Electromagnetic wave heating control device, program, and electromagnetic wave heating control method

Abstract

An electromagnetic wave heating control device (100) comprises: an amplitude / phase information acquisition unit (103) that acquires amplitude information indicating the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave and phase information indicating the phase of an electromagnetic wave; and a signal generation unit (104) that generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave having the amplitude and the phase indicated by the amplitude information and the phase information acquired by the amplitude / phase information acquisition unit (103), and outputs the generated digital signal toward an electromagnetic wave heating device (600). The signal generation unit (104) continuously changes the digital signal being generated in accordance with temporal changes in the amplitude information and the phase information acquired by the amplitude / phase information acquisition unit (103).

Description

Electromagnetic Wave Heating Control Device, Program, and Electromagnetic Wave Heating Control Method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic wave heating control device, a program, and an electromagnetic wave heating control method.

[0002] Conventionally, a microwave heating device that heats an object to be heated in a heating chamber by radiating microwaves into the heating chamber has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes that the standing wave distribution in the heating chamber may be adjusted by adjusting at least one of the output level, frequency, and phase of the microwaves.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-201096

[0004] Generally, in an electromagnetic wave heating device that heats an object to be heated by electromagnetic waves such as microwaves, by adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic waves, the standing wave distribution can be adjusted, and by adjusting the amplitude of the electromagnetic waves, the selection of the heating part of the object to be heated and temperature management can be enabled. However, generally, when the phase of the generated electromagnetic wave is adjusted, the amplitude changes, and when the amplitude is adjusted, the phase changes. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to input electromagnetic waves with desired amplitudes and phases into the electromagnetic wave heating device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made based on the recognition of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electromagnetic wave heating control device, a program, and an electromagnetic wave heating control method capable of inputting electromagnetic waves having desired amplitudes and phases into an electromagnetic wave heating device.

[0006] The electromagnetic wave heating control device according to the present disclosure includes an amplitude-phase information acquisition unit that acquires amplitude information indicating the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave and phase information indicating the phase of the electromagnetic wave, and a signal generation unit that generates a digital signal that is an electromagnetic wave having the amplitude and phase indicated by the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit, and outputs the generated digital signal toward the electromagnetic wave heating device. The signal generation unit continuously changes the generated digital signal in accordance with the temporal changes of the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, electromagnetic waves having desired amplitudes and phases can be input into the electromagnetic wave heating device.

[0008] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an electromagnetic wave heating system according to Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an electromagnetic wave heating system according to Embodiment 2. This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 2. Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C are graphs showing an example of temperature target information acquired by an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 2. Figures 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the time change of the phase of a digital signal output by an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 2. Figures 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves in an electromagnetic wave heating device formed by digital signals output by an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 2. This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an electromagnetic wave heating system according to Embodiment 3. This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by an electromagnetic wave heating control device according to Embodiment 3. Figures 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves in an electromagnetic wave heating device formed by interference waves of digital signals irradiated from multiple antennas. Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves within an electromagnetic heating device formed by interference waves of digital signals irradiated from multiple antennas. Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves within an electromagnetic heating device formed by interference waves of digital signals irradiated from multiple antennas. This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electromagnetic heating system according to Embodiment 4. This is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the electromagnetic heating control device according to Embodiment 4.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. First, the electromagnetic wave heating system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The electromagnetic wave heating system 1 according to Embodiment 1 is a system for heating an object M1 by irradiating the object to be heated M1 in an electromagnetic wave heating device 600 with electromagnetic waves. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the electromagnetic wave heating system 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises an input / output device 10, an electromagnetic wave heating control device 100, a digital-to-analog converter (hereinafter also referred to as "DA converter") 20, an amplifier 30, and an electromagnetic wave heating device 600 controlled by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100, and these are electrically connected to each other wirelessly or by wire.

[0010] The input / output device 10 inputs information to the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 and outputs information from the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100. For example, the input / output device 10 receives user input operations of the electromagnetic wave heating system 1 and inputs information corresponding to the user's input operations to the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100. Specifically, the input / output device 10 is configured to have a keyboard, mouse, and other input devices, and receives user input operations, generates signals corresponding to the input operations, and inputs information corresponding to the generated signals as input information to the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100. For example, in response to user input operations, the input / output device 10 inputs parameters indicating the conditions for heating the object to be heated M1, information regarding the characteristics of the object to be heated M1 such as its size (volume), shape, material, relative permittivity, dielectric loss, and impedance, and other information used when the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 processes the object to be heated M1, to the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100. In Embodiment 1, information regarding the characteristics of the object to be heated, such as its size (volume), shape, material, relative permittivity, dielectric loss, and impedance, is also referred to as characteristic information of the object to be heated, M1.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, the input / output device 10 acquires information from the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 and outputs the acquired information as visual information. Specifically, the input / output device 10 is configured to have a liquid crystal display panel, an organic or inorganic EL (Electroluminescence) panel, a dot matrix display, or other output device, and outputs information from the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 as visual information. The input / output device 10 may be configured as a touch panel that accepts user input operations and outputs information from the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 as visual information, or it may be configured as a storage device that inputs information to the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 and stores the information from the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100.

[0012] The electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 includes an amplitude phase information acquisition unit 103, a signal generation unit 104, and a storage unit 106. The electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 outputs electromagnetic waves toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 and is a device for controlling the heating of the object to be heated M1 by the electromagnetic wave heating device 600.

[0013] The amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103 acquires amplitude information indicating the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave and phase information indicating the phase of an electromagnetic wave. For example, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103 acquires time-series data consisting of a combination of amplitude information and phase information that changes at predetermined specific periods from the input / output device 10 or the storage unit 106. Alternatively, for example, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103 acquires amplitude information and phase information at predetermined specific periods from the input / output device 10 or the storage unit 106. Alternatively, for example, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103 acquires amplitude information and phase information by calculating the amplitude and phase of an electromagnetic wave based on information input from an external device.

[0014] For example, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103 acquires amplitude information and phase information, which are the desired amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object to be heated M1. Specifically, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103 acquires amplitude information and phase information that correspond to a target temperature when heating the object to be heated M1, calculated based on past data that associates the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic waves when the object to be heated M1 is heated with the temperature rise of the object to be heated M1.

[0015] The signal generation unit 104 generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave having amplitude and phase indicated by the amplitude and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 103. Furthermore, the signal generation unit 104 continuously changes the digital signal it generates in accordance with the time change of the amplitude and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 103. In other words, the signal generation unit 104 dynamically changes the digital signal it generates in accordance with the time change of the amplitude and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 103. For example, if the amplitude and phase information is acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 103 at a predetermined specific period, the signal generation unit 104 generates a new digital signal having new amplitude and phase in accordance with the time change of amplitude and phase indicated by this amplitude and phase information at each of the specific periods.

