Cooking apparatus and method for controlling cooking apparatus

Abstract

A cooking apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a communication interface for communicating with an external device; a heating element; and a control unit for receiving, from the external device through the communication interface, a remote instruction for controlling the heating element, adjusting the heating power of the heating element according to the remote instruction, and lowering the heating power of the heating element in response to the signal strength of communication with the external device falling to or below a reference value after adjusting the heating power of the heating element according to the remote instruction.

Description

Cooking appliances and methods for controlling cooking appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remotely controllable cooking appliance and a method for controlling the cooking appliance.

[0002] A cooking appliance is a device that cooks food in a cooking container, including a plate having a plurality of cooking zones on which cooking containers are placed, and a heating element that heats the cooking containers placed in the cooking zones.

[0003] Cooking appliances are devices used to heat food for cooking. They can generally be categorized as electric or gas based on the type of heating element. Gas ranges use the heat generated by burning gas as their heat source. Highlighters use the heat generated by electric heaters as their heat source. Induction heating devices utilize the principle of induction heating to heat cooking utensils.

[0004] Induction heating devices may include an induction heating coil, which generates a magnetic field when current is applied as a heating element. Since these devices utilize the cooking vessel itself as a heat source, they offer advantages over gas ranges or kerosene stoves, which burn fossil fuels to heat the cooking vessel. They also offer higher heat transfer rates, no harmful gases, and no risk of fire.

[0005] Recently, convenience in cooking has been provided by providing the function of controlling the heating element of the cooking appliance remotely.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a cooking appliance and a method for controlling the cooking appliance that can be controlled remotely while ensuring safety.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a cooking appliance and a control method for the cooking appliance that can prevent danger caused by a heating element in advance.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a communication interface for communicating with an external device; a heating element; and a control unit for receiving a remote instruction for controlling the heating element from the external device through the communication interface, adjusting the heating power of the heating element according to the remote instruction, and regulating the heating power of the heating element downward in response to a communication signal strength with the external device dropping below a reference value after adjusting the heating power of the heating element according to the remote instruction.

[0010] A method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: receiving a remote instruction for controlling a heating element from an external device; adjusting the heat power of the heating element according to the remote instruction; and, after adjusting the heat power of the heating element according to the remote instruction, lowering the heat power of the heating element in response to a communication signal strength with the external device falling below a reference value.

[0011] Figure 1 is an external view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a cooking appliance according to one embodiment heating a cooking vessel.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a subject performing a control method of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a control interface provided by a user device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates how a heating element of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment is controlled according to the occurrence of various events.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a control interface provided by a user device according to one embodiment.

[0021] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0023] For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] Additionally, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to express the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the additional presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0025] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0026] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0027] Meanwhile, the terms "front", "back", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, but the shape and position of each component are not limited by the above terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side, and the rear side may be defined as the -X side. For example, based on the drawing, the right side may be defined as the +Y side, and the left side may be defined as the -Y side. For example, based on the drawing, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side, and the lower side may be defined as the -Z side.

[0028] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit one component.

[0029] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols used in the attached drawings may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0031] The operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Fig. 1 is an external view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates a cooking appliance according to one embodiment heating a cooking container.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include a plate (101) provided on an upper portion of a main body (102), a plurality of cooking zones (100) formed on the plate (101), and a user interface device (120).

[0034] For example, the plate (101) can be made of ceramic.

[0035] The plurality of cooking zones (100) may include a first cooking zone (111), a second cooking zone (112), a third cooking zone (113), and a fourth cooking zone (114) as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the number of the plurality of cooking zones (100) is not limited thereto.

[0036] According to various embodiments, depending on the number of heating elements (200), all locations on the plate (101) may operate as cooking zones. However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the plate (101) includes a plurality of cooking zones (100) and the cooking appliance (1) includes a heating element (200) corresponding to each of the plurality of cooking zones (100).

[0037] The cooking zone (100) indicates the location where the cooking vessel is placed, and the plate (101) may include a visual indication for distinguishing the plurality of cooking zones (100). For example, the visual indication for distinguishing the plurality of cooking zones (100) may include a circular shape or a straight boundary line.

[0038] However, the shapes described above are merely examples of shapes for indicating a cooking zone (100), and even if they are not circular or straight, they can be applied to embodiments of visual displays for distinguishing multiple cooking zones (100) as long as they can guide the user to the location of the cooking zone (100).

[0039] A user interface device (120) may be provided in one area of ​​the plate (101).

[0040] The user interface device (120) is an input / output device and may include a display and an input device. The display may include a display device such as an LCD or LED, and the input device may include at least one of various input devices such as a touch pad, buttons, or a jog shuttle. Alternatively, the display and the input device may implement a touch screen.

[0041] In one embodiment, the user interface device (120) may include a touch screen display.

[0042] In the present example, a case in which a user interface device (120) is provided at a location spaced apart from the cooking zones (111, 112, 113, 114) on the plate (101) is exemplified. However, the arrangement of FIG. 1 is merely an example applicable to the cooking appliance (1), and it is also possible for the user interface device (120) to be provided at a location other than the plate (101), such as the front of the cooking appliance (1).

[0043] A heating element (200) used to heat a cooking vessel (10) placed on the plate (101) may be arranged at the bottom of the plate (101). In Fig. 2, only one heating element (200) is illustrated for convenience of explanation, but the number of heating elements (200) may correspond to the number of cooking zones (100).

