below. Furthermore, the purposes and advantages of this specification can be realized by the components and combinations thereof described in the claims.

[0009]

[0010] A cooking device according to one embodiment may include a heating means disposed at a position corresponding to a heating area, a temperature sensor disposed on one side of the heating means, and a controller for controlling operation of the heating means.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller may receive cooking information from a user, receive a boiling alarm timing from the user, receive a heating start command from the user, drive the heating means according to the heating start command to perform a heating operation, determine a temperature value of a load in a container provided to the heating area based on at least one of the cooking type information, the cooking amount information, and the material status information and a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, compare the temperature value of the load with a reference temperature value corresponding to the boiling alarm timing, and perform a boiling alarm operation if the temperature value of the load is equal to or greater than the reference temperature value.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cooking information may include at least one of cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information.

[0013] In one embodiment, the controller can determine the temperature value of the load using a pre-generated temperature value determination model.

[0014] In one embodiment, the temperature value determination model can be generated by machine learning performed in a state where the cooking information and the temperature value are set as inputs and the temperature value of the load is set as a target.

[0015] In one embodiment, if the boiling alarm timing is set to a time earlier than a predetermined reference time, the reference temperature value may decrease, and if the boiling alarm timing is set to a time later than the reference time, the reference temperature value may increase.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controller may calculate a distribution of temperature values ​​of a load within the container based on the cooking information and the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, and determine any one of the temperature values ​​included in the distribution as the temperature value of the load within the container.

[0017] In one embodiment, the boiling alarm operation may be an operation in which a predetermined sound or message is output through the user terminal or the cooking device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the controller can maintain the heating power of the heating means at a predetermined level if the temperature value of the load is equal to or higher than the reference temperature value.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method for controlling a cooking device including a heating means disposed at a position corresponding to a heating zone, a temperature sensor disposed on one side of the heating means, and a controller for controlling the operation of the heating means may include the steps of: receiving cooking information from a user; receiving a boiling alarm timing from the user; receiving a heating start command from the user; driving the heating means according to the heating start command to perform a heating operation; determining a temperature value of a load in a container provided to the heating zone based on at least one of the cooking type information, the cooking amount information, and the material condition information and a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor; comparing the temperature value of the load with a reference temperature value corresponding to the boiling alarm timing; and performing a boiling alarm operation if the temperature value of the load is equal to or greater than the reference temperature value.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cooking information may include at least one of cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of determining a temperature value of a load within a container provided to the heating area may include a step of determining the temperature value of the load using a pre-generated temperature value estimation model.

[0022] In one embodiment, the temperature value estimation model can be generated by machine learning performed in a state where the cooking information and the temperature value are set as inputs and the temperature value of the load is set as a target.

[0023] In one embodiment, if the boiling alarm timing is set to a time earlier than a predetermined reference time, the reference temperature value may decrease, and if the boiling alarm timing is set to a time later than the reference time, the reference temperature value may increase.

[0024] In one embodiment, the step of determining a temperature value of a load within a container provided to the heating area may include the step of calculating a distribution of temperature values ​​of the load within the container and the step of determining one of the temperature values ​​included in the distribution as the temperature value of the load within the container.

[0025] In one embodiment, the step of performing a boiling alarm operation when the temperature value of the load is higher than the reference temperature value may include a step of controlling a predetermined sound or message to be output through a user terminal or the cooking device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method may further include a step of maintaining the heating power of the heating means at a predetermined level when the temperature value of the load is equal to or higher than the reference temperature value.

[0027]

[0028] According to embodiments, when a load inside a container is heated using a cooking device, the temperature of the load inside the container can be estimated based on information input by the user. This allows the user to accurately be notified that the load inside the container has reached a boiling state. Therefore, during the heating process using the cooking device, the user can easily recognize that the load inside the container has reached a boiling state without having to directly monitor the state of the cooking device or the container.

[0029]

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of a cooking device, a user terminal, and a management server according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates an operation unit of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a cooking information input screen displayed on a display of a user terminal in one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a boiling notification function setting screen displayed on a display of a user terminal in one embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0036]

[0037] The above-described objects, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily practice the embodiments of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present disclosure is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or similar components.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of a cooking device, a user terminal, and a management server according to one embodiment.

