JP7691282B2 - heating cooker - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a cooking device.

Wireless communication may be used to connect to a network. Patent Document 1 describes one type of connection method to an access point. Specifically, the access point disclosed in Patent Document 1 connects to a wired LAN and an external wireless LAN terminal based on a predetermined wireless LAN standard. The barcode reader of the access point includes an LED element, a phototransistor, and a decoder. Normally, the LED element displays the operating status of the access point. When reading a barcode, the LED element blinks at a predetermined frequency. The phototransistor receives the light reflected from the barcode of the LED element and converts it into an electrical signal. The decoder decodes the barcode based on the electrical signal from the phototransistor. When reading a barcode, the barcode reader acquires first ID data from the barcode attached to the external wireless LAN terminal. When a connection request is made from a wireless LAN terminal, the access point acquires the MAC address and second ID data sent from the wireless LAN terminal along with the connection request. The access point determines whether the first ID data and the second ID data match. If it is determined that the first ID data and the second ID data match, the access point distributes an encryption key to be used for encrypting data to the wireless LAN terminal and registers the acquired MAC address.

Patent No. 4606071

When connecting to a network via a wireless communication access point (base station), the cooking appliance needs to be authenticated by the access point. Also, for the cooking appliance to obtain data from a server on the network, the information for connecting to the access point may not be enough. Conventionally, a portable communication device such as a smartphone is used to set up wireless communication in a cooking appliance. For example, a user downloads a setting application and installs it on the portable communication device. Following the display and instructions based on the application, the user repeatedly manually inputs information for wireless communication into the portable communication device. The access point and cooking appliance are set up based on the manually input information. However, the series of information input and setting tasks using a portable communication device is time-consuming. Some people are not good at setting up using a portable communication device.

One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a cooking device that does not require complicated button operations, can set up a wireless communication connection even without a mobile communication device, and allows easy communication settings.

A cooking device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a heating chamber having a storage space in which an object to be heated can be placed, a door for opening and closing the heating chamber, a wireless communication unit, a reader having an imaging unit for reading a code into which information has been converted, and a connection execution unit that, when the code read by the reader includes connection setting information, causes the wireless communication unit to communicate with a wireless base device as an access point and establishes a connection between the wireless communication unit and the wireless base device based on the connection setting information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooking device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooking device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooking device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reader according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interlocking device according to an embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of a rotation process of an imaging unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of code-based communication settings in the cooking device according to the embodiment.

One embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For example, the cooking device 1 is a microwave oven. Note that in the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals.

(Heating cooker 1)
First, an example of a cooking device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 are diagrams showing an example of a cooking device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example of a state in which the door 101 is closed. Fig. 2 shows an example of a state in which the door 101 is open.

In the following description, directions may be described using a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system (XYZ coordinate system) as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the following description, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction of the cooker 1 when viewed from the front (front) of the cooker 1 placed on a horizontal surface. The +X direction is the right side of the cooker 1, and the -X direction is the left side. The Y-axis direction is the front-rear direction of the cooker 1 when viewed from the front of the cooker 1 placed on a horizontal surface. The +Y direction is the back side of the cooker 1, and the -Y direction is the front side. The Z-axis direction is the up-down direction of the cooker 1 when viewed from the front of the cooker 1 placed on a horizontal surface. The +Z direction is the upper side of the cooker 1, and the -Z direction is the lower side. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are perpendicular to each other, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other, and the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other.

Note that left and right, front and back, top and bottom, left side, right side, front side, rear side, upper side, and lower side are names used to explain the relative positional relationships of each part. The actual positional relationships may be different from those indicated by these names.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a door 101 is disposed on the front side (-Y direction side) of the cooking device 1 and below the operation panel 14 (-Z direction side). The door 101 is a door for opening and closing a heating chamber 201. The heating chamber 201 has a storage space 202, and an object to be heated is placed inside the heating chamber 201. The heating chamber 201 is disposed inside the cooking device 1 and on the rear side (+Y direction side) of the closed door 101. In the example of Figure 2, the storage space 202 is a rectangular parallelepiped space. The object to be heated is, for example, food or ingredients.

