Heating and cooking system

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a heating and cooking system capable of detecting an anomaly in an object to be heated by comparing the bottom of the object to be heated and the size of a flame. A heating and cooking system according to the present disclosure comprises: a heating device that heats an object to be heated with a flame; an infrared imaging device that, from the side of or from diagonally below the object to be heated and the flame, senses infrared radiation emitted from the object to be heated and from the flame, and generates a thermal image; and a control circuit that receives the thermal image. The control circuit determines, on the basis of the thermal image, whether the flame is flaring out upward from below the object to be heated. If it is found that the flame is flaring out from therebelow, the control circuit transmits, to the heating device, a command signal for reducing the flame output. The heating device reduces the output on the basis of the command signal.

Description

Heating and cooking system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooking system that includes a heating device that heats an object to be heated and a detector that detects the outline of the object and the flame. The cooking device reduces the output of the flame when it detects that the flame extends beyond the outline of the object to be heated.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-16354

[0004] However, the above-mentioned technology compares the size of the flame with the outline of the top of the heated object, but cannot compare the size of the flame with the bottom of the heated object, which is directly heated by the flame. Therefore, for a bowl-shaped heated object with different widths at the top and bottom, even if the flame extends beyond the bottom of the heated object and causes the heated object to overheat, this cannot be detected unless the flame also extends beyond the top of the heated object.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a cooking system that can detect abnormalities in an object to be heated by comparing the size of the bottom of the object to be heated with the size of the flame.

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure is a heating cooking system that preferably comprises: a heating device that heats an object to be heated with a flame; an infrared imaging device that detects infrared rays radiated from the object to be heated and the flame from the side or diagonally below the object to be heated and the flame to generate a thermal image; and a control circuit that receives the thermal image, wherein the control circuit is configured to perform the following processes: determining whether the flame extends above the bottom of the object to be heated based on the thermal image; and sending a command signal to the heating device to reduce the output of the flame if it is determined that the flame has extended above the bottom, and the heating device is configured to perform the process of reducing the output based on the command signal.

[0007] In this disclosure, an infrared imaging device captures images of the object and flame from the side or diagonally below the object and generates a thermal image. A control circuit determines whether the flame extends above the bottom of the object based on the thermal image. If the flame is determined to extend above the bottom of the object, the control circuit sends a command signal to the heating device to reduce the flame output. This provides a cooking system that can detect abnormalities in the object by comparing the size of the flame with the bottom of the object.

[0008] 1 is a configuration example of a cooking system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a determination process according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an effect of embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a case where an infrared imaging device according to embodiment 1 is installed to the side of an object to be heated and a flame. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the state where the infrared imaging device of FIG. 4 is stored. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where an infrared imaging device according to embodiment 1 is installed diagonally below an object to be heated and a flame. FIG. 7 is a configuration example where the functions of a control circuit according to embodiment 1 are realized by hardware. FIG. 8 is a configuration example where the functions of a control circuit according to embodiment 1 are realized by software. FIG. 9 is a configuration example of an infrared imaging device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the determination process according to embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the effect of modified example 1 of embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a determination process according to embodiment 2. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a determination process according to embodiment 2. FIG. 14 is a configuration example of a cooking system according to embodiment 3. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the determination process according to embodiment 3. FIG. 16 is a configuration example of a cooking system according to embodiment 4. FIG. 17 is a layout diagram of two infrared imaging devices according to embodiment 4 in a top view. FIG. 18 is a modified example of the layout diagram of two infrared imaging devices according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a modified layout diagram of two infrared imaging devices according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a configuration example of a heating and cooking system according to embodiment 5. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a determination process according to embodiment 5. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a cooking assistance function according to embodiment 5.

[0009] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description may be omitted.

[0010] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a cooking system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The cooking system 100 includes a heating device 150, an infrared imaging device 110, and a control circuit 120.

[0011] The infrared imaging device 110 captures images of the object 200 to be heated and the flame 50 from the side or obliquely below the object 200 to be heated and the flame 50 to generate a thermal image.