[0044] According to various embodiments, if the cooking appliance (1) corresponds to a gas-type cooking appliance, the heating element (200) may be a burner, and if the cooking appliance (1) corresponds to an electric heater-type cooking appliance, the heating element (200) may be an electric heater.

[0045] However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the heating element (200) of the cooking appliance (1) is a heating coil.

[0046] The heating element (200) may be referred to as a heating device, heating element, etc. from the perspective that it can heat food or a cooking vessel.

[0047] In the case where there are four cooking zones (111, 112, 113, 114) as in the example of Fig. 1, four heating elements (200) may also be provided, and each heating element (200) may be arranged under each cooking zone (111, 112, 113, 114). According to various embodiments, the number of heating elements (200) arranged under each cooking zone (111, 112, 113, 114) is not limited.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a plurality of heating elements corresponding to a plurality of cooking zones. For example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a first heating element corresponding to a first cooking zone (111), a second heating element corresponding to a second cooking zone (112), a third heating element corresponding to a third cooking zone (113), and a fourth heating element corresponding to a fourth cooking zone (114).

[0049] According to various embodiments, a plurality of heating elements (200) may be arranged on the lower portion of the plate (101) regardless of the cooking zone (100), in which case the cooking appliance (1) can recognize the portion on the plate (101) where the cooking vessel (10) is placed as the cooking zone. Furthermore, in this case, the cooking appliance (1) can identify the heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking zone (100) among the plurality of heating elements (200).

[0050] The heating element (200) can be connected to a coil driving circuit and can receive high-frequency current from the coil driving circuit. For example, the frequency of the high-frequency current can be 20 kHz to 35 kHz.

[0051] When a high-frequency current is supplied to the heating element (200), magnetic lines of force (ML) can be formed in the heating element (200). When a cooking vessel (10) having resistance is positioned within the range of the magnetic lines of force (ML), the magnetic lines of force (ML) around the heating element (200) pass through the bottom of the cooking vessel (10) and generate an eddy current, i.e., an eddy current (EC), in the form of an eddy current according to the law of electromagnetic induction.

[0052] Heat can be generated in the cooking vessel (10) by the interaction of these eddy currents (EC) and the electrical resistance of the cooking vessel (10), and the food to be cooked inside the cooking vessel (10) can be heated by the generated heat.

[0053] In a cooking appliance (1) like this, since the cooking container (10) itself acts as a heat source, a metal having a certain level of resistance or higher, such as iron, stainless steel, or nickel, can be used as the material of the cooking container (10).

[0054] The control parameters of the heating element (200) may include thermal power. Thermal power may also be referred to as heating intensity, heating level, or thermal power level.

[0055] When the heating element (200) corresponds to a heating coil and / or an electric heater, the thermal power may include the intensity and / or frequency of the current applied to the heating element (200).

[0056] If the heating element (200) corresponds to a burner, the firepower can literally include the intensity of the fire.

[0057] In the present disclosure, controlling the heating element (200) may include controlling a coil drive circuit connected to the heating element (200).

[0058] In the present disclosure, controlling the heating element (200) may include adjusting the thermal power of the heating element (200).

[0059] In the present disclosure, controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) may include controlling the thermal power upward or downward.

[0060] In the present disclosure, lowering the thermal power of the heating element (200) may include lowering the thermal power of the heating element (200) by a predetermined level or turning off the heating element (200).

[0061] In the present disclosure, turning off the heating element (200) may include changing the heating element (200) to a state where it can no longer heat the food or cooking vessel.

[0062] In the present disclosure, turning off the heating element (200) may include adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) to 0.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (120), at least one sensor (125), a communication interface (130), a control unit (140), and / or a plurality of heating elements (200).

[0065] The user interface device (120) can enable interaction between the user and the cooking appliance (1).

[0066] The user interface device (120) may include an output interface (122) and an input interface (121).

[0067] At least one output interface (122) can transmit various information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0068] For example, at least one output interface (122) can transmit information related to the settings of the cooking appliance (1) and the operating time of the cooking appliance (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1) can be output through a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface (122) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0069] In one embodiment, at least one output interface (122) can output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the control of the cooking appliance (1).

[0070] At least one input interface (121) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0071] If the user interface device (120) includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may be an example of an output interface (122) and an input interface (121).

[0072] At least one input interface (121) may include an input device (e.g., a button) for turning on the power of the cooking appliance (1).

[0073] At least one input interface (121) may include an input device (e.g., a button, a knob, etc.) for controlling the heat power of the heating element (200) of the cooking appliance (1).

[0074] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, an icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

[0075] At least one input interface (121) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0076] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0077] The cooking appliance (1) can process user input received through the user interface device (120) and output information related to the cooking appliance (1) through the user interface device (120).

[0078] The cooking appliance (1) can control the operation of the cooking appliance (1) based on user input received through the user interface device (120).

[0079] In the present disclosure, controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) based on user input received through the user interface device (120) is a concept distinct from controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) based on remote instructions received remotely from an external device.

[0080] In the present disclosure, controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) based on user input received through the user interface device (120) may be defined as “direct control”, and controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) based on remote instructions received remotely from an external device may be defined as “remote control”, but the names of each control method are not limited thereto.

[0081] In the present disclosure, a remote instruction may mean a wireless signal received wirelessly from an external device, and a command received through a user interface device (120) may be referred to as a direct instruction.

[0082] At least one sensor (125) can collect various data related to the cooking target of the cooking appliance (1).

[0083] In one embodiment, at least one sensor (125) may include a container detection sensor. The container detection sensor may sense a cooking container placed in the cooking zone (100).