[0016] For example, the signal generation unit 104 is configured to have a digital signal processor (DSP), and generates a digital signal as a baseband signal, which is an electromagnetic wave having a specific frequency for output toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600, so as to change over time in accordance with the time change of amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 103. For example, the signal generation unit 104 generates a digital signal which is a microwave. The digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 104 may be a continuous wave or a modulated wave. The signal generation unit 104 outputs the generated digital signal toward the DA converter 20. As shown in Figure 1, the DA converter 20 is located in the electromagnetic wave transmission path from the signal generation unit 104 of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600, so it can be said that the signal generation unit 104 outputs the generated digital signal toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600.

[0017] The storage unit 106 stores information used in processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100, information indicating the results of processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100, and information acquired by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 from external devices. For example, the storage unit 106 stores various parameters, data, and programs as information used when the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 performs processing. Also, for example, the storage unit 106 stores information indicating the amplitude and phase of electromagnetic waves previously generated by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 as information indicating the results of processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100. The information stored in the storage unit 106 is referenced and used when the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 performs processing.

[0018] The DA converter 20 converts the electromagnetic waves, which are digital signals, input from the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 into electromagnetic waves, which are analog signals. The DA converter 20 outputs the electromagnetic waves converted into analog signals to the amplifier 30.

[0019] The amplifier 30 amplifies the power of the electromagnetic waves from the DA converter 20. For example, the amplifier 30 is composed of a solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) having a plurality of semiconductor elements formed from compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) or gallium nitride (GaN) and arranged in parallel. The amplifier 30 outputs the amplified electromagnetic waves toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600.

[0020] The electromagnetic wave heating device 600 includes an antenna 601 and a housing (not shown) that forms a space inside in which the object to be heated M1 can be housed. The antenna 601 transmits electromagnetic waves input from the amplifier 30 as transmitted waves (traveling waves) toward the inside of the housing, and receives the received waves (reflected waves) input to the antenna 601 as the electromagnetic waves are reflected within the housing. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 enables heating of the object to be heated M1 housed inside the electromagnetic wave heating device 600, or drying of the object to be heated M1 by heating it.

[0021] Next, the hardware configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 that is different from Figure 2. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 is configured as a computer having a processor 100a, a memory 100b, and an I / O port 100c, and is configured so that the processor 100a reads and executes a program stored in the memory 100b.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, for example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 is configured as a computer that executes programs, having a processing circuit 100d which is dedicated hardware and an I / O port 100c. The processing circuit 100d is configured to have, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of these. Each function of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 is realized by these processors 100a or the processing circuit 100d which is dedicated hardware executing programs. Note that the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 may also have hardware other than those described above, such as a hardware timer, to achieve the functions of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100.

[0023] Next, with reference to Figures 1 and 4, the details of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 4, when the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 starts processing, it first acquires amplitude information and phase information (step ST04). For example, in this processing, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 acquires information indicating a combination of amplitude and phase of a specific value of the electromagnetic wave input to the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 at a specific time.

[0024] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 performs the processing in step ST04, it generates a digital signal (step ST05). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 generates a signal using the signal generation unit 104 based on the amplitude information and phase information acquired in the processing of step ST04. For example, if the processing of step ST04 has acquired information indicating a specific value combination of amplitude and phase, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave indicated by the specific value combination of amplitude and phase and a preset frequency.

[0025] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 performs the processing in step ST05, it outputs a digital signal (step ST06). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 outputs the digital signal generated in the processing of step ST05 toward the DA converter 20. In other words, in this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 outputs the digital signal generated in the processing of step ST05 toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 via the DA converter 20 and the amplifier 30.

[0026] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 performs the processing in step ST06, it determines whether or not the termination condition, which is the condition for ending the processing, has been met (step ST08). In this process, for example, when a signal indicating the end of processing is input from the input / output device 10, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 determines that the termination condition has been met based on information from a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the object to be heated M1 if the temperature of the object to be heated M1 has reached a preset temperature, if a preset heating time for heating the object to be heated M1 has elapsed, or if any other condition for ending the heating of the object to be heated M1 has been met.

[0027] If the termination condition is not met in step ST08 (NO in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 returns to step ST04. For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 repeats the processes from step ST04 to step ST08 shown in Figure 4 at predetermined specific intervals. As a result, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 outputs a digital signal that dynamically changes according to the time change of amplitude information and phase information acquired in the process of step ST04 to the electromagnetic wave heating device 600.

[0028] If the termination condition is met in step ST08 (YES in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 terminates the process.

[0029] As described above, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes an amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103 that acquires amplitude information indicating the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave and phase information indicating the phase of an electromagnetic wave, and a signal generation unit 104 that generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave having the amplitude and phase indicated by the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103, and outputs the generated digital signal toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600. The signal generation unit 104 is configured to continuously change the digital signal it generates in accordance with the time change of the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 103.

[0030] In general, in electromagnetic wave heating devices, the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object being heated change due to the influence of components in the propagation path from the generation of electromagnetic waves to their irradiation, interference between multiple electromagnetic waves generated by diffuse reflection within the electromagnetic wave heating device, and changes in the impedance of the object being heated during heating. Therefore, it is difficult to form the desired electromagnetic field distribution within the electromagnetic wave heating device. Furthermore, generally, adjusting the phase of the generated electromagnetic wave changes the amplitude, and adjusting the amplitude changes the phase. Therefore, in order to input electromagnetic waves with the desired amplitude and phase into the electromagnetic wave heating device, advanced calculations to correct the amplitude and phase are required, which increases the processing load on the device and causes a time lag before electromagnetic waves with the desired amplitude and phase are input into the electromagnetic wave heating device due to the calculation time.

[0031] In contrast, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is configured as described above and can input electromagnetic waves having a desired amplitude and phase to the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 based on the amplitude and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 103. As a result, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 can, for example, input electromagnetic waves having a desired amplitude and phase to the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 in a timely manner, enabling fine control of the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic waves input to the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 to change over a desired period of time. This forms a desired electromagnetic field distribution within the electromagnetic wave heating device, making it possible to perform, for example, selective heating and concentrated heating to select and heat a specific part of the object to be heated M1, uniform heating of the object to be heated M1, and heating in accordance with a preset temperature profile showing the time change of the temperature of the object to be heated M1.

[0032] Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is configured to generate and output electromagnetic waves having amplitude indicated by amplitude information and phase indicated by phase information. Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where the amplitude and phase are adjusted by analog control using a gain adjuster such as a variable attenuator and a phase adjuster after the generated digital signal has been converted from digital to analog, the influence of noise can be suppressed.