[0012] The control circuit 120 includes an input unit, a detection circuit 121, a determination circuit 122, and an output unit. The input unit receives the thermal image generated by the infrared imaging device 110. The detection circuit 121 detects the bottom area of ​​the heated object 200 and the area of ​​the flame 50 from the thermal image (detection process). Specifically, the control circuit 120 extracts a group of pixels showing a temperature of around 1000°C or higher from the thermal image and defines it as the area of ​​the flame 50. The control circuit 120 also extracts a group of pixels located above the area of ​​the flame 50 on the thermal image and indicates the temperature of the heated object, and defines the area of ​​the heated object 200 as the bottom of the area. The temperature of the heated object is, for example, in the range of 100°C to 500°C, but these values ​​are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0013] The determination circuit 122 determines whether the flame 50 extends above the bottom of the object 200 based on the area of ​​the flame 50 extracted by the detection circuit 121 and the area of ​​the bottom of the object 200 (determination process).

[0014] If it is determined that the flame 50 protrudes from the bottom of the object 200, the determination circuit 122 determines that the object 200 is overheated. In this case, the determination circuit 122 sends a command signal from the output section to the heating device 150 to reduce the output of the flame 50.

[0015] Heating device 150 is a gas stove that uses combustion exhaust gas from gas as a heat source to heat object 200 such as food ingredients or a cooking container. Heating device 150 includes top plate 153 (not shown), trivet 151, burner 152, an ignition device (not shown) that ignites burner 152, an operating device (not shown) that is operated by a user to ignite or extinguish burner 152, and a control device (not shown) that controls the amount of gas supplied to burner 152.

[0016] When a command signal to reduce the output of the flame 50 is received from the control circuit 120, the heating device 150 reduces the amount of gas supplied to the burner 152 to reduce the size of the flame 50, or stops the gas supply to extinguish the burner 152.

[0017] Even after sending the command signal, the control circuit 120 continues to monitor the thermal images of the object 200 and the flame 50, and sends a control signal to the heating device 150 until it is no longer determined that the flame 50 is protruding from the bottom of the object 200. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the flame 50 from protruding from the bottom of the object 200.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the determination process according to the first embodiment. Here, a side view of the flame 50 and the heated object 200 is shown. In the determination process, the determination circuit 122 compares the width W1 of the flame 50 with the width W2 of the bottom of the heated object 200. If the width W1 of the flame 50 is greater than the width W2 of the bottom of the heated object 200, the determination circuit 122 determines that the flame 50 extends beyond the bottom of the heated object 200. The width W1 of the flame 50 is measured by detecting both ends of the flame 50 region on the thermal image and counting the number of pixels horizontally from one end to the other. Similarly, the width W2 of the bottom of the heated object 200 is measured by detecting both ends of the bottom region of the heated object 200 and counting the number of pixels horizontally from one end to the other.

[0019] 3 is a diagram illustrating the effect of embodiment 1. In this embodiment, even for a bowl-shaped object to be heated 200 with different widths at the top and bottom, it is possible to reliably detect an overheating abnormality at the bottom, which is directly heated by the flame 50. On the other hand, the conventional method of comparing the outline of the top of the object to be heated 200 with the size of the flame cannot detect the flame 50 extending beyond the bottom of the object to be heated 200, as shown in this figure, unless the flame 50 extends beyond the top.

[0020] 4 is a diagram showing a case where the infrared imaging device 110 according to embodiment 1 is installed to the side of the object to be heated 200 and the flame 50. The infrared imaging device 110 can be stored together with the elevator 112 in a storage section 113 provided below the top plate 153 of the heating device 150. The top plate 153 has an opening for removing the infrared imaging device 110 from the top surface of the storage section 113. A lid covering the top surface of the storage section 113 is attached to the opening, and when the heating device 150 is to be used, the lid is opened and the infrared imaging device 110 is removed. The infrared imaging device 110 is lifted to the side of the object to be heated 200 by the elevator 112.

[0021] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the infrared imaging device 110 of Fig. 4 stored. When the heating device 150 is not in use, the infrared imaging device 110 is stored in the storage section 113. When the lid of the storage section 113 is closed, the top surface of the lid is flat with the top surface of the top plate 153. This makes it easy to clean the top plate 153.

