Cooking appliance and operation method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed are a cooking appliance and an operation method thereof. The cooking appliance according to at least one of various embodiments of the present disclosure may include: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of a chamber containing an object to be cooked; a heating unit that heats the object to be cooked; and a control unit that controls, when an event signal is detected, an operation according to the detected event signal according to the state of the image acquisition unit.

Description

Cooking appliances and their operating methods

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Cooking appliances like ovens are widely used in homes. These appliances can cook various ingredients in a variety of ways.

[0003] However, the cooking appliance requires the user to manually operate the appliance for cooking and also check the cooking status frequently.

[0004] Accordingly, cooking appliances capable of automatic cooking are being developed, but existing cooking appliances only perform the cooking method manually input by the user.

[0005] For example, conventional cooking appliances had the problem of not being able to respond to various events that could occur during the cooking process outside of the set routine.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a cooking appliance and an operating method thereof that are controlled according to various situations between the operation of a knock-on input or knock-on button and the operation of an image acquisition unit.

[0007] A cooking appliance according to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose may include an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of an interior of a cooking object; a heating unit for heating the cooking object; and a control unit for controlling an operation according to the detected event signal based on a state of the image acquisition unit when an event signal is detected.

[0008] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the event signal may include a knock-on signal.

[0009] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control the image acquisition unit to be turned on when a first knock-on signal is input as the event signal.

[0010] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, when a second knock-on signal is input as the event signal, the control unit can control the activation or brightness change of the indoor lighting device disposed in the indoor.

[0011] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control the brightness to be maximum or minimum when the high-intensity illumination device is activated.

[0012] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit may ignore or filter the second knock-on signal when the second knock-on signal is input as the event signal and the image acquisition unit is operating.

[0013] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control to output information indicating that the knock-on function has been deactivated.

[0014] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control the operation of the image acquisition unit to be stopped or interrupted when a third knock-on signal is input as the event signal and the image acquisition unit is in operation.

[0015] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control to store an image of the last frame of the video being recorded before the operation of the image acquisition unit is stopped.

[0016] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control the image of the last stored frame to be output in accordance with the third knock-on signal.

[0017] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control the brightness of the image acquisition unit to change according to the third knock-on signal.

[0018] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit can control the most recent image stored before the operation of the image acquisition unit is stopped in response to detection of the third knock-on signal to be played.

[0019] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit may store current status information of the image acquisition unit before controlling the operation of the image acquisition unit according to the event signal, and when a fourth knock-on signal is input as the event signal, control the stored current status of the image acquisition unit to be restored.

[0020] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the event signal may be defined based on the number of times the knock-on input occurs.

[0021] A method of operating a cooking appliance according to at least one of various embodiments of the present disclosure may include: identifying a food to be cooked inside a cooking vessel; heating and cooking the identified food; controlling an image acquisition unit to operate to acquire an image of the inside of the cooking vessel containing the food; and, when an event signal is detected, ignoring the event signal or outputting a message indicating that an operation according to the event signal has been deactivated.

[0022] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the following effects are achieved.

[0023] First, it has the effect of allowing convenient control of cooking appliances using various event signals.

[0024] Second, it has the effect of improving user satisfaction by increasing the usability of cooking appliances.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a front perspective view showing the door open state of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a first detection module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a side view showing the connection status of the first detection module illustrated in Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 6 is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of a sensor provided in the first detection module illustrated in Figure 4.

[0031] Figures 7 to 12 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a cooking appliance and its operating method according to the present disclosure are disclosed. Such a cooking appliance (1) may include an oven.

[0034] When the cooker is placed on the floor, the direction in which the door is installed relative to the center of the cooker is defined as the front. Therefore, the direction in which the door opens and the cooker enters is the rear. For convenience, these forward and rearward directions can be referred to as the first direction. Therefore, the front can be considered one side of the first direction, and the rear can be considered the other side of the first direction.

[0035] Additionally, the direction of gravity can be defined as downward, and the opposite direction of gravity as upward.

[0036] And, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-back direction of the cooking appliance, that is, the width direction of the cooking appliance when looking at the cooking appliance from the front of the door of the cooking appliance, can be called the left-right direction.

[0037] For convenience, the left-right direction can be called the second direction. Then, the right can be considered one side of the second direction, and the left can be considered the other side of the second direction.

[0038] Additionally, the width direction of the above cooking appliance may be referred to as the lateral direction. Then, the right side may be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side may be referred to as the other side of the lateral direction.

[0039] And, the above-mentioned up-down direction can be called the third direction. Then, the up direction can be said to be one side of the third direction, and the down direction can be said to be the other side of the third direction.

[0040] Additionally, the vertical direction described above can be called the vertical direction. Then, the horizontal direction can be included including the front-back direction and the left-right direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction.

[0041] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0042]

[0043] Overall structure of the cooking appliance

[0044] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating a door open state of the cooking appliance illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first unit (1) disposed at the top and a second unit (2) disposed at the bottom.

[0046] In this embodiment, the cooking appliance is described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, a cooking appliance is exemplified as a cooking appliance, and both the first unit (1) and the second unit (2) are exemplified as sealed cooking appliances such as an electric oven, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cooking appliance may be configured such that the first unit (1) positioned at the top is an electric oven and the second unit (2) positioned at the bottom is a gas oven, or conversely, the cooking appliance may be configured such that the first unit (1) positioned at the top is a gas oven and the second unit (2) positioned at the bottom is an electric oven.

[0049] According to another embodiment, a closed cooking appliance other than an oven, such as a microwave oven, may be applied as the first unit (1) or the second unit (2), and an open cooking appliance such as a cooktop, hob, griddle, etc. may be applied as the first unit (1) and placed above the second unit (2).

[0050] Hereinafter, the configuration of the cooking appliance will be described by taking as an example the case where both the first unit (1) and the second unit (2) are electric ovens, and the configuration of the cooking appliance will be described based on the configuration of the first unit (1).

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first unit (1) has an exterior formed by a main body (10). The main body (10) may be provided in a shape that includes a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body (10) may be formed of a material having a predetermined strength in order to protect a number of components installed in its internal space.

[0052] The main body (10) may include a cavity (11) forming the skeleton of the main body (10), and a front panel (12) positioned in front of the cavity (11) to form the front of the main body (10). A cooking chamber (15) may be formed inside the cavity (11), and an opening may be formed inside the front panel (12) to open the cooking chamber (15) forward.

[0053] A first receiving space may be formed within the main body (10). In this embodiment, the cooking appliance is exemplified as a cooking appliance. Accordingly, the first receiving space formed within the main body (10) may be a cooking chamber (15) required for cooking food. Hereinafter, the structure of the cooking appliance will be described using an example in which the first receiving space is a cooking chamber (15).

[0054] The cooking chamber (15) may be formed in the form of a hexahedron with an open front. With the cooking chamber (15) sealed, the cooking appliance can heat the interior space of the cooking chamber (15) to cook food. That is, in the cooking appliance, the interior space of the cooking chamber (15) is the space where food is actually cooked.

[0055] The cooking appliance may be provided with a heating unit that heats the cooking chamber (15). As an example of such a heating unit, a convection unit that convects hot air to heat the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) may be provided as the heating unit at the rear of the cooking chamber (15). In addition, an upper heater that heats the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) from above may be provided as the heating unit at the upper side of the cooking chamber (11). In addition, a lower heater that heats the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) from below may be provided as the heating unit at the lower side of the cooking chamber (15).