[0039] A cooking device (10) according to one embodiment may include a heating means (151), a temperature sensor (152), a controller (153), and a communication unit (154).

[0040] The cooking device (10) may include a heating zone. A user may supply a container containing a load (e.g., food) to be cooked to the heating zone.

[0041] The cooking device (10) may include a heating means (151) positioned at a position corresponding to a heating area. The heating means (151) may supply thermal energy to a container provided in the heating area of ​​the cooking device (10) to heat a container or a load within the container. Examples of the heating means (151) include a working coil, a surface heating element, a gas burner, and the like, but the type of the heating means (151) is not limited thereto.

[0042] A temperature sensor (152) may be placed on one side of the heating means (151). The temperature sensor (152) may sense a temperature value measured at the position where it is placed and transmit the sensed temperature value to the controller (153).

[0043] The controller (153) can control the operation of the heating means (151). Although not shown, the cooking device (10) may include an input means (e.g., a touch panel or a knob) for adjusting or setting the heat power of each heating zone or inputting a heating start command or a heating end command for each heating zone. When a heating start command is input through the input means (not shown), the controller (153) can drive the heating means (151) corresponding to each heating zone according to the heat power set through the input means (not shown). When a heating end command is input through the input means (not shown), the controller (153) can terminate the operation of the heating means (151).

[0044] The communication unit (154) can communicate with the management server (30) or the user terminal (20) via wireless or wired communication. The communication unit (154) can receive information input by the user via the user terminal (20) from the user terminal (20) or the management server (30). The communication unit (154) can transmit information related to the operation of the cooking device (10) or information input by the user via the cooking device (10) to the management server (30) or the user terminal (20).

[0045] The user terminal (20) may include a display (251), an input device (252), and a communication unit (253). Examples of the user terminal (20) include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, etc., but the type of the user terminal (20) is not limited thereto.

[0046] The display (251) can display information stored in the user terminal (20) or information input by the user through the input device (252).

[0047] The input device (252) is a means for the user to input desired information. In one embodiment, the display (251) and the input device (252) may be implemented as a single device, such as a touch panel.

[0048] The communication unit (253) can communicate with the cooking device (10) or the management server (30) through wireless communication or wired communication. The communication unit (154) can receive information related to the operation of the cooking device (10) or information input by the user through the cooking device (10) from the cooking device (10) or the management server (30). The communication unit (154) can transmit information input by the user through the input device (252) to the cooking device (10) or the management server (30). Although not shown, the communication unit (253) can be connected to an access point (AP) that performs wired or wireless communication and communicate with the cooking device (10) or the management server (30) through the access point.

[0049] The management server (30) can manage the accounts of users using the cooking device (10) and user terminals (20) and the devices registered to the user's account. In one embodiment, the user can register the cooking device (10) to his / her account stored in the management server (30) using the user terminal (20).

[0050] The management server (30) can receive information related to the operation of the cooking device (10) from the cooking device (10). The management server (30) can transmit the information received from the cooking device (10) to the user terminal (20). Accordingly, the user can check information related to the cooking device (10) through the user terminal (20).

[0051] Additionally, the management server (30) can receive information or commands input by the user through the user terminal (20). The management server (20) can transmit information or commands received from the user terminal (20) to the cooking device (10).

[0052] In some embodiments, the cooking device (10) and the user terminal (20) may not exchange information through the management server (30). That is, the cooking device (10) and the user terminal (20) may exchange information directly with each other.

[0053] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates an induction heating device (10) as an example of the cooking device (10) described with reference to FIG. 1. The induction heating device (10) according to one embodiment may include a case (102) constituting a main body and a cover plate (104) coupled with the case (102) to seal the case (102).

[0055] The cover plate (104) can be coupled to the upper surface of the case (102) to seal a space formed inside the case (102). The cover plate (104) can include a top portion (106) on which a container for cooking food can be placed. In one embodiment, the top portion (106) can be made of a tempered glass material such as ceramic glass, but the material of the top portion (106) can vary depending on the embodiment.