[0084] Sensing a cooking vessel placed in a cooking zone (100) may include detecting whether a cooking vessel is placed in the cooking zone (100).

[0085] According to various embodiments, sensing a cooking vessel placed in a cooking zone (100) may include identifying a heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking vessel placed on a plate (101). The vessel detection sensor may include a current sensor included in a coil drive circuit for driving the heating element (200).

[0086] The control unit (140) can perform a container detection operation to detect whether a cooking container is placed in the cooking zone (100) by applying a test current to the heating element (200).

[0087] The container detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor that detects a change in capacitance that changes as a cooking container is placed on the plate (101).

[0088] The control unit (140) can identify that a cooking vessel is placed on the plate (101) based on the change value of the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor. Furthermore, the control unit (140) can identify a cooking zone (111, 112, 113, 114) in which a cooking vessel is placed among a plurality of cooking zones (100) based on the change value of the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor.

[0089] In one embodiment, at least one sensor (125) may include a food condition detection sensor for detecting the condition of the food.

[0090] The cooking condition detection sensor may include a cook sensor connected to the cooking appliance (1) via a wire or wireless connection. The cook sensor may include a temperature probe sensor inserted or placed in the cooking food or cooking container to measure the temperature of the cooking food or cooking container.

[0091] The food condition detection sensor may include a camera connected to the cooking appliance (1) via a wire or wireless connection. The camera has a field of view facing multiple cooking zones (100) and can capture images of food or cooking utensils placed in the multiple cooking zones (100).

[0092] The control unit (140) can detect a dangerous state of the food based on data (temperature data and / or image data) collected by the food state detection sensor.

[0093] For example, the control unit (140) can detect the state of the food as dangerous if the temperature of the food or cooking vessel is maintained at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 100°C) or higher for a predetermined period of time.

[0094] As another example, the control unit (140) can detect whether an abnormal event (e.g., excessive smoke generation, etc.) has occurred based on processing an image of the food or cooking vessel, and if an abnormal event has occurred, can detect the state of the food as being dangerous.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the cooking appliance (1) can transmit data collected by the food condition detection sensor to an external device (e.g., a server) via a communication interface to be described later, and it is also possible for the external device to determine the food condition based on the data received from the cooking appliance (1).

[0096] The cooking appliance (1) may include a communication interface (130) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0097] The communication interface (130) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0098] The communication interface (130) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a temperature probe), or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (130) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (130) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0099] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0100] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0101] In one embodiment, the communication interface (130) can communicate with an external device via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the cooking device (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The cooking device (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0102] The cooking appliance (1) can receive various signals (e.g., remote instructions) from an external device through a communication interface (130).

[0103] The cooking appliance (1) can transmit various signals to an external device through a communication interface (130).

[0104] The control unit (140) can process user input received from the input interface (121).

[0105] The control unit (140) can process data collected from at least one sensor (125).

[0106] The control unit (140) can control various components of the cooking appliance (1) (e.g., user interface device (120), communication interface (130), multiple heating elements (200)).

[0107] Controlling the plurality of heating elements (200) by the control unit (140) may include controlling the thermal power of the plurality of heating elements (200).

[0108] The control unit (140) performing cooking in the cooking zone (100) may include the control unit (140) controlling the heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking zone (100).

[0109] The control unit (140) may include at least one processor (141) that controls the operation of the cooking appliance (1) and at least one memory (142) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1).

[0110] At least one memory (142) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (142) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the cooking appliance (1) or in the form of a memory that can be attached or detached from the cooking appliance (1) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the cooking appliance (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the cooking appliance (1), and data for expanding functions of the cooking appliance (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached or detached from the cooking appliance (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the cooking appliance (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). In addition, in the case of memory that can be detachably attached to the cooking appliance (1), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc.

[0111] At least one processor (141) controls the overall operation of the cooking appliance (1). Specifically, at least one processor (141) is connected to each component of the cooking appliance (1) and can control the overall operation of the cooking appliance (1). For example, at least one processor (141) is electrically connected to a memory (142) and can control the overall operation of the cooking appliance (1). The processor (141) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0112] At least one memory (142) may store an algorithm for controlling the user interface device (120) and processing user input entered through the user interface device (120).

[0113] For example, at least one memory (142) may store algorithms for providing various interfaces via the user interface device (120).

[0114] In one embodiment, at least one memory (142) can store recipe information for ingredients that can be cooked by the cooking appliance (1).

[0115] At least one processor (141) can perform operations of a cooking appliance (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in a memory (142).

[0116] At least one processor (141) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), an MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (141) may control one or any combination of other components of the cooking appliance (1), and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. At least one processor (141) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (142). For example, at least one processor (141) may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory (142), thereby performing a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] A plurality of heating elements (200) may correspond to a plurality of cooking zones (100). The heating elements (200) corresponding to the cooking zones (100) may include the heating elements (200) being arranged at the lower side of the cooking zones (100).

[0118] For example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a first heating element (201) corresponding to a first cooking zone (111), a second heating element (202) corresponding to a second cooking zone (112), a third heating element (203) corresponding to a third cooking zone (113), and a fourth heating element (204) corresponding to a fourth cooking zone (114).

[0119] The control unit (140) can perform cooking in each cooking zone by controlling a plurality of heating elements (200).

[0120] For example, the control unit (140) can control the first heating element (201) to heat a cooking vessel placed in the first cooking zone (111).

[0121] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a subject performing a control method of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 4, the cooking appliance (1) can communicate with an external device (e.g., server (2), user device (3)) through a communication interface (130).

