Cooking apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

The disclosed cooking apparatus may comprise: a chamber in which food to be heated can be disposed; a heating source which heats food disposed in the chamber; an image sensor which acquires an image of the food disposed in the chamber; and a control unit which, on the basis of entering the thawing mode, pre-thaws the food by activating the heating source for a pre-thawing period, identifies, after the pre-thawing period has elapsed, the surface area and surface temperature distribution of the food from the image acquired by the image sensor, determines the volume of the food on the basis of the surface area and surface temperature distribution of the food, and performs the main thawing process corresponding to the volume of the food.

Description

Cooking appliances and methods for controlling cooking appliances

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a cooking appliance and a method for controlling the cooking appliance.

[0002] A cooking appliance is a device that heats and cooks food or other food items, and can provide various cooking-related functions such as heating, defrosting, drying, and sterilizing the food. For example, a cooking appliance may refer to an oven, such as a gas oven or electric oven, a microwave oven (hereinafter referred to as a microwave oven), a gas range, an electric range, a gas grill, or an electric grill.

[0003] Typically, ovens use a heat-generating heater to directly transfer heat to food or heat the interior of the cooking chamber to cook it. Microwave ovens use high-frequency waves as a heat source, disrupting the molecular arrangement of food molecules and generating intermolecular friction to cook food.

[0004] Cooking appliances provide a defrosting mode for defrosting food. Conventional cookers cannot automatically identify the weight and / or size of food and do not provide individual defrosting algorithms that correspond to the weight and / or size of the food. Consequently, conventional cookers performed food defrosting incompletely and caused inconvenience to users.

[0005] The disclosed invention provides a cooking appliance and a control method for the cooking appliance capable of automatically identifying the volume of food placed in a chamber and performing a defrosting process corresponding to the volume of food.

[0006] The disclosed invention provides a cooking appliance and a method for controlling the cooking appliance, which can perform different defrosting processes depending on the capacity of food and can stepwise adjust the power level of a heating source depending on the temperature change of the food.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a cooking appliance includes a chamber in which food to be heated can be placed; a heating source for heating the food placed in the chamber; an image sensor for acquiring an image of the food placed in the chamber; and a control unit for controlling the heating source and the image sensor. The control unit may operate the heating source for a preliminary defrosting time based on entering a defrosting mode to perform preliminary defrosting of the food, identify a surface area of ​​the food and a surface temperature distribution of the food from the image acquired by the image sensor after the preliminary defrosting time has elapsed, determine a volume of the food based on the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food, and perform a main defrosting process corresponding to the volume of the food. The control unit may adjust a power level of the heating source based on changes in the volume of the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food during the main defrosting process.

[0008] A method for controlling a cooking appliance, comprising: a chamber in which food to be heated can be placed; a heating source for heating the food placed within the chamber; and an image sensor for acquiring an image of the food placed within the chamber. In one embodiment, the method for controlling a cooking appliance includes: operating a heating source for a preliminary defrosting time based on entering a defrosting mode to perform preliminary defrosting of the food placed within the chamber; identifying a surface area and a surface temperature distribution of the food from an image acquired by the image sensor after the preliminary defrosting time has elapsed; determining a volume of the food based on the surface area and the surface temperature distribution of the food; performing a main defrosting process corresponding to the volume of the food; and adjusting a power level of the heating source based on changes in the volume of the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food during the main defrosting process.

[0009] The disclosed cooking appliance and its control method can automatically identify the volume of food placed within a chamber and perform a defrosting process corresponding to the volume of the food. Therefore, the user does not need to input the weight or size of the food.

[0010] The disclosed cooking appliance and method for controlling the cooking appliance can perform different defrosting processes depending on the capacity of the food and can stepwise adjust the power level of the heating source depending on the temperature change of the food.

[0011] According to the disclosed cooking appliance and its control method, the user does not need to input the weight or size of the food, and the defrosting process is automatically performed according to the food's capacity, thereby increasing food defrosting efficiency. Furthermore, the user does not need to pause the defrosting process to flip or reposition the food. Furthermore, the user does not need to wait for the timing to pause the defrosting process.

[0012] The technical tasks and effects to be achieved in this document are not limited to those described above, and other technical tasks and effects other than those mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a control configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates an example of an image acquired by an image sensor.

[0018] Figure 6 is a flowchart briefly illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the method for determining the capacity of the food described in Figure 6.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a thawing process performed when the volume of food is relatively large.

[0021] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a thawing process performed when the volume of food is relatively small.

[0022] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0023] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0026] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0027] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0028] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0032] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a home appliance (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10) is stored.

[0035] The home appliance (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (10) may include at least one of a refrigerator (10a), a dishwasher (10b), an electric range (10c), an electric oven (10d), an air conditioner (10e), a clothes manager (10f), a washing machine (10g), a dryer (10h), and a microwave oven (10i), as illustrated. The microwave oven (10i) may correspond to a microwave oven.

[0036] The home appliance (10) is not limited to the aforementioned. For example, the home appliance (10) may correspond to various types of home appliances, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, or a television, not shown in the drawing. Furthermore, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, devices capable of performing the operations described below, connected to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), may be included in the home appliance (10) according to one embodiment.

[0037] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data through communication between each server and process the transmitted and received data.

[0038] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (10) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered home appliances (10). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (10) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control home appliances (10) by linking identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (10) to the user account. The user device (2) can include a communication module capable of communicating with the home appliance (10) or the server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2).

[0039] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0040] A program for controlling a home appliance (10), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold installed in the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0041] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a home appliance (10).

[0042] For example, if the home appliance (10) is operated so that the home appliance (10) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (10) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (10) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0043] A user can control a home appliance (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), a home appliance (10) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (10) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (10) via the server (3).

[0044] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0045] The network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an Access Point (AP), and / or a short-range wireless network that does not pass through an Access Point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, and the like.

[0046] An access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (10) or user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (10) or user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0047] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (10) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (Bluetooth™, IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0049] The home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0050] For example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0051] As another example, the home appliance (10) may be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0052] As another example, a home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0053] If the home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as a connection relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0054] A home appliance (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) when a request is received from a server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (10), or periodically or in real time. When information about its operation or status is received from the home appliance (10), the server (3) can update the information about the operation or status of the home appliance (10) that has been stored therein, and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the home appliance (10) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, an operation of replacing existing information with new information, etc.