[0056] The upper portion (106) may be formed with heating areas (12, 14) each corresponding to a working coil assembly (122, 124). In order to enable a user to clearly recognize the location of the heating areas (12, 14), lines or shapes corresponding to the heating areas (12, 14) may be printed or displayed on the upper portion (106).

[0057] The case (102) may have a hexahedral shape with an open top. A working coil assembly (122, 124) for heating the container may be arranged in a space formed inside the case (102). In addition, an interface unit (114) may be provided inside the case (102) that has a function of allowing a user to apply power or adjust the heat power, i.e., power level, of each heating zone (12, 14) and a function of displaying information related to the induction heating device (10). The interface unit (114) may be formed as a touch panel that allows both information input and information display by touch, but an interface unit (114) having a different structure may be used depending on the embodiment.

[0058] In addition, the upper part (106) may be provided with an operation area (118) positioned corresponding to the interface part (114). For the user's operation, characters or images may be printed in advance on the operation area (118). The user may perform a desired operation by touching a specific point on the operation area (118) with reference to the characters or images printed in advance on the operation area (118). In addition, information output by the interface part (114) may be displayed through the operation area (118). Therefore, the operation area (118) may also be referred to as a display.

[0059] The user can set the heat power, i.e., the power level, of each heating zone (12, 14) through the interface unit (114). For example, the power level can be displayed as a number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, ..., 9) on the operation area (118). When the power level for each heating zone (12, 14) is set, a target power value of a working coil corresponding to each heating zone (12, 14) and a heating frequency corresponding to the target power value can be determined. The controller can drive each working coil so that the output power value of each working coil matches the target power value set by the user based on the determined heating frequency.

[0060] A power supply unit (112) for supplying power to a working coil assembly (122, 124) or an interface unit (114) can be placed in a space formed inside the case (102).

[0061] For reference, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, two working coil assemblies, i.e., a first working coil assembly (122) and a second working coil assembly (124), are exemplarily illustrated as being arranged inside the case (102), but depending on the embodiment, one working coil assembly or three or more working coil assemblies may be arranged inside the case (102).

[0062] Each working coil assembly (122, 124) may be disposed at a position corresponding to each heating zone (12, 14). The working coil assembly (122, 124) may include a working coil that forms an induced magnetic field using a high-frequency alternating current supplied by the power supply unit (112) and an insulating sheet for protecting the coil from heat generated by the container. For example, in FIG. 2, the first working coil assembly (122) may include a first working coil (132) and a first insulating sheet (130) for heating a container placed in the first heating zone (12). Also, although not shown, the second working coil assembly (124) may include a second working coil and a second insulating sheet. Depending on the embodiment, an insulating sheet may not be disposed on each working coil assembly (122, 124). In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first working coil and the second working coil can each be the heating means (151) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0063] A temperature sensor may be placed at the center of each working coil. For example, in FIG. 1, a temperature sensor (134) may be placed at the center of the first working coil (132). Similarly, a temperature sensor may also be placed at the center of the second working coil. The temperature sensor may sense the temperature at the position where it is placed and transmit the sensed temperature value to the controller (153). In one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be a thermistor temperature sensor having a variable resistor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature, but the type of the temperature sensor is not limited thereto.

[0064] The controller (153) can perform an overheat protection operation to lower the actual power value of the working coil or stop the operation of the working coil when the temperature value transmitted from the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined reference value.

[0065] Although not shown in FIG. 2, a board on which a plurality of circuits or elements, including a controller (153) and a communication unit (154), are mounted may be placed in a space formed inside the case (102). The controller (153) may drive each working coil to perform a heating operation according to a user's heating start command input through the operation area (118) and the interface unit (114). When the user inputs a heating end command through the operation area (118) and the interface unit (114), the controller (153) may stop driving the working coil to end the heating operation.

[0066] Also, although not shown in FIG. 2, a speaker for audio output may be placed in the space formed inside the case (102).

[0067] Fig. 3 illustrates an operation unit of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an operation unit (118) of the cooking device, i.e., the induction heating device (10), illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 3, the operation unit (118) of the induction heating device (10) according to one embodiment may include a power button (301) and a power lamp (302). A user may input a power-on command by pressing the power button (301) when the induction heating device (10) is in a power-off state. When the power-on command is input, the induction heating device (10) may change to a power-on state, and the power lamp (302) may turn on. A user may input a power-off command by pressing the power button (301) when the induction heating device (10) is in a power-on state. When the power-off command is input, the induction heating device (10) may change to a power-off state, and the power lamp (302) may turn off.