The door 101 can be opened and closed. A rotation axis is provided on the left side (-X direction side) of the front of the cooking device 1. The rotation axis is not visible in Figs. 1 and 2. The rotation axis extends in the Z-axis direction. A handle 102 is provided on the door 101 for opening and closing. When the door 101 is closed, the door 101 covers the front opening of the heating chamber 201. This closes the heating chamber 201 and the storage space. When the door 101 is opened, the front opening of the heating chamber 201 is exposed. The object to be heated can be put in and taken out of the storage space. Figs. 1 and 2 show an example of the door 101 that opens sideways when the +X direction side of the door 101 is pulled. The door 101 may be of a type that opens sideways when the -X direction side is pulled. The door 101 may also be of a type that opens sideways when the -X direction side is pulled. The door 101 may also be of a type that has a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction and opens vertically when pulled down toward the user.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cooking device 1 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, an open/close detection sensor 13, an operation panel 14, a heating unit 15, a reader 40, an interlocking device 50, and a wireless communication unit 16.

The control unit 11 includes a control circuit 11a. The control circuit 11a may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). For example, the cooking device 1 includes a RAM and a flash ROM as the memory 12. The control circuit 11a executes a program stored in the memory 12 to operate as the control unit 11. The control circuit 11a also receives detection information from each sensor and performs various controls.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 includes a connection execution unit 11b, a registration execution unit 11c, and a heating restriction unit 11d. The processes performed by the connection execution unit 11b, the registration execution unit 11c, and the heating restriction unit 11d will be described later. The connection execution unit 11b, the registration execution unit 11c, and the heating restriction unit 11d are functionally realized by the control circuit 11a executing a program stored in the memory 12. The control unit 11 may include a circuit that performs the processing of the connection execution unit 11b, a circuit that performs the processing of the registration execution unit 11c, or a circuit that performs the processing of the heating restriction unit 11d.

The operation panel 14 accepts setting operations from the user. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the operation panel 14 is provided on the front side (-Y direction side) and upper side (+Z direction side) of the cooking appliance 1. The operation panel 14 has a number of setting buttons 14a. The cooking appliance 1 can be set by operating the setting buttons 14a. For example, the heating time and the heating output wattage can be set. The operation panel 14 also has a display panel 14b. For example, the display panel 14b is a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The control unit 11 controls the display of the display panel 14b.

The operation panel 14 also includes a read control button 14c for switching the reader 40 on and off. When the reader 40 is not operating and the read control button 14c is operated (pressed), the control unit 11 starts the operation of the reader 40. When the reader 40 is operating and the read control button 14c is operated, the control unit 11 stops the operation of the reader 40.

The open/close detection sensor 13 is a sensor that detects whether the door 101 is open or closed. For example, the open/close detection sensor 13 may be a push switch. For example, the open/close detection sensor 13 has a protrusion that is movable in the Y-axis direction and biased in the -Y direction. When the door 101 is closed, the protrusion is pushed into the door 101, and the open/close detection sensor 13 outputs a first level. When the door 101 is opened, the protrusion protrudes, and the open/close detection sensor 13 outputs a second level. Of the high level and the low level, the first level is one of them, and the second level is the other of them. The output of the open/close detection sensor 13 is input to the control unit 11. Based on the output of the open/close detection sensor 13, the control unit 11 recognizes (detects) whether the door 101 is open or closed. Note that the open/close detection sensor 13 is not limited to a push switch. The open/close detection sensor 13 may be any sensor whose output level changes depending on whether the door 101 is open or closed.

The heating unit 15 heats the food placed in the heating chamber 201. For example, the heating unit 15 includes a microwave output device. The microwave output device is, for example, a magnetron. That is, the heating unit 15 heats the object to be heated by electromagnetic waves. The heating unit 15 may also include a heater that generates superheated steam at 100 degrees Celsius or higher, and a blower that sends the superheated steam to the object to be heated.