[0022] However, the infrared imaging device 110 does not necessarily have to be housed in the heating device 150. The infrared imaging device 110 may be installed on a kitchen counter, for example, or may be attached to a wall.

[0023] 6 is a diagram showing the infrared imaging device 110 according to embodiment 1 installed diagonally below the object to be heated 200 and the flame 50. The infrared imaging device 110 is stored in the storage section 113 and captures an image of the flame 50 and the object to be heated 200 through an opening provided in the top plate 153. The top surface of the storage section 113 is open, and the opening is closed with a lid that covers the top surface of the storage section 113 and is transparent to infrared rays. Note that to make it easier to clean the top plate 153, it is desirable that the top surface of the lid be flat with the top surface of the top plate 153.

[0024] FIG. 7A shows a configuration example in which the functions of the control circuit 120 according to embodiment 1 are realized by hardware. FIG. 7B shows a configuration example in which the functions of the control circuit 120 according to embodiment 1 are realized by software. The input unit of the control circuit 120 is a receiver 145, and the output unit is a transmitter 147. Furthermore, the functions of the detection circuit 121 and the determination circuit 122 of the control circuit 120 are realized by a processing circuit. That is, the control circuit 120 includes a processing circuit for implementing processes including the detection process performed by the detection circuit 121 and the determination process performed by the determination circuit 122. The processing circuit may be implemented using dedicated hardware as shown in FIG. 7A. Alternatively, the processing circuit may be implemented by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also referred to as a processor) that executes programs stored in memory as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0025] When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 146 may be, for example, a single circuit, a decoding circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The functions of the detection circuit 121 and the determination circuit 122 may be performed by the processing circuit 146, or the functions of each unit may be performed by the processing circuit 146 together.

[0026] When the processing circuit is a CPU, the functions of the detection circuit 121 and the determination circuit 122 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of these. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in memory 149. The processing circuit realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the program recorded in memory 149. In other words, the control circuit 120 includes a memory for storing a program that, when executed by the processing circuit, results in the execution of processes including the detection process and the determination process. These programs can also be said to cause a computer to execute the procedures or methods of the detection circuit 121 and the determination circuit 122. Here, memory 149 may be, for example, a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, or a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, DVD, etc.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of an infrared imaging device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] The shutter 11 opens and closes the path of infrared light incident on the infrared imaging element 13 by exposing and covering the lens 12 in the field of view facing the subject. The shutter 11 is, for example, a black infrared shielding member. The shutter 11 is open during normal imaging, but is closed when capturing a reference image required for temperature correction.

[0029] The lens 12 focuses the infrared light from the subject onto the infrared imaging element 13 .

[0030] The infrared imaging element 13 has a structure in which a large number of infrared sensor elements are arranged as pixels in a two-dimensional array. The infrared sensor elements change their electrical or temperature characteristics in response to infrared light, generating an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of infrared light. The infrared sensor elements are, for example, thermopiles, bolometers, thermal diodes, etc., that have light-receiving sensitivity in the wavelength range of 8 to 14 μm. However, this wavelength is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0031] The ADC 14 converts the electrical signal output from the infrared imaging element 13 into a digital signal and outputs it to the thermal image generating circuit 15 .

[0032] The thermal image generating circuit 15 generates a two-dimensional thermal image representing infrared radiation from the digitized electrical signal of the infrared imaging element 13. The thermal image generating circuit 15 compares the thermal image of the target with a reference image provided by the reference temperature detection circuit 16, and calculates the temperature distribution of the thermal image of the target from the difference from the temperature distribution of the reference image.

[0033] The reference temperature detection circuit 16 detects the temperature distribution for a reference image, which is a thermal image captured with the shutter 11 closed. The reference temperature detection circuit 16 provides the reference image and its temperature distribution to the thermal image generation circuit 15.

[0034] As described above, in this embodiment, the infrared imaging device 110 captures images of the object 200 and the flame 50 from the side or diagonally below the object 200 and the flame 50 to generate a thermal image. The control circuit 120 determines whether the flame 50 extends upward from the bottom of the object 200 based on the thermal image. If it is determined that the flame 50 extends upward from the bottom of the object 200, the control circuit 120 sends a command signal to the heating device 150 to reduce the output of the flame 50. This makes it possible to provide a cooking system that can detect an abnormality in the object by comparing the size of the bottom of the object and the flame.