[0055] The home appliance (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (10) can obtain information related to the function of the home appliance (10) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0056] The home appliance (10) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). For example, if the home appliance (10) has obtained prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without user input, the home appliance (10) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0057] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (10) or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0058] The home appliance (10), user device (2), or server (3) can determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) can receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0059] The cooking appliance (1) described below corresponds to the aforementioned home appliance (10).

[0060] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooking appliance (1) may include a case (14) forming an outer shape. The case (14) may include a first cover (14a) covering a side (Y direction) of the cooking appliance (1), a second cover (14b) covering an upper side (+Z direction) of the cooking appliance (1), and a third cover (14c) covering a lower side (-Z direction) of the cooking appliance (1).

[0062] Additionally, the cooking appliance (1) may include a front panel (11), a rear panel (12), and a top panel (15) that are coupled to at least a portion of the case (14).

[0063] The first cover (14a), the second cover (14b), and the third cover (14c) can be positioned between the front panel (11) and the rear panel (12). The first cover (14a) and the second cover (14b) can be formed integrally and can be combined with the third cover (14c). Alternatively, the first cover (14a) and the second cover (14b) can also be provided as separate covers that can be combined with each other.

[0064] A cooking appliance (1) may include a housing (20) forming a chamber (24). The chamber (24) may be formed inside the housing (20). Food may be placed inside the chamber (24). The food may represent a cooking object that can be cooked by the cooking appliance (1). The housing (20) may be covered by a case (14). A front panel (11) and a rear panel (12) may be coupled with the housing (20). A top panel (15) may be formed integrally with the housing (20) or coupled with the housing (20).

[0065] The cooking appliance (1) may include a door (18) coupled to the front panel (11) to open or close the chamber (24). The door (18) may be rotatably coupled to the front panel (11). At least a portion of the door (18) may be formed of a transparent material (e.g., transparent glass) or a translucent material (e.g., translucent glass). The door (18) may include heat-resistant glass. A user may view the interior of the chamber (24) through the door (18).

[0066] A power compartment (30) may be formed between the case (14) and the housing (20). Various electronic components may be placed within the power compartment (30). For example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a heating source (31) and a fan (25) placed within the power compartment (30).

[0067] The heating source (31) corresponds to a device for heating food placed inside the chamber (24). For example, the heating source (31) can provide at least one of microwaves and heat into the chamber (24).

[0068] The fan (35) can supply air into the electrical room (30) or exhaust air inside the electrical room (30) to the outside. Various electronic components placed inside the electrical room (30) can be cooled by the operation of the fan (35).

[0069] The heating source (31) may include a magnetron (32) that emits microwaves into the interior of the chamber (24), and a transformer (33) and a condenser (34) for applying voltage to the magnetron (32). The magnetron (32), the transformer (33), and the condenser (34) may be located in the electrical room (30).

[0070] Microwaves emitted into the chamber (24) by the magnetron (32) can change the molecular arrangement of moisture contained in food. When the molecular arrangement of moisture is repeatedly changed, frictional heat is generated between the molecules, and the food can be heated by the frictional heat between the molecules.

[0071] The heating source (31) may include a heater that supplies heat into the chamber (24). One or more heaters may be provided. When power is supplied to the heater, the heating wires constituting the heater can generate radiant heat. Food can be heated by the radiant heat generated by the heater.

[0072] The cooking appliance (1) may include a turntable (40) placed inside the chamber (24). Food may be placed on the upper surface of the turntable (40). The turntable (40) may be rotated by a motor. The turntable (40) may be supported by the bottom surface (21) of the housing (20).

[0073] The cooking appliance (1) may include a user interface (50) for displaying information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1) and obtaining user input. The user interface (50) may be coupled to the front panel (11). The user interface (50) may be positioned on one side of the door (18). The user interface (50) may be positioned on the other end of the front panel (11) opposite to the end where the hinge (17) for rotatably supporting the door (18) is positioned.

[0074] The user interface (50) may include at least one of an input unit (51) for obtaining user input, a display (52) for displaying information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1), and a door opening button (53) for opening the door (18). The positions of the input unit (51), the display (52), and the door opening button (53) are not limited to those exemplified, and may be provided in various positions.

[0075] The input unit (51) can transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to a user input to the control unit (200). The input unit (51) can include various buttons and / or dials. For example, the input unit (51) can include at least one of a power button for turning the power of the cooking appliance (1) on or off, a start / stop button for starting or stopping a cooking operation, a cooking mode button for selecting a cooking mode, a temperature button for setting a cooking temperature, and a time button for setting a cooking time. The various buttons can be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons.

[0076] One of multiple cooking modes can be selected via the input unit (51). For example, the cooking device (1) can provide various cooking modes, such as an automatic cooking mode, a defrosting mode, and a warming mode. The cooking device (1) can perform cooking according to the selected cooking mode. The cooking mode can include cooking parameters, such as a cooking temperature, a cooking time, and / or the output of the heating source (31). Different cooking modes can be selected depending on the type, quantity, and / or size of the food.

[0077] The power level of the heating source (31) can be controlled by the control unit (200). The output of the heating source (31) can be controlled differently depending on the type, quantity, and / or size of the food. That is, the operation of the heating source (31) can be controlled differently depending on the cooking mode.

[0078] The display (52) may be provided as a variety of display panels. For example, the display (52) may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD Panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED Panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED Panel), or a micro LED panel. The display (52) may also be used as an input device, including a touch screen.

[0079] The cooking appliance (1) may include an image sensor (60) that acquires an image of the inside of the chamber (24). The image sensor (60) may acquire an image of the inside of the chamber (24). The image sensor (60) may have a predetermined field of view (FOV). The image sensor (60) may be positioned above the chamber (24) and may have a field of view (FOV) that faces the inside of the chamber (24) from the upper surface of the chamber (24). The image sensor (60) may transmit data of the acquired image to the control unit (200).

[0080] Figure 4 illustrates a control configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, the cooking device (1) may include a heating source (31), a fan (35), a user interface (50), an image sensor (60), a communication circuit (100), and a control unit (200). The control unit (200) is electrically connected to components of the cooking device (1) and may control the components of the cooking device (1).