[0033] Furthermore, since the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is configured to generate and output electromagnetic waves having amplitude indicated by amplitude information and phase indicated by phase information, compared to, for example, the case in which the amplitude and phase of a generated digital signal are adjusted by digital control, an enable signal is not required, and therefore the number of wires used for signal transmission can be reduced.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, when the amplitude and phase of a generated digital signal are adjusted by analog or digital control, an indeterminate state of the waveform occurs before and after the adjustment. However, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is configured to generate and output an electromagnetic wave having amplitude indicated by amplitude information and phase indicated by phase information, so the occurrence of such an indeterminate state can be suppressed.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 is configured to output a digital signal to the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 having an antenna 601. However, the electromagnetic wave heating control device may be configured to output a plurality of digital signals corresponding to each of the plurality of antennas to an electromagnetic wave heating device having a plurality of antennas.

[0036] Embodiment 2. Next, the electromagnetic wave heating system 2 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. The electromagnetic wave heating system 2 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the electromagnetic wave heating system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it acquires information regarding reflected waves from the electromagnetic wave heating device and information regarding the temperature inside the electromagnetic wave heating device, and the electromagnetic wave heating control device outputs electromagnetic waves based on this information. However, other configurations are the same, and configurations similar to those in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 and their descriptions are omitted.

[0037] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating system 2 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 5, the electromagnetic wave heating system 2 according to Embodiment 2 comprises an input / output device 10, an electromagnetic wave heating control device 200, a DA converter 20, an amplifier 30, a tuner 40, and an electromagnetic wave heating device 700 controlled by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200, which are electrically connected to each other wirelessly or by wire.

[0038] The electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 201, a received information acquisition unit 202, an amplitude phase information acquisition unit 203, a signal generation unit 204, and a storage unit 106. The electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 outputs electromagnetic waves toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 700 and is a device for controlling the heating of the object to be heated M1 by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700.

[0039] The temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information indicating the temperature detection result (measurement result) of the object M1 being heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. For example, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information indicating the temperature detection result of the object M1 being heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700 based on information from the temperature sensor 703, which will be described in detail later and is provided to detect the temperature inside the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. Specifically, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information indicating the temperature distribution detection result of the object M1 being heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700, and temperature detection information indicating the maximum temperature, average temperature, and surface temperature detection results of the object M1 being heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700, for the entire object M1 or for each part of the object M1 being heated.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information at predetermined specific intervals. Specifically, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information from the temperature sensor 703 at predetermined specific intervals of 100 picoseconds or more and 100 seconds or less. Furthermore, specifically, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information from the temperature sensor 703 at predetermined specific intervals of 1 / 100th of a second or more and 1 / 10th of a second or less. Furthermore, specifically, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information from the temperature sensor 703 every 1 / 30th of a second or every 1 / 60th of a second.

[0041] Furthermore, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature target information indicating the target temperature when heating the object to be heated M1, which is heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. For example, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature target information indicating the target maximum temperature, average temperature, and surface temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time, as temperature target information indicating the target temperature when heating the object to be heated M1. For example, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires the temperature target information by referring to information stored in the storage unit 106. Alternatively, for example, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires the temperature target information based on information from the input / output device 10. The temperature information acquisition unit 201 may acquire temperature target information at predetermined specific intervals, or it may be configured to acquire information showing the time change of the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 from the start to the end of heating all at once, or it may be configured to acquire information showing the time change of the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 all at once, and then update the information showing the time change of the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 with new information when the target temperature changes, or at predetermined specific intervals.

[0042] The temperature information acquisition unit 201 may be configured to acquire only information indicating the final temperature of the object to be heated M1 at the end of heating, based on the information stored in the storage unit 106 or the information from the input / output device 10, and to acquire temperature target information indicating a target temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time by calculating information indicating the time change of the temperature of the object to be heated M1 during heating based on the final temperature and the initial temperature of the object to be heated M1 at the start of heating. Specifically, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 calculates information indicating the time change of temperature based on a regression model based on one or more of the following: characteristic information of the object to be heated M1, the time change of temperature when the object to be heated M1 was heated in the past, the time change of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the electromagnetic waves input to the electromagnetic wave heating device 700, the tuner setting value, and information indicating humidity and atmospheric pressure during heating; a data table in which multiple pieces of information are linked to each other; or a trained model generated based on the input of training data containing multiple pieces of this information. Note that the information indicating humidity and atmospheric pressure during heating may be configured to be acquired based on information from a hygrometer and a barometer (not shown) located inside the electromagnetic wave heating device, or it may be configured to be acquired based on information from the input / output device 10.

[0043] The reception information acquisition unit 202 acquires reception information regarding the magnitude of the received wave received within the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. For example, the reception information acquisition unit 202 acquires reception information indicating the magnitude of the reception power (reflection power) of the received wave received within the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. Also, for example, the reception information acquisition unit 202 acquires reception information indicating the reflection coefficient, which is the ratio of the amplitude of the transmitted wave (progressive wave) transmitted toward the inside of the electromagnetic wave heating device 700 and the amplitude of the received wave (reflected wave) received within the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. Specifically, the reception information acquisition unit 202, based on the information indicating the received wave of the antenna 601 acquired from the antenna 601, acquires information indicating the amplitude of the transmitted wave transmitted toward the inside of the electromagnetic wave heating device 700 and information indicating the amplitude of the received wave when the antenna 601 of the electromagnetic wave heating device receives the electromagnetic wave generated by diffuse reflection within the electromagnetic wave heating device, and acquires reception information indicating the reflection coefficient based on the acquired information.

[0044] The amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201. For example, when the temperature of the object to be heated M1 indicated by the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201 reaches the preset upper limit temperature, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 sets a new amplitude of the digital signal so as to decrease the amplitude of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204.

[0045] Also, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 sets a new amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 every time the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information. For example, when the temperature information acquisition unit 201 acquires temperature detection information at specific intervals, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 sets a new amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 at each of the specific intervals.

[0046] Furthermore, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201. For example, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 compares the temperature of the object to be heated M1, indicated by the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201 at a specific time, with the target value of the temperature of the object to be heated M1 at that specific time, indicated by the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, and sets a new amplitude of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 according to these temperature differences. Specifically, if the temperature of the object to be heated M1, indicated by the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201 at a specific time, is lower than the temperature of the object to be heated M1 at that specific time, indicated by the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 sets a new amplitude so that the amplitude of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 increases according to these temperature differences.

[0047] Furthermore, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the received information acquired by the received information acquisition unit 202. For example, if the received power indicated by the received information acquired by the received information acquisition unit 202 reaches a preset threshold, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 sets a new amplitude and phase for the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 to reduce the received power. Also, for example, if the reflection coefficient indicated by the received information acquired by the received information acquisition unit 202 reaches a preset threshold, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 sets a new amplitude and phase for the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 to reduce the reflection coefficient.

