Cooking appliance for identifying unstable heating and control method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed are a cooking appliance for identifying unstable heating and a control method thereof. The cooking appliance according to the present disclosure may comprise a heating unit for heating a cooking chamber, a thermal imaging camera for photographing the cooking chamber, a temperature sensor, and at least one processor for: when a user input for operating the cooking appliance is received, turning on the heating unit; acquiring a thermal image by photographing the cooking chamber through the thermal imaging camera; on the basis of the thermal image, acquiring a histogram representing the distribution of the number of pixels according to temperature; on the basis of the histogram, identifying the temperature change rate of at least one of a background region outside a turntable in the cooking chamber and a turntable region; and controlling the heating unit on the basis of the identified temperature change rate and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Description

Cooking appliance for identifying unstable heating and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance for identifying unstable heating and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Cooking appliances such as microwave ovens use microwaves to heat food inside their cooking chambers. However, if the cooking chamber is empty, empty, or completely dehydrated, and the appliance is operating without any objects capable of absorbing microwaves, the appliance can be overloaded. This can lead to dangerous situations such as appliance malfunction, fire, or explosion. Therefore, the need for measures to ensure the safe use of cooking appliances has become increasingly important.

[0003] A cooking device according to the present disclosure comprises: a heating unit for heating a cooking chamber; a thermal imaging camera for photographing the cooking chamber; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature related to the cooking device; and a user input for operating the cooking device is received, wherein the heating unit is turned on and the cooking chamber is photographed through the thermal imaging camera to obtain a thermal image.

[0004] It may include at least one processor that obtains a histogram representing a distribution of the number of pixels according to temperature based on the thermal image, identifies a temperature change rate of at least one of a background area outside the turntable in the cooking chamber and the turntable area based on the histogram, and controls the heating unit based on the identified temperature change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0005] In addition, the at least one processor divides each histogram into a plurality of regions based on the number of modals of each histogram,

[0006] Based on a plurality of temperatures corresponding to the plurality of regions, at least one of the background region and the turntable region can be identified among the plurality of regions.

[0007] Additionally, if the number of modals of the histogram is two, the at least one processor can divide the histogram into two regions and identify the region with the lowest temperature among the two regions as the background region.

[0008] In addition, if the number of modals of the histogram is three, the at least one processor can divide the histogram into three regions, identify a middle region among the three regions as the background region, and if a temperature range of a region corresponding to the position information of the turntable in the thermal image acquired by the thermal imaging camera corresponds to a temperature range of a middle region among the three regions, identify a region having the next lowest temperature as the turntable region.

[0009] In addition, if the number of modals of the histogram is four, the at least one processor can divide the histogram into four regions, and identify the region with the lowest temperature and the region with the next lowest temperature among the four regions as the background region and the turntable region.

[0010] Additionally, the at least one processor can control the heating unit to turn off or lower the output of the heating unit when the identified temperature change rate is greater than a preset change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than a preset value.

[0011] In addition, the at least one processor identifies the background region among the plurality of regions separated in each of the histograms, identifies a temperature change rate of the background region based on an average value of the temperature of the region corresponding to the background region, and controls the heating unit if the identified temperature change rate is greater than the preset change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the preset value.

[0012] In addition, at least one processor identifies the background region and the turntable region among the plurality of regions separated in each of the histograms, and identifies the temperature change rates of the background region and the turntable region based on the average value of the temperature of the regions corresponding to the background region and the turntable region among the plurality of regions, and controls the heating unit when at least one of the identified temperature change rates is greater than the preset change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the preset value.

[0013] In addition, at least one processor can lower the output of the heating unit when the number of modals of the histogram is two, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than a preset value at a time when the turntable rotates half a turn according to the operation of the cooking appliance, and can identify a temperature change rate of at least one of a background area outside the turntable in the cooking chamber and the turntable area based on the histogram while the output of the heating unit is lowered.

[0014] Additionally, the at least one processor can acquire the thermal image through the thermal imaging camera when the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature change rate after the heating unit is turned on.

[0015] In addition, a method for controlling a cooking appliance including a heating unit for heating a turntable and a cooking chamber and a thermal imaging camera for photographing the cooking chamber may include a step of receiving a user input for operating the cooking appliance, a step of photographing the cooking chamber to obtain a thermal image, a step of obtaining a histogram representing a distribution of the number of pixels according to temperature based on the thermal image, a step of identifying a temperature change rate of at least one of a background area outside the turntable in the cooking chamber and the turntable area based on the histogram, and a step of controlling the heating unit based on the identified temperature change rate and a temperature related to the cooking appliance.

[0016] In addition, in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions executed by a processor of a server device to cause a cooking appliance to perform an operation, the operation may include a step of receiving a user input for operating the cooking appliance, a step of photographing the cooking chamber to obtain a thermal image, a step of obtaining a histogram representing a distribution of the number of pixels according to temperature based on the thermal image, a step of identifying a temperature change rate of at least one of a background area outside the turntable in the cooking chamber and the turntable area based on the histogram, and a step of controlling the heating unit based on the identified temperature change rate and a temperature associated with the cooking appliance.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for explaining an example of a thermal image acquired through a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating examples of histograms according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of lowering the output of a heating unit when there is a high possibility of unstable heating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0025] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0026] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In this disclosure, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" can all refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0034] In some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of" performing A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0035] In the embodiments, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, a plurality of "modules" or "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor (not shown), excluding any "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented as specific hardware.