The wireless communication unit 16 communicates with an access point (base station). In this description, a wireless communication device that functions as an access point is referred to as a wireless base station device 6. The wireless communication unit 16 and the wireless base station device 6 perform wireless communication in accordance with, for example, the IEEE802.11 standard (wireless LAN standard). For example, the wireless communication unit 16 includes a communication control circuit, a communication memory, and an antenna for performing wireless LAN communication.

On the other hand, the wireless base device 6 includes a communication control circuit, a communication memory, and an antenna. The wireless base device 6 is, for example, a wireless LAN router. The wireless base device 6 may also be a repeater connected to a router. The wireless base device 6 is connected to a wide area network 7 such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly. The wireless communication unit 16 can connect to the network 7 via the wireless base device 6. The wireless communication unit 16 can access the network 7 via the wireless base device 6 and communicate with the server 8. The wireless communication unit 16 can download data from the server 8. The wireless communication unit 16 can also upload data to the server 8.

For example, the server 8 includes a server processing unit 81, a server storage unit 82, and a server communication unit 83. The server processing unit 81 has a processor. The server storage unit 82 is a large-capacity storage device (storage). The server storage unit 82 may be either an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or both. For example, the server storage unit 82 may store multiple cooking menu data for the cooking appliance 1. The cooking menu data is data that defines the setting values of setting items related to cooking. For example, the cooking menu data for a stew defines the setting values related to heating so that a stew is prepared when the data is executed.

For example, the server communication unit 83 includes a communication control circuit, a communication memory, and a communication interface. The server communication unit 83 communicates with the cooking appliance 1 via the network 7 and the wireless base station device 6.

(Reader 40)
Next, an example of the reader 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the reader 40 according to the embodiment.

For example, the reader 40 is a module that combines multiple circuits and multiple components. For example, the reader 40 includes a processing circuit 41, a reader memory 42, an imaging unit 43, a lamp 44, and a communication interface 45. The reader 40 is capable of reading two-dimensional codes. For example, the reader 40 is capable of reading QR codes (registered trademark). The reader 40 may also be capable of reading two-dimensional codes other than QR codes. That is, the code may be a QR code. The code may be a two-dimensional code other than QR codes. The reader 40 may also be capable of reading barcodes (one-dimensional codes). That is, the code may be a barcode.

The processing circuit 41 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The processing circuit 41 controls the operation of the reader memory 42, the imaging unit 43, the lamp 44, and the communication interface 45. The reader 40 may include a RAM and a flash ROM as the reader memory 42.

The imaging unit 43 reads the code into which the information has been converted. For example, the imaging unit 43 is a camera that reads the code. The imaging unit 43 includes, for example, an image sensor 46 and an image signal processing circuit 47. The imaging unit 43 may also include a lens that allows light to enter the image sensor 46. The image sensor 46 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. The image sensor 46 is a two-dimensional image sensor in which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged two-dimensionally. The image sensor 46 can capture an area. The image signal processing circuit 47 processes an analog image signal output from the photoelectric conversion elements. For example, the image signal processing circuit 47 performs analog-to-digital conversion of the analog image signal to generate image data. When the reader 40 is in an on state, the processing circuit 41 causes the imaging unit 43 to capture an image at a predetermined cycle. The image signal processing circuit 47 generates one page of image data of the area at a predetermined cycle.

The processing circuit 41 may display the generated image data on the display panel 14b. In this case, the processing circuit 41 sends the generated image data to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 causes the display panel 14b to perform a display based on the received image data. In other words, the cooking device 1 may be equipped with a display panel 14b that displays an image based on image data obtained based on reading by the imaging unit 43. This allows the image content captured by the imaging unit 43 to be displayed on the display panel 14b. The user can visually confirm the image content.

The processing circuit 41 analyzes the generated image data and determines whether it contains a code. For example, the processing circuit 41 determines whether the image data contains a symbol (position detection pattern, finder pattern) defined in the code standard. When the symbol is included, the processing circuit 41 recognizes that the image data contains a code. The processing circuit 41 also recognizes the code area in the image data. Then, the processing circuit 41 decodes based on the dot pattern of the recognized code area. The reader memory 42 stores the decoding program 48 in a non-volatile manner. The processing circuit 41 decodes the code based on the decoding program 48. This causes the information converted into the code to be decoded. The processing circuit 41 obtains the information embedded in the code. The processing circuit 41 transmits the decoded information to the control unit 11 (control circuit 11a).