[0069] An operating unit (118) of an induction heating device (10) according to one embodiment may include a first power level display window (311), a first power level adjustment button (312), a second power level display window (321), and a second power level adjustment button (322). A user can input or change the power level of the first working coil through the first power level adjustment button (312).

[0070] When a user inputs or changes the power level of the first working coil through the first power level adjustment button (312), the power level of the first working coil can be displayed in the first power level display window (311). The user can input or change the power level of the second working coil through the second power level adjustment button (322). When a user inputs or changes the power level of the second working coil through the second power level adjustment button (322), the power level of the second working coil can be displayed in the second power level display window (321).

[0071] In one embodiment, the power level of the first working coil and the power level of the second working coil may be set to any one of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and turbo. As the power level increases, the output power value of each working coil may increase. However, the range and value of the power level of each working coil may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0072] When a user inputs a power level from 1 to turbo through the first power level adjustment button (312) or the second power level adjustment button (322), power may be supplied to each working coil, and a heating operation may start. That is, inputting a power level from 1 to turbo through the first power level adjustment button (312) or the second power level adjustment button (322) may be equivalent to inputting a heating start command. When a user inputs a power level of 0 through the first power level adjustment button (312) or the second power level adjustment button (322), power may be cut off to each working coil, and a heating operation may end. That is, inputting a power level of 0 through the first power level adjustment button (312) or the second power level adjustment button (322) may be equivalent to inputting a heating end command.

[0073] An operation unit (118) of an induction heating device according to one embodiment may include a first timer display window (313), a second timer display window (323), and timer adjustment buttons (303, 304). When each working coil is driven, a user can input or change the driving time of each working coil in a predetermined unit (e.g., in minutes) through the timer adjustment buttons (303, 304). The user can decrease the driving time through the timer decrease button (303) or increase the driving time through the timer increase button (304).

[0074] When a user inputs the driving time of each working coil, the driving time of each working coil can be displayed in the first timer display window (313) or the second timer display window (323). The driving time displayed in the first timer display window (313) or the second timer display window (323) can decrease until it becomes 0. When the driving time displayed in the first timer display window (313) or the second timer display window (323) becomes 0, the driving of the working coil can be terminated.

[0075] An operation unit (118) of an induction heating device according to one embodiment may include load input buttons (331, 332, 333) and load display lamps (341, 342, 343). A user may input the capacity or volume of a load inside a container, i.e., the load amount, through the load input buttons (331, 332, 333). When a user inputs a load amount by pressing any one of the load input buttons (331, 332, 333), a lamp corresponding to the load amount pressed by the user among the load display lamps (341, 342, 343) may light up.

[0076] In FIG. 3, three load input buttons (331, 332, 333) corresponding to load amounts of 0.5 L, 1.0 L, and 1.5 L are illustrated as an example, but the number of load input buttons and the numerical value of the load amount assigned to each load input button may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0077] In another embodiment, each load input button (331, 332, 333) may be assigned a different number, letter, and unit to indicate the capacity of the load. For example, each load input button (331, 332, 333) may be assigned a number and unit (e.g., 0.2 kg, 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg) indicating the mass of the load. In another example, each load input button (331, 332, 333) may be assigned a letter or number (e.g., small, medium, large or 1, 2, 3) indicating the relative capacity of the load.

[0078] In another embodiment, the induction heating device (10) may include a voice input device (e.g., a microphone) for receiving a user's voice input. The user may also input the load capacity by voice through the voice input device instead of the load capacity input buttons (331, 332, 333).

[0079] In another embodiment, a fine volume adjustment button (not shown) may be arranged on one side of the load input buttons (331, 332, 333). The user can adjust the load more precisely by pressing the fine volume adjustment button. For example, if the user presses the load input button (331) to input the load as 0.5 L and then presses the fine volume decrease button, the load may be decreased by a predetermined unit volume (e.g., 0.1 L), and if the fine volume increase button is pressed, the load may be increased by a predetermined fine adjustment volume (e.g., 0.1 L). The size of the unit volume assigned to the fine volume adjustment button may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0080] The load amount entered by the user through the load amount input button (331, 332, 333) is transmitted to the management server (30) through the communication unit (154) and then transmitted to the user terminal (20), or can be transmitted directly to the user terminal (20) through the communication unit (154).