[0036] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0037] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] In the present disclosure, a cooking device (100) refers to a device capable of heating food by irradiating microwaves. For example, the cooking device (100) may be a device such as a microwave oven or microwave oven, but is not limited to a specific type.

[0040] According to FIG. 1, the cooking device (100) may include a thermal imaging camera (110). The thermal imaging camera (110) may capture images of the cooking chamber (10) of the cooking device (100). For example, the thermal imaging camera (110) may be attached to the upper portion of the cooking chamber (10). In addition, the shooting direction of the thermal imaging camera (110) may be downward (e.g., from the upper portion of the cooking chamber (10) toward the lower portion of the cooking chamber (10) where the turntable (150) is located). Accordingly, the thermal imaging camera (110) may capture images of the turntable (150) and the surrounding area of ​​the turntable (150). Hereinafter, the surrounding area of ​​the turntable (150) will be referred to as a background area.

[0041] When a user input for operating the cooking device (100) is received, the cooking device (100) can irradiate microwaves into the cooking chamber (10). Then, when the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) increases due to the microwaves, the cooking device (100) can capture the cooking chamber (10) using the thermal imaging camera (110) to obtain a thermal image.

[0042] In addition, the cooking device (100) can identify the temperature change rate of at least one of the background area and the turntable area based on the acquired thermal image. Here, the background area may include the internal space of the cooking chamber (10) excluding the turntable (150). For example, the background area may refer to the area surrounding the turntable (150).

[0043] Meanwhile, if the cooking chamber (10) is heated without any food or microwave-absorbing container present in the cooking chamber (10), the temperature of the turntable (150) and the background area may rise significantly. In this case, heating in which the temperature of the turntable (150) and the background area rises significantly due to the cooking chamber (10) being heated without any microwave-absorbing object present in the cooking chamber (10) may be referred to as unstable heating. In the case of unstable heating, the temperature of the turntable (150) and the background area may rise significantly, which may cause a strain on the cooking device (100).

[0044] According to the present disclosure, the cooking device (100) can identify unstable heating based on the temperature change rate of at least one of the turntable (150) and the background area. For example, the cooking device (100) can identify unstable heating if the temperature change rate of at least one of the turntable (150) and the background area exceeds a preset temperature change rate and the detected temperature exceeds a preset temperature value. In this case, the cooking device (100) can lower the output of the heating unit that provides microwaves to the cooking chamber (10) or turn off the heating unit.

[0045] Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, users can use the cooking appliance (100) more safely.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] According to FIG. 2, the cooking device (100) may include a thermal imaging camera (110), a heating element (120), a temperature sensor (130), and at least one processor (140).

[0048] A thermal imaging camera (110) can acquire a thermal image. Specifically, the thermal imaging camera (110) can detect radiant heat emitted by an object and acquire a thermal image representing the intensity and distribution of the detected heat.

[0049] For example, one thermal imaging camera (110) may be placed at the top (e.g., the center of the top) of the cooking appliance (100). However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, there is no particular limitation on the position and number of thermal imaging cameras (110).

[0050] The heating unit (120) can heat food. For example, the heating unit (120) can generate microwaves and emit the generated microwaves. Since the microwaves emitted from the heating unit (120) have a very short wavelength, they can interact with water molecules within the food and cause the water molecules to vibrate. The vibration of the water molecules is converted into heat, thereby increasing the temperature of the food. The location and number of the heating units (120) can be determined in various ways.

[0051] The temperature sensor (130) can detect temperature. For example, the temperature sensor (130) can detect the die temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110). Here, the die temperature refers to the temperature of a built-in component (e.g., a semiconductor chip) of the thermal imaging camera (110). For example, the temperature sensor (130) may be built into the thermal imaging camera (110), but is not limited thereto and may be present at various locations in the cooking chamber (10). For example, the temperature sensor (130) can detect the temperature inside the cooking chamber (10). For example, the cooking appliance (100) is equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors (130), and can detect the die temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) and the temperature inside the cooking chamber (10) using the plurality of temperature sensors (130). In the example described below, the temperature sensor (130) is assumed to be a sensor capable of detecting the die temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110), but is not limited thereto, and the cooking device (100) may also perform an operation based on the temperature of the cooking chamber (10) detected by the temperature sensor (130).

[0052] At least one processor (140) can control the overall operation of the cooking device (100). Specifically, at least one processor (140) is connected to each component of the cooking device (100) to control the overall operation of the cooking device (100). For example, at least one processor (140) can be electrically connected to a thermal imaging camera (110), a heating unit (120), and a temperature sensor (130) to control the operation of the cooking device (100). The at least one processor (140) can include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The at least one processor (140) can control one or any combination of other components of the cooking device (100) and perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (140) may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory (e.g., 170 of FIG. 3) of the cooking appliance (100). For example, at least one processor (140) may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory (170).

[0053] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes multiple operations, the multiple operations may be performed by one processor or by multiple processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor).

[0054] At least one processor (140) may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When at least one processor (140) is implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include an internal processor memory, such as a cache memory or an on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0056] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In the following description, at least one processor (140) is described as a processor (140).