The memory 12 stores the setting value (current setting value) of the cooking to be performed. For example, when the decoded information includes a heating time value, the control unit 11 sets the heating time setting value to the heating time value obtained by decoded. When the decoded information includes an output wattage value of the microwave output device, the control unit 11 sets the heating output setting value to the output wattage value of the decoded information. When the decoded information includes a heating temperature value, the control unit 11 sets the heating temperature setting value to the heating temperature value of the decoded information. The control unit 11 changes the current setting value of the memory 12 to the setting value described in the decoded information. The contents stored in the memory 12 can be changed automatically. In other words, the cooking setting value can be set just by reading the code.

For example, a QR code that converts the recommended heating time and output wattage value may be printed on the packaging of the frozen food. By simply reading the QR code on the packaging, the heating time and output wattage value suitable for cooking the frozen food can be set without operating the operation panel 14.

The reader 40 may also include a notification unit. For example, the notification unit is either a light-emitting element or a speaker, or both. For example, the light-emitting element is an LED. When the processing circuit 41 recognizes that a code has been read and decodes the code information, it may turn on the light-emitting element of the notification unit for a predetermined period of time. Also, when the processing circuit 41 recognizes that a code has been read and decodes the code information, it may cause the speaker to play a predetermined notification sound.

The lamp 44 emits light when electricity is applied. For example, the lamp 44 is an LED. The lamp 44 may be a light-emitting element other than an LED. The processing circuit 41 controls the turning on and off of the lamp 44. The lamp 44 illuminates the imaging range of the imaging unit 43. The light emitted by the lamp 44 and reflected by the object being imaged is incident on the imaging unit 43.

The communication interface 45 has a circuit for communicating with the control unit 11 (control circuit 11a). When the reading control button 14c is operated to start the operation of the reader 40, the control circuit 11a instructs the start of reading. The communication interface 45 receives this instruction. Based on this instruction, the processing circuit 41 causes the imaging unit 43 to start imaging and starts processing the image data. When the reading control button 14c is operated to stop the operation of the reader 40, the control circuit 11a instructs the stop of reading. The communication interface 45 receives this instruction. Based on this instruction, the processing circuit 41 causes the imaging unit 43 to stop the imaging operation.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the reader 40 is provided on the front side of the cooking device 1. The reader 40 may have a case in the shape of a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped. When the door 101 is open, the -Y direction face (front face) and the -Z direction face (bottom face) of the reader 40 (case) are exposed to the outside. When the door 101 is closed, only the -Y direction face of the reader 40 is exposed to the outside. The processing circuit 41, the reader memory 42, the imaging unit 43, the lamp 44, and the communication interface 45 may be housed in the case. In this case, a hole may be provided in the case to allow light to enter the light receiving surface of the image sensor 46. Also, a part of the lamp 44 may be exposed from the case to emit light.

(Interlocking device 50)
Next, an example of the interlocking device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the interlocking device 50 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a rotation process of the imaging unit 43 according to the embodiment.

The interlocking device 50 rotates the reader 40. That is, the interlocking device 50 rotates the imaging unit 43. For example, the interlocking device 50 includes a motor 51 and a gear (not shown) that transmits the drive. An imaging rotation shaft 52 is attached to the imaging unit 43. The imaging rotation shaft 52 extends in the X-axis direction (left-right direction). The motor 51 rotates the imaging rotation shaft 52. The rotation of the motor 51 and the imaging rotation shaft 52 causes the reader 40 to rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction of the imaging rotation shaft 52. That is, the imaging unit 43 has a variable imaging direction. The imaging range and imaging direction of the imaging unit 43 can be moved. Since the imaging range and imaging direction are not fixed, the imaging range and imaging direction can be changed to make it easier to read the code.