[0048] Further, for example, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, and the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit 202. Specifically, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 203 includes the target value of the temperature of the heated object M1 at a specific time indicated by the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, the temperature of the heated object M1 at a specific time indicated by the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, the reflection coefficient indicated by the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit 202, the elapsed time from the start of heating of the heated object M1, the time change of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 from the start of heating of the heated object M1 to the specific time, the set value of the tuner, the characteristic information of the heated object M1 acquired in advance, the humidity and air pressure during heating, a regression model based on any one or a plurality of pieces of information among them, the target value of the temperature of the heated object M1 at a specific time indicated by the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, the temperature of the heated object M1 at a specific time indicated by the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, the reflection coefficient indicated by the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit 202, the elapsed time from the start of heating, the time change of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 from the start of heating to the specific time, the set value of the tuner, the characteristic information of the heated object M1 acquired in advance, the humidity and air pressure during heating, a data table in which a plurality of pieces of information are associated with each other, or a learned model generated based on the input of teacher data including a plurality of pieces of information among them, and sets the new amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 at a specific time.

[0049] The signal generation unit 204 generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave having amplitude and phase indicated by the amplitude and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 203. The signal generation unit 204 also continuously changes the generated digital signal in accordance with the time change of the amplitude and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 203. The signal generation unit 204 outputs the generated digital signal to the DA converter 20. Details of the signal generation unit 204 are the same as those of the signal generation unit 104 in Embodiment 1, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0050] The hardware configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1, so its description will be omitted.

[0051] The tuner 40 matches the impedance of the signal generation unit 204 with the impedance from the signal generation unit 204 to the object to be heated M1. The tuner 40 may be configured to perform impedance matching based on input information from the input / output device 10, or it may be configured to perform impedance matching based on a set value of the tuner 40 calculated by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 based on one or more pieces of information from among the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201, the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit 202, the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude phase information acquisition unit 203, and the characteristic information of the object to be heated M1.

[0052] The electromagnetic wave heating device 700 includes an antenna 601, a housing (not shown) that forms a space inside which the object to be heated M1 can be housed, and a temperature sensor 703 for measuring the temperature of the object to be heated M1. For example, the temperature sensor 703 is composed of one or more radiation temperature sensors for non-contact measurement of the temperature of the object to be heated M1 and acquires information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1. Alternatively, for example, the temperature sensor 703 is composed of one or more or infrared cameras and acquires image information indicating the temperature distribution of the object to be heated M1.

[0053] For example, the temperature sensor 703 acquires information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1 at predetermined specific intervals. Specifically, the temperature sensor 703 acquires information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1 at predetermined specific intervals of 100 picoseconds or more and 100 seconds or less. Also specifically, the temperature sensor 703 acquires information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1 at predetermined specific intervals of 1 / 100th of a second or more and 1 / 10th of a second or less. Also specifically, the temperature sensor 703 acquires information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1 every 1 / 30th of a second or every 1 / 60th of a second. The temperature sensor 703 outputs the acquired information toward the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200, causing the temperature information acquisition unit 201 to acquire temperature detection information.

[0054] With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating device 700 irradiates the object to be heated M1 housed inside the electromagnetic wave heating device 700 with electromagnetic waves, thereby enabling heating of the object to be heated, drying of the object to be heated M1 by heating, and a phase change of the object to be heated M1 by heating, and also outputs information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1 during heating to the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200.

[0055] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 9, the details of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2. It is assumed that the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 acquires characteristic information of the object to be heated M1 in advance and stores it in the storage unit 106 before starting the processing shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, since some of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are used for processing that is the same as in Embodiment 1 and their explanation is omitted.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, when the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 starts processing, it first acquires temperature detection information (step ST01). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 acquires temperature detection information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time, based on the information from the temperature sensor 703.

[0057] After performing the processing in step ST01, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 acquires reception information (step ST02). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 acquires reception information regarding the magnitude of the received wave based on the received wave received by the antenna 601 of the electromagnetic wave heating device 700.

[0058] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 performs the process in step ST02, it acquires temperature target information (step ST03). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 acquires temperature target information that indicates the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time when heating the object to be heated M1.

[0059] Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C are graphs showing examples of temperature target information acquired by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2. Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C each show the time change (temperature profile) of the target temperature of the object to be heated M1, indicated by different temperature target information. In the processing of step ST03, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 may be configured to acquire, for example, any of the temperature profiles in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C as temperature target information, or it may be configured to acquire only temperature target information indicating the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time immediately afterward. Alternatively, it may be configured to acquire temperature target information indicating the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 immediately afterward by calculating the target temperature of the new object to be heated M1 immediately afterward based on the detection result of the temperature of the object to be heated M1 immediately afterward. For example, in the process of step ST03, the temperature information acquisition unit 201 calculates a new target temperature for the object to be heated M1 immediately afterward by correcting the previously acquired temperature profile based on the temperature difference between the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time, which is indicated by a preset temperature profile, and the detected temperature of the object to be heated M1 at that specific time.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, after performing the processing in step ST03, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 acquires amplitude information and phase information (step ST14). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 acquires new amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of a new digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the temperature detection information acquired in step ST01, the reception information acquired in the processing of step ST02, and the temperature target information acquired in the processing of step ST03.

[0061] For example, in step ST14, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 compares the temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time indicated by the temperature detection information acquired in step ST01 with the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 at the same specific time indicated by the temperature target information acquired in step ST03, and sets a new amplitude of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 according to these temperature differences. Also, for example, in step ST14, if the temperature of the object to be heated M1 indicated by the temperature detection information acquired in step ST01 has reached a preset upper limit temperature, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 sets a new amplitude of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 to reduce the amplitude of the digital signal.

[0062] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 performs the processing in step ST14, it generates a digital signal (step ST15). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 generates a signal using the signal generation unit 204 based on the amplitude information and phase information acquired in the processing of step ST14. For example, if the processing in step ST14 has acquired information indicating a specific value combination of amplitude and phase, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave indicated by the specific value combination of amplitude and phase and a preset frequency.

[0063] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 performs the processing in step ST15, it outputs a digital signal (step ST16). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 outputs the digital signal generated in the processing of step ST15 toward the DA converter 20. In other words, in this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 outputs the digital signal generated in the processing of step ST15 toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600 via the DA converter 20 and the amplifier 30.

[0064] Figures 8A and 8B show the time change of the phase of the digital signal output by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2. Figures 8A and 8B show the time changes of the digital signals output by the electromagnetic wave heating control device with different phases. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 changes the phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 between 0 [deg] and 180 [deg] as time progresses in one step. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 8B, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 changes the phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 from 0 [deg] to 180 [deg] in steps of 10 [deg] as time progresses in one step.

[0065] For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 changes the phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 in steps corresponding to a specific period of 100 picoseconds or more and 100 seconds or less, which is set in advance. Specifically, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 changes the phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 in steps corresponding to a specific period of 1 / 100th of a second or more and 1 / 10th of a second or less. More specifically, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 changes the phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 every 1 / 30th of a second or every 1 / 60th of a second.