[0081] In one embodiment, a user may provide a container containing a load to the first heating zone (12) and press a power button (301) to turn the induction heating device (10) on.

[0082] When a container is provided on top of the first working coil (132), the user can input the load amount (0.5 L) of the load in the container by pressing the first load amount input button (331) among the load amount input buttons (331, 332, 333). If the container is not provided on top of the first working coil (132) when the user presses one of the load amount input buttons (331, 332, 333), a predetermined alarm action (e.g., voice output through a speaker and / or display of a specific character (e.g., “u”) on the first power level display window (311)) may be performed. In another embodiment, when the container is not provided on top of the first working coil (132), a voice for notifying the absence of the container may be output through the speaker of the induction heating device (10).

[0083] When a user inputs a load by pressing the first load input button (331) while a container is provided on the upper portion of the first working coil (132), the first load display lamp (331) may blink for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds). While the first load display lamp (331) blinks, the first working coil (132) is not driven, and the user may change the load by pressing another load input button (332, 333). When a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed from the time the user pressed the first load input button (331), the first load display lamp (331) may change from a blinking state to a lit state.

[0084] In one embodiment, load information entered by a user through a load input button (331, 332, 333) can be transmitted to a user terminal (20).

[0085] In one embodiment, when the smart heating operation described below is performed, a specific character (e.g., “A”) may be displayed in the first power level display window (311) to indicate that the smart heating operation is performed.

[0086] The induction heating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is merely one example of several types of cooking devices to which the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied. That is, the embodiments described below may also be applied to other types of cooking devices other than induction heating devices.

[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates a cooking information input screen displayed on a display of a user terminal in one embodiment. FIG. 5 also illustrates a boiling notification function setting screen displayed on a display of a user terminal in one embodiment.

[0088] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment in which the user terminal (20) is a smartphone equipped with a touch panel. However, the type of user terminal (20) is not limited to a smartphone, and the user terminal (20) may be another type of terminal. In one embodiment, a user can input cooking information for smart heating operation through the user terminal (20).

[0089] In the present specification, when a smart heating operation is performed by the cooking device (10), when the load inside the container heated by the cooking device (10) reaches a boiling state, a boiling alarm operation may be performed to notify the user that the load is in a boiling state through the user terminal (20) or the cooking device (10). In addition, when the smart heating operation is performed, the heat power of the heating means may be maintained at a predetermined level when the load inside the container reaches a boiling state.

[0090] In one embodiment, cooking information may include cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information. The user can input each piece of information through the cooking type information input area (402), cooking amount input area (403), and ingredient status input area (404) displayed on the cooking information input screen (Fig. 4) displayed on the display (251) of the user terminal (20). The user can also set a desired cooking power through the cooking power input area (405).

[0091] The cooking type information is information indicating the type of dish (e.g., seaweed soup, ramen, braised short ribs, etc.) that the user wants to cook using the cooking device (10). The cooking amount information is information indicating the volume or capacity (e.g., 0.5 L, 1.0 L, 1.5 L) of the load contained in the container provided by the user to the cooking device (10). The material condition information is information indicating the storage condition (e.g., refrigerated or room temperature) of the load contained in the container provided by the user to the cooking device (10).

[0092] In some embodiments, pre-stored information is provided in each of the areas (402, 403, 404, 405), and the user can input each piece of information by selecting one of the pre-stored pieces of information. For example, when the user touches the cooking amount input area (403), pre-stored cooking amount information (e.g., 0.5 L, 1.0 L, 1.5 L) is displayed, and the user can select one of the displayed cooking amount information. In other embodiments, the user can also directly input desired information in each of the areas (402, 403, 404, 405).

[0093] When a user inputs cooking information, i.e., cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information, through a user terminal (20), the input cooking information can be transmitted to the cooking device (10) through the management server (30). Depending on the embodiment, the cooking information can be transmitted directly to the cooking device (10) without going through the management server (30).