[0082] The heating source (31) may include at least one of a magnetron (32) that emits microwaves into the interior of the chamber (24) and a heater that supplies heat into the chamber (24). The control unit (200) may adjust the power level of the heating source (31). The power level of the heating source (31) may be adjusted based on a user input obtained through the input unit (51) or the user device (2). The power level of the heating source (31) may be adjusted based on a cooking mode.

[0083] When the heating source (31) corresponds to the magnetron (32), the power level of the heating source (31) can represent the ratio of the operating time of the magnetron (32) to a predetermined unit time. In other words, the power level of the heating source (31) can represent the on-off duty ratio of the magnetron (32) for a unit time. The unit time may vary depending on the design. For example, when the power level of the heating source (31) is 100%, the magnetron (32) can continuously generate microwaves for a unit time. When the power level of the heating source (31) is 40%, the magnetron (32) generates microwaves for an on time corresponding to 40% of the unit time, but may not generate microwaves for an off time corresponding to 60% of the unit time.

[0084] When the heating source (31) corresponds to a heater, the power level of the heater may represent the ratio of the operating temperature to the maximum temperature of the radiant heat generated by the heater. As the power level of the heater is set higher, the temperature of the radiant heat supplied into the chamber (24) through the heater may increase.

[0085] The fan (35) can supply air into the electrical room (30) or exhaust air from the electrical room (30) to the outside. The control unit (200) can adjust the rotation speed of the fan (35). For example, the rotation speed of the fan (35) can be adjusted to be directly proportional to the power level of the heating source (31).

[0086] The user interface (50) may include an input unit (51), a display (52), and a door opening button (53). The configuration of the user interface (50) is not limited to that illustrated. The user interface (50) may include various configurations depending on the design.

[0087] The input unit (51) can acquire user input. The user input can include various commands. For example, the input unit (51) can acquire at least one of a command for selecting an item, a command for selecting a cooking mode, a command for adjusting the power level of a heating source (31), a command for adjusting a cooking time, a command for adjusting a cooking temperature, a command for starting cooking, or a command for stopping cooking. The user input can also be acquired from the user device (2).

[0088] The control unit (200) can control the operation of the cooking device (1) by processing a command received through at least one of the input unit (51) or the user device (2). The cooking device (1) can automatically perform cooking based on cooking mode information obtained from the memory (220), the user device (2), or the server (3).

[0089] The display (52) can display information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1). The display (52) can display information input by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The display (52) can display information input by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The display (52) can display information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1) in the form of at least one of an image and text. In addition, the display (52) can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the cooking appliance (1). That is, the display (52) can display a user interface element (UI element) such as an icon.

[0090] The image sensor (60) can acquire an image inside the chamber (24). The image sensor (60) can have a predetermined field of view (FOV). The image sensor (60) is located above the chamber (24) and can have a field of view (FOV) facing the inside of the chamber (24) from the upper surface of the chamber (24). The control unit (200) can control the image sensor (60) to acquire an image inside the chamber (24) when the door (18) is closed after the cooking device (1) is turned on. The control unit (200) can control the image sensor (60) to acquire an image inside the chamber (24) at predetermined time intervals from the start of cooking until the completion of cooking.

[0091] The image sensor (60) may include various cameras. For example, the image sensor (60) may correspond to a thermal imaging camera that acquires thermal images. The thermal imaging camera may refer to an infrared camera. Additionally, the image sensor (60) may also include a visible light camera.

[0092] The communication circuit (100) can perform a connection with at least one of a user device (2) or a server (3) via a network. The control unit (200) can obtain various information, various signals, and / or various data from the server (3) via the communication circuit (100). For example, the communication circuit (100) can receive a remote control signal from the user device (2). The control unit (200) can obtain an artificial intelligence model used to analyze an image obtained by the image sensor (60) from the server (3) via the communication circuit (100).

[0093] The communication circuit (100) may include various communication modules. The communication circuit (100) may include a wireless communication module and / or a wired communication module. As wireless communication technologies, wireless local area network (LAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. may be applied.

[0094] The control unit (200) may include a processor (210) and a memory (220). The processor (210) may be hardware and include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (210) may control electrically connected components of the cooking device (1) using programs, instructions, and / or data stored in the memory (220) for the operation of the cooking device (1). The control unit (200) may be implemented as a control circuit including circuit elements such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors. The processor (210) and the memory (220) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, the control unit (200) may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories.

[0095] The memory (220) can store programs, applications, and / or data for the operation of the cooking appliance (1), and can store data generated by the processor (210). The memory (220) can include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory for storing data for a long period of time. The memory (220) can include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data.

[0096] The components of the cooking appliance (1) are not limited to those described above. The cooking appliance (1) may further include various components in addition to the components described above. Furthermore, some of the components described above may be omitted.

[0097] For example, the cooking device (1) may include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the chamber (24). The temperature sensor may be installed at various locations inside the chamber (24). The temperature sensor may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control unit (200). The control unit (200) may control the heating source (31) so that the temperature inside the chamber (24) is maintained at a cooking temperature determined according to the type, number, and / or cooking mode of the food. In addition, the cooking device (1) may include a current sensor and a voltage sensor. The current sensor may measure the current applied to electronic components of the cooking device (1). The voltage sensor may measure the voltage applied to electronic components of the cooking device (1).

[0098] The control unit (200) can process an image acquired by the image sensor (60) to identify an object included in the image. The control unit (200) can identify food from the image and estimate characteristics of the food using an artificial intelligence model acquired from the memory (220) or the server (3). Characteristics of the food may include the type and quantity of the food, the surface area of ​​the food, the volume of the food, and / or the size of the food.

[0099] In addition, the control unit (200) can identify the surface temperature distribution of the food from an image (e.g., a thermal image) acquired by the image sensor (60). The control unit (200) can divide the surface of the food into a plurality of regions according to the surface temperature distribution of the food. The control unit (200) can identify the temperature of each of the plurality of regions of the food. In addition, the control unit (200) can determine at least one freezing region that exhibits a temperature lower than a reference temperature (e.g., 0 degrees Celsius) based on the surface temperature distribution of the food.

[0100] The surface temperature distribution of food can continuously change as it heats. For example, the thickness of a frozen food may not be uniform across its entire surface area. When the entire food is heated for a certain period of time, the temperature change in areas with greater thickness occurs more slowly. Therefore, various temperatures can be detected across the entire surface area of ​​the food. If the center of the food is thicker than the edges, the temperature at the edges may be detected relatively higher when the food is heated, and the temperature at the center may be detected relatively lower.