[0056] A lamp (70) may be provided in the main body (10). The lamp (70) is provided to illuminate the interior of the first receiving space, i.e., the cooking chamber (15). This lamp (70) may be installed in the cavity (11). In the present embodiment, the lamp (70) is exemplified as being installed on the side of the cavity (11).

[0057] At the front of the main body (10), a door (16) that selectively opens and closes the cooking chamber (15) may be provided in a pivotable manner. The door (16) can open and close the cooking chamber (15) in a pull-down manner in which the upper part of the door (16) rotates up and down around the lower part.

[0058] Such a door (16) may be formed in a hexahedral shape having a predetermined thickness overall. In addition, a handle (17) may be installed on the front of the door (16) so that the user can grip it when he or she wants to rotate the door (16).

[0059] Additionally, the door (16) may be provided with a viewing window (16a). The viewing window (16a) may be made of a transparent material, such as glass or transparent plastic. Depending on the cooking appliance to which the viewing window (16a) is applied, the viewing window (16a) may need to be formed to withstand high temperatures and high pressures, and may also need to have functions such as waterproofing and heat dissipation.

[0060] A control panel (20) may be provided on the upper front surface of the cooking appliance, i.e., the upper front surface of the cavity (11). The control panel (20) may form a part of the front exterior of the cooking appliance. A display unit may be provided on the control panel (20). The display unit may include an input unit (21) for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance and a display (22) for displaying the operating status of the cooking appliance.

[0061] As an example, the input unit (21) and the display (22) may be configured by a single panel. For example, the input unit (21) and the display (22) may be formed as a touch panel that receives a user's touch input.

[0062] The display unit can display a UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphic User Interface) related to the operation of the cooking appliance.

[0063] Specifically, the display unit may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a 3-dimensional display.

[0064] When a display unit and a touch sensor that detects touch actions form a mutually layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit can be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The touch sensor can take the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, or a touch pad.

[0065] Additionally, these touch sensors can be configured to convert changes in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display or electrostatic capacitance occurring in a specific portion of the display into electrical input signals.

[0066] A plurality of operation buttons may be displayed on the display unit. For example, the display unit may display a knock-on button for activating or deactivating the operation of the cooking appliance by a user's knock input.

[0067] Additionally, the display unit may display a lamp button for setting a function to manually turn the lamp (70) on / off. Additionally, if the cooking appliance is an oven, the display unit may display a self-clean button for setting a self-clean function of the cooking chamber (15).

[0068] A second receiving space may be provided outside the cavity (11), more specifically, in the upper portion of the cavity (11). The second receiving space may be provided in the upper portion of the cavity (11) provided in the first unit (1) and in the upper portion of the cavity (11) provided in the second unit (2).

[0069] The second receiving space provided in the second unit (2) is a space formed between the cavity (11) of the second unit (2) and the cavity (11) of the first unit (1). In addition, the second receiving space provided in the first unit (1) is a space provided above the cavity (11) provided in the first unit (1). In this way, the second receiving space provided in the first unit (1) can be used as an electrical equipment room (15) for installing electrical components necessary for the operation of the cooking appliance.

[0070] In summary, a second receiving space is formed between the first unit (1) and the second unit (2) and above the first unit (1), and among these, the second receiving space formed above the first unit (1) can be used as a battlefield room (15).

[0071] The electrical compartment (15) can be placed above the cavity (11) and behind the control panel (20). A space for installing electrical components can be formed inside the electrical compartment (15).

[0072] The front of the cooking compartment (15) can be shielded by a front panel (12). The front panel (12) can be positioned between the cavity (11) and the door (16). The front panel (12) can be positioned so that at least a portion of it blocks the front of the cooking compartment (15). For example, the upper area of ​​the front panel (12) positioned above the cooking compartment (15) can shield the front of the cooking compartment (15).

[0073] According to the present embodiment, the front panel (12) can protrude from the upper portion of the cavity (11) to define a front boundary surface of the second receiving space. That is, the front panel (12) provided in the second unit (2) can shield the second receiving space formed between the first unit (1) and the second unit (2) from the front. In addition, the front panel (12) provided in the first unit (1) can define a front boundary surface of the electrical compartment (15) at the upper portion of the cavity (11).

[0074]

[0075] Configuring the operation control of the cooking appliance

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first detection module (100), a second detection module (80), an image acquisition unit (310), and a control unit (200). The cooking appliance may further include a heating unit and a lamp (70).

[0077] Meanwhile, the image acquisition unit (310) may be configured to include a camera (320) and at least one LED (330).

[0078] The first detection module (100) can detect vibration caused by a knock input to the door (16). This first detection module (100) can be operated in a form that outputs a first signal when vibration caused by a knock is detected.

[0079] The first detection module (100) can be installed in the main body (10). At least a portion of the first detection module (100) can be exposed from the main body (10) toward the door (16). In the present embodiment, a portion of the first detection module (100) is installed in the front panel (12), and is exemplified as being installed so as to penetrate the front panel (12) in the front-back direction.

[0080] The first detection module (100) may be configured to include a sensor (110) capable of detecting vibration. The sensor (110) may detect a knock input applied to the cooking appliance. Specifically, the sensor (110) may be a sensor that detects vibrations transmitted through a medium. This sensor (110) may detect vibrations generated in the door (16) by a knock when such vibrations are transmitted to the sensor (110) through the medium.

[0081] It goes without saying that vibrations caused by knocking, as well as vibrations caused by other factors, can be detected by the sensor (110). However, the sensor (110) of the present embodiment may be equipped to specifically distinguish and detect vibrations caused by knocking input by the user.

[0082] Accordingly, the sensor (110) can accurately distinguish between vibrations caused by a user's knock and vibrations caused by other factors. For example, the sensor (110) can detect vibrations transmitted in a pattern that matches a specific pattern that appears in the vibration caused by the knock as vibrations caused by the user's knock.

[0083] A second detection module (80) may be provided to detect the opening and closing of the door (16). This second detection module (80) may detect the opening and closing of the door (16) between the main body (10) and the door (16).

[0084] The second detection module (80) may be installed in the main body (10). At least a portion of the second detection module (80) may be exposed from the main body (10) toward the door (16). In the present embodiment, a portion of the second detection module (80) is installed in the front panel (12), and is exemplified as being installed so as to penetrate the front panel (12) in the front-back direction.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, the first detection module (100) may be placed on the upper side and the left and right outer side of the first receiving space, i.e., the cooking chamber (15). In addition, the second detection module (80) may also be placed on the upper side and the left and right outer side of the first receiving space.

[0086] In addition, the second detection module (80) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first detection module (100) in the left and right directions with the first receiving space between them. For example, the first detection module (100) and the second detection module (80) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the cooking chamber (15) between them, and the first detection module (100) may be arranged to be offset to the right of the front panel (12), and the second detection module (80) may be arranged to be offset to the left.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second detection module (80) is exemplified as including a tact switch. This second detection module (80) can be operated in a manner that it is turned on by being pressed by the door (16) when the door (16) is closed, and is turned off when the door (16) is opened.

[0088] The second detection module (80) pressed by the door (16) can output a second signal, and the operations of the configurations determined to be executed when the second signal is output can be controlled by the control unit (200).