[0057] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the cooking device (100) may include a thermal imaging camera (110), a heating unit (120), a temperature sensor (130), at least one processor (140), a turntable (150), an interface (160), a memory (170), and a driving unit (180). However, such a configuration is exemplary, and it is obvious that new configurations may be added or some configurations may be omitted in addition to such configurations when implementing the present disclosure. Meanwhile, a detailed description of configurations that overlap with the configurations illustrated in FIG. 2 among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0059] A turntable (150) refers to a rotating structure. Specifically, the turntable (150) is placed at the lower end of the cooking device (100), and food or a container containing food (e.g., a plate) may be placed on the turntable (150). When the turntable (150) is rotated by the driving unit (180), food placed on the turntable (150) may be rotated accordingly. The term "turntable (150)" may be replaced with terms such as "rotating plate," for example.

[0060] When microwaves are emitted from the heating element (120), if there is no turntable (150), a specific part of the food (e.g., the center) may be heated relatively quickly, while other parts (e.g., the periphery) may be heated relatively slowly. However, when the turntable (150) rotates, the food may be heated evenly as it rotates along with the food, thereby improving the cooking result and shortening the cooking time.

[0061] An interface (160) is a configuration created for interaction between two or more systems, devices, programs, or users. The interface (160) may include at least one of a communication interface (161) and an input / output interface (162, 163).

[0062] The communication interface (161) includes circuitry and can communicate with external devices (e.g., server devices and / or external devices). At least one processor (140) can receive various data or information from an external device connected via the communication interface (161) and transmit various data or information to the external device.

[0063] The communication interface (161) can communicate with external devices through a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the cooking device (100) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the external device is connected. The cooking device (100) can be connected to the external device through the network (WAN). In addition, the communication interface (161) can perform D2D (Device to Device) communication with the external device. For example, the communication interface (161) can perform short-range communication with the external device without going through the access point.

[0064] The communication interface (161) can communicate with an external device using various types of communication methods. For example, the communication interface (161) may include a LAN communication module such as an Ethernet module. The communication interface (161) may include a wireless communication module such as Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee, NFC, Z-Wave, or infrared communication. The communication interface (160) may include a cellular communication module such as 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evoloution), or 5G. The communication interface (161) may include a communication module such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), or the like.

[0065] The input interface (162) may include a circuit. The input interface (162) may receive a user input for controlling the operation of the cooking device (100) and provide the user input to at least one processor (140). The user input may include an input for turning on / off the heating unit (120) of the cooking device (100), an input for adjusting the intensity of the output power of the heating unit (120), an input for setting a timer, etc. The input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0066] The input interface (162) may be provided in an area of ​​the outer wall of the cooking appliance (100). For example, the input interface (162) may be provided in an area of ​​the front portion of the housing. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the input interface (162) may be provided in various locations, such as the front and / or side of the housing.

[0067] The output interface (163) includes a circuit, and at least one processor (140) can visually or audibly transmit various information related to the cooking appliance (100) to the user through the output interface (163). The output interface (163) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, or the like.

[0068] The memory (170) may store at least one instruction regarding the cooking device (100). In addition, the memory (170) may store an O / S (Operating System) for driving the cooking device (100). In addition, the memory (170) may store various software programs or applications for operating the cooking device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the memory (170) may include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0069] Specifically, various software modules for operating the cooking device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (170), and the processor (140) may control the operation of the cooking device (100) by executing the various software modules stored in the memory (170). That is, the memory (170) is accessed by the processor (140), and data reading / recording / modifying / deleting / updating, etc. may be performed by the processor (140).

[0070] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the term memory (170) may be used to mean a memory (170), a ROM, a RAM in a processor (140), or a memory card (e.g., a micro SD card, a memory stick) mounted in a cooking device (100).

[0071] In addition, various information necessary within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (170), and the information stored in the memory (170) may be updated as received from an external device or input by a user.

[0072] The driving unit (180) can rotate the turntable (150). Specifically, the driving unit (180) can include a motor that generates power to rotate the turntable (150) using electric energy. In addition, the driving unit (180) can further include components such as a drive camp and bearing for transmitting the power generated by the motor, and a roller for smooth rotational movement of the turntable (150).

[0073] The processor (140) can control the driving unit (180) to rotate the turntable (150) while cooking food is performed by the heating unit (120).

[0074] Specifically, when a user input is received to select cooking conditions and initiate cooking, the processor (140) may use the drive unit (180) to rotate the turntable (150) while cooking is being performed so that the food is heated according to the selected conditions. For example, the selected conditions may be a set temperature (e.g., 80 degrees), a cooking time (e.g., 3 minutes), a cooking type (e.g., grilling), etc.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] In operation S410, when a user input for operating the cooking device (100) is received, the processor (140) can turn on the heating unit (120) for heating the cooking chamber (10). The user input can be received through the input interface (162). In addition, when the heating unit (120) is turned on, microwaves generated by the heating unit (120) can be irradiated into the cooking chamber (10).

[0077] In operation S420, the processor (140) can identify a temperature change rate related to the cooking appliance (100) detected by the temperature sensor (130) after the heating unit (120) is turned on.

[0078] Specifically, the processor (140) can identify the temperature change rate of the thermal imaging camera (110) based on the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) detected by the temperature sensor (130) after the heating unit (120) is turned on.