[0123] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance (1) communicating with the user device (3) may include the cooking appliance (1) and the user device (3) establishing a direct communication connection and / or the cooking appliance (1) and the user device (3) establishing an indirect communication connection via the server (2).

[0124] Establishing a direct communication connection between the cooking appliance (1) and the user device (3) may mean that the cooking appliance (1) directly transmits various signals to the user device (3), and that the user device (3) directly transmits various signals to the cooking appliance (1).

[0125] The indirect establishment of a communication connection between the cooking device (1) and the user device (3) through the server (2) may mean that when the cooking device (1) transmits various signals to the server (2), the server (2) transmits them to the user device (3), and when the user device (3) transmits various signals to the server (2), the server (2) transmits them to the cooking device (1).

[0126] In the present disclosure, various signals may include information, data, control commands, etc.

[0127] In the present disclosure, the user device (3) may mean an electronic device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone or personal PC.

[0128] In the present disclosure, the server (2) may mean a computing device capable of wireless communication.

[0129] The cooking appliance (1) may include a communication interface (130) for wireless communication with an external device (e.g., server (2), user device (3)).

[0130] The server (2) and the user device (3) may also each include a communication module for communicating with the cooking device (1).

[0131] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 5, a method for controlling a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (1100) in which the cooking appliance (1) receives a remote instruction.

[0133] The cooking appliance (1) can receive remote instructions from an external device (e.g., a server (2) or user device (3)) via a communication interface (130).

[0134] For this purpose, the user device (3) may provide a control interface for inputting remote instructions transmitted to the cooking appliance (1).

[0135] The user can remotely control the cooking appliance (1) via the control interface.

[0136] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user device according to one embodiment.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, the user device (3) can provide a control interface (U1) for controlling the cooking appliance (1).

[0138] A control interface (U1) for controlling a cooking appliance (1) may include an interface element for controlling at least one heating element (200).

[0139] Controlling a cooking zone in the present disclosure may include controlling a heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking zone.

[0140] The control interface (U1) is for controlling multiple cooking zones (100) and can visually display multiple cooking zones (100).

[0141] The control interface (U1) can visually display multiple cooking zones (100), but can display cooking zones with cooking containers placed in such a way that they are distinguished from other cooking zones without cooking containers placed in them.

[0142] Marking the cooking zone where the cooking vessel is placed as distinct from the rest of the cooking zone may include displaying a visual indication (e.g., animation, shape, text, color, etc.) displayed in the cooking zone where the cooking vessel is placed in a manner different from the visual indication displayed in the rest of the cooking zone.

[0143] To this end, the cooking device (1) can identify the cooking zone (100) in which the cooking container is placed based on data collected by the sensor (125) and transmit information about the cooking zone (100) in which the cooking container (10) is placed to the user device (3).

[0144] The control interface (U1) may include information regarding the operating status of multiple heating elements (200).

[0145] For example, the control interface (U1) can display a cooking zone corresponding to an operating heating element (200) among a plurality of heating elements (200) so as to be distinguished from the remaining cooking zones that are not operating.

[0146] For example, the control interface (U1) may include a visual indicator (e.g., the phrase "No active burner") indicating that there are no active heating elements (200) if there are no active heating elements (200).

[0147] As another example, the control interface (U1) may include a visual indicator (e.g., the phrase “Power: 9”) indicating the power of the operating heating element (200) when there is an operating heating element (200).

[0148] The control interface (U1) can receive user input to turn on operation of any one of the multiple cooking zones.

[0149] For example, a user can input a command to turn on a heating element (200) corresponding to a cooking zone by selecting one of a plurality of cooking zones displayed on the control interface (U1).

[0150] Turning on the heating element (200) may include adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) to a default heat power.

[0151] The control interface (U1) may include an interface element for controlling the heat power of an operating heating element (200) among a plurality of cooking zones (100).

[0152] For example, a user can select an operating cooking zone from among multiple cooking zones displayed on the control interface (U1) and input a command to adjust the heat power of the heating element (200) by manipulating an interface element for adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200).

[0153] The user device (3) can process user input received through the control interface (U1) and transmit it to the cooking device (1).

[0154] For example, in response to receiving a command to turn on one of a plurality of cooking zones via the control interface (U1), the user device (3) may transmit a remote instruction to the user device (3) to turn on the heating element (200) corresponding to the corresponding cooking zone.

[0155] As another example, in response to receiving a command to adjust the power of a heating element (200) via the control interface (U1), the user device (3) may transmit a remote instruction to the user device (3) to adjust the power of the heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking zone.

[0156] Referring again to FIG. 5, the control method of the cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (1200) in which the cooking appliance (1) controls the heating element (200) based on a remote instruction received from an external device (2, 3).

[0157] The control unit (140) receives remote instructions for controlling the heating element (200) from an external device (2, 3) through a communication interface (130), and can adjust the heat power of the heating element (200) according to the remote instructions.

[0158] Controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) may include controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) from a minimum level (e.g., OFF state) to a maximum level.

[0159] That is, controlling the heat power of the heating element (200) may include not only turning on the heating element (200), but also changing the heat power of the heating element (200) to a heat power level desired by the user and turning off the heating element (200).

[0160] Meanwhile, in a situation where a user remotely controls a cooking appliance (1) through a user device (3), there is a high possibility that the user will not be present near the cooking appliance (1).

[0161] That is, the user is likely to remotely control the cooking appliance (1) while being away from the cooking appliance (1).