[0089] The control unit (200) can control the operation of the cooking appliance. For example, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the heating unit, image acquisition unit (310), lamp (70), etc. based on the operation signal input through the display unit, input unit (21), etc. of the control panel (20).

[0090] Additionally, the control unit (200) can also control the operation of the display (22) that displays the operating status of the cooking appliance.

[0091] The detailed operation of the control unit (200) related to the knock input detected through the sensor (110) of the first detection module (100) is described in detail in FIG. 8 and below.

[0092]

[0093] Schematic structure of the first detection module (100) and structure of the sensor

[0094] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a first detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the connection state of the first detection module illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of a sensor provided in the first detection module illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the first detection module (100) may include an input switch (120), a transmission member (130), a sensor (110), and a support assembly (150).

[0096] An input switch (120) may be provided to receive vibration from the door (16). This input switch (120) may be placed at the frontmost part of the first detection module (100).

[0097] At least a portion of the input switch (120) may be disposed between the cavity (11) and the door (16). In the present embodiment, the input switch (120) is exemplified as being installed on the front panel (12). At least a portion of the input switch (120) may be supported by the front panel (12) and exposed to the front of the front panel (12). That is, the input switch (120) may be installed on the front panel (12) such that at least a portion of the input switch (120) is disposed between the front panel (12) and the door (16).

[0098] According to this embodiment, an opening is provided in the front panel (12) to expose the cooking chamber (15) to the front of the front panel (12), and the input switch (120) may be positioned above the opening. In this case, the left-right position of the input switch (120) may be a position close to the left-right end of the opening.

[0099] Additionally, the input switch (120) can be placed between one end of the left and right sides of the front panel (12) and the intake port (13).

[0100] That is, the input switch (120) is positioned at a position that is more inclined to one side in the left-right direction than the intake port (13), and the first detection module (100) having the input switch (120) can be positioned at a position close to one side end in the left-right direction of the cooking appliance.

[0101] The transmission member (130) may be provided to transmit the vibration transmitted to the input switch (120) to the sensor (110). According to the present embodiment, the sensor (110) is arranged at the rear of the cavity (11), and the transmission member (130) may connect between the input switch (120) and the sensor (110). That is, the transmission member (130) is provided to connect between the input switch (120) arranged at the front of the cavity (11) and the sensor (110) arranged at the rear of the cavity (11).

[0102] For example, the transmission member (130) may be formed in the shape of a thin rod extending in the forward and backward directions. The front end of the transmission member (130) may be connected to an input switch (120), and the rear end of the transmission member (130) may be connected to a support assembly (150) on which a sensor (110) is installed.

[0103] The transmission member (130) can pass through the second receiving space and connect between the input switch (120) and the sensor (110). According to the present embodiment, the input switch (120) can be arranged above the first receiving space and in front of the second receiving space, and the sensor (110) can be arranged at the rear of the second receiving space. The sensor (110) connecting the input switch (120) and the sensor (110) can be installed in a form that passes through the second receiving space.

[0104] In the first unit (1), the second receiving space can be used as a power transmission room (15). Accordingly, the transmission member (130) provided in the first unit (1) can pass through the power transmission room (30) where power components connected to the control unit (200) are arranged and connect between the input switch (120) and the sensor (110).

[0105] The transmission member (130) provided as described above can serve as a medium for transmitting vibration input through the door (16) and input switch (120) to the sensor (110).

[0106] In this embodiment, the transmission member (130) is exemplified as being provided in the form of a rod. Preferably, the transmission member (130) may be configured as a rod formed of a rigid body that does not cause vibration damping.

[0107] The sensor (110) may be positioned at the rear of the cavity (11) and the first receiving space as described above. This sensor (110) may detect a vibration detection signal corresponding to vibration and determine whether a knock has been input based on the detected vibration detection signal. For example, the sensor (110) may determine that a knock has been applied when a vibration detection signal exceeding a preset threshold is continuously detected at a certain time interval.

[0108] In addition, vibration caused by knocking can only occur in the first axis direction among the three axes. For example, vibration caused by knocking can only occur in the direction of one of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. Considering this, in order to determine whether vibration caused by knocking is present, it may be necessary to determine the direction of vibration in which the detected vibration detection signal is caused.

[0109] As another example, the sensor (110) can compare the pattern of the vibration detection signal caused by knocking with the pattern of the actually detected vibration detection signal, and determine whether or not there is vibration caused by knocking based on the result of this comparison.

[0110] The pattern of the vibration detection signal caused by knocking (hereinafter referred to as "preset knock signal") can be preset. The sensor (110) can compare the pattern of the vibration detection signal actually detected with the pattern of the preset knock signal, and determine whether or not there is vibration caused by knocking based on the result of this comparison.

[0111] The sensor (110) can detect vibrations transmitted in all directions. For example, the sensor (110) may include a vibration sensor having multiple axes. A sensor (110) including such a vibration sensor can detect vibrations transmitted in multiple axial directions.

[0112] That is, the sensor (110) of the present embodiment can detect vibration corresponding to a knock by detecting vibration transmitted in three-axis directions and combining vibration detection signals corresponding to the vibrations in these three-axis directions.

[0113] The sensor (110) may include a three-axis sensor module (111) and a sensor microcomputer (113), as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6.

[0114] As an example, the 3-axis sensor module (111) may include a single 3-axis acceleration sensor that simultaneously detects vibrations transmitted in three mutually orthogonal axes. The 3-axis acceleration sensor can detect the 3-axis components of acceleration with a single sensor. Such a 3-axis acceleration sensor can detect minute movement changes (acceleration) of a medium due to vibration in each of the 3 mutually orthogonal axes.

[0115] At this time, it is preferable that the three-axis acceleration sensor be installed so that the direction of one of the three axes matches the direction of the vibration caused by the knock. By installing the three-axis acceleration sensor in this manner, the detection accuracy of the sensor (110) for the knock vibration can be further improved.

[0116] As another example, the 3-axis sensor module (111) may be provided in a form including three independent acceleration sensors. As another example, the 3-axis sensor module (111) may be provided in a form including four or more independent acceleration sensors. As the number of acceleration sensors increases, the accuracy of vibration detection performed by the sensor (110) may be improved.

[0117] At this time, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of acceleration sensors be installed such that the direction of the axis along which vibration detection of the acceleration sensor is performed is aligned with the direction of the vibration caused by the knock. In this way, if the alignment between the vibration caused by the knock and the direction of any one of the three axes is aligned, the detection accuracy of the sensor (110) for the knock vibration can be further improved.

[0118] As another example, a single-axis acceleration sensor that detects vibration in a single-axis direction and a two-axis acceleration sensor that detects vibration in a two-axis direction may be applied to the sensor (110). In this case, the sensor (110) needs to be installed so that the direction of vibration caused by a knock applied to the door and the axial direction of the acceleration sensor are aligned.

[0119] The sensor (110) may further include a filter unit (115). The vibration detection signal detected by the sensor (110) may include unnecessary noise in addition to the vibration detection signal caused by the knock input. The filter unit (115) may serve to remove such noise.

[0120] Additionally, the sensor (110) may further include an amplifier (117). The signal output after noise is removed from the filter (115) may be amplified by the amplifier (117). The amplified signal may then be input to the sensor microcomputer (113).