[0066] Figures 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves within an electromagnetic heating device formed by a digital signal controlled by the electromagnetic heating control device according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, for example, when the signal generation unit 204 generates a digital signal such that the distribution of the electromagnetic field when the phase of the digital signal is 0 [deg] and the distribution of the electromagnetic field when the phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 204 is 0 [deg] switch over time, the superposition of these electromagnetic fields results in a uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field over the entire phase switching period, making it possible to uniformly heat the entire object M1 to be heated.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, after performing the processing in step ST16, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 determines whether or not the termination condition, which is the condition for ending the processing, has been met (step ST08). If the termination condition has not been met in the processing of step ST08 (NO in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 returns the processing to step ST01. For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 repeats the processing from step ST01 to step ST08 shown in Figure 6 at a predetermined specific period, for example, a period of 100 picoseconds or more and 100 seconds or less. As a result, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 outputs a digital signal that changes dynamically at specific periods according to the time change of amplitude information and phase information acquired in the processing of step ST14, toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. If the termination condition has been met in the processing of step ST08 (YES in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 terminates the processing.

[0068] As described above, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 201 that acquires temperature detection information indicating the temperature detection result of the object to be heated M1 to be heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. The device is configured to acquire amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 can perform heating in accordance with the temperature change of the object to be heated M1 by inputting electromagnetic waves whose amplitude and phase are dynamically adjusted based on the temperature change of the object to be heated M1 to the electromagnetic wave heating device 700.

[0069] Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 201 that acquires temperature target information indicating a target temperature when heating the object to be heated M1 which is heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700. The device is configured to acquire amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 201. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 can heat the object to be heated M1 so that its temperature reaches the target value by inputting electromagnetic waves whose amplitude and phase have been adjusted based on the target temperature of the object to be heated M1 to the electromagnetic wave heating device 700.

[0070] Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2 includes a reception information acquisition unit 202 that acquires reception information regarding the magnitude of the received wave received in the electromagnetic wave heating device 700, and is configured to acquire amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 204 based on the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit 202. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 can perform heating according to the magnitude of the received wave received in the electromagnetic wave heating device 700 by inputting an electromagnetic wave whose amplitude and phase have been adjusted based on the magnitude of the received wave received in the electromagnetic wave heating device 700.

[0071] In Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the electromagnetic wave heating system is equipped with an electromagnetic wave heating device having a single antenna. However, the electromagnetic wave heating system is not limited to this, and may also be equipped with an electromagnetic wave heating device having multiple antennas that heat the object to be heated M1 by electromagnetic waves radiated from the multiple antennas. Furthermore, if the electromagnetic wave heating device has multiple antennas, the electromagnetic wave heating control device may be configured to output multiple digital signals with different amplitudes and phases, and to radiate electromagnetic waves based on these multiple digital signals independently from each of these multiple antennas.

[0072] Embodiment 3. Next, the electromagnetic wave heating system 3 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. The electromagnetic wave heating system 3 according to Embodiment 3 differs from the electromagnetic wave heating system 2 according to Embodiment 2 in that the electromagnetic wave heating control device outputs a plurality of digital signals, and the electromagnetic waves based on these plurality of digital signals are radiated from a plurality of antennas of the electromagnetic wave heating device. However, other configurations are the same, and configurations similar to those in Embodiment 2 are given the same names and reference numerals as in Embodiment 2 and their descriptions are omitted.

[0073] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating system 3 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 10, the electromagnetic wave heating system 3 according to Embodiment 3 comprises an input / output device 10, an electromagnetic wave heating control device 300, DA converters 21, 22, amplifiers 31, 32, tuners 41, 42, and an electromagnetic wave heating device 800 controlled by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300, which are electrically connected to each other wirelessly or by wire.

[0074] The electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 301, a received information acquisition unit 202, an amplitude phase information acquisition unit 303, a signal generation unit 304, and a storage unit 106. The electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 outputs electromagnetic waves toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 and is a device for controlling the heating of the object to be heated M1 by the electromagnetic wave heating device 800.

[0075] The temperature information acquisition unit 301 acquires temperature target information indicating the target temperature when heating the object to be heated M1, which is heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 800. For example, the temperature information acquisition unit 301 acquires temperature target information indicating the target maximum temperature, average temperature, and surface temperature of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time, as temperature target information indicating the target temperature when heating the object to be heated M1. Also, for example, when the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 performs selective heating or concentrated heating of a specific part of the object to be heated M1, the temperature information acquisition unit 301 acquires temperature target information indicating the target maximum temperature, average temperature, surface temperature, etc. for each part of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time, as temperature target information indicating the target temperature when heating the object to be heated M1. The function of the temperature information acquisition unit 301 in acquiring temperature detection information indicating the temperature detection result of the object M1 heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 is the same as the function of the temperature information acquisition unit 201 in Embodiment 2 in acquiring temperature detection information indicating the temperature detection result of the object M1 heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 700, so the explanation is omitted.

[0076] The amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303 acquires multiple amplitude and phase information by setting multiple combinations of amplitude and phase of multiple digital signals to be generated by the signal generation unit 304, based on one or more of the temperature detection information and temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301, and the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit 202. Specifically, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303 acquires multiple different amplitude and phase information by setting multiple combinations of multiple different amplitudes and multiple different phases for the signal generation unit 304 to generate multiple digital signals corresponding to each of the multiple antennas of the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, based on one or more of the temperature detection information and temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301, and the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit 202.

[0077] For example, the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303 learns based on the input of training data that includes specific amplitude information and specific phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303, and temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301 during a specific period after a digital signal based on the specific amplitude information and specific phase information is generated by the signal generation unit 304, and sets multiple different amplitudes and multiple different phases using a learned model that outputs the amplitude and phase of each of the multiple digital signals to be generated by the signal generation unit 304 based on the input of a target temperature value when heating the object to be heated M1 indicated by the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301.

[0078] The signal generation unit 304 generates multiple digital signals corresponding to each of the multiple antennas of the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 based on the multiple amplitude information and multiple phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303. For example, the signal generation unit 304 generates multiple digital signals, including a first digital signal corresponding to the first antenna 801 and a second digital signal corresponding to the second antenna 802 of the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, based on the multiple amplitude information and multiple phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303. The signal generation unit 304 also continuously changes the digital signals it generates in accordance with the time change of the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303. The signal generation unit 304 outputs the generated first digital signal to the DA converter 21 and outputs the generated second digital signal to the DA converter 22. Details other than the fact that the signal generation unit 304 generates multiple signals based on the multiple amplitude information and multiple phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 303 are the same as those of the signal generation unit 104 in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0079] The hardware configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 according to Embodiment 3 is the same as that of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1, so its description will be omitted.

[0080] The first digital signal, which is an electromagnetic wave, output from the signal generation unit 104 is input to the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 via the DA converter 21, amplifier 31, and tuner 41, and the second digital signal, which is an electromagnetic wave, output from the signal generation unit 104 is input to the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 via the DA converter 22, amplifier 32, and tuner 42. The DA converters 21, 22, amplifiers 31, 32, and tuners 41, 41 are the same as the DA converter 20, amplifier 30, and tuner 40 according to Embodiment 2, respectively, so their description is omitted.