[0035] The method for realizing the determination process is not limited to the above-described method. Modifications are shown below.

[0036] <Modification of First Embodiment> Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the determination process according to the first embodiment. Here, the case is shown in which the center C of the object 200 is shifted to the left of the page from the center A of the flame 50 by a shift amount S. In the determination process, the amount of protrusion of the flame 50 from the bottom of the object 200 may be measured for each of the left and right sides of the object 200, and if the amount of protrusion exceeds 0 on at least one of the left and right sides, it may be determined that the flame 50 protrudes from the bottom of the object 200. The left and right protrusion amounts D1 and D2 are measured by detecting both ends of the region of the flame 50 outside the bottom of the object 200 on the thermal image and counting the number of pixels in the horizontal direction for each of the left and right sides of the object 200.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the effect of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. In this modification, the control circuit 120 reduces the output of the flame 50 until both left and right overhang amounts D1 and D2 are equal to or less than 0. This allows the flame 50 to be controlled so that it does not overhang to either the left or right of the bottom of the object 200, even if the center C of the object 200 is offset from the center A of the flame 50. Here, in the method described with reference to FIG. 2 of Embodiment 1, the output of the flame 50 is reduced until the width W1 of the flame 50 is equal to or less than the width W2 of the bottom of the object 200. However, it should be noted that if the center C of the object 200 is offset from the center A of the flame 50, the flame 50 may overhang either the left or right of the object 200, even if the width W1 of the flame 50 is equal to or less than the width W2 of the bottom of the object 200.

[0038] Note that if the amount of flame 50 protruding from either the left or right side exceeds 0, control may be performed to reduce the output of only the flame 50 whose protruding amount exceeds 0. For example, this type of control can be achieved by providing a plurality of supply ports for supplying gas into the burner 152 and individually adjusting the amount of gas at each supply port.

[0039] Second Embodiment Here, changes from the first embodiment will be described.

[0040] 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating the determination process according to embodiment 2. Figures 11 and 12 show cases where the flame 50 is shifted forward and backward, respectively, from the bottom of the object to be heated 200. The determination circuit 122 of this embodiment determines whether the flame 50 is shifting forward or backward from the bottom of the object to be heated 200 based on the thermal image.

[0041] When the first condition is met, that is, the area of ​​the flame 50 overlaps the area of ​​the object to be heated 200, the judgment circuit 122 judges that the flame 50 extends in front of the object to be heated 200. Alternatively, when the first condition is met and it is recognized that the temperature of the bottom of the object to be heated 200 is higher than the temperature of the entire object to be heated 200, the judgment circuit 122 judges that the flame 50 extends in front of the object to be heated 200.

[0042] On the other hand, if the second condition is met, that is, the area of ​​the flame 50 does not overlap the area of ​​the object to be heated 200 and the area of ​​the flame 50 is outside the area of ​​the object to be heated 200, the judgment circuit 122 judges that the flame 50 extends beyond the area of ​​the object to be heated 200. Alternatively, if the second condition is met and the temperature of the side surface of the bottom of the object to be heated 200 is higher than the temperature of the entire object to be heated 200, the judgment circuit 122 judges that the flame 50 extends beyond the area of ​​the object to be heated 200.

[0043] If it is determined that the flame 50 extends forward or backward from the bottom of the object 200, the determination circuit 122 determines that the object 200 is overheated. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the determination circuit 122 sends a command signal to the heating device 150 to reduce the output of the flame 50.

[0044] In this manner, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the flame 50 extends in front of or behind the object to be heated 200. This makes it possible to detect overheating abnormalities both in front of and behind the object to be heated 200.

[0045] Third Embodiment Here, changes from the first embodiment will be described.