[0101] The artificial intelligence model can be generated through machine learning and / or deep learning. The artificial intelligence model can be generated by the server (3) and stored in the memory (220) of the cooking device (1). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples provided.

[0102] An AI model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural networks may include, but are not limited to, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), and / or deep Q-networks. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware architecture, the AI ​​model may also include a software architecture.

[0103] The control unit (200) can determine whether to enter automatic cooking mode or defrosting mode based on the surface temperature of the food. For example, the control unit (200) can determine to enter automatic cooking mode if the lowest temperature among the temperatures of each of the multiple regions of the food is higher than 0 degrees Celsius. The control unit (200) can determine to enter defrosting mode if the highest temperature among the temperatures of each of the multiple regions of the food is lower than 0 degrees Celsius.

[0104] The control unit (200) can determine whether to enter the automatic cooking mode or the defrosting mode when a command to start a cooking operation is input through the input unit (51). For example, the command to start a cooking operation can be input through the start / stop button or one of the various cooking mode buttons.

[0105] The defrosting mode provided by the disclosed cooking appliance (1) may include a preliminary defrosting process of food and a main defrosting process. In addition, the defrosting mode may include a preheating process of food performed before entering the preliminary defrosting process.

[0106] The control unit (200) may perform preliminary thawing of food based on entering the thawing mode. To perform preliminary thawing of food, the control unit (200) may operate the heating source (31) for a preliminary thawing time (e.g., 50 seconds). To perform preliminary thawing of food, the control unit (200) may set the power level of the heating source (31) to a reference level (e.g., 40%).

[0107] The control unit (200) may determine the capacity of the food based on the ratio of at least one frozen area to the surface area of ​​the food. For example, the control unit (200) may determine the capacity of the food as a first capacity based on the ratio of at least one frozen area to the surface area of ​​the food being greater than a reference ratio (e.g., 40%). The control unit (200) may determine the capacity of the food as a second capacity that is smaller than the first capacity based on the ratio of at least one frozen area to the surface area of ​​the food being less than or equal to the reference ratio (e.g., 40%). The control unit (200) may determine the capacity of the food after performing preliminary thawing.

[0108] The control unit (200) may also preheat the food before performing the preliminary thawing. That is, the control unit (200) may preheat the food by operating the heating source (31) at the maximum power level (e.g., 100%) for a preheating time (e.g., 10 seconds) before performing the preliminary thawing. The preheating time may be set shorter than the pre-thawing time. The control unit (200) may operate the heating source (31) for the preheating time (e.g., 10 seconds) and then stop the operation of the heating source (31) for a waiting time (e.g., 50 seconds). Molecules of the food heated during the preheating time may transfer heat to each other during the waiting time. By setting the waiting time, the temperature difference between multiple regions of the food may be reduced, and the temperature of the food may be stabilized.

[0109] Once the capacity of the food is determined, the control unit (200) can perform a main defrosting process corresponding to the capacity of the food. The main defrosting process can include multiple heating processes that operate a heating source (31) to heat the food, and multiple stabilization processes that limit the operation of the heating source (31) to stabilize the temperature of the food.

[0110] The control unit (200) can alternately perform the heating process and the stabilization process multiple times during the main thawing process. While sequentially performing the multiple heating processes, the control unit (200) can gradually reduce the power level of the heating source (31).

[0111] The control unit (200) can set the power level of the heating source (31) differently for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food. In addition, the control unit (200) can set the heating time of the food differently for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food. The control unit (200) can restrict the operation of the heating source (31) during the stabilization time set for each of the plurality of stabilization processes after the heating time has elapsed. The control unit (200) can set the stabilization time differently for each of the plurality of stabilization processes.

[0112] Molecules in heated food can transfer heat to each other during the stabilization period. By setting a stabilization period, temperature differences between multiple regions of the food can be reduced, stabilizing the food's temperature.

[0113] The control unit (200) can set temperature conditions for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food. The control unit (200) can set different temperature conditions for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food. The control unit (200) can identify whether the temperature conditions are satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food while performing each of the plurality of heating processes. The control unit (200) can stop the heating process and perform a stabilization process based on the satisfaction of the temperature conditions.

[0114] The control unit (200) can perform a first main thawing process corresponding to the first capacity based on determining the capacity of the food as the first capacity. The control unit (200) can perform a second main thawing process corresponding to the second capacity based on determining the capacity of the food as the second capacity that is smaller than the first capacity. The control unit (200) can adjust the power level of the heating source (31) differently in the first main thawing process and the second main thawing process.

[0115] The first main thawing process may include a first plurality of heating processes and a first plurality of stabilization processes. The second main thawing process may include a second plurality of heating processes and a second plurality of stabilization processes. The number of the first plurality of heating processes may be greater than the number of the second plurality of heating processes. The number of the first plurality of stabilization processes may also be greater than the number of the second plurality of stabilization processes.

[0116] Although the operation of the cooking appliance (1) has been described as being controlled by the control unit (200), it is not limited thereto. The operation of the cooking appliance (1) may also be described as being controlled by the processor (210). In order for the cooking appliance (1) to perform various operations, the processor (210) may execute various instructions stored in the memory (220).

[0117] Figure 5 illustrates an example of an image acquired by an image sensor.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 5, an image (500) acquired by the image sensor (60) corresponds to a thermal image. The control unit (200) can process the image (500) to identify food and its characteristics. For example, the control unit (200) can identify the outline (FB) of the food and the surface area of ​​the food. In addition, the control unit (200) can identify the surface temperature distribution of the food.

[0119] The cooking appliance (1) can divide the surface of the food into a plurality of regions according to the surface temperature distribution of the food. FIG. 5 illustrates that the surface of the food is divided into a first region (A1), a second region (A2), a third region (A3), and a fourth region (A4) according to the surface temperature distribution of the food. When the food is heated, the first region (A1), the second region (A2), the third region (A3), and the fourth region (A4) may have different temperatures. That is, the first temperature of the first region (A1), the second temperature of the second region (A2), the third temperature of the third region (A3), and the fourth temperature of the fourth region (A4) may be different from each other.