Specifically, when the door 101 is open, the control unit 11 rotates the imaging unit 43 in the interlocking device 50 so that the imaging direction is more downward than when the door 101 is closed. When the door 101 is closed, the control unit 11 rotates the imaging unit 43 in the interlocking device 50 so that the imaging direction is more upward than when the door 101 is open. As a result, when the door 101 is closed, holding a code over the imaging unit 43 facing upward allows the code to be read. For example, when a code unrelated to cooking is to be read, the code can be read without opening the door 101.

On the other hand, when the door 101 is open, the imaging range and imaging direction can be set downward. This allows the imaging unit 43 to read the code when it is positioned below the reader 40. This makes it easier to read the code attached to the object to be heated placed in the storage space. The imaging unit 43 can be automatically rotated according to whether the door 101 is open or closed. In other words, the angle of the imaging unit 43 can be automatically adjusted to an angle that makes it easy to read the code.

An example of the rotation process of the imaging unit 43 will be described using FIG. 6. The start of FIG. 6 is the point at which the operation of the reader 40 is started by operating the reading control button 14c. The process of FIG. 6 continues until the operation of the reader 40 is stopped by operating the reading control button 14c. First, in step S601, the control unit 11 checks whether the door 101 is open or not based on the output of the open/close detection sensor 13.

When the door 101 is open, in step S602, the control unit 11 rotates the imaging unit 43 via the interlocking device 50 to set the imaging range and imaging direction of the imaging unit 43 downward (-Z direction). The imaging unit 43 assumes a posture (angle) that makes it easy to image the heating object placed in the heating chamber 201. Then, in step S603, the control unit 11 starts turning on the lamp 44.

After step S603, in step S604, the control unit 11 checks whether the door 101 is closed based on the output of the open/close detection sensor 13. While the door 101 is open, the control unit 11 continues to check whether the door 101 is closed.

When the door 101 is closed in step S601, or when the door 101 is closed in step S604, the control unit 11 performs step S605. In step S605, the control unit 11 sets the light level of the lamp 44 to the level when the door 101 is closed. When the door 101 is closed, the control unit 11 reduces the light level of the lamp 44 compared to when the door 101 is open. In this case, the control unit 11 may instruct the processing circuit 41 to turn off the lamp 44. Based on this instruction, the processing circuit 41 turns off the lamp 44. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may give an instruction to the processing circuit 41 to reduce the light level to a level that is not dazzling.

Then, in step S606, the control unit 11 rotates the imaging unit 43 to the interlocking device 50, and the imaging range and imaging direction of the imaging unit 43 face forward (-Y direction). For example, the imaging unit 43 assumes a posture (angle) that captures an image of an object held over the front side of the cooking appliance 1.

That is, the cooking device 1 includes a lamp 44 that irradiates light toward the imaging range of the imaging unit 43 when the door 101 is open. When the door 101 is closed, the lamp 44 irradiates less light than when the door 101 is open. This allows the light intensity of the lamp 44 to be reduced when the imaging range and imaging direction are facing forward. This prevents strong light from entering the user's eyes. The light intensity of the lamp 44 is automatically adjusted so as not to be dazzling. On the other hand, when light is irradiated toward the lower side (-Z direction side) of the cooking device 1, the light intensity of the lamp 44 automatically increases. Because it faces downward, the user is not dazzled even if the light intensity is increased. Also, even if the inside of the heating chamber 201 is dark, a brightly illuminated imaging target can be imaged. In other words, the imaging target can be illuminated so that the code can be imaged.

In step S607, the control unit 11 checks whether the door 101 has been opened based on the output of the open/close detection sensor 13. While the door 101 remains closed, the control unit 11 continues to check whether the door 101 has been opened. When the door 101 has been opened, the control unit 11 performs step S602.

In the cooking device 1, the imaging unit 43 is disposed on the front side of the cooking device 1 and on the upper side of the storage space 202. When the door 101 is open, the interlocking device 50 rotates the imaging unit 43 to a position where the imaging unit 43 images the lower surface of the inner wall surface of the heating chamber 201. On the other hand, when the door 101 is closed, the interlocking device 50 rotates the imaging unit 43 to a position where the imaging unit 43 images parallel to the front-rear direction of the cooking device 1 and in a direction from the back to the front. This allows the imaging unit 43 to be fixed at an angle where the cord (subject) on the front side of the cooking device 1 is imaged when the door 101 is closed. Also, when the door 101 is open, the imaging unit 43 can be fixed at an angle where the heating object in the heating chamber 201 can be imaged.