[0121] The sensor microcomputer (113) may be configured separately from the control unit (200). This sensor microcomputer (113) can determine, based on a signal output from the amplifier unit (117), whether the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is a vibration caused by a knock input by the user. If the vibration is determined to be a vibration caused by a knock input by the user, the sensor microcomputer (113) can transmit information related thereto to the control unit (200).

[0122] For example, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine whether there is vibration due to knock based on the result of comparing the pattern of the vibration detection signal generated by the 3-axis sensor module (111) with the pattern of the preset knock signal.

[0123] This sensor microcomputer (113) can extract a vibration detection signal in a set first direction among the vibration detection signals in the three-axis direction, and determine whether or not there is vibration due to knocking using the extracted vibration detection signal in the first direction. This is because vibration due to knocking occurs in a certain first direction.

[0124] In addition, if a vibration detection signal in a first direction is input with a size greater than or equal to a preset first threshold, and then a vibration detection signal in the same direction is input within a preset time range with a size greater than or equal to a preset second threshold, the sensor microcomputer (113) may determine that the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is a vibration caused by a knock.

[0125] Typically, knocking occurs in the form of a "knock knock", as vibrations corresponding to "knock knock" typically exhibit a larger signal size compared to vibrations caused by other causes. Therefore, if the vibration detection signals corresponding to "knock knock" are greater than the first and second thresholds, respectively, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine that the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is a vibration caused by a knock.

[0126] In addition, the sensor microcomputer (113) extracts a vibration detection signal in one axis direction (first axis direction) that matches the direction of vibration caused by the knock among the vibration detection signals in the three axis directions, and can determine whether there is vibration caused by the knock based on the result of comparing the extracted vibration detection signal with the vibration detection signals in the other two axis directions (second and third axis directions).

[0127] For example, if the maximum value of the vibration detection signal in at least one of the second-axis direction and the third-axis direction is greater than the maximum value of the vibration detection signal in the first-axis direction, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine that the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is not a vibration caused by knocking.

[0128] When the control unit (200) receives a signal corresponding to vibration caused by knocking from the sensor (110), more specifically, the sensor microcomputer (113) (hereinafter referred to as a “knock-on signal”), the control unit (200) can turn the lamp (70) on / off according to this signal.

[0129] According to the present embodiment, the 3-axis sensor module (111) and the sensor microcomputer (113) can be mounted on a single PCB board, and can be configured as an integrated module-type sensor (110) together with the PCB board. In addition, when the sensor (110) additionally includes a filter unit (115) and an amplifier unit (117), the 3-axis sensor module (111), the sensor microcomputer (113), the filter unit (115), and the amplifier unit (117) can be configured as an integrated module-type sensor (110) mounted on a single PCB board.

[0130] As the sensor (110) is implemented in an integrated module form in this way, the installation of the sensor (110) can be easily accomplished, and the installation location of the sensor (110) can be diversified.

[0131] Meanwhile, the support assembly (150) can be installed on the main body (10) to support the sensor (110) and transmit vibration transmitted through the transmission member (130) to the sensor (110). This support assembly (150) can include a supporter (160) and a supporter holder (170).

[0132] The supporter (160) is provided to support the sensor (110), and the supporter holder (170) is installed on the main body (10) to support the supporter (160) in a manner that allows for change in posture. Hereinafter, the specific structure of each component of the first detection module including the support assembly (150) will be described.

[0133] According to the present embodiment, the input switch (120) can be placed at the most suitable position for transmitting vibration caused by a knock input made to the door (16). That is, the input switch (120) is installed in the main body (10), and can be placed at the position closest to the door (16) where the knock input is made among the main body (10).

[0134] When the input switch (120) is positioned adjacent to the door (16) in this way, the possibility of noise being mixed in when vibration due to a knock input applied to the door (16) is transmitted to the input switch (120) is significantly reduced compared to a state where many parts are inserted between the door (16) and the input switch (120).

[0135] That is, when the input switch (120) is positioned adjacent to the door (16) as described above, only the vibration caused by the knock input applied to the door (16) can be transmitted with high purity to the input switch (120). In this way, the knock detection of the sensor (110) can be performed with greater accuracy.

[0136] The sensor (110) can determine whether the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is a vibration caused by a knock input by the user. If the vibration is determined to be a vibration caused by a knock input by the user, the sensor (110) can output information related thereto in the form of a first signal and transmit it to the control unit (200), as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0137] When the door (16) is closed, the input switch (120) is turned on, so that the input switch (120) and the sensor (110) are electrically connected, and when the door (16) is opened, the input switch (120) is turned off, so that the electrical connection between the input switch (120) and the sensor (110) may be cut off.

[0138] When an electrical connection is established between the input switch (120) and the sensor (110), electricity is supplied to the sensor (110) and the sensor (110) can operate. In addition, when the electrical connection between the input switch (120) and the sensor (110) is cut off, the electricity supply to the sensor (110) is cut off and the sensor (110) may not operate.

[0139] Through this, it is possible to electrically determine whether the sensor (110) is operating or not depending on whether the door (16) is open or closed.

[0140] In this case, the transmission of vibration input by the input switch (120) can be directly transmitted to the sensor (110) by a wire-shaped transmission member (130).

[0141] As another example, the transmission of vibration input by a knock may be accomplished through a door (16) into which the knock is input, a main body (10) in which a second detection module (100) is installed, and a medium constituting a part therebetween.

[0142] As another example, a wire-shaped transmission member (130) and a rod-shaped transmission member (130) may be provided together. In this case, the operation of the sensor (110) may be determined as described above by the wire-shaped transmission member (130), and vibration may be transmitted to the supporter (160) by the rod-shaped transmission member (130).

[0143] The control unit (200) that receives the first signal from the sensor (110) can control the operation of the lamp (70) based on the first signal.

[0144] The above-described operation may be provided as a knock-on function. For example, when a user touches the knock-on button displayed on the input section (21) of the display unit once, the knock-on function may be turned on, and when touched once more, the knock-on function may be turned off.

[0145] The knock-on function is a function that turns the lamp (70) on / off by the user's knocking motion. That is, when the knock-on function is turned on, the lamp (70) can be automatically turned on / off by the user's knocking motion. Conversely, when the knock-on function is turned off, the lamp (70) is not automatically turned on / off even if the user's knocking motion is input.

[0146] Therefore, if the user wants to use the knock-on function, he can turn the knock-on function on, and if he does not want to use the knock-on function, he can turn the knock-on function off.

[0147] In addition, the lamp button displayed on the input unit (21) of the display unit is for manually turning the lamp (70) on / off regardless of the user's knocking motion. That is, when the user touches the lamp button displayed on the input unit (21) of the display unit once, the lamp (70) turns on, and when the user touches it once more, the lamp (70) turns off.

[0148] Even if a knock input is made while the lamp (70) is turned on by touching the lamp button, the lamp (70) does not turn off. In other words, the knock-on function does not work when the user manually touches the lamp button to turn on the lamp (70).

[0149] If a user manually turns on the lamp (70) to check the inside and a knock is input and the lamp (70) is turned off, the user cannot perform the intended task by manually turning on the lamp (70). However, when the lamp (70) is turned off by touching the lamp button, the knock-on function operates so that the lamp (70) can be turned on / off by the user's knocking motion.

