Cooking apparatus and control method therefor

Abstract

This cooking apparatus comprises: a control panel including an input device for receiving a control command for controlling the cooking apparatus and a display for displaying a cooking area; a plurality of heating coils operating in an induction heating method; a plurality of sensors arranged on each of the plurality of heating coils; and one or more processors for executing at least one instruction, wherein the one or more processors: identify the position of a cooking container on the basis of the outputs of the plurality of sensors; control the control panel to display information corresponding to the identified position of the cooking container; and when it is identified that the identified position of the cooking container is within a peripheral area of the cooking apparatus, control the control panel to output a message requesting movement of the cooking container.

Description

Cooking appliance and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus and a method for controlling the same, which can freely arrange cooking vessels on a cooking area and provide heating information for each cooking vessel.

[0002] A cooking appliance is a device that performs cooking by providing heat to a cooking utensil. Such a cooking appliance could operate according to the user's control commands or change the degree of heating of the food being cooked.

[0003] The contents described in the background technology described above are provided to aid in understanding the present disclosure.

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure may solve at least one of the previously described problems and / or disadvantages and provide the advantages described below. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cooking apparatus and a method for controlling the same, which can freely place cooking vessels on a cooking area and provide heating information for each cooking vessel.

[0005] A cooking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. The cooking device comprises a control panel including an input device for receiving a control command for controlling the cooking device and a display for displaying a cooking area, a plurality of heating coils operating by an induction heating method, a plurality of sensors disposed in each of the plurality of heating coils, and one or more processors for executing at least one instruction. The one or more processors determine the position of a cooking vessel based on the output of the plurality of sensors, control the control panel to display information corresponding to the determined position of the cooking vessel, and if it is determined that the determined position of the cooking vessel is placed in an outer area of ​​the cooking device, control the control panel to output a message guiding a position change.

[0006] The outer region is the area between the outermost heating coil among the plurality of heating coils and the outer edge of the cooking device, and the one or more processors can control the control panel to indicate a position change when it is confirmed that a portion of the identified cooking container is located in the outer region.

[0007] The above one or more processors can control the control panel to determine the size of the cooking vessel based on the output of the plurality of sensors and to display a user interface window including an image corresponding to the size of the confirmed cooking vessel at a screen position corresponding to the position of the confirmed cooking vessel within the screen displayed by the control panel.

[0008] The control method described above allows one or more processors to control the control panel to display a control window for adjusting the heating intensity to be applied to a cooking vessel corresponding to the displayed image when the displayed image is selected.

[0009] The above one or more processors can change the setting value for at least one heating coil corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel based on intensity information received from the control window.

[0010] The above user interface window includes image objects corresponding to the cooking container, each of which has a size corresponding to the cooking container and can display a heating intensity value applied to the cooking container.

[0011] The above one or more processors can identify a plurality of heating coils corresponding to the location of the cooking vessel among the plurality of heating coils based on the output of the plurality of sensors, and determine the operation ratio of each of the identified heating coils based on the sensor output around the identified heating coils.

[0012] The above one or more processors can control the identified heating coil based on the heating degree received from the user and the determined operation ratio.

[0013] The cooking device further includes a speaker and can control the speaker to output the message as voice.

[0014] The above one or more processors can identify an area within a cooking zone where a cooking vessel is not currently located but is above a preset temperature, and control the control panel to display a high temperature state in an area corresponding to the identified high temperature area within the display screen of the control panel.

[0015] A control method for a cooking appliance comprising a plurality of heating coils operating by an induction heating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a plurality of sensors disposed on each of the plurality of heating coils comprises the steps of: determining the position of a cooking container based on the output of the plurality of sensors; displaying information corresponding to the determined position of the cooking container; identifying whether the determined position of the cooking container is placed in an outer area of ​​the cooking appliance; and, if the cooking container is placed in an outer area, outputting a message guiding a positional movement.

[0016] The outer region is the region between the outermost heating coil among the plurality of heating coils and the outer region of the cooking device, and the identifying step can identify whether some region of the identified cooking container is located in the outer region.

[0017] The above-mentioned confirming step may confirm the size of the cooking container based on the output of the plurality of sensors, and the above-mentioned displaying step may display a user interface window including an image corresponding to the size of the confirmed cooking container at a screen position corresponding to the position of the confirmed cooking container within the screen.

[0018] The control method may further include the step of displaying a control window for adjusting the heating intensity to be applied to a cooking vessel corresponding to the displayed image when the displayed image is selected.

[0019] The control method may further include the step of changing a setting value for at least one heating coil corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel based on intensity information received from the control window.

[0020] The above user interface window includes image objects corresponding to the cooking container, each of which has a size corresponding to the cooking container and can display a heating intensity value applied to the cooking container.

[0021] The control method may further include the steps of: identifying a plurality of heating coils corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel among the plurality of heating coils based on the output of the plurality of sensors; determining the operating ratio of each of the identified heating coils based on the sensor output around the identified heating coils; and controlling the identified heating coils based on the degree of heating input received from a user and the determined operating ratio.

[0022] The control method may further include the step of outputting the above message as voice.

[0023] The control method may further include the step of identifying an area within a cooking zone where a cooking vessel is not currently located but the temperature is above a preset temperature, and displaying a high temperature state in an area corresponding to the identified high temperature area within the screen of the cooking device.

[0024] In one or more computer-readable recording media storing one or more computer programs comprising computer-executable instructions that cause the cooking device to perform a control method when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor of the cooking device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control method comprises: a step of determining the position of a cooking container based on the output of a plurality of sensors arranged in each of a plurality of heating coils operating in an induction heating manner; a step of displaying information corresponding to the determined position of the cooking container; a step of determining whether the determined position of the cooking container is placed in an outer area of ​​the cooking device; and a step of outputting a message guiding a positional movement when the cooking container is placed in an outer area.

[0025] The above-described or other aspects, features, and benefits of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an electronic system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining control operations in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the specific configuration of a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining other cooking areas and outer areas in one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of sensors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing for illustrating an example of display of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0033] FIG. 8 is a drawing for illustrating an example of display of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing for illustrating an example of display of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0035] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an early device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] To provide a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the disclosure defining the claims and equivalents thereof, they will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various embodiments are included to aid understanding, but they are merely illustrative. Accordingly, any changes and modifications made by a person of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the contents described herein should also be recognized as being within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0037] Terms and words set forth in the detailed description or claims are not limited to their bibliographic meanings and are merely used by the inventor for the understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is evident that the following descriptions of various embodiments of the disclosure are illustrative and are not intended to limit the definitions of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0038] In this disclosure, singular forms such as "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "a component surface" should be interpreted as including one or more expressions.

[0039] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0040] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0041] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components, etc.) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0043] In the present disclosure, expressions such as "A or B," "at least one of A or / and B," or "one or more of A or / and B" may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" may refer to cases including ① at least one A, ② at least one B, or ③ both at least one A and at least one B.

[0044] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0045] Where it is stated that a component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through the other component (e.g., a third component).

[0046] On the other hand, when it is stated that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component (e.g., a second component), it may be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between said certain component and said other component.

[0047] As used in this disclosure, the expression “configured to” may be replaced, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only “specifically designed to” in hardware.