[0120] For example, the first temperature of the first region (A1) may be the highest, and the fourth temperature of the fourth region (A4) may be the lowest. The second temperature of the second region (A2) may be lower than the first temperature and higher than the third temperature of the third region (A3). The third temperature of the third region (A3) may be lower than the second temperature and higher than the fourth temperature. In addition, the first temperature of the first region (A1) may be higher than 0 degrees Celsius, and the second temperature of the second region (A2), the third temperature of the third region (A3), and the fourth temperature of the fourth region (A4) may be lower than 0 degrees Celsius.

[0121] Through this, the cooking appliance (1) can estimate the capacity of the food. The capacity of the food can be estimated from the surface area of ​​the food and the thickness of the food. The cooking appliance (1) can estimate the thickness of multiple regions of the food based on the surface temperature distribution of the food. When the entire food is heated for a certain period of time, the temperature change rate of a part with a large thickness appears slow. Therefore, the cooking appliance (1) can relatively estimate the first thickness of the first region (A1), the second thickness of the second region (A2), the third thickness of the third region (A3), and the fourth thickness of the fourth region (A4). For example, the cooking appliance (1) can determine that the first thickness of the first region (A1) is the largest, and the fourth thickness of the fourth region (A4) is the largest. The cooking appliance (1) can determine the second thickness of the second region (A2) to be larger than the first thickness and smaller than the third thickness. The cooking appliance (1) can determine the third thickness of the third area (A3) to be greater than the second thickness and less than the fourth thickness.

[0122] The cooking appliance (1) can determine the capacity of the food as a first capacity (high capacity) or a second capacity (low capacity) depending on the ratio of at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food. If the ratio of at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food is greater than a reference ratio (e.g., 40%), the capacity of the food can be determined as the first capacity (high capacity). If the ratio of at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food is less than or equal to the reference ratio (e.g., 40%), the capacity of the food can be determined as the second capacity (low capacity).

[0123] In Fig. 5, the freezing zone may correspond to the second zone (A2), the third zone (A3), and the fourth zone (A4). Since the ratio of the freezing zone to the surface area of ​​the food is greater than the reference ratio, the cooking appliance (1) may determine the food capacity as the first capacity (high capacity). Thereafter, the cooking appliance (1) may perform the first main defrosting process corresponding to the first capacity (high capacity) of the food.

[0124] Figure 6 is a flowchart briefly illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can detect the surface area and temperature of food by processing an image (e.g., a thermal image) acquired by the image sensor (60) (601). The temperature of the food can represent the surface temperature of the food. In addition, the control unit (200) can detect the surface temperature distribution of the food.

[0126] The control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can determine whether to enter the defrosting mode based on the temperature of the food (602). For example, the control unit (200) can determine to enter the defrosting mode if the surface temperature of the food is lower than 0 degrees Celsius. If the food is divided into multiple regions according to the surface temperature distribution of the food, the control unit (200) can also determine to enter the defrosting mode if the highest temperature among each of the multiple regions of the food is lower than 0 degrees Celsius. If the condition for entering the defrosting mode is not satisfied, the control unit (200) can determine to enter the automatic cooking mode and perform cooking of the food according to the automatic cooking mode (603).

[0127] The control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can perform preheating of food based on entering the defrosting mode (604). The control unit (200) can perform preheating of food by operating the heating source (31) at the maximum power level (e.g., 100%) for a predetermined preheating time (e.g., 10 seconds). After the preheating time has elapsed, the control unit (200) can stop the operation of the heating source (31) for a waiting time (e.g., 50 seconds).

[0128] Even for the same food, its temperature may vary depending on its storage conditions. For example, in the case of food frozen at very low temperatures, even if preliminary thawing is performed, the entire food area may be determined as a frozen area. In this case, the food capacity may not be accurately determined. To solve this problem, the cooking appliance (1) can preheat the food before preliminary thawing. By performing the process of preheating the food before preliminary thawing, the cooking appliance (1) can increase the accuracy of food capacity estimation. Depending on the surface temperature of the food, the preheating process may be omitted. In other words, if the surface temperature of the food is first increased through the preheating process, the surface temperature distribution of the food may become more diverse during the preliminary thawing process. Therefore, the food capacity estimation after preliminary thawing can be more accurately performed.

[0129] Next, the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can perform preliminary defrosting of the food (605). To perform preliminary defrosting of the food, the control unit (200) can operate the heating source (31) for a preliminary defrosting time (e.g., 50 seconds). To perform preliminary defrosting of the food, the control unit (200) can set the power level of the heating source (31) to a reference level (e.g., 40%).

[0130] The cooking appliance (1) can determine the capacity of the food once the preliminary thawing of the food is completed (606). Once the capacity of the food is determined, the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can perform a main thawing process corresponding to the capacity of the food (607). The main thawing process can include multiple heating processes that operate the heating source (31) to heat the food, and multiple stabilization processes that limit the operation of the heating source (31) so that the temperature of the food is stabilized. The control unit (200) can alternately perform the heating process and the stabilization process multiple times in the main thawing process. The control unit (200) can gradually reduce the power level of the heating source (31) while sequentially performing the multiple heating processes.

[0131] When the main defrosting process of the food is completed, the cooking appliance (1) can stop operation.

[0132] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the method (606) for determining the capacity of food described in FIG. 6.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can identify the surface temperature distribution of the food from the image acquired by the image sensor (60) after the pre-thawing time has elapsed (701). Identifying the surface temperature distribution of the food may include identifying the surface area of ​​the food. In other words, the control unit (200) can control the image sensor (60) to acquire an image of the inside of the chamber (24) after performing the pre-thawing process (605) described in FIG. 6. The image acquired by the image sensor (60) may correspond to a thermal image. The control unit (200) can process the image to acquire the outline of the food, the surface area of ​​the food, and the surface temperature distribution of the food. The image processing may be performed using an artificial intelligence model (e.g., machine learning, deep learning).

[0134] The control unit (200) can determine the volume of the food based on the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food. Specifically, the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can determine at least one freezing area exhibiting a temperature lower than a reference temperature (e.g., 0 degrees Celsius) from the surface temperature distribution of the food (702). As described in FIG. 5, the control unit (200) can divide the surface of the food into a plurality of areas based on the surface temperature distribution of the food. The control unit (200) can identify the temperature of each of the plurality of areas of the food.

[0135] The control unit (200) can determine the capacity of the food as the first capacity (high capacity) based on the ratio of at least one frozen area to the surface area of ​​the food being greater than a reference ratio (e.g., 40%) (703, 704). The control unit (200) can perform a first main thawing process (high capacity thawing process) corresponding to the food having the first capacity (high capacity) (705).