[0094] Meanwhile, the user can enter the settings screen for smart heating operation by pressing the settings button (401) on the screen shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 illustrates the settings screen displayed on the display (251) of the user terminal (20) when the user presses the settings button (401).

[0095] In the settings screen of Fig. 5, the user can set whether to use the smart heating operation function by pressing the smart heating operation on / off button (411).

[0096] When the smart heating operation on / off button (411) is off, the cooking device (10) operates only according to the firepower (power level) input by the user, and the boiling alarm operation is not performed. In addition, when the smart heating operation on / off button (411) is off, the message indicating that the smart heating operation function shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 is in use ("Smart heating is now in use") may not be displayed on the screen.

[0097] When the smart heating operation on / off button (411) is turned on, the boiling alarm operation described below is performed based on the cooking information entered by the user through the cooking information input screen (Fig. 4). In addition, when the smart heating operation on / off button (411) is turned on, a message indicating that the smart heating operation function is in use (“Smart heating is currently in use”) may be displayed on the screen, as shown in Fig. 4 or Fig. 5.

[0098] Additionally, the user can adjust the boiling alarm timing by using the boiling alarm timing adjustment button (412) on the setting screen (Fig. 5). For example, the user can change the boiling alarm timing to an earlier time than the reference time by moving the boiling alarm timing adjustment button (412) to the left from a predetermined reference time. The user can change the boiling alarm timing to a later time than the reference time by moving the boiling alarm timing adjustment button (412) to the right from a predetermined reference time. The above boiling alarm timing adjustment method and user interface are merely examples, and the boiling alarm timing may be adjusted by other methods and user interfaces.

[0099] Additionally, the user can adjust the volume of the sound output when the boiling alarm is activated by using the volume control button (413) on the setting screen (Fig. 5). For example, the user can decrease the volume by moving the volume control button (413) to the left, or increase the volume by moving the volume control button (413) to the right. Such a volume control method and user interface are merely examples, and the volume of the sound output when the boiling alarm is activated can be adjusted by other methods and user interfaces.

[0100] When the smart heating operation on / off button (411) is turned on and the user inputs cooking information through the user terminal (20), the user can input a heating start command to the cooking device (10). For example, the user can input the heating start command by inputting a power level through the power level adjustment buttons (312, 322) of the cooking device (10) illustrated in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the user can also input the heating start command to the cooking device (10) by touching a heating start button (not illustrated) displayed on the user terminal (20).

[0101] When a user inputs a heating start command, the controller (153) can drive the heating means (151) to perform a heating operation.

[0102] When the heating means (151) is driven and a heating operation is performed, the controller (153) can determine the temperature value of the load inside the container provided to the heating area based on at least one of cooking information input by the user, i.e., cooking type information, cooking amount information, and material status information, and the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor (152).

[0103] In one embodiment, the controller (153) can determine the temperature value of the load using a pre-generated temperature value determination model. Here, the temperature value determination model can be generated by machine learning performed in a state where at least one of cooking type information, cooking amount information, and material condition information and a temperature value sensed by a temperature sensor (152) are set as inputs, and the temperature value of the load is set as a target. The machine learning method used to generate the temperature value determination model can be one of several known machine learning methods.

[0104] In one embodiment, the controller (153) can calculate the distribution of the temperature value of the load inside the container using a pre-generated temperature value determination model. In this case, the temperature value determination model can be generated by machine learning performed in a state where at least one of the cooking type information, the cooking amount information, and the material condition information and the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor (152) are set as inputs, and the distribution of the temperature value of the load is set as a target. The controller (153) can determine any one of the temperature values ​​included in the calculated temperature value distribution (e.g., the lower specification limit, the upper specification limit, or the median value) as the temperature value of the load inside the container.

[0105] According to the method described above, the controller (153) can determine the temperature value of the load at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 0.1 second or 1 second) while the load inside the container is heated by the heating means (151).