[0048] Instead, in some situations, the expression “device configured to do something” may mean that the device is “capable of doing something” together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase “processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicated processor for performing those operations (e.g., an embedded processor), or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) capable of performing those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0049] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of 'modules' or a plurality of 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor, except for the 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0050] Operations performed by a module, program, or other component according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0051] Meanwhile, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

[0053] The blocks within each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts may be executed by one or more computer programs containing instructions. The one or more computer programs may be stored as a whole in a single memory device, or the one or more computer programs may be divided into multiple parts and stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0054] Any functions and operations described in this specification may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors may include a circuit that performs processing, an application processor (e.g., a CPU (central processing unit), a communication processor (e.g., a modem), a GPU (graphics processing unit), a NPU (neural processing unit) (e.g., an AI chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth chip, a GPS chip, an NFC chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit, an audio codec chip, a USB (universal serial bus) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), etc.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an electronic system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, the home appliance (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2) or a server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the home appliance (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10) is stored.

[0057] The home appliance (10) may include various types of home appliances as illustrated in FIG. 1 (for example, the home appliance (10) may include at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), a gas range (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a clothing care machine (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), a microwave oven (19), and a cooking appliance (100) as illustrated. However, in implementation, various types of home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television may be included in addition to the devices described above.

[0058] In addition, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, a device capable of performing the operation described below by connecting to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) may be included in the home appliance (10) according to one embodiment.

[0059] Meanwhile, among the aforementioned home appliances, gas ranges, electric ovens, microwave ovens, induction cooktops, and halogen cooktops capable of performing cooking operations may also be referred to as cooking appliances, heating devices, etc.

[0060] The cooking device (100) can check the position of the cooking container using a provided sensor and operate a heating coil corresponding to the confirmed position to perform a cooking operation. Additionally, the cooking device (100) can display a message requesting movement to the cooking area if the cooking container is located in the outer area. Such operations will be described later in FIG. 2.

[0061] Here, the outer region is the area between the outermost heating coil among the plurality of heating coils and the outer edge of the cooking appliance. This outer region may be referred to as a non-cooking area, edge area, prohibited area, non-heating area, danger area, etc. The cooking area is the upper area of ​​the cooking appliance excluding the aforementioned outer region, and may be referred to as a coil area, inner area, heating area, magnetic induction area, container placement area, etc. The arrangement of this outer region and cooking area will be described later in FIG. 5.

[0062] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data.

[0063] Such a server (3) can be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, cloud, data drive, and data station. The server (3) can be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and can transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0064] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (10) associated with user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered home appliances (10). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) to create a user account. A user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user.

[0065] The server (3) can register the home appliance (10) to a user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control the home appliance (10) by linking the identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account.

[0066] The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a home appliance (10) or a server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0067] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, terminal, portable telephone, smartphone, handheld device, wearable device, etc.

[0068] A program, i.e., an application, for controlling the home appliance (10) can be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold with the user device (2) already installed, or it may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0069] By running an application installed on the user device (2), the user can access the server (3) to create a user account and, based on the logged-in user account, communicate with the server (3) to register the home appliance (10).

[0070] For example, if the home appliance (10) is operated in accordance with the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2) so that the home appliance (10) can be connected to the server (3), the home appliance (10) can be registered to the user account by registering the identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account on the server (3).

[0071] The user can control the home appliance (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when the user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (10) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (10) is entered, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (10) through the server (3).

[0072] For example, when the cooking device (100) is performing a heating operation for a specific cooking container, the user can use the user device (2) to stop the heating operation for the cooking container or perform control to change the heating operation.

[0073] At this time, the cooking device (100) can provide the same UI to the user device (2) as the screen displayed on the internal control panel. Accordingly, the user can get the same feeling as when directly controlling the cooking device (100) from the user device (2).

[0074] Meanwhile, since cooking appliances pose a risk of fire, the control operation described above may be applied restrictively to cooking appliances. For example, there may be a method in which all functions of the home appliance (10) can be controlled through the user device (2).

[0075] And regarding the cooking device (100), etc., only control commands to check the status of the cooking device (10), commands to stop the operation of the cooking device (10), or commands to reduce the heating intensity can be controlled. That is, control commands to start the heating operation from an off state or commands to increase the heating intensity can be restricted.

[0076] Additionally, the user can receive various notifications generated by the home appliance (10) by using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, if the user places a cooking container in the outer area of ​​the cooking appliance (100), the cooking appliance may not only display a message requesting the movement of the container on its own display, but also display it on the user device (2).

[0077] Additionally, even if the heating of the cooking container has ended, if the upper temperature of the cooking device is above a preset temperature, the user may receive an alarm regarding this through the user device (2). Here, the preset temperature may be a temperature at which a burn may occur if the user touches the upper surface.

[0078] A network may include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0079] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an AP. A short-range wireless network is Bluetooth TMIt may include, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, NFC (Near Field Communication), Z-Wave, etc.

[0080] The access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0081] Access Points (APs) are Wi-Fi TM , IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth TM Communication with home appliances (10) or user devices (2) can be achieved using wireless communication such as IEEE 802.15.1) and Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and a wide area network (WAN) can be accessed using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through the access relay (AP).

[0083] The home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network. For example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0084] As another example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0085] As another example, a home appliance (10) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0086] If the home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may operate as a connection relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. Additionally, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0087] The home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (10), or periodically or in real time.

[0088] When the server (3) receives information regarding operation or status from the home appliance (10), it updates the stored information regarding operation or status of the home appliance (10) and transmits the updated information regarding operation and status of the home appliance (10) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information may include various operations that change existing information, such as adding new information to existing information or replacing existing information with new information.

[0089] For example, the server (3) can collect various information to be used for learning a learning model from home appliances (10) and perform a learning or re-learning operation on the learning model using the collected information. The server (30) can also provide the learned model to each home appliance (10).

[0090]

[0091] * The home appliance (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (10) (e.g., recipes, laundry methods, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and can output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0092] The home appliance (10) can operate according to control commands received from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3). For example, if the home appliance (10) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from servers (3) even without user input, the home appliance (10) can operate according to control commands received from servers (3).

[0093] Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command entered by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on a preset condition.

[0094] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (10) or server (3) through a communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) upon the user's prior approval.

[0095] The home appliance (10), user device (2), or server (3) may determine control commands using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process it using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0096] The specific operation of the cooking device of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0097] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining control operations in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 2, the cooking appliance (100) includes a control panel (110). Here, the cooking appliance is illustrated assuming an induction cooktop, but in practice, it may be various appliances other than an induction cooktop, such as a gas range, a radiant cooktop, a microwave oven, an oven, etc.

[0099] Here, an induction cooker is a heating device capable of providing heat to a cooking vessel placed on top; it is a device that generates heat by reacting with a vessel made of magnetic induction material using a magnetic field. To achieve this operation, the induction cooker utilizes a heating coil that operates via an induction heating method.

[0100] In the illustrated example, a case where two cooking containers are placed is shown, but in implementation, only one cooking container may be accommodated, or cooking may be possible for three or more cooking containers.