[0081] The electromagnetic wave heating device 800 includes a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna 801 and a second antenna 802, a housing (not shown) that forms a space inside which the object to be heated M1 can be housed, and a temperature sensor 703 for measuring the temperature of the object to be heated M1. The first antenna 801 transmits electromagnetic waves input from the amplifier 31 as a transmit wave toward the housing, and receives the received wave input to the first antenna 801 as the electromagnetic waves are reflected within the housing. The second antenna 802 transmits electromagnetic waves input from the amplifier 32 as a transmit wave toward the housing, and receives the received wave input to the second antenna 802 as the electromagnetic waves are reflected within the housing. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 irradiates the object to be heated M1 housed inside the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 with electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas, thereby enabling heating of the object to be heated, drying of the object to be heated M1 by heating, and phase change of the object to be heated M1 by heating, and also outputs information indicating the temperature of the object to be heated M1 during heating to the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300. For example, the multiple antennas of the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, including the first antenna 801 and the second antenna 802, function as an array antenna that heats the object to be heated M1 by interference waves of electromagnetic waves transmitted from each antenna.

[0082] Next, with reference to Figures 10 to 14, the details of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 according to Embodiment 3. Note that some of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 according to Embodiment 3 is the same as the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 200 according to Embodiment 2, so the same processing as in Embodiment 2 is denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 2 and its description is omitted.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, when the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 starts processing, it first acquires temperature detection information (step ST01). After performing the processing in step ST01, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 acquires reception information (step ST12). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300, using the reception information acquisition unit 202, acquires reception information regarding the magnitude of the received wave for each antenna based on the received waves received by multiple antennas, including the first antenna 801 and the second antenna 802 of the electromagnetic wave heating device 800.

[0084] After performing the processing in step ST12, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 acquires temperature target information (step ST13). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 acquires temperature target information that indicates, for example, target values ​​such as the surface temperature of each part of the object to be heated M1 at a specific time.

[0085] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 performs the processing in step ST13, it acquires amplitude information and phase information (step ST24). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 acquires new multiple amplitude information and multiple phase information by setting multiple combinations of amplitude and phase of multiple digital signals to be generated by the signal generation unit 304, based on the temperature detection information acquired in step ST01, the reception information acquired in step ST12, and the temperature target information acquired in step ST13.

[0086] For example, in the process of step ST24, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 reads a learned model stored in the memory unit 106 and inputs the temperature detection information acquired in the process of step ST01 and the temperature target information acquired in the process of step ST13 into the learned model. This causes the learned model to output multiple combinations of amplitude and phase of multiple digital signals to be generated by the signal generation unit 304, and sets the multiple combinations of amplitude and phase that are the output results. Also, for example, in this process, if the received power indicated by the received information acquired in the process of step ST12 reaches a preset threshold, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 sets new amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 304 to reduce the received power.

[0087] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 performs the processing in step ST24, it generates a first digital signal and a second digital signal (step ST25). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 generates a plurality of digital signals, including the first digital signal and the second digital signal, using the signal generation unit 204 based on a plurality of amplitude information and a plurality of phase information acquired in the processing of step S24.

[0088] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 has completed the process in step ST25, it outputs a first digital signal and a second digital signal (step ST26). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 outputs a plurality of digital signals, including the first digital signal and the second digital signal generated in the process in step ST25, toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 600.

[0089] Figures 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves within an electromagnetic wave heating device formed by digital signals from multiple antennas. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, for example, when the signal generation unit 404 generates multiple digital signals such that a first state and a second state, each with a different phase difference between the digital signals transmitted from each of the multiple antennas, switch over time, the superposition of these electromagnetic fields results in a uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field throughout one cycle of switching between the first and second states, making it possible to uniformly heat the entire object M1 to be heated.

[0090] As shown in Figure 11, after performing the processing in step ST26, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 determines whether or not the termination condition, which is the condition for ending the processing, has been met (step ST08). If the termination condition has not been met in the processing of step ST08 (NO in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 returns the processing to step ST01. For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 repeats the processing from step ST01 to step ST08 shown in Figure 11 at a predetermined specific period. As a result, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 outputs multiple digital signals that dynamically change according to the time change of amplitude information and phase information acquired in the processing of step ST24 to the electromagnetic wave heating device 800. If the termination condition has been met in the processing of step ST08 (YES in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 terminates the processing.

[0091] As described above, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 according to Embodiment 3 generates a plurality of digital signals with different amplitudes and phases based on the amplitude and phase information acquired by the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 303, and is configured to irradiate each of the plurality of antennas of the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 with the corresponding digital signal from the plurality of digital signals generated by the signal generation unit 304. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 can heat the object to be heated M1 with electromagnetic waves transmitted from the plurality of antennas. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the plurality of antennas, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 can perform selective heating, concentrated heating, and uniform heating of the object to be heated M1.

[0092] In Embodiment 3, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 is configured to output a first digital signal corresponding to the first antenna 801 and a second digital signal corresponding to the second antenna 802 toward an electromagnetic wave heating device 800 having a first antenna 801 and a second antenna 802, but is not limited to this. The electromagnetic wave heating control device may be configured to output a plurality of digital signals corresponding to each of the plurality of antennas toward an electromagnetic wave heating device having a plurality of antennas. For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device may be configured to output a plurality of digital signals corresponding to each of three or more antennas toward an electromagnetic wave heating device having three or more antennas.

[0093] Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves within an electromagnetic heating device formed by digital signals from multiple antennas. As shown in Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C, for example, if the electromagnetic heating device has a linear array antenna consisting of multiple antennas arranged in a straight line, and the electromagnetic heating device is configured to output multiple digital signals corresponding to each of these multiple antennas, the distribution of the electromagnetic field within the electromagnetic heating device can be changed between the states shown in Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C by outputting multiple digital signals in such a way as to change the phase difference between the multiple digital signals corresponding to each of the multiple antennas.

[0094] Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C are schematic diagrams showing the distribution of the electromagnetic field due to standing waves within an electromagnetic heating device formed by digital signals from multiple antennas. As shown in Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C, for example, if the electromagnetic heating device has a phased array antenna consisting of multiple antennas arranged in a planar or curved shape, and the electromagnetic heating device is configured to output multiple digital signals corresponding to each of these multiple antennas, the distribution of the electromagnetic field within the electromagnetic heating device can be changed between the states shown in Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C by outputting multiple digital signals in such a way as to change the phase difference between the multiple digital signals corresponding to each of the multiple antennas.

[0095] Thus, when an electromagnetic wave heating device has multiple antennas that constitute a linear array antenna or a phased array antenna, by appropriately setting the phases of multiple digital signals corresponding to each of the multiple antennas, it becomes possible to increase the intensity of the electromagnetic field at a desired location and selectively or concentratedly heat a desired location of the object M1 to be heated.