[0046] 13 shows an example of the configuration of a cooking system 100 according to embodiment 3. In cooking system 100 of this embodiment, an alarm 160 is added to the example of the configuration of embodiment 1.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the determination process according to the third embodiment. Here, the case is shown where the center C of the object 200 is shifted to the left of the drawing from the center A of the flame 50. If the determination process determines that the flame 50 extends beyond the bottom of the object 200, the determination circuit 122 further determines whether the output of the flame 50 is minimum. If the output of the flame 50 is minimum, this indicates that the center C of the object 200 is shifted from the center A of the flame 50, as shown in the figure, and therefore the flame 50 extends beyond the bottom of the object 200 despite the minimum output of the flame 50. In this case, the determination circuit 122 determines that the object 200 is in an abnormal placement state and sends a command signal to the alarm 160 to issue a warning.

[0048] When the command signal is received from the control circuit 120, the alarm 160 issues a warning to the user.

[0049] Furthermore, the control circuit 120 determines whether the state in which the flame 50 protrudes beyond the bottom of the object to be heated 200 continues for a predetermined time. If this state is confirmed, the determination circuit 122 sends a command signal to the heating device 150 to stop the output of the flame 50. Accordingly, the heating device 150 stops the gas supply and extinguishes the burner 152.

[0050] In this manner, in this embodiment, a warning is issued to the user when the output is at a minimum and the flame 50 protrudes from the bottom of the object to be heated 200. This makes it possible to notify the user of an abnormal placement of the object to be heated 200.

[0051] <Variation of Embodiment 3> Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a variation of the determination process according to Embodiment 3. In the determination process, it may be determined whether the flame 50 or the object to be heated 200 is tilted with respect to a horizontal plane, and if tilt is detected, a command signal for issuing a warning may be sent to the alarm 160. In this case, the determination circuit 122 stores a thermal image of the flame 50 and the object to be heated 200 in a normal tilt state. The determination circuit 122 determines whether the flame 50 and the object to be heated 200 are tilted by comparing the captured thermal image with a thermal image in a normal state. Alternatively, the determination circuit 122 detects the tilt angle of the flame 50 and the object to be heated 200 from the captured thermal image and determines whether or not there is tilt.

[0052] Fourth Embodiment Here, changes from the first embodiment will be described.

[0053] 16 shows an example of the configuration of a cooking system 100 according to embodiment 4. The cooking system 100 of this embodiment includes two infrared imaging devices 110 according to embodiment 1. Both the infrared imaging device (first infrared imaging device) 110-1 and the infrared imaging device (second infrared imaging device) 110-2 capture images of the object 200 to be heated and the flame 50 from the side or diagonally below the object 200 to be heated and the flame 50.

[0054] 17 is a layout diagram of two infrared imaging devices 110 according to embodiment 4 as viewed from above. Virtual XY coordinate axes are displayed with the center A of the flame 50 as the origin. This diagram also shows a case where the center C of the object to be heated 200 is shifted by a shift amount S to the right of the page from the center A of the flame 50. The infrared imaging devices 110-1 and 110-2 capture images of the object to be heated 200 and the flame 50 from directions that are perpendicular to each other. This makes it possible to capture images of the flame 50 and the object to be heated 200 without creating blind spots.

[0055] The number of infrared imaging devices 110 is not limited to two, and they may be arranged on the left and right, in front, or behind the object 200 to be heated.

[0056] The layout method of the two infrared imaging devices 110 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 17. Modifications are shown below.

[0057] 18 and 19 are modified layout diagrams of two infrared imaging devices 110 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. When there are multiple burners 152, the two infrared imaging devices 110 may be arranged so that each can simultaneously image multiple burners 152. By combining the thermal images of the two infrared imaging devices 110, blind spots can be reduced.

[0058] Fifth Embodiment Here, changes from the fourth embodiment will be explained.

[0059] 20 shows an example of the configuration of a cooking system 100 according to embodiment 5. In addition to the configuration example of embodiment 4, cooking system 100 of this embodiment includes an upward infrared imaging device 130 that images the object to be heated 200 and flame 50 from above and generates a planar thermal image. Control circuit 120 is provided with button 180 for executing the cooking assistance function and display 170 for displaying the results of cooking assistance.