[0101] And a cooking vessel is a container that can store or hold food for cooking, and may be, for example, a kettle, pot, cauldron, frying pan, griddle, etc. Additionally, a cooking vessel may be referred to as a cooking tool, a cooking vessel, a heating vessel, etc. And food for cooking may be referred to as food, cooking, food ingredients, etc.

[0102] The control panel (110) may be located in the front area of ​​the upper part of the cooking appliance. Although it is depicted as being located in the front area in the illustrated example, this assumes the case of an induction cooker, and the location of the control panel may vary depending on the type of cooking appliance. That is, it may be placed in a location where the user can operate it or easily understand information for each appliance. In addition, although a single control panel (110) is illustrated, the cooking appliance (100) may be equipped with multiple control panels during implementation.

[0103] A control panel (110) of this type can display various states of a cooking device or receive control commands from a user. The following description assumes that the control panel (110) is implemented as a touchscreen, but it may be implemented through a display and buttons.

[0104] Additionally, the control panel (110) may be implemented as a combination of a touchscreen and buttons. For example, the selection of a container is performed via a touchscreen, and it may have a dedicated button (or dial) for receiving on / off commands or intensity for the corresponding container.

[0105] Such control panels may also be referred to by terms such as operation panels, control panels, user interface panels, display panels, etc.

[0106] Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 illustrates and describes receiving control commands through a control panel (110), in implementation, control commands may be received through a user device (2), or control commands may be received through the user's spoken voice using voice recognition technology.

[0107] The user can operate the burner (or heating coil) or adjust the operating intensity by operating the buttons on the control panel.

[0108] Here, the burner is the area where a heat source is placed or the location where a cooking vessel is placed; if the appliance is a gas range, it may be the area where gas is ejected, and if it is an induction cooktop, it may be the area where the heating coil is located. In conventional cooking appliances, the burner is fixed, but in the present disclosure, the burner is not fixed.

[0109] Specifically, in the present disclosure, a plurality of heating coils are arranged, and a plurality of sensors are arranged around each heating coil, so that the position of the cooking vessel can be precisely verified. Accordingly, a heating coil to provide heat to the cooking vessel can be selected, and since the operating state of each heating coil can also be controlled in correspondence with the position of the vessel, it was necessary for the center of the cooking vessel and the center of the heating coil to coincide. Accordingly, the user can freely position the cooking vessel within the cooking area and perform cooking. The specific configuration of the present invention that enables such operation is described later in FIG. 6.

[0110] Meanwhile, conventionally, since the burners are fixed, only cooking operations corresponding to the maximum number of burners (e.g., 3 to 4) were possible. However, the cooking device according to the present disclosure allows the upper area of ​​the cooking device to be used freely without positional restrictions, thereby enabling cooking operations for cooking vessels corresponding to the number of heating coils.

[0111] However, as described above, since the present disclosure does not have a fixed burner, and because a plurality of heating coils can be freely combined to perform a heating operation for a specific cooking vessel—that is, because a newly combined burner is used at each cooking time—it was difficult to control each cooking vessel using a fixed button, etc.

[0112] Specifically, since there is a fixed number of burners in the past, only buttons corresponding to that number are provided, allowing control of all burners. However, as described above, the present disclosure enables control of a significantly large number of containers and offers a variety of usage methods, making it difficult to use the conventional method.

[0113] In this regard, the present disclosure receives a control command for a cooking device using a control panel (110) equipped with a display and displays the control status for each cooking container.

[0114] For example, as illustrated, when two cooking containers are positioned on a cooking appliance, images corresponding to the two cooking containers are displayed on a control panel, and the user can select the displayed image on the control panel to select the cooking appliance to control and select a heating state (or heating mode) in that state. User interface windows that can be displayed on the control panel will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0115] As such, the present disclosure allows cooking vessels to be freely positioned, so there is no need to indicate the location (e.g., a graphic) where the cooking vessel should be placed on the top of the cooking vessel. Specifically, conventionally, there is a fixed burner location, and graphics, markers, guidelines, internal LEDs, etc., are displayed on the top plate to ensure that the cooking vessel is accurately positioned at that burner location.

[0116] However, as described above, the present disclosure allows cooking containers to be freely arranged, so there is no need to display marks, guidelines, etc. as described above, which not only reduces material costs but also offers an aesthetic advantage.

[0117] However, as shown in Fig. 2, if the cooking vessel is located on the control panel or on the outer edge, it may cause danger or malfunction, so this arrangement needs to be adjusted.

[0118] For example, as shown in the left area of ​​Fig. 2, if the cooking vessel is placed in contact with the control panel, the heat from the cooking vessel can be transferred to the control panel, which may cause the control panel to malfunction.

[0119] Also, as shown in the right area of ​​Fig. 2, if the cooking vessel is located on the outer edge, the heat from the cooking vessel can be transferred to the kitchen countertop (or sink countertop), posing a fire hazard. Additionally, if the cooking vessel is located in front of the cooking area, there is a possibility that a dangerous situation may occur as the user may touch the cooking vessel while moving the cooking appliance.

[0120] Here, based on the boundary line (101) of the heating coil located at the outer edge among the plurality of heating coils, the space between the boundary line and the outer edge of the cooking device (100) is referred to as the outer area (103), and the inner space excluding the outer area is referred to as the cooking area (102).

[0121] Therefore, in the case described above, it is necessary to notify the user of the change in location. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present disclosure checks the location of the cooking container, and if it is confirmed that the confirmed location of the cooking container is placed in an outer area as described above, it can notify the user of the change in location of the cooking container.

[0122] Meanwhile, if the location of the cooking vessel is identified as being in an outer area as described above, receiving a cooking command (or heating coil turn-on) for the cooking vessel may be disabled. Conversely, receiving a cooking command for the cooking vessel may be enabled only when the cooking vessel is identified as being in an appropriate cooking area.

[0123] As such, the cooking device according to the present disclosure can perform appropriate heating operations even when the cooking vessel is freely positioned. Accordingly, the user does not need to position the cooking vessel in a fixed location, thereby improving convenience of use. However, in the event that it is placed in a dangerous location, the cooking device according to the present disclosure provides a notification of relocation, thereby ensuring safety.

[0124] Below, with reference to FIG. 3, the specific configuration and operation of the cooking device (100) will be described.

[0125] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 3, the cooking device (100) may be composed of a control panel (110), a plurality of sensors (120), and a processor (130).

[0127] The control panel (110) can receive various inputs related to the control of the cooking appliance (100). Specifically, the control panel (110) may include a touch area (or button) for receiving function commands. Here, the function commands may be a turn-on / turn-off command for the cooking appliance (100), a strength adjustment command, a timer setting command, an automatic cooking command, etc.

[0128] Meanwhile, the control panel (110) may be located in one area of ​​the top panel of the cooking appliance (100). Here, the top panel may be glass or ceramic placed on the upper side of the induction. Such a top panel may be referred to as a cover plate, glass panel, ceramic panel, etc.

[0129] The control panel (110) can receive various user inputs and transmit them to the processor (130). In particular, the control panel (110) may include at least one of a touch sensor, a (digital) pen sensor, a pressure sensor, a keyboard, or a key.