[0136] The control unit (200) can determine the capacity of the food as a second capacity (low capacity) smaller than the first capacity based on the ratio of at least one frozen area to the surface area of ​​the food being less than or equal to a reference ratio (e.g., 40%) (703, 706). The control unit (200) can perform a second main thawing process (low capacity thawing process) corresponding to the food of the second capacity (low capacity) (707).

[0137] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a thawing process performed when the volume of food is relatively large.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 8, the high-capacity defrosting process corresponds to the first main defrosting process. The first main defrosting process may include a three-stage heating process and a three-stage stabilization process. The heating process refers to operating the heating source (31) to heat the food. The stabilization process refers to limiting the operation of the heating source (31) to stabilize the temperature of the food. The heating process and the stabilization process may be performed alternately. The control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) may gradually reduce the power level of the heating source (31) while sequentially performing multiple heating processes. In addition, the control unit (200) may set different stabilization times for each of the multiple stabilization processes.

[0139] When the high-capacity defrosting process starts, the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can operate the heating source (31) at a first power level (e.g., 40%) (801). Operating the heating source (31) at the first power level corresponds to the first heating process. The control unit (200) can acquire an image of the food at predetermined time intervals and detect the surface temperature distribution of the food while performing the first heating process. The control unit (200) can identify whether the first temperature condition is satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food while performing the first heating process (802). For example, the first temperature condition may correspond to 'when the average temperature of the food surface is 10°C or higher and the lowest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 0°C or higher' or 'when the highest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 26°C or higher and the lowest temperature is -4°C or lower'.

[0140] The control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can limit the operation of the heating source (31) for a first stabilization time (e.g., 1 minute) when the first temperature condition is satisfied (803). The heating source (31) can operate at a power level of 10% or stop operation during the first stabilization time. Limiting the operation of the heating source (31) during the first stabilization time corresponds to the first stabilization process. Molecules of the heated food can transfer heat to each other during the stabilization time. By setting the stabilization time, the temperature difference between multiple regions of the food can be reduced, and the temperature of the food can be stabilized.

[0141] After the first stabilization time has elapsed, the control unit (200) can operate the heating source (31) at a second power level (e.g., 30%) (804). Operating the heating source (31) at the second power level corresponds to a second heating process. While performing the second heating process, the control unit (200) can acquire an image of the food at predetermined time intervals and detect the surface temperature distribution of the food. While performing the second heating process, the control unit (200) can identify whether the second temperature condition is satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food (805). For example, the second temperature condition may correspond to 'when the average temperature of the food surface is 20°C or higher and the lowest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 10°C or higher' or 'when the highest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 37°C or higher'.

[0142] The control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can restrict the operation of the heating source (31) for a second stabilization time (e.g., 30 seconds) when the second temperature condition is satisfied (806). The heating source (31) can stop operation during the second stabilization time. Restricting the operation of the heating source (31) during the second stabilization time corresponds to the second stabilization process.

[0143] After the second stabilization time has elapsed, the control unit (200) can operate the heating source (31) at a third power level (e.g., 10%) for a predetermined heating time (e.g., 3 minutes) (807). Operating the heating source (31) at the third power level for the heating time corresponds to the third heating process.

[0144] While performing the third heating process, the control unit (200) can acquire images of the food at predetermined time intervals and detect the surface temperature distribution of the food. While performing the third heating process, the control unit (200) can identify whether the third temperature condition is satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food (808). For example, the third temperature condition may correspond to 'when the average temperature of the food surface is 24°C or higher' or 'when the highest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 39°C or higher.'

[0145] If the third temperature condition is satisfied before the heating time elapses, the control unit (200) can stop the operation of the heating source (31) and end the thawing process (810).

[0146] Alternatively, if the third temperature condition is satisfied before the heating time elapses, the control unit (200) may stop the operation of the heating source (31) and terminate the thawing process after the remaining heating time elapses. In this case, the remaining heating time may correspond to the third stabilization time.

[0147] If the third temperature condition is not satisfied within the heating time (e.g., 3 minutes), the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can stop the operation of the heating source (31) after the heating time has elapsed (809, 810).

[0148] In this way, the disclosed cooking appliance (1) can automatically perform a defrosting process corresponding to a large amount of food, and increase the defrosting efficiency of the food by gradually adjusting the power level of the heating source according to the temperature change of the food.

[0149] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a thawing process performed when the volume of food is relatively small.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 9, the low-capacity thawing process corresponds to the second main thawing process. The second main thawing process may include a two-stage heating process and a two-stage stabilization process. The heating process refers to operating the heating source (31) to heat the food. The stabilization process refers to limiting the operation of the heating source (31) to stabilize the temperature of the food. The heating process and the stabilization process may be performed alternately. The control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) may gradually reduce the power level of the heating source (31) while sequentially performing multiple heating processes. The control unit (200) may set different stabilization times for each of the multiple stabilization processes. In addition, the control unit (200) may set different heating times for the food in each of the multiple heating processes.

[0151] When the low-capacity defrosting process begins, the control unit (200) of the cooking appliance (1) can operate the heating source (31) at a fourth power level (e.g., 20%) for a predetermined first heating time (e.g., 70 seconds) (901). Operating the heating source (31) at the fourth power level corresponds to the fourth heating process. While performing the fourth heating process, the control unit (200) can acquire images of the food at predetermined time intervals and detect the surface temperature distribution of the food.

[0152] The control unit (200) can identify whether the fourth temperature condition is satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food while performing the fourth heating process (903). For example, the fourth temperature condition may correspond to 'when the highest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 35°C or higher'. If the fourth temperature condition is satisfied, the control unit (200) can stop the operation of the heating source (31) for a fourth stabilization time (e.g., 30 seconds) (905). Stopping the operation of the heating source (31) for the fourth stabilization time corresponds to the fourth stabilization process.

[0153] If the fourth temperature condition is not satisfied within the first heating time (e.g., 70 seconds), the control unit (200) can determine whether the fifth temperature condition is satisfied after the first heating time has elapsed (902, 904). For example, the fifth temperature condition may correspond to 'when the average temperature of the food surface is 14°C or higher and the lowest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 4°C or higher' or 'when the highest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 28°C or higher.'