[0162] If communication between the cooking appliance (1) and the user device (3) becomes unstable after the user remotely controls the cooking appliance (1), the user may not be aware of this communication instability and a dangerous situation may occur depending on the operation of the cooking appliance (1).

[0163] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (1300) of checking the strength of a communication signal with the external device (2, 3) at predetermined intervals after the cooking appliance (1) performs an operation (1200) of controlling the heating element (200) based on a remote instruction received from an external device (2, 3).

[0164] Checking the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) may include continuously observing the communication signal strength between the communication interface (130) and the external device (2, 3).

[0165] The control unit (140) can continuously observe the communication signal strength between the communication interface (130) and the external device (2, 3).

[0166] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) can continuously transmit probe requests to an external device (2, 3) through a communication interface (130) and receive a response signal.

[0167] The control unit (140) can perform various operations in response to the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) falling below a reference value. At this time, the reference value may be stored in advance in the memory (142). Here, the reference value may be a value that serves as a criterion for determining that communication between the communication interface (130) and the external device (2, 3) is unstable, and may be determined in advance.

[0168] That is, if the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) falls below the reference value, it may mean that the communication between the cooking appliance (1) and the external device (2, 3) is unstable.

[0169] The control unit (140) can continuously establish communication with the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130). The control unit (140) can identify the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) by measuring the strength of the signal received from the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130).

[0170] The control unit (140) can identify the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) based on the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) with the external device (2, 3).

[0171] The communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) falling below the reference value may include the RSSI of the external device (2, 3) falling below the reference value.

[0172] However, the method by which the control unit (140) identifies the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) is not limited thereto.

[0173] For example, the control unit (140) may identify the communication signal strength using the SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of the external device (2, 3).

[0174] A method for controlling a cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (1400) of turning off a remote control function in response to a communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) falling below a reference value (example of 1300) after the cooking appliance (1) performs an operation (1200) of controlling a heating element (200) based on a remote instruction received from an external device (2, 3).

[0175] In the present disclosure, the remote control function may mean a function that can remotely control the cooking appliance (1) using a control interface (U1) provided through the user device (3).

[0176] In the present disclosure, turning off the remote control function may include not performing an action corresponding to a remote instruction even if the cooking appliance (1) receives a remote instruction from the user device (3).

[0177] Even if the control unit (140) receives a remote instruction from an external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) when the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) is below a reference value, it may not perform an action corresponding to the remote instruction.

[0178] However, as an exception, if the control unit (140) receives a heating element (200) off instruction from the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) while the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) is below a reference value, the control unit (140) can turn off the heating element (200).

[0179] A control method of a cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (1500) of lowering the heat power of a heating element (200) in response to a communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) falling below a reference value (example of 1300) after the cooking appliance (1) performs an operation (1200) of controlling a heating element (200) based on a remote instruction received from an external device (2, 3).

[0180] Lowering the power of the heating element (200) may include reducing the power of the heating element (200) by a predetermined percentage, reducing the power of the heating element (200) by a predetermined level, reducing the power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined level, and / or turning off the heating element (200).

[0181] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may change the thermal power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined thermal power corresponding to a low-power mode in response to a communication signal strength with an external device (2, 3) falling below a reference value after adjusting the thermal power of the heating element (200) according to a remote instruction.

[0182] The given firepower corresponding to the low output mode can correspond to 'Level 1' with the minimum firepower that can be set.

[0183] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent in advance a dangerous situation that may occur when the communication status between the user device (3) and the cooking device (1) becomes unstable after the user remotely controls the cooking device (1) using the user device (3).

[0184] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may turn off the heating element (200) when the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) remains below a reference value for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 minutes) after changing the thermal power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined thermal power.

[0185] According to the present disclosure, when the communication status between the user device (3) and the cooking device (1) becomes unstable after the user remotely controls the cooking device (1) using the user device (3), the heat power is temporarily lowered, and if the communication status is not continuously restored, the heating element (200) is completely turned off, thereby preventing in advance the risk due to the operation of the heating element (200).

[0186] Meanwhile, if the communication status between the user device (3) and the cooking appliance (1) is restored to a stable state, it is desirable for the cooking appliance (1) to be controlled according to the user's intention.

[0187] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (1700) of turning on a remote control function based on the fact that the strength of a communication signal with an external device (2, 3) is greater than a reference value (example of 1600) after performing an operation (1500) of lowering the heat power of a heating element (200).

[0188] When the control unit (140) receives a remote instruction from an external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) while the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) is greater than a reference value, the control unit (140) can perform an operation corresponding to the remote instruction.

[0189] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (1800) of transmitting a predetermined signal to an external device (2, 3) based on the fact that the strength of the communication signal with the external device (2, 3) has become greater than a reference value (example of 1600) after performing an operation (1500) of lowering the heat power of the heating element (200).

[0190] The control unit (140) may transmit a predetermined signal to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) based on the fact that the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) has become greater than a reference value after changing the thermal power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined thermal power corresponding to a low-power mode or after turning off the heating element (200). Here, the predetermined signal may be a signal indicating that the communication between the cooking appliance (1) and the external device (2, 3) has changed from an unstable state to a stable state. Here, the predetermined signal may be a signal that causes the external device (2, 3) to provide an interface (U2) to be described later.

[0191] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a control interface provided by a user device according to one embodiment.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 7, an external device (e.g., user device (3)) may be configured to provide an interface (U2, hereinafter referred to as “recursive interface”) for asking for a recurrence of the heating power of a heating element (200) in response to receiving a predetermined signal from a cooking appliance (1).