[0106] While the heating means (151) is driven and a heating operation is performed, the controller (153) can adjust the thermal power of the heating means (151) according to the temperature value of the load and a predetermined heating profile. In one embodiment, the heating profile can include the temperature values ​​of a plurality of loads and the thermal power value corresponding to the temperature value of each load. In the heating profile, each thermal power value can be set to decrease whenever the temperature value of the load increases. That is, the controller (153) can control the thermal power of the heating means (151) to decrease as the temperature value of the load increases.

[0107] The controller (153) can compare the temperature value of the load with a predetermined reference temperature value whenever the temperature value of the load is determined.

[0108] In one embodiment, the reference temperature value may be determined by the boiling alarm timing set by the user. For example, if the boiling alarm timing set by the user is a preset reference time, the reference temperature value may be determined as a default value (e.g., 95°C) corresponding to the reference time. If the user sets the boiling alarm timing to a time that is 2 seconds earlier than the reference time, the reference temperature value may be determined as a value lower than the default value (e.g., 95°C) corresponding to the reference time (e.g., 93°C). If the user sets the boiling alarm timing to a time that is 2 seconds later than the reference time, the reference temperature value may be determined as a value higher than the default value (e.g., 95°C) corresponding to the reference time (e.g., 97°C). This is merely an example, and the relationship between the increase or decrease in the boiling alarm timing and the increase or decrease in the reference temperature value may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0109] When the controller (153) compares the temperature value of the load with a predetermined reference temperature value and determines that the temperature value of the load is lower than the reference temperature value, the controller (153) continues to operate the heating means (151).

[0110] When the controller (153) compares the temperature value of the load with a predetermined reference temperature value and determines that the temperature value of the load is higher than the reference temperature value, the controller (153) performs a boiling alarm operation. For example, the controller (153) can control a predetermined sound to be output through a speaker provided in the cooking device (10) when the temperature value of the load is higher than the reference temperature value. As another example, the controller (153) can request the performance of a boiling alarm operation to the user terminal (20) through the management server (30) or directly. Accordingly, a predetermined sound or a predetermined message can be output through the speaker provided in the user terminal (20).

[0111] By means of this boiling alarm operation, the user can easily recognize that the load inside the container is boiling.

[0112] In one embodiment, if the temperature value of the load is higher than the reference temperature value, the controller (153) can maintain the thermal power of the heating means (151) at a predetermined level. Accordingly, the thermal power of the heating means (151) can be maintained at a constant level until a user's command or operation is input.

[0113] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the controller (153) of the cooking device (10) can receive cooking information from a user (601).

[0115] In one embodiment, the cooking information may include cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information.

[0116] Next, the controller (153) can receive a boiling alarm timing input from the user (602).

[0117] Next, the controller (153) can receive a heating start command from the user (603).

[0118] Next, the controller (153) can drive the heating means (151) according to the heating start command to perform a heating operation (604).

[0119] The controller (153) can determine the temperature value of the load inside the container provided to the heating area based on the cooking information and the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor (605).

[0120] In one embodiment, the step (605) of determining a temperature value of a load within a container provided to a heating zone may include a step of determining a temperature value of the load using a pre-generated temperature value estimation model.

[0121] In one embodiment, the temperature value estimation model can be generated by machine learning performed with cooking information and temperature values ​​set as inputs and the temperature value of the load set as a target.

[0122] In one embodiment, the step (605) of determining a temperature value of a load within a container provided to a heating area may include the step of calculating a distribution of temperature values ​​of the load within the container and the step of determining one of the temperature values ​​included in the calculated temperature value distribution as the temperature value of the load within the container.

[0123] The controller (153) can compare the reference temperature value corresponding to the boiling alarm timing with the temperature value of the load (606).

[0124] In one embodiment, if the boiling alarm timing is set to a time earlier than a predetermined reference time, the reference temperature value may decrease. In one embodiment, if the boiling alarm timing is set to a time later than the reference time, the reference temperature value may increase.

[0125] The controller (153) can perform a boiling alarm operation when the temperature value of the load is higher than the reference temperature value (607).

[0126] In one embodiment, the step (607) of performing a boiling alarm operation when the temperature value of the load is higher than the reference temperature value may include a step of controlling a predetermined sound or message to be output through the user terminal (20) or the cooking device (10).

[0127] Although not shown, the control method of the cooking device (10) according to one embodiment may further include a step of maintaining the heat power of the heating means (151) at a predetermined level when the temperature value of the load inside the container is higher than the reference temperature value.