[0150] As another example, a self-clean button may be displayed on the input section (22) of the display unit. Self-cleaning may include functions such as automatically disinfecting and cleaning the cooking chamber (15). During this self-cleaning process, the operation of the cooking appliance may be set so that the knock-on function does not operate. In this case, even if the user knocks, the lamp (70) does not turn on / off.

[0151] During self-clean operation, the cooking chamber (15) is maintained at a very high temperature. If the lamp (70) is turned on in this state, there is a risk that the lamp (70) may be damaged due to the high temperature. Considering this, in the present embodiment, the operation of the cooking appliance can be set so that the knock-on function does not operate during the self-cleaning process.

[0152] Meanwhile, the first detection module of the present embodiment may provide a function for detecting the opening of the door (16).

[0153] When the door (16) is opened, the supporter (160) and the transmission member (130) do not come into contact, and thus the sensor (110) cannot normally detect a knock. That is, when the door (16) is opened, even if the user knocks on the door (16), the resulting vibration cannot be transmitted to the supporter (160) through the transmission member (130), and therefore the sensor (110) cannot normally detect a knock.

[0154] Considering this, the detection of vibration by the sensor (110) presupposes that the door (16) is closed. That is, the closing of the door (16) can be detected by the vibration detected by the sensor (110).

[0155] Accordingly, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can provide a function of detecting whether the door (16) is closed in a mechanical manner without adding a separate module, by using the first detection module (100) having a sensor (110) that detects vibration.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first receiving space is arranged on the left-right inner side and the up-down inner side of the main body (10). In addition, the first detection module (100) of the present embodiment can be installed on the main body (10) so as to be arranged on the outside of the first receiving space, i.e., the cooking chamber (15).

[0157] For example, the first detection module (100) may be placed on the right corner of the main body (10) so as to be positioned at an angle toward the upper and right sides of the cooking chamber (15).

[0158] The input switch (120) positioned at the front of the first detection module (100) may be installed on the front panel (12). The input switch (120) may be positioned on the right edge of the front panel (12).

[0159] Hereinafter, one side in the left-right direction is referred to as the right, and the other side in the left-right direction is referred to as the left.

[0160] Most of the area of ​​the front panel (12) is occupied by the intake port (13) and the opening (14), and the input switch (120) of the first detection module (100) and the second detection module (80) can be positioned very close to the right and left ends of the front panel (12), respectively.

[0161] For example, the second detection module (80) may be placed between the left end of the front panel (12) and the opening (14), and the input switch (120) of the first detection module (100) may be placed between the right end of the front panel (12) and the intake port (13).

[0162] That is, the sensor (110) can be placed at a location far from the door and its surroundings, which are in a high temperature state, while being able to block the heat generated from the heating unit and be cooled by cold air flowing by a fan.

[0163] By positioning the sensor (110) in a location free from heat influences, the risk of malfunction or damage to the sensor (110) due to heat influences can be significantly reduced. Thus, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can provide the effect of reducing the heat influence on the sensor (110) and increasing the detection accuracy of the sensor (110).

[0164] In addition, the sensor (110) can receive the vibration of the knock through the input switch (120) positioned close to the point where the knock input is made and the transmission member (130) connected to the input switch (120). Accordingly, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can effectively detect the knock input even in a cooking appliance such as an oven where it is difficult to attach a sensor to the door due to high heat, and can provide the effect of reducing the influence of heat on the sensor and improving the detection accuracy of the sensor.

[0165] In addition, the transmission member (130) that transmits the vibration transmitted to the input switch (120) as described above to the sensor (110) may be placed in an area that can avoid areas where electrical components are installed, areas where the upper surface of the cavity (11) protrudes convexly toward the upper portion of the second accommodation space to accommodate the heating unit, and areas occupied by electrical supporters installed on the upper surface of the cavity (11) to support electrical components, i.e., areas on the left and right end sides of the second accommodation space.

[0166] This transmission member (130) can be installed in the cooking appliance without being influenced by or affecting electrical components installed within the cooking appliance. Thus, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can provide the effect of effectively detecting knock input without being influenced by or affecting electrical components installed within the cooking appliance.

[0167]

[0168] How to control the cooking appliance

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, a method for controlling the operation of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0170] In the following, a method for controlling the operation of a cooking appliance considering the image acquisition unit (310) and knock input is described in particular.

[0171] The image acquisition unit (310) can be activated under the control of the control unit (200) when the door (16) is closed. For example, the camera (320) of the image acquisition unit can photograph the inside of the cooking chamber (15) under the control of the control unit (200) when the door (16) is closed. At this time, the photographing can be performed when the food (F) is placed in the cooking chamber (15) and manual or automatic cooking begins. This can be for the purpose of leaving a real-time view of the cooking status or a cooking record.

[0172] Meanwhile, when the camera (320) is in operation, the LED (330) may operate together to assist in filming so that the interior of the cooking chamber (15) can be seen more clearly. In the following description, when only the image acquisition unit (310) is used, it may represent the camera (320) or the camera (320) and the LED (330) depending on the context.

[0173] A Knock-On button may be provided via the display to enable or disable the Knock-On function. Furthermore, the Knock-On button may be configured to trigger various actions of the cooking appliance in response to a knock input. For example, the Knock-On function may activate a lamp (70) to illuminate the cooking chamber (15) in response to a knock input, or conversely, deactivate the lamp (70) to darken the cooking chamber (15).

[0174] Through the knock-on function, the activation or deactivation of the image acquisition unit (310) can also be set. Through the knock-on function, the image acquisition unit (310) can also be used to activate or deactivate the shooting of the cooking chamber (15). In other words, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the cooking appliance by matching the knock-on function with the operation of various cooking appliances.

[0175] In this embodiment, the knock-on function is explained using activation or deactivation of a lamp (70) as an example.

[0176] According to this embodiment, the control unit (200) can control the knock-on button to be deactivated when the image acquisition unit (310) is activated and operating.

[0177] According to this embodiment, the control unit (200) can control the knock-on function to be deactivated when the image acquisition unit (310) is activated and operating.

[0178] According to this embodiment, when the image acquisition unit (310) is activated and in operation, the control unit (200) can ignore or filter a knock input detected through the first detection module (100).

[0179] According to this embodiment, when the image acquisition unit (310) is activated and in operation, the control unit (200) can control the Knock On button to be deactivated, the Knock-On function to be deactivated, a knock input detected, etc. to provide a guidance message regarding the same.

[0180] According to this embodiment, when the image acquisition unit (310) is activated and starts operation after the knock-on function is activated, the control unit (200) can control the activated knock-on function to be deactivated.

[0181] According to this embodiment, the control unit (200) detects a knock input through the first detection module (100) and controls an operation according to the detected knock input. However, if the image acquisition unit (310) is activated and starts an operation, the control unit can control the operation according to the detected knock input to be stopped.

[0182] Figures 7 to 12 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 7, a method for controlling the operation of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0184] Referring to Fig. 7, when a user tries to check the inside through the viewing window (16a), if the user knocks on the viewing window (16a) mounted on the door (16) of the cooking appliance including the first unit (1) or the second unit (2) and a knock is input (S110), the knocked part becomes a vibration generating point and vibration in response to the knock can occur (S120).