[0130] The control panel (110) is a component that receives user input and can be separated from the cooking area where the cooking appliance is placed. That is, a cooking area (or heating area, burner area) may be placed in some area of ​​the top panel of the cooking appliance (100), and a control panel (110) may be placed in other area of ​​the top panel.

[0131] And the control panel (110) may include a touch sensor that detects a user's touch input. The touch sensor may be implemented as a capacitive (or capacitive) type. The capacitive type may be a method that calculates touch coordinates by using a dielectric coated on the surface of the input panel to detect minute electrical signals that are excited to the user's body when a part of the user's body touches the surface of the input panel.

[0132] Additionally, the control panel (110) may be composed of a plurality of touch sensors. For example, it may be composed of a first touch sensor having a preset shape and a second touch sensor disposed around the first touch sensor described above. Here, the preset shape may be circular, but is not limited thereto. The second touch sensor may be formed integrally with the first touch sensor, and according to other embodiments, the second touch sensor and the first touch sensor may be formed as separate sensors.

[0133] Although the control panel has been illustrated and described above as using a touch sensor, physical buttons may be used during implementation, and dials or the like may be used instead of buttons.

[0134] This control panel (110) may be placed below the upper panel described above. Meanwhile, when implementing, different upper panels may be used for the area where the control panel is placed and the area where the heating coil is located.

[0135] And the control panel (110) can display information about the cooking vessel at the top of the cooking device or status information of the cooking device. For example, the control panel (110) can display a user interface window corresponding to the arrangement of the cooking vessels. Specific examples of the user interface windows displayed by the control panel are described later in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0136] A plurality of sensors (120) are positioned below the top panel and can output a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of a cooking vessel on the top panel. These sensors can be positioned around the heating coil.

[0137] The sensor may be a container detection sensor that reacts magnetically with the iron components contained in the container, but is not limited thereto and can be used in various ways, such as a Hall sensor or a camera sensor. The arrangement of the sensor will be described later in FIG. 6.

[0138] The processor (130) controls the overall operation of the cooking appliance (100). Specifically, the processor (130) is connected to the configuration of the appliance including memory, and can control the overall operation of the appliance by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory as described above. In particular, the processor (130) can be implemented as a single processor (130) as well as as a plurality of processors (130).

[0139] The processor (130) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing operations. The processor (130) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in memory individually or collectively in a distributed manner.

[0140] The processor (130) may include a processor assembly comprising one or more processing circuits. The processor (130) may include any processing circuit that is operative to control the performance and operation of one or more components of a home appliance (e.g., memory and / or driving device (sensor)). For example, the processor (130) (e.g., AP) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or a chipset). For example, the processor (130) may be implemented as multiple cores (or at least one core circuit), multiple chips, or multiple chipsets.

[0141] For example, the processor (130) may include one or more processing circuits. The processor (130) may include one or more processing circuits configured to perform various functions of the present disclosure individually and / or collectively. As an example without limitation, at least a portion of the processor (130) may be included in a first chip of the cooking appliance (100), and at least another portion of the processor (130) may be included in a second chip of a different appliance from the first chip of the cooking appliance (100).

[0142] For example, the processor (130) may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a display controller, a memory controller, a storage controller, a communication processor (CP), and / or a sensor interface. These components of the processor (130) are merely exemplary. The processor (130) may include additional components other than those described above. Additionally, some components of the processor (130) may be omitted. Furthermore, some components of the processor (130) may be included as separate components of the cooking appliance (100) externally. For example, some components of the processor (130) (e.g., a memory controller) may be included within other components (e.g., at least a portion of memory, an interface (e.g., available for connection to at least one component of the cooking appliance (100)), a control panel (110)).

[0143] The processor (130) can cause other components of the cooking device (100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in memory.

[0144] The processor (130) processes setting values, function commands, etc. according to a stored control program or control data, and can output control signals related to functions that the home appliance can perform or communication signals for communicating with an external home appliance.

[0145] When the processor (130) receives user input (or user touch input) through the control panel (110), it can perform a function corresponding to the received user command. Here, the user command may include not only whether to turn on or off, but also the heating intensity. Here, the heating intensity may be divided into several stages such as high, medium, and low, or into somewhat subdivided stages such as 1 to 100%. Also, the heating intensity may be referred to as the operating intensity, heating degree, heating temperature, etc.

[0146] The processor (130) can determine the location of the cooking vessel based on the signals output by each of the plurality of sensors (120). For example, the processor (130) can identify the sensor that detected the cooking vessel based on the signals output by each of the plurality of sensors (120), and can determine the location of the cooking vessel using the location information of the sensors that detected the cooking vessel. To this end, the processor (130) can store the index of each sensor and the location information of each sensor. In addition, corresponding to this, it can store each heating coil and the location information of each heating coil.

[0147] At this time, the processor (130) may also check the size of the cooking container based on the output of a plurality of sensors.

[0148] Additionally, the processor (130) can determine whether the cooking vessel is a suitable vessel for use in the cooking appliance. For example, the processor (130) can determine whether the cooking vessel is unsuitable for operation by magnetic induction (e.g., ceramic, glass, other metal).

[0149] In this case, the processor (130) can identify the type of cooking container by considering the information (iron ratio, size, etc.) described above. The processor (130) can also use an image corresponding to the identified type of container during the display process on the control panel of the cooking container described later. That is, if it is a pot, the processor (130) can control the control panel (110) to display an image corresponding to the shape of the pot, and if it is identified as a frying pan, to display an image corresponding to the frying pan.

[0150] When a cooking vessel is identified, the processor (130) may generate an identification number to be applied to the cooking vessel and map a heating coil, etc. to be applied to the cooking vessel. At this time, the processor (130) may map multiple heating coils to the cooking vessel according to the location of the cooking vessel. Additionally, the processor (130) may set the operating ratio of the mapped heating coils to be the same for all of them, or may differentiate them.

[0151] For example, if the container is located above the two heating coils, the processor (130) may determine that the two heating coils operate. On the other hand, if the center of the cooking container is located at the center of the two heating coils, the processor (130) may cause the two heating coils to operate with equal weight. On the other hand, if the center of the cooking container is biased toward either of the two heating coils, the processor (130) may determine the operating ratio of each heating coil according to that ratio.

[0152] When the processor (130) confirms that a cooking container is located on the upper part of the cooking appliance, it can control the control panel (110) to display information corresponding to the location of the confirmed cooking container. For example, the processor (130) can control the control panel (110) to display an image corresponding to the size of the confirmed cooking container at a screen location corresponding to the location of the confirmed cooking container within the screen displayed by the cooking appliance.

[0153] When a cooking command for the cooking container is entered or a heating operation for the cooking container is in progress, the processor (130) can control the control panel (110) to also display information about the heating state (or degree of heating) applied to the cooking container.

[0154] During this process, when the user selects one of the displayed images, the processor (130) can control the control panel (110) to display a control window for adjusting the heating intensity to be applied to the cooking vessel corresponding to the displayed image. Here, the control window may be a slide-type window for selecting the heating intensity from a range of 0 to 100% (or 0 to 5 levels) or a window for directly inputting a numerical value.

[0155] The processor (130) can change the setting value for at least one heating coil corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel based on intensity information received from the control window. For example, if a user selects a heating intensity through the control window described above, the processor (130) can control the operation of the heating coil in response to the received heating intensity.