[0193] In the present disclosure, the thermal power regeneration of the heating element (200) may include controlling the thermal power of the heating element (200) with the thermal power controlled by the operation (1200) of controlling the heating element (200) according to remote instructions.

[0194] In the present disclosure, the thermal power regeneration of the heating element (200) may include adjusting the thermal power of the heating element (200) to the thermal power before the operation (1500) of lowering the thermal power of the heating element (200) is performed.

[0195] That is, in the present disclosure, the regeneration of the heating power of the heating element (200) may include adjusting the heating power of the heating element (200) to the heating power before lowering it.

[0196] In one embodiment, the user device (3) may provide the recursive interface (U2) in a pop-up form.

[0197] The recursive interface (U2) may include a visual indicator indicating that the heating element (200) of the cooking appliance (1) has been automatically controlled due to an unstable communication status. The recursive interface (U2) may include a visual indicator indicating the current operating status of the heating element (200).

[0198] A recursive interface (U2) may include interface elements (p1, n1) that ask for the intent of firepower recursiveness.

[0199] An interface element (p1, n1) that asks for a firepower recursion intent may include a positive element (p1) that receives a positive response and a negative element (n1) that receives a negative response.

[0200] The user device (3) can transmit a power recursion request signal to the cooking appliance (1) in response to the selection of the positive element (p1).

[0201] The control unit (140) can adjust the heating power of the heating element (200) to the previous level of heating power in response to receiving a heating power recursion request signal from the external device (2, 3) after transmitting a predetermined signal to the external device (2, 3).

[0202] The user device (3) may provide a control interface (U1) to enable the user to control the cooking appliance (1) again in response to the selection of the negative element (p1).

[0203] According to the present disclosure, when the cooking appliance (1) is automatically controlled regardless of the user's intention due to communication instability, when the communication becomes stable, the user is notified of this fact and the heating power of the heating element (200) is restored to the heating power before automatic control through a simple operation, thereby providing convenience to the user.

[0204] Depending on various embodiments, operation 1800 may be omitted. In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may adjust the heating element (200) to the heating power prior to the downward adjustment based on the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) becoming greater than a reference value within a predetermined time after the heating element (200) has been downwardly adjusted.

[0205] According to the present disclosure, the risk of remote control can be prevented while providing convenience to the user through remote control.

[0206] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates how a heating element of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment is controlled according to the occurrence of various events.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 8, a control unit (140) according to one embodiment can, in response to receiving a remote instruction through a communication interface (130) at time t1, adjust the thermal power of the heating element (200) according to the remote instruction. At this time, it is assumed that the thermal power of the heating element (200) corresponding to the remote instruction is at level a1.

[0208] The control unit (140) can adjust the thermal power of the heating element (200) downward to a predetermined thermal power corresponding to the low-output mode based on the fact that the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) has fallen below a reference value at time t2. At this time, the predetermined thermal power corresponding to the low-output mode is assumed to be level a2.

[0209] Level a1 can be higher than level a2.

[0210] In one embodiment, if level a1 is less than or equal to level a2, there may be no change at time point t2.

[0211] The control unit (140) can turn off the heating element (200) if the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) remains below a reference value for a predetermined period of time based on the time point (t2) at which the heating power of the heating element (200) is changed to a predetermined heating power at time point t3.

[0212] The control unit (140) can transmit a predetermined signal to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) based on the fact that the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) becomes greater than the reference value after turning off the heating element (200) at time t4.

[0213] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may, at time t4, turn off the heating element (200) and then adjust the heating power of the heating element (200) to the heating power (level a1) before lowering it based on the fact that the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) has become greater than the reference value.

[0214] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may adjust the heating power of the heating element (200) to the previous heating power (level a1) in response to receiving a heating power recursion request signal from the external device (2, 3) after time t4.

[0215] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent in advance a risk that may occur when communication between a cooking appliance (1) and an external device (2, 3) is unstable.

[0216] In one embodiment, if the cooking appliance (1) receives a direct instruction, the operations illustrated in FIG. 5 may not be performed.

[0217] Meanwhile, even if the communication status is not unstable, if the user cannot check the user device (3), a dangerous situation may occur depending on the operation of the cooking device (1).

[0218] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 9, a method for controlling a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (2100) in which the cooking appliance (1) receives a remote instruction.

[0220] A control method of a cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (2200) in which the cooking appliance (1) controls a heating element (200) based on a remote instruction received from an external device (2, 3).

[0221] Actions 2100 and 2200 correspond to actions 1100 and 1200, respectively, so any duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0222] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (2300) in which the cooking appliance (1) detects the state of the food based on data collected through at least one sensor (125).

[0223] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (2400) of transmitting a danger signal to the external device (2, 3) based on the detection of a dangerous state of the food (example of 2300) after the cooking appliance (1) performs an operation (2200) of controlling the heating element (200) based on a remote instruction received from an external device (2, 3).

[0224] The control unit (140) may transmit a danger signal to an external device (2, 3) via the communication interface (130) based on the detection of a dangerous state of the food after adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) according to a remote instruction. Here, the danger signal may be a signal indicating that the dangerous state of the food has been detected. Here, the danger signal may be a signal that causes the external device (2, 3) to provide an interface (U3) to be described later.

[0225] In one embodiment, the hazard signal may include sensor data collected by at least one sensor (125). For example, the hazard signal may include image data of the food or cooking vessel.