[0185] The vibration generated in this way can be transmitted to the input switch (120) provided in the first unit (1) or the second unit (2) respectively to receive the vibration applied to the viewing window (16a) and arranged at the front of the first detection module (100). In addition, the vibration transmitted to the input switch (120) can be transmitted to the sensor (110) arranged at the rear of the cavity (11) through the transmission member (130) provided to transmit the vibration transmitted to the input switch (120) (S130).

[0186] The sensor (110) can detect acceleration, which is a change in the minute movement of the medium due to vibration, in three mutually orthogonal axes, i.e., the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions, through a three-axis acceleration sensor provided in the three-axis sensor module (111). At this time, the three-axis acceleration sensor can be installed so that the direction of the axis in which vibration detection is performed matches the direction of the vibration due to knock in order to improve the accuracy of the sensor (110) for knock vibration. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0187] The sensor (110) can detect vibrations transmitted in three directions and detect vibrations corresponding to knocks by combining vibration detection signals corresponding to these vibrations.

[0188] The vibration transmitted to the sensor (110) may include unnecessary noise in addition to the vibration detection signal caused by the knock input. Accordingly, unnecessary noise may be removed through the filter unit (115), and the vibration detection signal amplified by the amplifier unit (117) may be input to the sensor microcomputer (113).

[0189] The sensor microcomputer (113) into which the vibration detection signal is input determines whether the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is a vibration caused by a knock input by the user (S140). The vibration determined by the sensor microcomputer (113) can be determined based on the signal output from the amplifier (117).

[0190] In order to determine whether there is vibration due to knocking, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine whether there is vibration due to knocking based on the result of comparing the pattern (S1, S2) of the vibration detection signal generated by the 3-axis sensor module (111) with the pattern of the vibration detection signal (Sc) above a preset threshold (hereinafter referred to as “preset knock signal”).

[0191] Typically, knocking occurs in the form of a "knock knock", and the vibration corresponding to the "knock knock" can typically be expressed as a signal of a larger magnitude than vibrations caused by other causes. Accordingly, the intensity of the vibration detection signal corresponding to the "knock knock" can be input into the sensor microcomputer (113) as a preset knock signal (Sc) and compared with the intensity of the measured signal.

[0192] In one example, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine that a knock has been applied when a preset knock signal (Sc) is detected consecutively as 'knock 1' and 'knock 2' at a certain time interval. In addition, when a signal of a smaller intensity than the preset knock signal (Sc) is detected, it is determined that it is not a vibration caused by knock and can be transmitted to the control unit (200) to control the on / off of the lamp (70).

[0193] The on / off of the lamp (70) can be controlled by the control unit (200). Specifically, when the sensor microcomputer (113) recognizes that the vibration detection signal is not due to knocking, and a signal indicating that the vibration is not due to knocking is output to the control unit (200), the control unit (200) maintains the lamp (70) in the off state according to this output signal (S150).

[0194] In other words, since the preset knock signal (Sc), which is a vibration corresponding to a knock, is usually a signal of a larger size than vibrations caused by other causes, if the continuously occurring vibration is greater than a threshold value, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine that the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is a vibration caused by a knock.

[0195] In another example, the sensor microcomputer (113) can extract a vibration detection signal in one axis direction (e.g., x-axis direction) that matches the direction of vibration caused by the knock among the vibration detection signals in the three directions, and can determine whether there is vibration caused by the knock based on the result of comparing the extracted vibration detection signal with the vibration detection signals in the other two axis directions (e.g., y-axis, z-axis directions).

[0196] Specifically, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine that the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is not a vibration caused by knocking when the maximum value of the vibration detection signal in at least one of the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction is greater than the maximum value of the vibration detection signal in the x-axis direction.

[0197] For example, a knock input can generally be performed through a viewing window (16a) attached to the door (16) of the cooking appliance. And the vibration generated thereby is transmitted to the input switch (120) installed on the front panel (12) and transmitted to the sensor (110) through the transmission member (130) connected to the input switch (120), so that it occurs only in one direction of the x-axis. And the vibration generated in the y-axis direction or the z-axis direction may be a vibration generated from the side and top, not the front, of the cooking appliance, respectively. In addition, a waveform may also be generated by vibration other than a knock input by the user, for example, a vibration caused by external noise or internal operation of the cooking appliance.

[0198] Accordingly, the value of the preset knock signal (Sc), which is a vibration detection signal exceeding a preset threshold in the x-axis direction, is input as a vibration corresponding to a knock on the sensor microcomputer (113), and even when the maximum value of the vibration detection signal in at least one of the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction is greater than the maximum value of the vibration detection signal in the x-axis direction, it can be set so that the vibration detected by the sensor (110) is determined not to be a vibration caused by a knock.

[0199] If the sensor microcomputer (113) determines that there is vibration due to a knock, it continues to determine the location where the knock is input (S160).

[0200] In the case of a cooking appliance including a first unit (1) and a second unit (2) stacked upper and lower, it is important to distinguish whether the vibration caused by knocking is a vibration generated from the first unit (1) or a vibration generated from the second unit (2).

[0201] If the vibration detection signals having a greater intensity than the preset knock signals generated from the first unit (1) or the second unit (2) are not distinguished from each other, a malfunction may occur in the operation of turning the lamp (70) on / off, which may cause a problem in that the user cannot check the inside of the unit he or she wants to check through the viewing window (16a). Specifically, two sensors (110) respectively disposed within the first unit (1) or the second unit (2) can simultaneously recognize the preset knock signals to accurately distinguish between the first knock on / off signal corresponding to the knock input by the user for the first unit (1) and the second knock on / off signal corresponding to the knock input by the user for the second unit (2).

[0202] Specifically, in the case of vibration caused by a user-input knock, the intensity of the vibration can be determined depending on the location of the part where the knock was made.

[0203] The vibration detection signal determined by the sensor microcomputer (113) can be determined based on the signal output from the amplifier (117).

[0204] Then, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine that the first vibration detection signal having a greater intensity than the second vibration detection signal is a first knock on / off signal corresponding to the knock input by the user and transmit an output signal to the control unit (200). In other words, the first knock on / off signal can be determined to indicate that the user has input a knock to the first unit (1).

[0205] When the first knock on / off signal corresponding to the knock input by the user for the first unit (1) is determined, the control unit (200) can check the on / off status of the lamp (70) of the first unit (1) and control the lamp (70) to be turned on / off (S170).

[0206] Specifically, if the control unit (200) determines that the lamp (70) is in an OFF state and the first knock on / off signal is present, an ON output signal is output from the control unit (200) to the lamp (70) to turn on the lamp (70) of the first unit (1) (S170). In addition, if the control unit (200) determines that the lamp (70) is in an ON state and the first knock on / off signal is present, an OFF output signal is output from the control unit (200) to the lamp (70) to turn off the lamp (70) of the first unit (1).

[0207] Meanwhile, if the first knock on / off signal is judged for the first unit (1), the vibration detection signal detected by the sensor microcomputer (113) of the second unit (2) can be ignored at the same time.

[0208] Likewise, the sensor microcomputer (113) can determine that the third vibration detection signal having a greater intensity than the fourth vibration detection signal is a third knock on / off signal corresponding to the knock input by the user and transmit an output signal to the control unit (200). In other words, the second knock on / off signal can be determined to indicate that the user has input a knock to the second unit (2).