[0156] And the processor (130) can control the control panel (110) so that the displayed heating intensity is changed to the input intensity value and displayed.

[0157] And when a voice command is input, the processor (130) can control the control panel (110) to display an image of each cooking container along with identification information corresponding to that image. That is, if multiple cooking containers are being displayed, an index can be displayed to easily select the target of control. At this time, the processor (130) can assign an index corresponding to the order of cooking operations, or it can assign an index randomly.

[0158] When a control command for a specific cooking vessel is input from a user, the processor (130) can identify a plurality of heating coils corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel among a plurality of heating coils based on the output signals of a plurality of sensors.

[0159] And the processor (130) can determine the operation ratio of each identified heating coil based on the sensor output around the identified heating coil. For example, the processor (130) can determine different operation ratios depending on whether all of the multiple sensors located around a specific heating coil detect a cooking vessel or whether only some of the sensors detect a cooking vessel.

[0160] And the processor (130) can control the identified heating coil based on the heating level received from the user and the determined operation ratio. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, if four sensors are located around the heating coil, if all four sensors around the heating coil detect a cooking vessel, the heating coil is determined to operate at 100%, if two or more sensors detect a cooking vessel, it is determined to operate at 50% performance, and if one or more sensors detect a cooking vessel, it is determined to operate at 25% performance. Such operation methods and values ​​are examples and can be applied in various ways during implementation.

[0161] And the processor (130) can identify whether the location of the identified cooking vessel is placed in the outer region of the cooking device. Thus, the processor (130) can identify not only whether the center location of the identified cooking vessel is located in the outer region, but also whether some region of the cooking vessel is located in the outer region.

[0162] If the processor (130) is placed in an outer area, the control panel (110) can be controlled to display a message guiding the position change. At this time, if the processor (130) confirms that the cooking container is placed in an outer area, the input of a control command for the cooking container may be disabled. Conversely, the processor (130) may enable the input of a control command only when the cooking area is located in an inner cooking area.

[0163] Meanwhile, although the above description illustrates that movement is requested only when the cooking vessels are placed in an outer area, movement may also be requested when the two cooking vessels are adjacent during implementation. For example, the processor (130) may request movement even when the two cooking vessels are located in a single heating coil area.

[0164] Meanwhile, although it was explained above that the control command is disabled when the initial cooking container is placed in the outer area, this behavior can also be applied when a cooking command is executed.

[0165] For example, if a user places a cooking vessel in an inner area and enters a cooking command, the user may move within that inner area; in this case, the cooking vessel may change the heating coil to operate in accordance with the movement. On the other hand, if the aforementioned movement involves a part of the cooking vessel being placed in an outer area, the heating operation for that cooking vessel may be immediately stopped, and a notification may be displayed.

[0166] Even when the cooking operation is completed and the cooking container is removed from the top of the cooking device, the processor (130) can identify an area within the cooking area where the current cooking container is not located but is above a preset temperature, and control the control panel (110) to display a high temperature state in an area corresponding to the identified high temperature area within the screen of the cooking device.

[0167] In addition to passively displaying this on the control panel, if a specific cooking area exceeds a certain temperature or if the user approaches the cooking area, a sound message warning of high temperature in the cooking area can also be output.

[0168] The cooking device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as described above can perform appropriate operations regardless of where the user places it, thereby improving user convenience. In addition, safety is enhanced by providing a notification when a cooking container is located in an outer area or by restricting the performance of cooking operations.

[0169] Meanwhile, although only a simple configuration constituting the cooking device (100) has been illustrated and described above, various additional configurations may be provided during implementation. This will be explained below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0170] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the specific configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 4, the cooking device (100) may be composed of a control panel (110), a plurality of sensors (120), a processor (130), a memory (140), a communication device (150), a heating device (160), and a speaker (170).

[0172] Among the operations of the control panel (110), multiple sensors (120), and processor (130), redundant descriptions of operations identical to those previously described are omitted.

[0173] The control panel (110) may be composed of an input device (111) and a display (112).

[0174] The control panel (110) may include a user interface comprising an input device (111) consisting of a plurality of buttons or keypads, etc., that allows a user to set various functions of the cooking device (100), and a display (112) that displays various information related to the cooking device (100).

[0175] Here, the input device (111) may refer to various types of buttons, such as mechanical buttons, touch pads, and wheels, formed in any area of ​​the exterior of the cooking appliance (100), such as the front or side portion. Meanwhile, although the input device (111) and the display (112) are described as separate components in FIG. 4, in actual implementation, the cooking appliance (100) can be implemented as a single unit, such as a touchscreen.

[0176] Meanwhile, the control panel (110) can be replaced with words such as input unit, input receiving unit, user interface, button, or touchscreen panel. It is not limited to the examples described above and can be replaced with various components that perform the operation of receiving touch input from a user.

[0177] Here, the display (112) can visually display operation information of the cooking device (100) to the user according to the control signal of the processor (130).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the display (112) may be implemented in the form of a touchscreen combined with a touch sensor. For example, when the cooking device (100) identifies that user input has been received in the area where the display (112) is placed, the cooking device (100) may perform an action corresponding to the user input.

[0179] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the display (112) may not be equipped with a touch sensor. For example, the cooking device (100) may be implemented in a form where the display (112) area and the touch sensor are physically separated.

[0180] Meanwhile, the display (112) can be implemented in various forms such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), etc. according to another embodiment. The display (112) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc., which can be implemented in forms such as an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, an OTFT (organic TFT), etc.

[0181] Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 describes the display (112) as being included in the control panel (110), in actual implementation, the display (112) may be implemented in a form where it is placed in a separate area rather than the input panel. Additionally, according to another embodiment, the display (112) may be implemented as a separate display device.

[0182] The display (112) can display information about a cooking container on the cooking device (100). At this time, the user interface window can display an image corresponding to the cooking container in correspondence with the position and size of the cooking container.

[0183] Additionally, the display (112) may display a setting value that has been changed according to the performance of the corresponding function. Here, the setting value may be a heating intensity. Also, if necessary, the display (112) may assign an index (or identification number) assigned to the corresponding cooking container.

[0184] Additionally, the display (112) can display warning information. For example, in dangerous situations or when a warning is required, such as when a user places a container in an outer area or when multiple containers are placed on top of a single heating coil, the display (112) can display a user interface window containing information about such situations.

[0185] Meanwhile, in the illustrated example, user control commands are received directly from the cooking appliance (100) through the aforementioned user interface window. However, in implementation, the processor (130) can control the communication device (150) so that the user interface window generated on the display (112) is transmitted to the user device (2). Accordingly, the processor (130) may receive user control commands through the communication device (150).

[0186] The memory (140) can store instructions, UI generation algorithms, programs, or data for controlling the cooking device (100). The memory (140) can also store user operation inputs or function commands entered through the control panel (110), control signals output by the processor (130), etc.

[0187] For example, the memory (140) may be implemented as internal memory such as ROM (e.g., EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory)) or RAM included in the processor (130), or as memory separate from the processor (130). In this case, the memory (140) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the cooking device (100) or in the form of memory that can be attached to and detached from the cooking device (100), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the cooking device (100) may be stored in memory embedded in the cooking device (100), and data for the expansion function of the cooking device (100) may be stored in memory that can be attached to and detached from the cooking device (100).Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the cooking device (100) is implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), etc.), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD), and the memory that can be attached to and detached from the cooking device (100) can be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory).