[0128] Although the present specification has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, the present specification is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, even if the effects according to the configuration are not explicitly described and explained in the description of the embodiments above, the effects that can be predicted by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A heating means placed at a position corresponding to the heating area; a temperature sensor arranged on one side of the heating means; and Including a controller that controls the operation of the above heating means, The above controller A heating device is provided, which receives cooking information from a user, receives a boiling alarm timing from the user, receives a heating start command from the user, drives the heating means according to the heating start command to perform a heating operation, determines a temperature value of a load in a container provided to the heating area based on at least one of the cooking type information, the cooking amount information, and the material status information and a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, compares the temperature value of the load with a reference temperature value corresponding to the boiling alarm timing, and performs a boiling alarm operation if the temperature value of the load is equal to or higher than the reference temperature value. Cooking appliance.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cooking information is Contains at least one of the following information: cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information. Cooking appliance.

3. In paragraph 1, The above controller Determining the temperature value of the above load using a pre-generated temperature value determination model. Cooking appliance.

4. In paragraph 2, The above temperature value determination model is The above cooking information and the above temperature value are set as inputs, and the temperature value of the load is set as a target, and is generated by machine learning. Cooking appliance.

5. In paragraph 1, If the boiling alarm timing is set to a point earlier than the preset reference time, the reference temperature value decreases, and if the boiling alarm timing is set to a point later than the preset reference time, the reference temperature value increases. Cooking appliance.

6. In paragraph 1, The above controller Based on the above cooking information and the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, a distribution of the temperature value of the load inside the container is calculated, and one of the temperature values ​​included in the distribution is determined as the temperature value of the load inside the container. Cooking appliance.

7. In paragraph 1, The above boiling alarm action is An action in which a predetermined sound or message is output through a user terminal or the cooking device. Cooking appliance.

8. In paragraph 1, The above controller If the temperature value of the above load is higher than the above reference temperature value, the heating power of the heating means is maintained at a predetermined level. Cooking appliance.

9. A method for controlling a cooking device including a heating means arranged at a position corresponding to a heating area, a temperature sensor arranged on one side of the heating means, and a controller controlling the operation of the heating means, Step of receiving cooking information from the user; A step of receiving a boiling alarm timing from the above user; A step of receiving a heating start command from the user; A step of driving the heating means to perform a heating operation according to the heating start command; A step of determining a temperature value of a load inside a container provided to the heating area based on at least one of the cooking type information, cooking amount information, and material status information and a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor; A step of comparing the temperature value of the load with the reference temperature value corresponding to the boiling alarm timing; and Including a step of performing a boiling alarm operation when the temperature value of the above load is higher than the reference temperature value. Method of controlling a cooking device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above cooking information is Contains at least one of the following information: cooking type information, cooking amount information, and ingredient status information. Cooking appliance.

11. In paragraph 9, The step of determining the temperature value of the load inside the container provided to the above heating area is A step of determining the temperature value of the load using a pre-generated temperature value estimation model. Method of controlling a cooking device.

12. In paragraph 11, The above temperature value estimation model is The above cooking information and the above temperature value are set as inputs, and the temperature value of the load is set as a target, and is generated by machine learning. Method of controlling a cooking device.

13. In paragraph 9, If the boiling alarm timing is set to a point earlier than the preset reference time, the reference temperature value decreases, and if the boiling alarm timing is set to a point later than the preset reference time, the reference temperature value increases. Method of controlling a cooking device.

14. In paragraph 9, The step of determining the temperature value of the load inside the container provided to the above heating area is A step of calculating the distribution of temperature values ​​of the load within the container; and A step of determining one of the temperature values ​​included in the above distribution as the temperature value of the load inside the container. Method of controlling a cooking device.

15. In paragraph 9, The step of performing a boiling alarm operation when the temperature value of the above load is higher than the reference temperature value A step of controlling a predetermined sound or message to be output through a user terminal or the cooking device is included. Method of controlling a cooking device.

16. In paragraph 9, The method further includes a step of maintaining the heating power of the heating means at a predetermined level when the temperature value of the load is higher than the reference temperature value. Cooking appliance.

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