[0154] If the fifth temperature condition is satisfied after the first heating time has elapsed, the control unit (200) can stop the operation of the heating source (31) for a fourth stabilization time (e.g., 30 seconds) (905). If the fifth temperature condition is not satisfied after the first heating time has elapsed, the next heating process can be performed without performing the fourth stabilization process.

[0155] After the fourth stabilization time has elapsed, the control unit (200) can operate the heating source (31) at a fifth power level (e.g., 10%) for a predetermined second heating time (e.g., 90 seconds) (906). Operating the heating source (31) at the fifth power level for the heating time corresponds to the fifth heating process.

[0156] While performing the fifth heating process, the control unit (200) can acquire images of the food at predetermined time intervals and detect the surface temperature distribution of the food. While performing the fifth heating process, the control unit (200) can identify whether the sixth temperature condition is satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food (907). For example, the sixth temperature condition may correspond to 'when the average temperature of the food surface is 16°C or higher' or 'when the highest temperature in the surface temperature distribution of the food is 30°C or higher.'

[0157] If the sixth temperature condition is satisfied before the second heating time elapses, the control unit (200) can stop the operation of the heating source (31) and end the thawing process (909).

[0158] Alternatively, if the sixth temperature condition is satisfied before the second heating time elapses, the control unit (200) may stop the operation of the heating source (31) and terminate the thawing process after the remaining second heating time elapses. In this case, the remaining heating time may correspond to the fifth stabilization time.

[0159] If the sixth temperature condition is not satisfied within the second heating time (e.g., 90 seconds), the control unit (200) can stop the operation of the heating source (31) after the second heating time has elapsed and end the thawing process (908, 909).

[0160] In this way, the disclosed cooking appliance (1) can automatically perform a defrosting process corresponding to a small amount of food, and increase the defrosting efficiency of the food by gradually adjusting the power level of the heating source according to the temperature change of the food.

[0161] The terms fourth power level, fifth power level, fourth temperature condition, fifth temperature condition, sixth temperature condition, fourth stabilization time, and fifth stabilization time used in FIG. 9 are intended to distinguish them from the terms used in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 should be understood as describing different, distinct thawing processes.

[0162] A cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment includes: a chamber in which food to be heated can be placed; a heating source for heating the food placed in the chamber; an image sensor for acquiring an image of the food placed in the chamber; and a control unit for controlling the heating source and the image sensor. The control unit may operate the heating source for a preliminary defrosting time based on entering a defrosting mode to perform preliminary defrosting of the food, identify a surface area of ​​the food and a surface temperature distribution of the food from the image acquired by the image sensor after the preliminary defrosting time has elapsed, determine a volume of the food based on the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food, and perform a main defrosting process corresponding to the volume of the food. The control unit may adjust a power level of the heating source based on changes in the volume of the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food during the main defrosting process.

[0163] The control unit may set a preheating time shorter than the pre-thawing time, and may operate the heating source at a maximum power level during the preheating time before the heating source is operated during the pre-thawing time to preheat the food. The control unit may determine at least one freezing region exhibiting a temperature lower than a reference temperature in a surface area of ​​the food based on a surface temperature distribution of the food, and may determine a capacity of the food based on a ratio of the at least one freezing region to the surface area of ​​the food.

[0164] The control unit may determine the capacity of the food as a first capacity based on the ratio of the at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food being greater than a reference ratio, or may determine the capacity of the food as a second capacity smaller than the first capacity based on the ratio of the at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food being less than or equal to the reference ratio.

[0165] The main defrosting process may include a plurality of heating processes that operate the heating source to heat the food and a plurality of stabilizing processes that limit the operation of the heating source so that the temperature of the food is stabilized. The control unit may alternately perform the plurality of heating processes and the plurality of stabilizing processes during the main defrosting process.

[0166] The control unit may perform the plurality of heating processes during the main defrosting process, and may gradually reduce the power level of the heating source while performing the plurality of heating processes.

[0167] The control unit may set temperature conditions for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food during the main defrosting process, identify whether the temperature conditions are satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food while performing the heating process, and stop the heating process based on the satisfaction of the temperature conditions, and perform the stabilization process.

[0168] The control unit can set different temperature conditions for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food during the main defrosting process.

[0169] The control unit may perform the plurality of heating processes during the main defrosting process, set the power level of the heating source and the heating time of the food differently for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food, and limit the operation of the heating source for a stabilization time set for each of the plurality of stabilization processes after the elapse of the heating time.

[0170] The control unit may perform a first main defrosting process corresponding to the first capacity or a second main defrosting process corresponding to the second capacity. The control unit may adjust the power level of the heating source differently in the first main defrosting process and the second main defrosting process.

[0171] In a control method of a cooking appliance including a chamber in which food to be heated can be placed, a heating source for heating the food placed within the chamber, and an image sensor for acquiring an image of the food placed within the chamber, the control method of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment includes: performing preliminary thawing of food placed within the chamber by operating the heating source for a preliminary thawing time based on entering a thawing mode; identifying a surface area of ​​the food and a surface temperature distribution of the food from an image acquired by the image sensor after the preliminary thawing time has elapsed; determining a volume of the food based on the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food; performing a main thawing process corresponding to the volume of the food; and adjusting a power level of the heating source based on changes in the volume of the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food during the main thawing process.

[0172] The control method of the above cooking appliance (1) may further include setting a preheating time shorter than the pre-defrosting time; and operating the heating source at the maximum power level during the preheating time before performing the pre-defrosting to preheat the food.

[0173] Determining the volume of the food may include determining at least one frozen region exhibiting a temperature lower than a reference temperature in a surface area of ​​the food based on a surface temperature distribution of the food; and determining the volume of the food based on a ratio of the at least one frozen region to the surface area of ​​the food.

[0174] Determining the volume of the food may include determining the volume of the food as a first volume based on a ratio of the at least one frozen area to the surface area of ​​the food being greater than a reference ratio; or determining the volume of the food as a second volume smaller than the first volume based on a ratio of the at least one frozen area to the surface area of ​​the food being less than or equal to the reference ratio.

[0175] The main defrosting process may include a plurality of heating processes that operate the heating source to heat the food and a plurality of stabilizing processes that limit the operation of the heating source so that the temperature of the food is stabilized. Performing the main defrosting process may include alternately performing the plurality of heating processes and the plurality of stabilizing processes.