[0188] The memory (140) can store location information of each cooking container, etc. At this time, it can store an index assigned to each cooking container, heating coil information corresponding to the cooking container, etc.

[0189] The memory (140) can store a learning model. This learning model may be a model that identifies the type of cooking vessel based on size information, iron ratio, etc. The memory (140) can also store a graphic image corresponding to each cooking vessel.

[0190] The communication device (150) may include a communication module that communicates with an external electronic device using various communication protocols.

[0191] The communication device (150) is configured to communicate with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. The communication device (150) may include a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, and a wireless communication module. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip.

[0192] For example, when a cooking operation is performed, the communication device (150) can transmit to another device (e.g., user device (2) or server (3) of FIG. 1) that a cooking operation is being performed. At this time, the communication device (150) may also transmit to another device an image corresponding to a user interface window displayed on the display (112) or graphic information for implementing said image.

[0193] The processor (130) can communicate with various external devices using a communication device (150). Here, the external devices may include a display device such as a TV, a video processing device such as a set-top box, an external server, a control device such as a remote control, an audio output device such as a Bluetooth speaker, a lighting device, a home appliance such as a smart refrigerator, a server such as an IoT home manager, etc. According to one example, the communication device (150) may use the same communication module (e.g., a Wi-Fi module) to communicate with an external device such as a remote control and an external server. Through such operation, the processor (130) can obtain information from the external device regarding whether a user is located adjacent to or approaching the cooking device (100).

[0194] And the processor (130) can control the communication device (150) to send a message requesting the movement of the cooking container to the user device (2) or server (30) when the cooking container is located in an outer area.

[0195] The heating device (160) may include a cooktop that converts electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the food being cooked, a microwave generator that radiates microwaves into the cooking chamber, and a steam generator that emits heated steam into the cooking chamber.

[0196] And the heating device (160) may include a plurality of heating coils and may generate at least one of a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field to heat a container placed on the cooking device (100). Specifically, the heating device (160) may have a plurality of heating coils arranged. A specific arrangement form is described later in FIG. 6.

[0197] Here, the heating coil is a method of heating a cooking vessel above the cooking area using induction heating. Induction heating is a method of heating a metal object using electromagnetic induction; when current is supplied to the coil, eddy currents are generated in the metal to be heated, and Joule heating caused by the resistance of the metal raises the temperature. Such a heating coil consists of a coil wound like a combination of one or two electromagnets, and a high-frequency alternating current flows through each coil.

[0198] Meanwhile, the heating device (160) may be located in an area different from the input panel among the top panels of the cooking device (100).

[0199] The speaker (170) outputs an alert sound or an alert message. For example, the speaker (170) can output information about the current state of the cooking device (100). And if it is a dangerous state, the speaker (170) can output information about the dangerous state. This dangerous state may be when a cooking vessel is located on the control panel or the outer edge, or when a cooking vessel is not located but the temperature of the cooking area is above a certain temperature. Additionally, it may be when multiple cooking vessels are located on a single heating coil.

[0200] Additionally, when the control operation (or heating state) changes according to the change in the cooking state, the speaker (170) can output information about this. For example, when heating is completed (i.e., boiling occurs) during soup cooking, and the operating state of the heating device changes from a high state to an intermediate state while maintaining a constant temperature, the speaker (170) can output a sound indicating that the heating intensity has changed.

[0201] As described above, the cooking device according to the present embodiment can identify cases where a cooking container is located in a dangerous area and provide a notification in such cases, thereby enhancing safety.

[0202] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining other cooking areas and outer areas in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 5, the upper region of the cooking device is illustrated. A control panel (110) is located in the front direction of the upper region. In this area where the control panel is located, no heating coil is located. The control panel is composed of hardware such as an LCD, and if a high-temperature component is located on top of the control panel, the control panel may malfunction.

[0204] Additionally, the space between the boundary (101) of a heating coil located on the outer edge among a plurality of heating coils and the outer edge of the cooking appliance may be referred to as an outer area (103). When a cooking vessel is located in this outer area and a heating operation is performed, the vessel of the cooking vessel can transfer heat to a top plate or panel that secures the cooking appliance.

[0205] In this regard, the present disclosure refers to the outer portion of the above-described cooking device as the outer region, and the inner region excluding the above-described outer region as the cooking region.

[0206] A plurality of heating coils may be located at the bottom of such a cooking area. Below, the shape of the bottom of the cooking area will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Meanwhile, the upper area described above is composed of an upper panel, and the heating coil at the bottom may be located at the bottom of the upper panel.

[0207] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of sensors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of heating coils are arranged in the lower part of the cooking area of ​​the cooking appliance. Specifically, one heating coil is arranged in a square-shaped block as shown in FIG. 6, and a plurality of such blocks are arranged. For example, it can be seen that a plurality of heating coils are arranged in a matrix form. As illustrated, 22 heating coils are used in the present disclosure, but a different number of heating coils may be used depending on the size and shape of the cooking appliance during implementation.

[0209] In addition, in the illustrated example, it can be seen that multiple heating coils are arranged in a rectangular shape, but two are not arranged at the bottom. This part is the area where the control panel is placed in Fig. 5.

[0210] In addition, a plurality of coil sensors are placed on each of the plurality of heating coils. These coil sensors can detect whether a cooking vessel is positioned above. These coil sensors may have a coil shape.

[0211] And a temperature sensor (123) is placed in the center of each block. Each temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the upper part. For example, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the lower part of the upper glass or the temperature of the upper part of the glass (or the bottom of the container), and one configuration can simultaneously detect the temperatures of both of the aforementioned areas.

[0212] Meanwhile, in the illustrated example, it can be seen that one heating coil and four sensors are configured into a single block. Although this block is illustrated as being composed of a square, it may be implemented in other shapes such as a triangle, pentagon, or hexagon. When the shape of the block changes in this way, the number of sensors may also be changed accordingly.

[0213] In addition, although the illustrated example shows each sensor positioned adjacent to the edge of each block, in implementation, they may be positioned between the center and the edge of each block.

[0214] In this way, since multiple sensors are arranged rather than a single sensor is used for a single heating coil, it is possible to determine the position of the cooking vessel on the upper part of the cooking appliance more accurately. Accordingly, the position of the cooking vessel can be determined more accurately, allowing each heating coil to be controlled according to the arrangement even if the cooking vessel does not align with the center of the heating coil.

[0215] For example, if a specific container is positioned above two heating coils, the container may be positioned in the center of the two heating coils. In this case, all eight sensors corresponding to the two heating coils may detect the container, or only four adjacent sensors may detect the container. In this case, the cooking appliance may be configured to operate the two heating coils at the same rate. On the other hand, if two sensors detect the container in the left block and four sensors detect it in the right block, the right heating coil may be configured to operate at 100%, while the left heating coil may be configured to operate at only 50% of the rate compared to the right heating coil.