[0209] When the second knock on / off signal corresponding to the knock input by the user for the second unit (2) is judged, the control unit (200) can check the on / off status of the lamp (70) of the second unit (2) and control the lamp (70) to be on / off (S180).

[0210] Specifically, if the control unit (200) determines that the lamp (70) is in an OFF state and the third knock ON / OFF signal is present, an ON output signal is output from the control unit (200) to the lamp (70) to turn ON the lamp (70) of the second unit (2) (S180). In addition, if the control unit (200) determines that the lamp (70) is in an ON state and the third knock ON / OFF signal is present, an OFF output signal is output from the control unit (200) to the lamp (70) to turn OFF the lamp (70) of the second unit (2).

[0211] Meanwhile, if the third knock on / off signal is judged for the second unit (2), the vibration detection signal detected by the sensor microcomputer (113) of the first unit (1) can be ignored at the same time.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation S210, the control unit (200) can identify the high-temperature material (F).

[0213] In operation S220, when a cooking object (F) is identified in the oven according to operation S210 and a cooking operation input for the identified cooking object (F) is received, the control unit (200) can control cooking of the identified cooking object (F) to start.

[0214] In operation S230, the control unit (200) can control the image acquisition unit (310) to capture an image of the inside of the cooking chamber (15) when the food (F) is cooked in accordance with operation S220.

[0215] In operation S240, when the internal image capturing starts through the image acquisition unit (310) in operation S230, since light irradiation toward the cooking chamber (15) through the LED (330) is required for the capturing, the control unit (200) can control the knock on button provided on the display unit to be deactivated so that it is not selected or to ignore (or filter) the knock input that is detected.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation S301, the control unit (200) can determine whether the image acquisition unit (310) is operating.

[0217] In operation S303, if the control unit (200) determines that the image acquisition unit (310) is in operation as a result of operation S201, the control unit (200) can deactivate the knock on button. This is to prevent the operation of the image acquisition unit (310) from being affected by user input through the knock on button when the image acquisition unit (310) is in operation.

[0218] The control unit (200) can receive an event signal after disabling the knock-on button in operation S303 (S305), and can determine whether the event received in operation S305 is a knock-on input (S307).

[0219] If the event received through operation S307 is a knock-on input, the control unit (200) can determine whether the image acquisition unit (310) is still operating, that is, determine whether the operation of the image acquisition unit (310) is completed (S309).

[0220] If the operation of the image acquisition unit (310) is completed as a result of the S309 operation judgment, the control unit (200) can control the operation according to the knock-on input (S311).

[0221] On the other hand, if the control unit (200) determines that the operation of the image acquisition unit (310) is not completed as a result of the S309 operation judgment, the image acquisition unit (310) is still in operation, so that the knock-on input is ignored so as not to affect its operation, but a pop-up indicating that the knock-on input cannot be used can be provided (S313).

[0222] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation S401, the control unit (200) can receive an event signal.

[0223] When an event signal is received, the control unit (200) can determine whether the received event signal is a knock-on input (S403).

[0224] If the received event signal is a knock-on input, the control unit (200) can determine whether the image acquisition unit (310) is currently operating (S405).

[0225] In the above S405 operation, if the image acquisition unit (310) is currently operating as a result of the judgment, the control unit (200) can determine whether the knock-on input is an input for a function that conflicts with the operation of the image acquisition unit (310) (S407).

[0226] This may be to allow various operations to be performed according to the function matched to the knock-on input, rather than unconditionally ignoring or filtering the knock-on input when the image acquisition unit (310) is operating in the control unit (200). As described above, the knock-on input can be set to match various functions of the cooking appliance. For example, the knock-on input may be set to “knock knock knock” instead of the usual “knock knock,” or a knock-on input of a different strength may be set and saved by matching it to a function desired by the user, and may be used.

[0227] Accordingly, if the control unit (200) determines in operation S407 that the knock-on input conflicts with the function or operation of the image acquisition unit (310), it may give priority to the function of the image acquisition unit (310) and ignore the knock-on input or provide a pop-up indicating that the knock-on cannot be used (S409).

[0228] On the other hand, if the control unit (200) determines in operation S407 that the knock-on input does not conflict with the function or operation of the image acquisition unit (310), it can control the function or operation according to the knock-on input to be performed together with the function of the image acquisition unit (310) (S411).

[0229] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an operation control method according to the type or kind of an event signal, i.e., a knock-on signal, in the control unit (200).

[0230] Here, FIG. 11 relates to a method for controlling a control unit (200) to first identify an input knock-on signal and perform an operation accordingly when a knock-on signal is input, and FIG. 12 relates to a method for controlling a control unit to sequentially identify the type of input knock-on signal and perform an operation accordingly when a knock-on signal is input.

[0231] First, referring to FIG. 11, in operation S501, the control unit (200) can detect an event signal.

[0232] Here, the event signal may include a knock-on signal. The knock-on signal may be recognized as a different event signal depending on, for example, the number of knock-ons, the strength of the knock-on signal, whether the knock-on signal has a specific pattern, etc., and an operation may be controlled accordingly.

[0233] Hereinafter, for convenience, the first to fourth knock-on signals are described by distinguishing them according to the number of knock-ons. That is, a case where the number of knock-ons is one may indicate a first knock-on signal, and a case where the number of knock-ons is four may indicate a fourth knock-on signal. In this case, the counting of the number of knock-ons may indicate, for example, continuous knock-on inputs. Meanwhile, continuous may indicate a case where the time difference between at least two knock-on inputs is less than a predetermined threshold time.

[0234] For convenience, FIG. 11 illustrates a case where the control unit (200) counts the number of knock-ons and identifies the first to fourth event signals in advance. Accordingly, the control unit (200) can perform the corresponding steps accordingly. For convenience, the following descriptions are provided sequentially.

[0235] In Fig. 11, the first knock-on input may be an image acquisition unit (310) activation signal, i.e., a photographing operation input. The second knock-on input may be an operation control input of the lamp (70) or an input for an operation that conflicts with the operation of the image acquisition unit (310). The third knock-on input may be an input for stopping or suspending the operation of the image acquisition unit (310). The fourth knock-on input may be an input for restoring the state of the image acquisition unit (310) according to the third knock-on input.

[0236] In operation S503, the control unit (200) can identify the detected event signal as a first event signal (i.e., a first knock-on input).

[0237] In operation S505, the control unit (200) can control the image acquisition unit (300) to be activated according to the identified first event signal.

[0238] In operation S507, the control unit (200) can identify the detected event signal as a second event signal (i.e., a second knock-on input).

[0239] In operation S509, the control unit (200) can determine whether the current image acquisition unit (310) is operating.

[0240] In operation S511, the control unit (200) can control the image acquisition unit (310) to output a message indicating that the knock-on function is deactivated when the image acquisition unit (310) is in operation.

[0241] In operation S513, the control unit (200) can activate the lamp (70) when the image acquisition unit (310) is not in operation, or control the brightness change of the lamp (70) when it is already activated.

[0242] In operation S515, the control unit (200) can identify the detected event signal as a third event signal (i.e., a third knock-on input).

[0243] In operation S517, the control unit (200) can determine whether the current image acquisition unit (310) is operating.

[0244] In operation S519, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the image acquisition unit (310) to be stopped when the image acquisition unit (310) is in operation.