[0079] The temperature change rate of the thermal imaging camera (110) may be the rate at which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (130) changes over time. For example, the processor (140) may acquire the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) at regular time intervals using the temperature sensor (130), calculate the rate at which the temperature changes over time, and identify the temperature change rate of the thermal imaging camera (110).

[0080] In operation S420-Y, S430, if the processor (140) identifies that the temperature change rate of the thermal imaging camera (110) is greater than a preset change rate, the processor (140) can capture the cooking room (10) through the thermal imaging camera (110) to obtain a thermal image.

[0081] For example, heating of the cooking chamber (10) while an object capable of absorbing microwaves is present in the cooking chamber (10) can be referred to as normal heating. When normal heating is in progress, stable heating can be achieved. Stable heating can include heating in which the temperature of the object capable of absorbing microwaves is the highest, and the temperatures of the background area and the turntable area do not increase significantly.

[0082] Conversely, heating the cooking chamber (10) without any objects capable of absorbing microwaves in the cooking chamber (10) can be referred to as "vacant heating." When vacant heating occurs, unstable heating may occur. Unstable heating may include significantly higher temperatures in the background area and turntable area compared to stable heating.

[0083] Objects capable of absorbing microwaves may include food and containers capable of absorbing microwaves. However, even if food is present in the cooking chamber (10), if all moisture in the food has evaporated during the cooking process, unstable heating may occur even if the food is present in the cooking chamber (10).

[0084] In the case of unstable heating, the temperature of the turntable (150) and the background area may rise significantly. Therefore, in the case where the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) rises rapidly, it may correspond to unstable heating, and in this disclosure, it can be identified whether the temperature change rate of the thermal imaging camera (110) is greater than a preset change rate.

[0085] For example, if the processor (140) identifies that the temperature change rate of the thermal imaging camera (110) is greater than a preset temperature change rate, the processor (140) can acquire a thermal image using the thermal imaging camera (110).

[0086] For example, the processor (140) can acquire thermal images by taking pictures through the thermal imaging camera (110) at regular time intervals based on a preset cycle. Here, the cycle can be changed according to the settings of the user or developer. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the processor (140) can acquire thermal images continuously taken through the thermal imaging camera (110).

[0087] A thermal image consists of multiple pixels, each of which can contain temperature information. For example, a thermal image may contain approximately 5,000 pixels, with pixels with higher temperatures being represented as darker colors, and pixels with lower temperatures being represented as lighter colors. However, the resolution and color representation of a thermal image can vary.

[0088] As described above, the thermal imaging camera (110) can capture images from the upper portion of the cooking chamber (10) to the lower portion of the cooking chamber (10). Accordingly, when no object is placed on the turntable (150), the thermal imaging image may include the turntable (150) and the background area. Furthermore, when an object is placed on the turntable (150), the thermal imaging image may include the turntable (150), the background area, and the object (e.g., a container, etc.) placed on the turntable (150).

[0089] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the processor (140) determines that the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) is greater than a preset temperature, the processor (140) may acquire a thermal image using the thermal imaging camera (110).

[0090] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for explaining an example of a thermal image acquired through a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] In FIGS. 5 and 6 , rectangular bars (50, 60) located on the sides of the thermal image represent temperature information of the object corresponding to each pixel. At this time, the higher the temperature of the object, the darker the pixel may be expressed, and the lower the temperature of the object, the brighter the pixel may be expressed. However, the resolution and color expression method of the thermal image are not limited thereto and may be determined in various ways.

[0092] FIG. 5 is an example of a thermal image obtained during unstable heating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an unstable heating situation, since there is no object capable of absorbing microwaves in the cooking chamber (10), the temperature of the turntable (150) and the background area may rise. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, dark bands may be formed in the area corresponding to the turntable (150) and the background area in the thermal image.

[0093] FIG. 6 is an example of a thermal image obtained during stable heating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a stable heating situation, since an object capable of absorbing microwaves exists in the cooking chamber (10), the temperature of the object may rise first. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6 , the area corresponding to the object (e.g., food) may be expressed in a dark color in the thermal image. In this way, in the case of stable heating, a thermal image may be obtained in which the temperature of the object capable of absorbing microwaves is expressed as a high temperature.

[0094] In operation S440, the processor (140) can obtain a histogram based on the thermal image.

[0095] A histogram may be a histogram representing the distribution of pixel counts according to temperature. The horizontal axis of the histogram may represent temperature, and the vertical axis of the histogram may represent the number of pixels corresponding to that temperature. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the vertical axis of the histogram may represent temperature, and the horizontal axis may represent the number of pixels corresponding to that temperature.

[0096] The processor (140) can identify the number of pixels having the same temperature among a plurality of pixels of a thermal image, and generate a histogram indicating the number of pixels corresponding to each temperature based on the temperature and the number of pixels corresponding to the temperature.

[0097] For example, FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate examples of histograms according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] The peaks of a histogram can be expressed as modals. A modal refers to the most frequently occurring value or range of values ​​in a data set. The number of modals in a histogram can be expressed as modality.

[0099] For example, referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a modal of a histogram can be formed at a specific temperature. And, based on the modal, the data values ​​of the histogram can exhibit a peak shape.