[0226] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a control interface provided by a user device (3) according to one embodiment.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 10, an external device (e.g., user device (3)) may be configured to provide an interface (U3, hereinafter referred to as “danger interface”) for asking for a control intent of a heating element (200) in response to receiving a danger signal from a cooking appliance (1).

[0228] In one embodiment, the user device (3) may provide the risk interface (U3) in the form of a pop-up.

[0229] The hazard interface (U3) may include a visual indicator indicating that the food has been detected as being in a hazardous state. The hazard interface (U3) may include a visual indicator indicating the current operating state of the heating element (200).

[0230] The hazard interface (U3) may include an image (K) of the food or cooking vessel.

[0231] Footage (K) of the food or cooking utensil may also be provided as a live streaming video.

[0232] The user can recognize the dangerous state of the food, judge for himself whether the state of the food is dangerous through the image (K) of the food or cooking utensil, and input a positive or negative response.

[0233] The risk interface (U3) may include interface elements (p2, n2) that ask for the control intention of the heating element (200).

[0234] The interface element (p2, n2) that asks for the control intention of the heating element (200) may include a positive element (p2) that receives a positive response and a negative element (n2) that receives a negative response.

[0235] If the user determines that the state of the food is dangerous, he / she can input a positive response by selecting a positive element (p2), and if the user determines that the state of the food is not dangerous, he / she can input a negative response by selecting a negative element (n2).

[0236] The user device (3) can transmit a response signal to the cooking device (1) in response to the selection of a positive element (p2) or a negative element (n2).

[0237] The user device (3) may provide the control interface (U1) described above in response to the selection of the positive element (p2).

[0238] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) can be such that after the cooking appliance (1) performs the operation (2400) of transmitting a danger signal to the external device (2, 3), in response to receiving a response signal from the external device (2, 3) within a predetermined time (No of 2500, Yes of 2600), the cooking appliance (1) can continuously perform the operation (2200) of adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) according to the remote instruction.

[0239] The control unit (140) may not automatically control the heat power of the heating element (200) without remote instruction in response to receiving a response signal from the external device (2, 3) within a predetermined time after performing the operation (2400) of transmitting a danger signal to the external device (2, 3) (No of 2500, Yes of 2600).

[0240] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may include an operation (2700) of lowering the heat power of the heating element (200) in response to a predetermined time elapsed (example of 2500) after the cooking appliance (1) performs an operation (2400) of transmitting a danger signal to an external device (2, 3).

[0241] The control unit (140) can adjust the heat power of the heating element (200) according to remote instructions, and then transmit a danger signal to an external device (2, 3) through a communication interface (130) based on the detection of a dangerous state of the food after the danger signal has been transmitted, and can adjust the heat power of the heating element (200) downward based on the failure to receive a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the danger signal has been transmitted.

[0242] Lowering the power of the heating element (200) may include lowering the power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined level and / or turning off the heating element (200).

[0243] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may lower the thermal power of the heating element (200) by a predetermined level based on not receiving a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a first predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed after transmitting the danger signal, and may turn off the heating element (200) based on not receiving a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a second predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes) has elapsed after lowering the thermal power of the heating element (200) by the predetermined level.

[0244] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a risk that may arise in a situation where a user cannot check the user device (3) even if the communication status is not unstable.

[0245] According to the present disclosure, various risks that may occur in a situation where a user can remotely control a cooking appliance (1) can be prevented in advance.

[0246] A cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a communication interface (130) for communicating with an external device (2, 3); a heating element (200); and a control unit (140) for receiving a remote instruction for controlling the heating element (200) from the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130), adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) according to the remote instruction, and regulating the heat power of the heating element (200) downward in response to a communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) dropping below a reference value after adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) according to the remote instruction.

[0247] The control unit (140) can change the thermal power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined thermal power corresponding to the low output mode in response to the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) falling below a reference value.

[0248] The control unit (140) can turn off the heating element (200) when the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) remains below a reference value for a predetermined period of time after changing the thermal power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined thermal power.

[0249] The control unit (140) can transmit a predetermined signal to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) based on the fact that the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) has become greater than a reference value after the heating element (200) is turned off.

[0250] The control unit (140) can transmit a predetermined signal to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) based on the fact that the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) becomes greater than the reference value within a predetermined time after lowering the heat power of the heating element (200).

[0251] The external device (2, 3) may be configured to provide an interface (U2) for requesting a heating element (200) to re-energize in response to receiving a predetermined signal.

[0252] The control unit (140) can, in response to receiving a firepower recursion request signal from the external device (2, 3) after transmitting a predetermined signal to the external device (2, 3), adjust the firepower of the heating element (200) to the firepower before lowering it.

[0253] Even if the control unit (140) receives a remote instruction from an external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (130) when the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) is below a reference value, it may not perform an operation corresponding to the remote instruction.

[0254] The cooking appliance (1) may include a sensor (125) that detects the state of food heated by the heating element (200).

[0255] The control unit (140) can transmit a danger signal to an external device (2, 3) through a communication interface (130) based on the detection of a dangerous state of the food after adjusting the firepower of the heating element (200) according to a remote instruction, and can lower the firepower of the heating element (200) based on the failure to receive a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission of the danger signal.

[0256] The control unit (140) can lower the thermal power of the heating element (200) by a predetermined level based on not receiving a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a first predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the danger signal, and can turn off the heating element (200) based on not receiving a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a second predetermined time has elapsed after lowering the thermal power of the heating element (200) by the predetermined level.