[0060] 21 is a diagram illustrating the determination process according to the fifth embodiment. Virtual XY coordinate axes are displayed with the center A of the flame 50 as the origin. The figure also shows a case in which the center C of the object to be heated 200 is shifted by a shift amount S to the right of the page from the center A of the flame 50. The detection circuit 121 of this embodiment determines whether the flame 50 extends beyond the outline of the object to be heated 200 based on the planar thermal image from the upward infrared imaging device 130. This allows overheating abnormalities to be detected on the top surface of the object to be heated 200 as well.

[0061] 22 is a diagram illustrating the cooking assistance function according to the fifth embodiment. When the user presses the button 180, the detection circuit 121 detects the temperature distribution of the food 210 from the thermal image captured by the upward infrared imaging device 130. The control circuit 120 sends a command signal to the heating device 150 to maintain or change the output of the flame 50 based on the temperature distribution of the food 210. For example, if it is determined that the temperature distribution of the food 210 is not uniform and that there are high-temperature areas E1 and low-temperature areas E2, the control circuit 120 sends a command signal to change the output of the flame 50 so that the temperature distribution becomes uniform. Specifically, the output of the flame 50 is changed so that the output of the flame 50 in the high-temperature area E1 is reduced and the output of the flame 50 in the low-temperature area E2 is increased.

[0062] The heating device 150 controls the output of the flame 50 based on the content of the command signal, thereby improving user convenience.

[0063] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained.

[0064] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 shutter, 12 lens, 13 infrared imaging element, 15 thermal image generation circuit, 16 reference temperature detection circuit, 50 flame, 100 cooking system, 110 infrared imaging device, 112 elevator, 113 storage section, 120 control circuit, 121 detection circuit, 122 judgment circuit, 130 upper infrared imaging device, 145 receiver, 146 processing circuit, 147 transmitter, 149 memory, 150 heating device, 151 trivet, 152 burner, 153 top plate, 160 alarm, 170 display, 180 button, 200 heated object, 210 cooked food

Claims

1. A heating and cooking system comprising: a heating device that heats an object to be heated with a flame; an infrared imaging device that detects infrared rays radiated from the object to be heated and the flame from the side or diagonally below the object to be heated and the flame to generate a thermal image; and a control circuit that receives the thermal image, wherein the control circuit is configured to perform the following processes: determine whether the flame extends above the bottom of the object to be heated based on the thermal image; and send a command signal to the heating device to reduce the output of the flame if it is determined that the flame has extended above the bottom; and wherein the heating device is configured to perform the process of reducing the output based on the command signal.

2. The heating and cooking system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit further executes the following processes: determining whether the flame extends in front of or behind the heated object based on the thermal image; and transmitting the command signal to the heating device when it is determined that the flame extends in front of or behind the heated object.

3. The heating and cooking system of claim 2, wherein the control circuit determines that the flame extends in front of the heated object when the flame area overlaps the heated object area in the thermal image, and determines that the flame extends behind the heated object when the flame area does not overlap the heated object area and is outside the heated object area.

4. A heating and cooking system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating device has a top plate and a storage section provided below the top plate, the infrared imaging device is stored in the storage section and images the flame and the heated object through an opening provided in the top plate, and the opening is closed with a lid that transmits the infrared rays.

5. A cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the infrared imaging device includes first and second infrared imaging devices, and the first and second infrared imaging devices image the flame and the object to be heated from directions that are perpendicular to each other.

6. A heating and cooking system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit further executes the following processes: when it is determined that the flame is extending beyond the bottom, determining whether the output of the flame is at a minimum; and when it is determined that the output is at a minimum, issuing a warning to the user.

7. A heating and cooking system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit further executes a process of determining whether the flame or the heated object is tilted with respect to a horizontal plane, and a process of issuing a warning to the user if tilt is detected.

8. A heating and cooking system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an upper infrared imaging device that detects the infrared rays from above the heated object and the flame and generates a planar thermal image, wherein the control circuit further executes the processes of: detecting the temperature distribution of the heated object based on the planar thermal image; and transmitting a command signal to the heating device to maintain or change the output of the flame based on the temperature distribution, and wherein the heating device controls the output of the flame based on the command signal.

Images