[0100] For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, a histogram having various patterns can be obtained depending on whether there is an object capable of absorbing microwaves in the cooking chamber (10). Here, the pattern can be determined based on the number of modals of the histogram. The reason why the histogram has a certain pattern is because a specific portion of the histogram corresponds to a specific area of ​​the thermal image.

[0101] In operation S450, the processor (140) can identify a temperature change rate of at least one of the background area and the turntable area in the cooking chamber (10) based on the histogram.

[0102] For example, the processor (140) may divide each histogram into multiple regions based on the number of modals in each histogram. Dividing regions in the histogram based on the number of modals may include dividing regions by buds such that buds having modals are included in the regions.

[0103] And, the processor (140) can identify at least one of the background area and the turntable area among the plurality of areas based on the plurality of temperatures corresponding to the plurality of areas.

[0104] In the case of stable heating, an object capable of absorbing microwaves exists in the cooking chamber (10). Here, the object capable of absorbing microwaves may include at least one of food and a container capable of absorbing microwaves (e.g., a heating pan, etc.). In this case, the temperature of the object capable of absorbing microwaves present in the cooking chamber (10) may rise first. For example, since the food and the container are heated by absorbing microwaves, and the food contains moisture, the temperature of the food may rise first, followed by the temperature of the container containing the food. The temperature of the turntable (150) may rise next. In addition, the temperature of the background area may rise last. In other words, the temperature of the food may rise the most, and the temperature increase rate may be high in the order of the container, the turntable, and the background.

[0105] In case of unstable heating, there is no object in the cooking chamber (10) that can absorb microwaves.

[0106] For example, if there is no food in the cooking chamber (10) (including cases where all moisture has evaporated from the food) and there is a container that cannot absorb microwaves, the temperature of the container may rise first, followed by the temperature of the turntable and then the background area. In this case, the temperature increase rate may be high in the order of the container, turntable, and background area.

[0107] For example, if only a turntable (150) exists in the cooking room (10), the temperature of the turntable may rise first, and then the temperature of the background area may rise. In this case, the temperature increase rate may be higher in the order of the turntable and the background area.

[0108] For example, if the number of modals of the histogram is two, the processor (140) can divide the histogram into two regions and identify the region with the lowest temperature among the two regions as the background region.

[0109] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for distinguishing a histogram when there are two modals of a histogram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, the processor (140) can divide the histogram into two areas since the modal number of the histogram is two.

[0111] Additionally, since the horizontal axis of the histogram can represent temperature, the region (710) may be an region with a lower temperature than the region (720). Accordingly, among the two regions, the region (710) with a lower temperature corresponds to the background, and the region (720) with a higher temperature corresponds to one of food, a container, and a turntable (150).

[0112] Additionally, if the number of modals of the histogram is three, the processor (140) can divide the histogram into three regions and identify the region with the lowest temperature among the three regions as the background region.

[0113] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are drawings for explaining an example of a method for distinguishing a histogram when there are three modals of a histogram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, since the number of modals is three, the processor (140) can divide the histogram into three areas.

[0115] In this case, as in the case where the number of modals is 2, the area with the lowest temperature in the histogram (810) may be the area corresponding to the background.

[0116] Additionally, the area with the next lowest temperature (e.g., the middle area), i.e., the area with the second highest temperature (820-1, 820-2), may be an area corresponding to the turntable (150) or the container, and the area with the highest temperature (830) may be an area corresponding to the container or food.

[0117] Here, the container is assumed to be a container that cannot absorb microwaves.

[0118] Specifically, if a turntable (150) and a container are present in the cooking chamber (10), the temperature rise rate of the container may be higher than the temperature rise rate of the turntable (150). Therefore, the area (820-1, 820-2) with the next lowest temperature in the histogram may be the turntable area, and the area (830) with the highest temperature may be the area corresponding to the container. On the other hand, if only the container and food are present in the cooking chamber (10) without the turntable (150), the temperature rise rate of the food may be higher than the temperature rise rate of the container. Therefore, the area (820-1, 820-2) with the next lowest temperature may be the area corresponding to the container, and the area (830) with the highest temperature may be the area corresponding to the food.

[0119] As described above, the second highest temperature region (820-1, 820-2) among the three regions of the histogram may correspond to a turntable region or a container region. In this case, the processor (140) can identify the temperature change rate of the region only when the second highest temperature region (820-1, 820-2) among the three regions of the histogram is identified as a turntable region.

[0120] In order for the processor (140) to identify whether the second-highest temperature area (820-1, 820-2) among the three areas of the histogram is the turntable area, the position information of the turntable (150) in the thermal image can be compared with the position corresponding to the second-highest temperature area in the histogram to identify the area.

[0121] Specifically, if the area corresponding to the position information of the turntable (150) in the thermal image acquired by the thermal imaging camera (110) matches the area occupied by pixels corresponding to the temperature range of the area with the second highest temperature among the three areas of the histogram, the processor (140) can identify the area with the second highest temperature as the area of ​​the turntable (150).

[0122] Specifically, the position information of the turntable (150) may include coordinate values ​​indicating where the turntable (150) is located in the cooking chamber (10). The turntable (150) is installed at a fixed location and may have fixed coordinate values.

[0123] The processor (140) can identify a plurality of pixels having a color in the temperature range of the second highest temperature region (820-1, 820-2) among three regions in the histogram in the thermal image. Then, the processor (140) can identify the second highest temperature region (820-1, 820-2) among three regions as the turntable (150) region if the coordinates for the area occupied by the plurality of pixels identified in the thermal image match the coordinates included in the location information of the turntable (150).