[0245] In operation S521, the control unit (200) can control the output of a recording stop guide message and the output of the image acquisition unit (310) so that the last saved image or the image of the last image frame before the operation is stopped is output.

[0246] In operation S523, the control unit (200) can identify the detected event signal as a fourth event signal (i.e., a fourth knock-on input).

[0247] In operation S525, the control unit (200) can control the image acquisition unit (310) to restore a previously stored state or setting.

[0248] Next, referring to FIG. 12, in operation S601, the control unit (200) can detect an event signal. Here, the first to fourth event signals are described as being the same as the first to fourth event signals of FIG. 11 described above, but are not limited thereto.

[0249] In operation S603, the control unit (200) can determine whether the detected event signal is a first event signal.

[0250] In operation S605, if the result of operation S603 is the first event signal, the control unit (200) can control the image acquisition unit (300) to be activated.

[0251] In operation S607, if the result of operation S603 is not the first event signal, the control unit (200) can determine whether it is the second event signal.

[0252] In operation S609, the control unit (200) can determine whether the image acquisition unit (310) is operating if the result of operation S607 is a second event signal.

[0253] In operation S611, the control unit (200) can control to output a message indicating that the knock-on function is deactivated when the image acquisition unit (310) is in operation.

[0254] In operation S613, the control unit (200) can activate the lamp (70) when the image acquisition unit (310) is not in operation, or control a change in the brightness of the lamp (70) when the image acquisition unit (310) is already activated.

[0255] In operation S615, the control unit (200) can determine whether the event signal detected as a result of operation S407 is a third event signal if it is not a second event signal.

[0256] In operation S617, the control unit (200) can determine whether the current image acquisition unit (310) is operating.

[0257] In operation S619, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the image acquisition unit (310) to be stopped when the image acquisition unit (310) is in operation.

[0258] In operation S621, the control unit (200) can control the output of a recording stop guide message and the output of the image acquisition unit (310) so that the last saved image or the image of the last image frame before the operation is stopped is output.

[0259] In operation S623, the control unit (200) can determine whether the event signal detected as a result of operation S415 is the fourth event signal if it is not the third event signal.

[0260] In operation S625, the control unit (200) can control the image acquisition unit (310) to restore a previously stored state or setting.

[0261] In the present disclosure, when another event signal is input within a predetermined time after one event signal has been input, the previously input event signal may be ignored, and the newly input event signal may be processed and the cooking device may be operated accordingly.

[0262] Meanwhile, the event signals, knock-on signals, and related settings or control contents described in the present disclosure may vary in order or settings depending on the user, for example, and such settings may be stored in a table-like format in a storage unit and utilized. That is, the cooking appliance can identify a user, call up the stored knock-on signal and its settings or control contents for the identified user, and perform an operation corresponding to the event input of the user.

[0263] In this regard, when a knock-on input from a user who is not registered with the cooking appliance is received, a user interface that prompts the user to register may be provided, or a message indicating that the knock-on function is unavailable may be output. In particular, in the latter case, for an unregistered user, if the image acquisition unit (310) is currently operating, a message indicating that the knock-on function is unavailable may be provided in the form of a pop-up, regardless of the knock-on type or type.

[0264] Although not shown, in the above, if there is no additional input for a preset period of time after the first to third knock-on signals are input, the cooking appliance can be controlled to return to a previous setting or state as if a fourth knock-on signal has been input.

[0265] When the settings or operation of the image acquisition unit (310) of the home appliance changes according to an event signal, the captured content can always be immediately saved.

[0266] If the settings or operation of the lamp (70) are changed according to an event signal, the home appliance can be restored to the previous settings or default settings.

[0267] The cooking appliance can control the activation or deactivation of the recording function in the image acquisition unit (310) according to the knock-on input. For example, the cooking appliance can start recording when the knock-on is performed once, stop recording when the knock-on is performed twice, and stop and save recording when the knock-on is performed three times.

[0268] The cooking appliance can sequentially raise or lower the illumination level of the lamp (70) (or LED (330)) according to the knock-on input. For example, according to the first knock-on input, the lamp (70) can raise / lower the illumination level by a preset amount from the current illumination level, and according to the second knock-on input, the lamp (70) can raise / lower the illumination level by an additional preset amount.

[0269] The cooking appliance can be controlled to switch between cooking modes automatically or manually based on a knock-on input.

[0270] The cooking appliance can be controlled to increase or decrease the cooking time based on the knock-on input.

[0271] The appliance can be controlled to increase or decrease the heating temperature according to the knock-on input.

[0272] The home appliance can transmit information to a server or terminal based on a knock-on input. The information may include any type of information mentioned herein.

[0273] The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present disclosure.

[0274] The present disclosure provides a cooking appliance and an operating method thereof that are controlled according to various situations between the operation of a knock-on input or knock-on button and the operation of an image acquisition unit, and has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. In cooking equipment, An image acquisition unit that acquires an image of the interior of a building containing a creature; A heating unit for heating the above-mentioned food; and When an event signal is detected, a control unit is included that controls an operation according to the detected event signal according to the state of the image acquisition unit. Cooking appliances.

2. In claim 1, The above event signal includes a knock-on signal, Cooking appliances.

3. In claim 2, The above control unit, When the first knock-on signal is input as the above event signal, the image acquisition unit is controlled to be turned on. Cooking appliances.

4. In claim 2, The above control unit, When a second knock-on signal is input as the above event signal, the activation or brightness change of the indoor lighting device placed in the indoor is controlled. Cooking appliances.

5. In claim 4, The above control unit, When the above high-intensity lighting device is activated, the brightness is controlled to be maximum or minimum. Cooking appliances.

6. In claim 4, The above control unit, A second knock-on signal is input as the above event signal, When the image acquisition unit is in operation, the second knock-on signal is ignored or filtered. Cooking appliances.

7. In claim 6, The above control unit, Controls the output of information indicating that the knock-on function has been disabled. Cooking appliances.

8. In claim 2, The above control unit, When the third knock-on signal is input as the above event signal and the image acquisition unit is in operation, the operation of the image acquisition unit is controlled to be stopped or interrupted. Cooking appliances.

9. In claim 8, The above control unit, Controlling to save the image of the last frame of the video being recorded before stopping the operation of the image acquisition unit above, 10. In claim 9, The above control unit, Controlling the output of the image of the last stored frame according to the third knock-on signal, Cooking appliances.

11. In claim 8, The above control unit, Controlling the brightness of the image acquisition unit to change according to the third knock-on signal; Cooking appliances.

12. In claim 8, The above control unit, Controlling the playback of the most recent image stored before the image acquisition unit stops operating upon detection of the third knock-on signal. Cooking appliances.

13. In claim 2, The above control unit, Before controlling the operation of the image acquisition unit according to the above event signal, the current status information of the image acquisition unit is stored, When the fourth knock-on signal is input as the above event signal, the current state of the stored image acquisition unit is controlled to be restored. Cooking appliances.

14. In claim 2, The above event signal is defined according to the number of times the knock-on input occurs. Cooking appliances.

15. In the method of operating the cooking appliance, Step for identifying the internal organs; A step of heating and cooking the identified food; A step of controlling an image acquisition unit to operate to acquire an image of the interior of the chamber containing the above-mentioned object; and When an event signal is detected, a step of ignoring the event signal or outputting a message indicating that an action according to the event signal has been disabled is included. How to operate the cooking appliance.

Images