[0216] For example, if a large container is positioned to cover the nine heating coils on the left, all four sensors around the heating coil at the bottom center of the container will output information indicating the presence of the container, and the four sensors for each of the eight surrounding heating coils may output only three detection sensors or two detection sensors depending on the case. Based on these output values, the cooking device can determine the central position and size of the cooking container.

[0217] And for operation, the heating coil corresponding to the center of the cooking vessel can be determined to operate at 100%, and the eight surrounding heating coils can be determined to operate at 80%.

[0218] This method of operation is just one example, and when implementing it, it may be applied differently from the method described above depending on the number of heating coils, the type and strength of the cooking vessel, etc.

[0219] FIG. 7 is a drawing for illustrating an example of display of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 7, the control panel can display an image corresponding to a cooking vessel located on the cooking area. In the illustrated image, the sizes of the two vessels are shown to be similar, but in implementation, the size of the displayed image may be changed according to the size of the cooking vessel.

[0221] In addition, when implementing, the type of cooking vessel may be identified, and an image (or shape) corresponding to the identified type of cooking vessel may be displayed. For example, in the illustrated example, the control panel displayed two cooking vessels in a circular shape, but when implementing, it may be displayed in a shape (pot or frying pan) corresponding to the actual cooking vessel.

[0222] In addition, intensity information applied to each cooking vessel may be displayed within the displayed image. For example, in the illustrated example, it is indicated that if the left cooking vessel is being heated at an intensity of 2, the right vessel is being heated at an intensity of 3. Meanwhile, in implementation, it may also be displayed as a ratio such as 0 to 100%.

[0223] In this state, if the user wants to change the heating level of the left cooking container, the user can select an image corresponding to the left cooking container.

[0224] When such an image is selected, the control panel may display a control window. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0225]

[0226] FIG. 8 is a drawing for illustrating an example of display of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0227] Referring to Fig. 8, a control window is shown when the user selects one of the displayed images.

[0228] For example, the user interface window (800) includes an image corresponding to each cooking container and a control window (810) for receiving intensity control for the container selected by the user. This control window may have the form of a slide bar as illustrated. In implementation, a number window for directly receiving numerical values ​​or arrows may be displayed.

[0229] Meanwhile, although the illustrated example shows the cooking container information and the control window being displayed together, when a cooking container is selected, only the control window may be displayed.

[0230] Meanwhile, although the illustrated example described adjusting the intensity through a control panel, the intensity can be adjusted via voice commands during implementation. However, when the intensity is input via voice commands, it is difficult to specify the cooking container, unlike in the illustrated case.

[0231] To identify cooking vessels, an index number corresponding to each cooking vessel can be displayed when a voice command is activated. That is, although it was explained in the previous drawing that the intensity of each cooking vessel is displayed numerically, when a voice command is input, the control panel can display each cooking vessel with a special index added.

[0232] In this case, the index can be a number or an alphabet. This makes it easier for the user to identify the cooking container. For example, if the user activates a voice command, the cooking device can display the letter A inside the left container and the letter B inside the right container.

[0233] At this time, the user may input, "Raise the temperature of container A a little!" In this case, the cooking device (100) recognizes that it is a temperature control command for the left cooking container and may respond, "I will raise the temperature of container A from 2 to 3." Such a response may be output as sound through a speaker and may also be displayed on the control panel described above.

[0234] In this way, each cooking container can be selected and control can be performed on each cooking container, allowing the user to freely place cooking containers within the cooking area without restrictions on their location or number.

[0235]

[0236] FIG. 9 is a drawing for illustrating an example of display of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 9 is an example of a user interface window (900) that can be displayed on a control panel when the temperature of the cooking appliance is high.

[0237] Since cooking vessels operate at high temperatures, the area where the vessel was located may remain dangerous for a certain period of time even after the cooking process is complete.

[0238] In particular, a person who has not cooked may touch the area without thinking that it is hot at all if the cooking container is not located there.

[0239] Therefore, if the cooking area exceeds a preset temperature, the cooking area can display a warning message indicating that the temperature is high.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 9, the user interface window (900) may divide the cooking area into multiple areas (910, 920, 930) rather than the entire area, and may display the temperature status for each area separately.

[0241] In addition to passively displaying the temperature status, the cooking appliance can check the proximity of a user through proximity sensors, etc.

[0242] In addition, as described above, when the temperature exceeds a preset level and the proximity of a user is detected, the cooking device may output a sound indicating that the upper part of the cooking area is at a high temperature.

[0243] Meanwhile, the operation of FIG. 9 as described above may be displayed only when there is no cooking vessel within the cooking area. Alternatively, if there is a cooking vessel in at least one area but no cooking vessel in the remaining areas, the area containing the cooking vessel may display information about the cooking vessel as described above, and the remaining areas may display the temperature status of the area as shown in FIG. 9.

[0244] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an early device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0245] Referring to FIG. 10, the position of a cooking vessel can be determined based on the output of a plurality of sensors placed around each of a plurality of heating coils (1010). At this time, the cooking device can also determine the size of the cooking vessel based on the output of the plurality of sensors.

[0246] When it is confirmed that a cooking container is located on the upper part of the cooking appliance, information corresponding to the location of the confirmed cooking container can be displayed (1020). For example, an image corresponding to the size of the confirmed cooking container can be displayed at a screen location corresponding to the location of the confirmed cooking container within the screen displayed by the cooking appliance.

[0247] If a cooking command is entered for the corresponding cooking vessel or if a heating operation is in progress for the corresponding cooking vessel, information regarding the heating status (or degree of heating) applied to the corresponding cooking vessel can also be displayed.

[0248] At this time, when the user selects one of the images displayed on the display, a control window for adjusting the heating intensity to be applied to the cooking vessel corresponding to the displayed image may be displayed. Here, the control window may be a slide-type window for selecting the heating intensity in the range of 0 to 100% (or 0 to 5 levels) or a window for directly inputting a numerical value.

[0249] In addition, the home appliance can change the setting value for at least one heating coil corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel based on intensity information received from the control window. For example, if a user selects a heating intensity through the control window described above, the cooking appliance can control the operation of the heating coil in response to the received heating intensity. The heating intensity displayed on the control panel can be changed to the input intensity value.

[0250] When a control command for a specific cooking vessel is input from a user, the home appliance can identify a plurality of heating coils corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel among a plurality of heating coils based on the output of a plurality of sensors.

[0251] In addition, the operating ratio of each identified heating coil can be determined based on the sensor output around the identified heating coil. Furthermore, the identified heating coils can be controlled based on the heating level input by the user and the determined operating ratio.

[0252] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, if four sensors are positioned around a heating coil, it is determined that the heating coil operates at 100% capacity when all four sensors around the heating coil detect a cooking vessel, it operates at 50% capacity when two or more sensors detect a cooking vessel, and it operates at 25% capacity when one or more sensors detect a cooking vessel. Such operation methods and values ​​are examples and can be applied in various ways during implementation.

[0253] And it can be identified whether the location of the identified cooking vessel is placed in the outer region of the cooking device (1030). Here, the outer region may be the area between the outermost heating coil among the plurality of heating coils and the outer region of the cooking device. Thus, the cooking device can identify not only whether the center location of the identified cooking vessel is located in the outer region, but also whether some region of the cooking vessel is located in the outer region.