[0124] Additionally, the position information of the turntable (150) may be stored in the memory (170).

[0125] On the other hand, if the range formed by the plurality of pixels identified by the processor (140) in the thermal image does not match the range included in the position information of the turntable (150), the processor (140) may not identify the area (820-1, 820-2) with the second highest temperature among the three areas in the histogram as the area of ​​the turntable (150).

[0126] Additionally, if the number of modals of the histogram is 4, the processor (140) can divide the histogram into 4 regions, and identify the region with the lowest temperature and the region with the next lowest temperature among the 4 regions as the background region and the turntable region.

[0127] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a case where there are four modals of a histogram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 10, since the number of modals is 4, the processor (140) can divide the histogram into 4 areas.

[0129] If there is a container containing food in the kitchen (10), the temperature rise rate may be high in the order of food, container, turntable (150), and background area.

[0130] Therefore, even if the number of modals is 4, the area with the lowest temperature can be the background area (1010). In addition, the area with the second lowest temperature can be the turntable area (1020), the area with the third lowest temperature, i.e., the area with the second highest temperature, can be the container area (1030), and the area with the highest temperature can be the food area (1040).

[0131] When the processor (140) identifies an area based on the acquired histogram, it can identify the temperature change rate of at least one of the background area and the turntable area.

[0132] In the case of unstable heating, the temperature of the turntable (150) or the background area may rise rapidly compared to normal heating. On the other hand, even if the temperature of the food and container rises rapidly, if the temperature of the turntable (150) and the background area does not rise, the cooking device (100) may not be damaged. Therefore, in the present disclosure, in order to identify unstable heating, the temperature change rate of the turntable or the background area, rather than the temperature change rate of the food and container area, can be identified.

[0133] For example, if there are two modals in the histogram, the processor (140) can identify the temperature change rate of the background area based on the average value of the temperature of the area corresponding to the background area identified in the histogram.

[0134] Additionally, if the modal of the histogram is three and the area (820-1, 820-2) with the next lowest temperature in the histogram is identified as not being a turntable area, the processor (140) can identify the temperature change rate of the background area based on the average value of the temperature of the area corresponding to the background area identified in the histogram.

[0135] The average temperature value may be the sum of the number of pixels having each temperature value within the temperature range corresponding to the background area multiplied by each temperature value, and divided by the total number of pixels included in the temperature range corresponding to the background area.

[0136] And, the processor (140) can identify the temperature change rate of the background area based on the calculated average value.

[0137] For example, the processor (140) may identify the temperature change rate of a background region based on a plurality of average values ​​calculated for a plurality of histograms. In this case, the plurality of histograms may be acquired from a plurality of thermal images captured at regular time intervals according to a preset cycle. Specifically, the processor (140) may calculate the rate at which the plurality of average values ​​change over time, thereby calculating the temperature change rate of the background region.

[0138] In addition, when the processor (140) identifies that the modal of the histogram is three and the region (820-1, 820-2) with the next lowest temperature is the turntable (150) region, or when the modal is four, and the background region and the turntable region are identified among the plurality of regions distinguished in each of the histograms, the processor (140) can identify the temperature change rates of the background region and the turntable region based on the average values ​​of the temperatures of the regions corresponding to the background region and the turntable region, respectively, among the plurality of regions.

[0139] The processor (140) can calculate an average value of the temperature of the background area and the turntable area for each of the acquired multiple histograms. In addition, the processor (140) can identify the temperature change rate of the background area and the turntable area by comparing the calculated multiple average values ​​in chronological order.

[0140] In operation S460, the processor (140) can control the heating unit (120) based on the identified temperature change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0141] Specifically, the processor (140) can control the heating unit (120) to turn off or lower the output of the heating unit (120) when the identified temperature change rate is greater than the preset change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (130) is greater than the preset value.

[0142] Here, the preset change rate can be a reference value for distinguishing between stable heating and unstable heating. In addition, the preset change rate can be a change rate measured for each area of ​​the histogram, and may vary depending on the model of the cooking appliance (100).

[0143] For example, when a background area is identified in a histogram, the processor (140) can compare the temperature change rate calculated for the identified background area with a preset temperature change rate for the background area to identify whether the calculated temperature change rate is greater than the preset temperature change rate.

[0144] Additionally, when a turntable area is identified in the histogram, the processor (140) can compare the temperature change rate calculated for the identified turntable area with a preset temperature change rate for the turntable area to identify whether the calculated temperature change rate is greater than the preset temperature change rate.

[0145] For example, if a histogram has two modalities, a background region can be identified in the histogram. In this case, the processor (140) can compare the temperature change rate calculated for the identified background region with a preset temperature change rate for the background region, and determine whether the calculated temperature change rate is greater than the preset temperature change rate.

[0146] Additionally, if the modal of the histogram is three and the area (820-1, 820-2) with the second lowest temperature is identified as not being a turntable (150) area, the processor (140) can compare the temperature change rate calculated for the identified background area with a preset temperature change rate for the background area to identify whether the calculated temperature change rate is greater than the preset temperature change rate.