[0096] Embodiment 4. Next, the electromagnetic wave heating system 4 according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The electromagnetic wave heating system 4 according to Embodiment 4 differs from the electromagnetic wave heating system 3 according to Embodiment 3 in that the electromagnetic wave heating control device controls the electromagnetic wave heating device based on a learned model generated based on information acquired from the electromagnetic wave heating device. However, other configurations are the same, and configurations similar to those in Embodiment 3 are given the same names and reference numerals as in Embodiment 3 and their descriptions are omitted.

[0097] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating system 4 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 15, the electromagnetic wave heating system 4 according to Embodiment 4 comprises an input / output device 10, an electromagnetic wave heating control device 400, DA converters 21, 22, amplifiers 31, 32, tuners 41, 42, and an electromagnetic wave heating device 800 controlled by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400, which are electrically connected to each other wirelessly or by wire.

[0098] The electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 301, a received information acquisition unit 202, an amplitude phase information acquisition unit 403, a signal generation unit 404, a learning unit 405, and a storage unit 106. The electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 outputs electromagnetic waves toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 and is a device for controlling the heating of the object to be heated M1 by the electromagnetic wave heating device 800.

[0099] The learning unit 405 learns based on the input of training data that includes a specific amplitude and a specific phase, and the change in temperature of the object to be heated M1 that is heated over a specific period of time based on a digital signal having the specific amplitude and phase, and generates a trained model that outputs the amplitude and phase of a digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 404 based on the input of temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301 and the target temperature value when heating the object to be heated M1 acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301. For example, the learning unit 405 generates the trained model using a known algorithm such as a convolutional neural network or deep learning.

[0100] For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 is configured to heat an object that can be considered to be the same as the object to be heated, or substantially the same as the object to be heated, using the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, before the object to be heated M1 is heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 800. Based on the amplitude and phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 404 and the detection result of the temperature of the object to be heated, the learning unit 405 generates a pre-trained model, and the generated pre-trained model is stored in the storage unit 106. When the object to be heated M1 is heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, the pre-trained model stored in the storage unit 106 is read out as appropriate.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 is configured to generate a trained model using the learning unit 405 based on the amplitude and phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 404 and the temperature detection result of the object to be heated M1, while the electromagnetic wave heating device 800 is heating the object to be heated M1, and to output the amplitude and phase when the signal generation unit 404 generates a new digital signal to the generated trained model.

[0102] In this configuration, if the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 is configured to generate a trained model while heating the object to be heated M1 with the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 may use preset initial values ​​as the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 404 at the start of heating of the object to be heated M1 by the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, or it may be configured to output the amplitude and phase to a trained model stored in the storage unit 106 in advance, and then update the trained model to a new trained model based on the amplitude and phase of the digital signal generated by the signal generation unit 404 and the temperature detection result of the object to be heated M1 while heating the object to be heated M1 with the electromagnetic wave heating device 800.

[0103] Furthermore, the information used by the learning unit 405 as training data is not limited to what is described above. For example, in addition to the information described above, it may also include other information regarding the conditions for heating the object to be heated M1, such as one or more of the following: received information acquired by the received information acquisition unit 202, characteristic information of the object to be heated M1, and information indicating humidity and atmospheric pressure during heating. Also, the information input to the trained model is not limited to the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301 and the target temperature value for heating the object to be heated M1 acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301. For example, in addition to this information, it may also include other information regarding the conditions for heating the object to be heated M1, such as one or more of the following: received information acquired by the received information acquisition unit 202, characteristic information of the object to be heated M1, and information indicating humidity and atmospheric pressure during heating.

[0104] The amplitude and phase information acquisition unit 403 obtains multiple amplitude and phase information for the signal generation unit 404 to generate multiple digital signals by having the trained model generated by the learning unit 405 output the amplitude and phase of each of the multiple digital signals to be generated by the signal generation unit 404 at a specific time.

[0105] The signal generation unit 404 generates multiple digital signals corresponding to each of the multiple antennas of the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, based on the multiple amplitude information and multiple phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 403. The signal generation unit 404 also continuously changes the generated digital signals in accordance with the time change of the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit 403. The signal generation unit 404 outputs the generated digital signals toward the electromagnetic wave heating device 800. Details of the signal generation unit 404 are the same as those of the signal generation unit 304 in Embodiment 3, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0106] The hardware configuration of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 according to Embodiment 4 is the same as that of the electromagnetic wave heating control device 100 according to Embodiment 1, so its description will be omitted.

[0107] Next, with reference to Figures 15 and 16, the details of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 will be described. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 16, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 repeats the processing from step ST01 to step ST08, similar to the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control devices according to Embodiments 1 to 3. Note that some of the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 according to Embodiment 4 is the same as the processing performed by the electromagnetic wave heating control device 300 according to Embodiment 3, so the same processing as in Embodiment 3 is denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 3 and its description is omitted.

[0108] As shown in Figure 16, when the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 starts processing, it first acquires temperature detection information (step ST01). After performing the processing in step ST01, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 acquires received information (step ST12). After performing the processing in step ST12, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 acquires temperature target information (step ST13).

[0109] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 performs the processing in step ST13, it acquires amplitude information and phase information (step ST24). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 acquires new multiple amplitude information and multiple phase information by setting multiple combinations of amplitude and phase of multiple digital signals to be generated by the signal generation unit 404 based on the temperature detection information acquired in step ST01, the reception information acquired in step ST12, and the temperature target information acquired in step ST13.

[0110] For example, in the process of step ST24, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 reads a learned model stored in the memory unit 106 and inputs the temperature detection information acquired in the process of step ST01 and the temperature target information acquired in the process of step ST13 into the learned model. This causes the learned model to output multiple combinations of amplitude and phase of multiple digital signals to be generated by the signal generation unit 404, and sets the multiple combinations of amplitude and phase that are the output results. Also, for example, in this process, if the received power indicated by the received information acquired in the process of step ST12 reaches a preset threshold, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 sets new amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 404 to reduce the received power.

[0111] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 performs the processing in step ST24, it generates a first digital signal and a second digital signal (step ST25). When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 performs the processing in step ST25, it outputs the first digital signal and the second digital signal (step ST26).

[0112] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 performs the processing in step ST26, it generates a trained model (step ST07). In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 generates training data using the learning unit 405, based on specific temperature detection information, specific temperature target information, and multiple amplitude information and multiple phase information corresponding to each of the multiple antennas acquired in a specific past period since the start of heating of the object to be heated M1. Based on this training data, the learning unit 405 generates training data in which a specific amplitude and a specific phase are associated with the temperature change of the object to be heated M1 that was heated in a specific period based on the digital signal having the specific amplitude and the specific phase. By performing training using this training data, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 updates the trained model already stored in the storage unit 106 to a new trained model. In this process, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 stores the newly generated trained model in the storage unit 106.