[0254] If a cooking vessel is placed in an outer area (1030-Y), a message guiding the relocation may be displayed. Such a message may be displayed on the aforementioned control panel or output as a separate sound notification. Additionally, if it is confirmed that the vessel is placed in an outer area, the input of control commands for that cooking vessel may be disabled.

[0255] Meanwhile, although it was explained above that the control command is disabled when the initial cooking container is placed in the outer area, this behavior can also be applied when a cooking command is executed.

[0256] For example, if a user places a cooking vessel in an inner area and enters a cooking command, the user may move within that inner area; in this case, the cooking vessel may change the heating coil to operate in accordance with the movement. On the other hand, if the aforementioned movement involves a part of the cooking vessel being placed in an outer area, the heating operation for that cooking vessel may be immediately stopped, and a notification may be displayed.

[0257] Meanwhile, even when the cooking operation is completed and the cooking container is removed from the top of the cooking appliance through the process described above, the control panel can identify an area within the cooking zone where the cooking container is not currently located but the temperature is above a preset temperature, and display a high temperature state in an area corresponding to the identified high temperature area within the screen of the cooking appliance.

[0258] In addition to passively displaying this on the control panel, if a specific cooking area exceeds a certain temperature or if the user approaches the cooking area, a sound message warning of high temperature in the cooking area can also be output.

[0259] The control method for the cooking appliance described above enables appropriate operation regardless of where the user places it, thereby enhancing user convenience. Additionally, safety is increased by providing notifications or restricting cooking operations when a cooking container is located in the outer area.

[0260] Meanwhile, methods according to at least some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented in the form of an application that can be installed on an existing electronic device.

[0261] In addition, methods according to at least some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented by software upgrades or hardware upgrades alone for existing electronic devices.

[0262] In addition, methods according to at least some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may also be performed through an embedded server equipped in an electronic device, or through at least one external server among the electronic devices.

[0263] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software including instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (A)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium.

[0264] Here, 'non-transient storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily on the storage medium. For example, a 'non-transient storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily. According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). For online distribution, at least a portion of a computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0265] Various embodiments of the present disclosure according to the claims and detailed description may be implemented through hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0266] Such software may be stored on a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (or software modules), and one or more computer programs may include computer-executable instructions that cause an electronic device to perform a method of initiation when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors of an electronic device.

[0267] Any such software may be stored, for example, in a storage device such as ROM, volatile or non-volatile storage device, regardless of whether it is erasable or rewritable, or in memory such as RAM, memory chip, device or IC, or on an optical or magnetic readable medium such as a CD, DVD, magnetic disk, or magnetic tape. The storage device and storage medium may be various embodiments of a non-transient machine-readable storage medium suitable for storing a computer program containing instructions that implement various embodiments of the disclosure when executed. Accordingly, various embodiments may provide a program containing code for implementing an apparatus or method described in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transient machine-readable storage device for storing such program.

[0268] Although the contents of this disclosure have been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, they shall be understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, and it is understood that various forms and details may be modified without departing from the essence of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

Regarding cooking appliances, A control panel including an input device for receiving control commands for controlling the above-mentioned cooking device and a display for displaying a cooking area; Multiple heating coils operating by induction heating; A plurality of sensors disposed in each of the plurality of heating coils; and Includes one or more processors that execute at least one instruction; and The above one or more processors, A cooking device that determines the position of a cooking vessel based on the output of the plurality of sensors, controls the control panel to display information corresponding to the determined position of the cooking vessel, and, when it is determined that the determined position of the cooking vessel is placed in the outer area of ​​the cooking device, controls the control panel to output a message guiding the position change. In paragraph 1, The above outer region is, It is an area between the outermost heating coil among the plurality of heating coils and the outer edge of the cooking device, and The above one or more processors, A cooking device that controls the control panel to indicate a position change when it is confirmed that some areas of the above-identified cooking containers are located in the above-identified outer area. In paragraph 1, The above one or more processors, A cooking device that controls a control panel to determine the size of a cooking vessel based on the output of a plurality of sensors, and to display a user interface window including an image corresponding to the size of the cooking vessel at a screen position corresponding to the position of the determined cooking vessel within the screen displayed by the control panel. In paragraph 3, The above one or more processors, A cooking device that controls the control panel to display a control window for adjusting the heating intensity to be applied to a cooking vessel corresponding to the displayed image when the above-mentioned image is selected. In paragraph 4, The above one or more processors, A cooking device that changes a setting value for at least one heating coil corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel based on intensity information received from the control window. In paragraph 3, The above user interface window is, A cooking device comprising image objects corresponding to the above cooking container, wherein each of the image objects has a size corresponding to the above cooking container and displays a heating intensity value applied to the above cooking container. In paragraph 1, The above one or more processors, A cooking device that identifies a plurality of heating coils corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel among the plurality of heating coils based on the output of the plurality of sensors, and determines the operating ratio of each of the identified heating coils based on the sensor output around the identified heating coils. In Paragraph 7, The above one or more processors, A cooking device that controls the identified heating coil based on the heating degree received from the user and the determined operation ratio. In paragraph 1, Includes additional speakers, A cooking device that controls the speaker to output the above message as voice. In paragraph 1, The above one or more processors, A cooking device that identifies an area within a cooking zone where a cooking vessel is not currently located but the temperature is above a preset temperature, and controls the control panel to display a high temperature state in an area corresponding to the identified high temperature area within the display screen of the control panel. A control method for a cooking appliance comprising a plurality of heating coils operating by an induction heating method and a plurality of sensors disposed on each of the plurality of heating coils, A step of determining the position of the cooking container based on the output of the plurality of sensors; A step of displaying information corresponding to the location of the cooking container identified above; A step of identifying whether the location of the above-mentioned confirmed cooking vessel is placed in the outer area of ​​the cooking appliance; and A control method comprising the step of outputting a message guiding positional movement when the above cooking container is placed in an outer area. In Paragraph 11, The above outer region is, It is an area between the outermost heating coil among the plurality of heating coils and the outer edge of the cooking device, and The above identification step is, A control method for identifying whether some areas of the above-identified cooking containers are located in the above-mentioned outer area. In Paragraph 11, The above verification step is, Based on the output of the above plurality of sensors, the size of the cooking vessel is determined, and The step indicated above is, A control method for displaying a user interface window including an image corresponding to the size of the identified cooking container at a screen position corresponding to the location of the identified cooking container within the screen. In Paragraph 13, A control method further comprising the step of displaying a control window for adjusting the heating intensity to be applied to a cooking vessel corresponding to the displayed image when the above-mentioned image is selected. In one or more computer-readable recording media storing one or more computer programs comprising computer-executable instructions that cause the cooking device to perform a control method when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor of the cooking device, The above control method is, A step of determining the position of a cooking vessel based on the output of a plurality of sensors arranged in each of a plurality of heating coils operating by an induction heating method; A step of displaying information corresponding to the location of the cooking container identified above; A step of identifying whether the location of the above-mentioned confirmed cooking vessel is placed in the outer area of ​​the cooking appliance; and A computer-readable recording medium comprising the step of outputting a message guiding positional movement when the above-mentioned cooking container is placed in an outer area.

Images