[0147] Additionally, if the modal of the histogram is 3 and the area (820-1, 820-2) with the second lowest temperature is identified as the turntable (150) area, or if the modal is identified as 4, the processor (140) can identify a case where the temperature change rate of the background area or the turntable area exceeds a preset change rate.

[0148] In this case, the processor (140) can compare the temperature change rate calculated for the identified background area with the preset temperature change rate for the background area to identify whether the calculated temperature change rate is greater than the preset temperature change rate.

[0149] Additionally, the processor (140) can compare the calculated temperature change rate for the identified turntable area with a preset temperature change rate for the turntable area to identify whether the calculated temperature change rate is greater than the preset temperature change rate.

[0150] In addition, if the identified temperature change rate is greater than the preset change rate, the processor (140) may include at least one of the identified background area or the identified turntable area having a temperature change rate greater than the preset temperature change rate, if the histogram has three modals and the second lowest temperature area (820-1, 820-2) is identified as the turntable (150) area, or if the modals are identified as four.

[0151] And, if the processor (140) determines that the identified temperature change rate is greater than the preset change rate and that the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) exceeds the preset value, the processor (140) can control the output of the heating unit (120). The processor (140) controlling the output of the heating unit (120) may include lowering or turning off the output of the heating unit (120).

[0152] Specifically, the processor (140) may lower the output of the heating unit (120) if the identified temperature change rate is greater than or equal to a first preset change rate and the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) is greater than or equal to a first preset value. In addition, the processor (140) may turn off the heating unit (120) if the identified temperature change rate is greater than or equal to a second preset change rate and the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) is greater than or equal to a second preset value. Here, the second preset change rate may be greater than the first preset change rate, and the second preset value may be greater than the first preset value. If the identified temperature change rate and the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) are less than the first preset value, the processor (140) may not control the output of the heating unit (120).

[0153] When the processor (140) controls the output of the heating unit (120), the processor (140) may provide a notification to the user. Specifically, the processor (140) may display a notification message on a display panel installed in the housing of the cooking appliance (100) or provide voice guidance, but is not limited thereto and may provide the notification in various ways. In addition, the processor (140) may also transmit the notification directly to the user terminal device.

[0154] In the present disclosure, it has been described above that the processor (140) controls the heating unit (120) by identifying the temperature change rate for each area and the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) based on the histogram. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (140) may transmit a thermal image to a server device via a communication interface (161). The server device may generate a histogram based on the thermal image to identify unstable heating. Then, when unstable heating is identified, the server device may transmit a command to the cooking device (100) to control the heating unit (120). The processor (140) may control the heating unit (120) according to the command received from the server device.

[0155] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of lowering the output of a heating unit when there is a high possibility of unstable heating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] In operations S1010 to S1040, the operation of the processor (140) is the same as described above.

[0157] In operation S1050, the processor (140) can identify a case where the number of modals of the histogram is 2 and the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) detected by the temperature sensor (130) is equal to or higher than a preset value at a time when the turntable (10) that rotates according to the operation of the cooking device (100) has rotated half a turn.

[0158] As described above, in the case of two modals, the area with the lowest temperature (710) may be a background area, and the area with the next highest temperature (720) may correspond to one of food, a container, and a turntable.

[0159] When a user typically uses a cooking device (100), an object is placed on the turntable (150), so the cooking chamber (10) may always be equipped with a turntable (150). Accordingly, the area (720) with the next highest temperature is likely to be the turntable. If the area (720) with the next highest temperature is the turntable, there is a high possibility of empty heating, as there is no object capable of absorbing microwaves in the cooking chamber (10). In the case of empty heating, unstable heating may occur, as described above.

[0160] Additionally, the processor (140) can identify a case where the temperature of the cooking chamber (10) at the point where the turntable (10) has rotated half a turn is higher than a preset value.

[0161] The point in time when the turntable (10) rotates half a turn may be 10 seconds after the heating unit (120) is turned on, but is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the model of the cooking device (100). In addition, if the temperature immediately after the heating unit (120) is turned on is abnormally high compared to the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) in the case of stable heating, there may be a high possibility that unstable heating will occur.

[0162] In operations S1060 to S1080, the processor (140) can lower the output of the heating unit and identify the temperature change rate of at least one of the background area outside the turntable (150) and the turntable area in the cooking chamber (10) based on the histogram while the output of the heating unit (120) is lowered.

[0163] Specifically, the processor (140) can lower the output of the heating unit (120) if the number of modals of the histogram is 2 and the temperature of the cooking chamber (10) at the point where the turntable (10) has rotated half a turn is equal to or higher than a preset value.

[0164] For example, the processor (140) can reduce the output of the heating unit (120) by 50%, but is not limited thereto.

[0165] In addition, after the processor (140) lowers the output of the heating unit (120), the output of the heating unit (120) can be controlled by identifying the temperature change rate of at least one of the background area outside the turntable (150) and the turntable area in the cooking chamber (10) based on the histogram as described above.

[0166] By lowering the output of the heating unit (120) based on the number of modals and the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) immediately after the heating unit (120) is turned on, and then identifying the temperature change rate of the turntable (150) and the background area as described above, the user can use the cooking device (100) more safely.

[0167] In addition, although it has been described above that the processor (140) obtains a histogram using the thermal imaging camera (110) and controls the heating unit (120) by identifying the temperature change rate, the heating unit (120) may not be controlled if the temperature of the thermal imaging camera (110) does not exceed a preset value while the turntable (150) rotates one revolution after the heating unit (120) is turned on.