[0257] A method for controlling a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include receiving a remote instruction for controlling a heating element (200) from an external device (2, 3); adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) according to the remote instruction; and, after adjusting the heat power of the heating element (200) according to the remote instruction, lowering the heat power of the heating element (200) in response to a communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) falling below a reference value.

[0258] Lowering the thermal power of the heating element (200) may include changing the thermal power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined thermal power corresponding to a low output mode.

[0259] Lowering the heat power of the heating element (200) may further include turning off the heating element (200) when the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) remains below a reference value for a predetermined period of time after changing the heat power of the heating element (200) to a predetermined heat power.

[0260] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may further include: transmitting a predetermined signal to an external device (2, 3) based on the communication signal strength with the external device (2, 3) becoming greater than a reference value after turning off the heating element (200).

[0261] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may further include: transmitting a predetermined signal to an external device (2, 3) based on the fact that the strength of the communication signal with the external device (2, 3) becomes greater than a reference value within a predetermined time after lowering the heat power of the heating element (200);

[0262] The control method of the cooking appliance (1) may further include: adjusting the heating power of the heating element (200) to the heating power before lowering it in response to receiving a heating power re-request signal from the external device (2, 3) after transmitting a predetermined signal to the external device (2, 3).

[0263] A control method of a cooking appliance (1) may further include: detecting the state of food heated by a heating element (200); adjusting the heat of the heating element (200) according to a remote instruction; transmitting a danger signal to an external device (2, 3) based on the detection of the state of the food as a danger state; and lowering the heat of the heating element (200) based on the failure to receive a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the transmission of the danger signal.

[0264] Lowering the power of the heating element (200) based on failure to receive a response signal from the external device (2, 3) may include lowering the power of the heating element (200) by a predetermined level based on failure to receive a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a first predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the danger signal; and turning off the heating element (200) based on failure to receive a response signal from the external device (2, 3) until a second predetermined time has elapsed after lowering the power of the heating element (200) by the predetermined level.

[0265] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0266] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0267] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0269] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Communication interface for communicating with external devices; heating element; and A cooking appliance comprising a control unit that receives a remote instruction for controlling the heating element from the external device through the communication interface, adjusts the heating power of the heating element according to the remote instruction, and adjusts the heating power of the heating element downward in response to a communication signal strength with the external device falling below a reference value after adjusting the heating power of the heating element according to the remote instruction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A cooking appliance that changes the heat power of the heating element to a predetermined heat power corresponding to a low-power mode in response to the communication signal strength with the external device falling below the reference value.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A cooking appliance that turns off the heating element when the communication signal strength with the external device remains below the reference value for a predetermined period of time after changing the heating power of the heating element to the predetermined heating power.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, A cooking appliance that transmits a predetermined signal to the external device through the communication interface based on the communication signal strength with the external device becoming greater than the reference value after the heating element is turned off.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A cooking appliance that transmits a predetermined signal to the external device through the communication interface based on the communication signal strength with the external device becoming greater than the reference value within a predetermined time after lowering the heat power of the heating element.

6. In paragraph 4 or 5, The external device is configured to provide an interface for requesting a firepower re-cursion intention of the heating element in response to receiving the predetermined signal, The above control unit, A cooking appliance that, in response to receiving a firepower recursion request signal from the external device after transmitting the predetermined signal to the external device, adjusts the firepower of the heating element to the firepower before lowering it.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A cooking appliance that does not perform an action corresponding to the remote instruction even if the remote instruction is received from the external device through the communication interface while the communication signal strength with the external device is below the reference value.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a sensor for detecting the state of the food heated by the heating element; The above control unit, A cooking appliance that transmits a danger signal to the external device through the communication interface based on the detection of the state of the food being in a dangerous state after adjusting the firepower of the heating element according to the remote instruction, and lowers the firepower of the heating element based on the fact that no response signal is received from the external device until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the transmission of the danger signal.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control unit, A cooking appliance that lowers the heating power of the heating element by a predetermined level based on not receiving a response signal from the external device until a first predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the danger signal, and turns off the heating element based on not receiving the response signal from the external device until a second predetermined time has elapsed after lowering the heating power of the heating element by the predetermined level.

10. Receive remote instructions to control the heating element from an external device; Control the heat power of the heating element according to the above remote instructions; A method for controlling a cooking appliance, comprising: adjusting the heat power of the heating element downward in response to a communication signal strength with the external device falling below a reference value after adjusting the heat power of the heating element according to the remote instruction; 11. In paragraph 10, Lowering the heat power of the above heating element is A cooking appliance comprising: changing the heat power of the heating element to a predetermined heat power corresponding to a low-power mode; 12. In paragraph 11, Lowering the heat power of the above heating element is A control method for a cooking appliance further comprising: turning off the heating element when the communication signal strength with the external device remains below the reference value for a predetermined period of time after changing the heating power of the heating element to the predetermined heating power.

13. In paragraph 12, A control method for a cooking appliance, further comprising: transmitting a predetermined signal to the external device based on the communication signal strength with the external device becoming greater than the reference value after turning off the heating element.

14. In paragraph 10, A control method for a cooking appliance, further comprising: transmitting a predetermined signal to the external device based on the communication signal strength with the external device becoming greater than the reference value within a predetermined time after lowering the heat power of the heating element.

15. In paragraph 10, Detecting the state of food heated by the above heating element; After adjusting the heat power of the heating element according to the remote instruction, a danger signal is transmitted to the external device based on the detection of the state of the food as being dangerous; A control method for a cooking appliance, further comprising: lowering the heat power of the heating element based on not receiving a response signal from the external device until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the transmission of the danger signal.

Images