[0113] When the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 performs the processing in step ST07, it determines whether or not the termination condition, which is the condition for ending the processing, has been met (step ST08). If the termination condition has not been met in the processing of step ST08 (NO in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 returns to step ST01. For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 repeats the processing from step ST01 to step ST08 shown in Figure 16 at a predetermined specific period. As a result, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 outputs multiple digital signals that change dynamically according to the time change of amplitude information and phase information acquired in the processing of step ST24 to the electromagnetic wave heating device 800, and also generates a learned model for generating new digital signals. If the termination condition has been met in the processing of step ST08 (YES in step ST08), the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 terminates the processing.

[0114] As described above, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 according to Embodiment 4 includes a learning unit 405 that learns based on the input of training data including a specific amplitude and a specific phase, and the change in temperature of an object to be heated over a specific period based on a digital signal having a specific amplitude and a specific phase, and generates a learned model that outputs the amplitude and phase of a digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit 404 based on the input of temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301 and the target temperature value when heating the object to be heated M1 acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 301. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 can heat the object to be heated M1 with electromagnetic waves having an amplitude and phase corresponding to the change in temperature of the object to be heated M1.

[0115] The electromagnetic wave heating control device 400 according to Embodiment 4 is configured to output a first digital signal corresponding to the first antenna 801 and a second digital signal corresponding to the second antenna 802 toward an electromagnetic wave heating device 800 having a first antenna 801 and a second antenna 802, but is not limited thereto. The electromagnetic wave heating control device may be configured to output a plurality of digital signals corresponding to each of the plurality of antennas toward an electromagnetic wave heating device having a plurality of antennas. For example, the electromagnetic wave heating control device may be configured to output a plurality of digital signals corresponding to each of the three or more antennas generated based on the calculation results of a trained model toward an electromagnetic wave heating device having three or more antennas.

[0116] In any of the embodiments described above, the electromagnetic wave heating control device may comprise some or all of the other components of the electromagnetic wave heating system, or some of the components of the electromagnetic wave heating control device may be provided in other devices electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave heating control device, or it may be communicatively connected to the other components of the electromagnetic wave heating system via other devices, computers, or communication networks (not shown). Furthermore, in any of the embodiments described above, the electromagnetic wave heating system may be configured integrally as a single device comprising all the components of each electromagnetic wave heating system, or it may comprise other components (not shown), such as an isolator.

[0117] Furthermore, this disclosure allows for free combination of each embodiment, modification of any component of each embodiment, or omission of any component in each embodiment.

[0118] The electromagnetic wave heating control device described herein can be used to control an electromagnetic wave heating device when heating an object with electromagnetic waves having a desired amplitude and phase.

[0119] 1 Electromagnetic wave heating system, 2 Electromagnetic wave heating system, 3 Electromagnetic wave heating system, 4 Electromagnetic wave heating system, 10 Input / output device, 20 DA converter, 21 DA converter, 22 DA converter, 30 Amplifier, 31 Amplifier, 32 Amplifier, 40 Tuner, 41 Tuner, 42 Tuner, 100 Electromagnetic wave heating control device, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 100c I / O port, 100d Processing circuit, 103 Amplitude phase information acquisition unit, 104 Signal generation unit, 106 Storage unit, 200 Electromagnetic wave heating control device, 201 Temperature information acquisition unit, 202 Received information acquisition unit, 203 Amplitude phase information acquisition unit, 204 Signal generation unit, 300 Electromagnetic wave heating control device, 301 Temperature information acquisition unit, 303 Amplitude phase information acquisition unit, 304 Signal generation unit, 400 Electromagnetic wave heating control device, 403 Amplitude phase information acquisition unit, 404 Signal generation unit, 405 Learning unit, 600 Electromagnetic wave heating device, 601 Antenna, 700 Electromagnetic wave heating device, 703 Temperature sensor, 800 Electromagnetic wave heating device, 801 First antenna, 802 Second antenna, M1 Object to be heated.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic wave heating control device comprising: an amplitude-phase information acquisition unit that acquires amplitude information indicating the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave and phase information indicating the phase of an electromagnetic wave; and a signal generation unit that generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave having the amplitude and phase indicated by the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit, and outputs the generated digital signal toward an electromagnetic wave heating device, wherein the signal generation unit continuously changes the generated digital signal in accordance with the time change of the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit.

2. The electromagnetic wave heating control device according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires temperature detection information indicating the result of detecting the temperature of an object to be heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device, wherein the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of a digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit based on the temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit.

3. The electromagnetic wave heating control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the temperature information acquisition unit acquires temperature target information indicating a target temperature when heating the object to be heated, and the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit based on the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit.

4. The electromagnetic wave heating control device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the temperature information acquisition unit acquires the temperature detection information at predetermined specific intervals, and the amplitude phase information acquisition unit sets a new amplitude and phase of the digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit each time the temperature detection information is acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit.

5. The electromagnetic wave heating control device according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires temperature target information indicating a target temperature when heating an object to be heated by the electromagnetic wave heating device, wherein the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of a digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit based on the temperature target information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit.

6. An electromagnetic wave heating control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a reception information acquisition unit that acquires reception information relating to the magnitude of a received wave received in the electromagnetic wave heating device, wherein the amplitude and phase information acquisition unit acquires amplitude information and phase information by setting the amplitude and phase of a digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit based on the reception information acquired by the reception information acquisition unit.

7. An electromagnetic wave heating control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a learning unit that learns based on the input of training data including a specific amplitude and a specific phase, and a change in the temperature of the object to be heated over a specific period of time based on a digital signal having the specific amplitude and the specific phase, and generates a learned model that outputs the amplitude and phase of a digital signal to be generated by the signal generation unit based on the input of temperature detection information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit and a target temperature value for heating the object to be heated acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit.

8. The electromagnetic wave heating control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the signal generation unit generates a plurality of digital signals with different amplitudes and phases based on the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit, and irradiates each of the plurality of antennas of the electromagnetic wave heating device with the corresponding digital signal from among the plurality of generated digital signals.

9. A program that causes a computer to function as an amplitude-phase information acquisition unit that acquires amplitude information indicating the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave and phase information indicating the phase of an electromagnetic wave, and a signal generation unit that generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave having the amplitude and phase indicated by the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit, and outputs the generated digital signal toward an electromagnetic wave heating device, wherein the signal generation unit continuously changes the digital signal it generates in accordance with the time change of the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit.

10. An electromagnetic wave heating control method performed by an apparatus comprising an amplitude-phase information acquisition unit and a signal generation unit, comprising the steps of: the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit acquires amplitude information indicating the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave and phase information indicating the phase of an electromagnetic wave; and the signal generation unit generates a digital signal which is an electromagnetic wave having the amplitude and phase indicated by the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit, and outputs the generated digital signal toward an electromagnetic wave heating device, wherein the signal generation unit continuously changes the generated digital signal in accordance with the time change of the amplitude information and phase information acquired by the amplitude-phase information acquisition unit.

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