[0168] In addition, although the present disclosure described above as the processor (140) operating, it is not limited thereto, and the artificial intelligence model may learn the temperature change rate of the background, turntable (150), and thermal imaging camera (110) to control the output of the heating unit (120) of the cooking device (100).

[0169] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (170)) readable by a machine (e.g., a cooking appliance (100)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (140)) of the machine (e.g., cooking appliance (100)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). ™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0171] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0172] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a cooking appliance including a cooking chamber equipped with a turntable, A heating unit for heating the above cooking chamber; Thermal imaging camera for photographing the above kitchen; A temperature sensor that detects the temperature associated with the cooking appliance; and When a user input for operating the above cooking device is received, the heating unit is turned on, and the cooking chamber is photographed through the thermal imaging camera to obtain a thermal image, Based on the above thermal image, a histogram representing the distribution of the number of pixels according to temperature is obtained, Based on the histogram, identify the temperature change rate of at least one of the background area outside the turntable in the cooking room and the turntable area, A cooking appliance comprising at least one processor for controlling the heating unit based on the identified temperature change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Each histogram is divided into multiple regions based on the number of modals in each histogram, A cooking device that identifies at least one of the background area and the turntable area among the plurality of areas based on a plurality of temperatures corresponding to the plurality of areas.

3. In paragraph 2, At least one processor, A cooking appliance that divides the histogram into two regions when the number of modals of the histogram is two, and identifies the region with the lowest temperature among the two regions as the background region.

4. In paragraph 2, At least one processor, If the number of modals of the above histogram is 3, the histogram is divided into 3 regions, and the region with the lowest temperature among the 3 regions is identified as the background region. A cooking appliance that identifies the area with the next lowest temperature as the turntable area when the temperature range of the area corresponding to the position information of the turntable in the thermal image acquired by the thermal imaging camera corresponds to the temperature range of the middle area among the three areas.

5. In paragraph 2, At least one processor, A cooking appliance that divides the histogram into four regions when the number of modals of the histogram is four, and identifies the region with the lowest temperature and the region with the next lowest temperature among the four regions as the background region and the turntable region.

6. In paragraph 2, At least one processor, A cooking appliance that controls the heating unit so that the heating unit is turned off or the output of the heating unit is lowered when the identified temperature change rate is greater than a preset change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than a preset value.

7. In paragraph 6, At least one processor, When the background region is identified among the plurality of regions separated in each of the histograms, the temperature change rate of the background region is identified based on the average value of the temperature of the region corresponding to the background region, A cooking appliance that controls the heating unit when the identified temperature change rate is greater than the preset change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the preset value.

8. In paragraph 6, At least one processor, When the background region and the turntable region are identified from among the plurality of regions separated in each of the histograms, the temperature change rates of the background region and the turntable region are identified based on the average value of the temperature of the regions corresponding to the background region and the turntable region, respectively, from among the plurality of regions, A cooking appliance that controls the heating unit when at least one of the identified temperature change rates is greater than the preset change rate and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the preset value.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, If the number of modals of the histogram is 2, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a preset value at the time when the turntable rotates half a turn according to the operation of the cooking device, the output of the heating unit is lowered. A cooking appliance that identifies a temperature change rate of at least one of a background area outside the turntable and the turntable area in the cooking chamber based on the histogram while the output of the heating unit is lowered.

10. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, A cooking appliance that acquires the thermal image through the thermal imaging camera when the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature change rate after the heating unit is turned on.

11. The temperature associated with the above cooking appliance is: A cooking appliance including the temperature of the thermal imaging camera detected by the temperature sensor.

12. A method for controlling a cooking appliance including a heating unit for heating a turntable and a cooking chamber and a thermal imaging camera for photographing the cooking chamber, A step of receiving a user input for operating the above cooking appliance; A step of photographing the above cooking room to obtain a thermal image; A step of obtaining a histogram representing the distribution of the number of pixels according to temperature based on a thermal image; A step of identifying a temperature change rate of at least one of a background area outside the turntable in the cooking chamber and the turntable area based on the histogram; and A control method comprising: a step of controlling the heating unit based on the identified temperature change rate and the temperature associated with the cooking appliance.

13. In paragraph 12, A step of dividing each histogram into multiple regions based on the number of modals of each histogram; and A control method further comprising: a step of identifying at least one of the background area and the turntable area among the plurality of areas based on a plurality of temperatures corresponding to the plurality of areas.

14. In paragraph 13, The step of dividing each of the above histograms into multiple regions is: A control method comprising: a step of dividing the histogram into two regions when the number of modals of the histogram is two; and a step of identifying the region with the lowest temperature among the two regions as the background region.

15. In paragraph 13, The step of dividing each of the above histograms into multiple regions is: If the number of modals of the histogram is 3, the step of dividing the histogram into 3 regions; and the step of identifying the region with the lowest temperature among the 3 regions as the background region; The step of identifying at least one of the background area and the turntable area among the plurality of areas is: A control method comprising a step of identifying an area having the next lowest temperature as the turntable area, when the temperature range of an area corresponding to the position information of the turntable in the acquired thermal image corresponds to the temperature range of an intermediate area among the three areas.

Images