[0176] Adjusting the power level of the heating source may include gradually decreasing the power level of the heating source while performing the plurality of heating processes.

[0177] Performing the main defrosting process may include: setting temperature conditions for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food; identifying whether the temperature conditions are satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food while performing the heating process; and stopping the heating process based on the temperature conditions being satisfied, and performing the stabilization process.

[0178] Setting the above temperature conditions may include setting different temperature conditions for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food.

[0179] Performing the main defrosting process may include: differently setting the power level of the heating source and the heating time of the food for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food; and limiting the operation of the heating source for a stabilization time set for each of the plurality of stabilization processes after the heating time has elapsed.

[0180] Performing the above main thawing process may include performing a first main thawing process corresponding to the first capacity or performing a second main thawing process corresponding to the second capacity. The power level of the heating source may be adjusted differently in the first main thawing process and the second main thawing process.

[0181] The disclosed cooking appliance and its control method can automatically identify the volume of food placed within a chamber and perform a defrosting process corresponding to the volume of the food. Therefore, the user does not need to input the weight or size of the food.

[0182] The disclosed cooking appliance and method for controlling the cooking appliance can perform different defrosting processes depending on the capacity of the food and can stepwise adjust the power level of the heating source depending on the temperature change of the food.

[0183] According to the disclosed cooking appliance and its control method, the user does not need to input the weight or size of the food, and the defrosting process is automatically performed according to the food's capacity, thereby increasing food defrosting efficiency. Furthermore, the user does not need to pause the defrosting process to flip or reposition the food. Furthermore, the user does not need to wait for the timing to pause the defrosting process.

[0184] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage 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.

[0185] A device-readable storage 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.

[0186] 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 storage 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 in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0187] 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. A chamber in which food to be heated can be placed; A heating source for heating the food placed in the chamber; An image sensor that acquires an image of the food placed in the chamber; and Upon entering the defrosting mode, the heating source is operated for a preliminary defrosting time to perform preliminary defrosting of the food, After the above preliminary thawing time has elapsed, the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food are identified from the image acquired by the image sensor, The volume of the food is determined based on the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food, Perform the main defrosting process corresponding to the capacity of the above food, A cooking appliance comprising a control unit that adjusts the power level of the heating source based on changes in the capacity of the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food during the main defrosting process.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit Set the preheating time shorter than the above pre-thawing time, A cooking appliance that preheats the food by operating the heating source at the maximum power level during the preheating time before the heating source is operated during the pre-defrosting time.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit Based on the surface temperature distribution of the food, at least one freezing area is determined that exhibits a temperature lower than a reference temperature in the surface area of ​​the food, A cooking appliance that determines the capacity of the food based on the ratio of the at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit The capacity of the food is determined as the first capacity based on the ratio of the at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food being greater than the reference ratio, or A cooking appliance that determines the capacity of the food as a second capacity smaller than the first capacity based on the ratio of the at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food being less than or equal to the reference ratio.

5. In paragraph 1, The above main defrosting process is, It includes a plurality of heating processes that operate the heating source to heat the food and a plurality of stabilization processes that limit the operation of the heating source so that the temperature of the food is stabilized. The above control unit A cooking appliance that alternately performs the plurality of heating processes and the plurality of stabilization processes during the main defrosting process.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit During the above main defrosting process, the above multiple heating processes are performed, A cooking appliance that gradually reduces the power level of the heating source while performing the above plurality of heating processes.

7. In paragraph 5, The above control unit During the main defrosting process, temperature conditions are set for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food, While performing the heating process, identify whether the temperature condition is satisfied based on the surface temperature distribution of the food, A cooking appliance that stops the heating process and performs a stabilization process based on the satisfaction of the above temperature conditions.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit A cooking appliance that sets different temperature conditions for each of the plurality of heating processes based on the capacity of the food during the main defrosting process.

9. In paragraph 5, The above control unit During the above main defrosting process, the above multiple heating processes are performed, Based on the capacity of the food, the power level of the heating source and the heating time of the food are set differently for each of the plurality of heating processes, A cooking appliance that limits the operation of the heating source for a stabilization time set for each of the plurality of stabilization processes after the elapse of the above heating time.

10. In paragraph 4, The above control unit Perform a first main defrosting process corresponding to the first capacity, or Performing a second main defrosting process corresponding to the second capacity, A cooking appliance that controls the power level of the heating source differently in the first main defrosting process and the second main defrosting process.

11. A method for controlling a cooking appliance including a chamber in which food to be heated can be placed, a heating source for heating the food placed inside the chamber, and an image sensor for obtaining an image of the food placed inside the chamber, Upon entering the defrosting mode, the heating source is operated for a preliminary defrosting time to perform preliminary defrosting of food placed in the chamber; After the above preliminary thawing time has elapsed, the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food are identified from the image acquired by the image sensor; Determine the volume of the food based on the surface area of ​​the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food; Performing a main defrosting process corresponding to the capacity of the above food; and A method for controlling a cooking appliance, comprising: adjusting the power level of the heating source based on changes in the capacity of the food and the surface temperature distribution of the food during the main defrosting process.

12. In paragraph 11, Set the preheating time shorter than the above-mentioned pre-thawing time; A control method for a cooking appliance further comprising: operating the heating source at the maximum power level during the preheating time before the heating source is operated during the pre-defrosting time to preheat the food.

13. In paragraph 11, Determining the volume of the above food is: Based on the surface temperature distribution of the food, at least one freezing area is determined that exhibits a temperature lower than a reference temperature in the surface area of ​​the food; A method of controlling a cooking appliance, comprising: determining a capacity of the food based on a ratio of the at least one freezing area to a surface area of ​​the food.

14. In paragraph 13, Determining the volume of the above food is: Determining the capacity of the food as the first capacity based on the ratio of the at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food being greater than the reference ratio; or A control method for a cooking appliance, comprising: determining the capacity of the food as a second capacity smaller than the first capacity based on the ratio of the at least one freezing area to the surface area of ​​the food being less than or equal to the reference ratio; 15. In paragraph 11, The above main defrosting process is, It includes a plurality of heating processes that operate the heating source to heat the food and a plurality of stabilization processes that limit the operation of the heating source so that the temperature of the food is stabilized. Performing the above main thawing process is as follows: A method for controlling a cooking appliance, comprising: alternately performing the plurality of heating processes and the plurality of stabilization processes.

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