(Setting up code-based communications)
Next, an example of settings for communication based on a code will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of settings for communication based on a code in the cooking appliance 1 according to the embodiment.

By receiving authentication from the wireless base device 6, a connection between the wireless communication unit 16 and the wireless base device 6 can be established. By establishing a connection with the wireless base device 6, the wireless communication unit 16 can connect to the network 7. A number of pieces of information are required to establish a connection. Hereinafter, the information for receiving authentication from the wireless base device 6 and establishing a connection is referred to as connection setting information i1. The connection setting information i1 includes, for example, an identification name (ID information) and a password (network key) of the wireless base device 6. For example, the identification name is an SSID.

By establishing a connection with the wireless base device 6 and connecting to the network 7, the wireless communication unit 16 can transmit and receive data to and from the server 8. For example, the wireless communication unit 16 can obtain cooking menu data from the server 8. The wireless communication unit 16 can also transmit information related to the maintenance of the cooking appliance 1 to the server 8. The information related to maintenance is, for example, the operating time of the cooking appliance 1.

The server 8 provides various services. It is necessary to know and manage the devices that receive the services. Therefore, in order to receive the services, it is necessary to register the device with the server 8. Once registration with the server 8 is complete, the wireless communication unit 16 can obtain the data stored in the server 8. The server 8 also stores and accumulates information related to maintenance sent from the registered devices.

Hereinafter, information for registering the cooking appliance 1 to the server 8 will be referred to as device registration information i2. The device registration information i2 is, for example, the address and password of the server 8. The device registration information i2 may also include information for accessing other servers 8.

The reader 40 can read the code converted from the connection setting information i1 to establish a connection between the cooking appliance 1 and the wireless base device 6. The reader 40 can also read the code converted from the device registration information i2 to register the cooking appliance 1 in the server 8.

The code to be read by the reader 40 is prepared in advance. The reader 40 may read the code displayed on a display device. The display device may be a device capable of wireless communication and equipped with a display and an input device. For example, the display device may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a notebook PC. The input device may be, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. The code may also be printed in advance. The reader 40 may read a code printed on paper.

Both the connection setting information i1 and the device registration information i2 may be converted together to generate a single code. Also, a code obtained by converting the connection setting information i1 and a code obtained by converting the device registration information i2 may be prepared separately.

(1) When both connection setting information i1 and device registration information i2 are combined A code combining both pieces of information may be displayed on the display device. For example, the user establishes communication between the display device and the wireless base device 6 to which the cooking appliance 1 is connected. This establishment causes the display device to collect and recognize the connection setting information i1. Furthermore, the user causes the display device to access the server 8 that registers the cooking appliance 1. This access causes the display device to collect and recognize the device registration information i2. The input device accepts an instruction to generate a code. The display device may store a code creation application. When this instruction is given, the display device generates a code by converting the connection setting information i1 and the device registration information i2. The display device displays the generated code on the display. The reader 40 may read the displayed code.

The user may also use an information processing device to edit both the connection setting information i1 and the device registration information i2. For example, the information processing device may be a PC. The information processing device may store a code creation application. The information processing device generates a code by converting the edited information. The information processing device causes a printing device to print the generated code. The reader 40 may read the printed code.

(2) When a code obtained by converting the connection setting information i1 and a code obtained by converting the device registration information i2 are prepared separately For example, when a code including only the connection setting information i1 is to be displayed on the display device, the user establishes communication between the display device and the wireless base device 6 to which the cooking appliance 1 is to be connected. Through this establishment, the display device collects and recognizes the connection setting information i1. Then, when the input device receives an instruction to generate a code for the connection setting information i1, the display device generates a code obtained by converting the connection setting information i1. The display device displays the generated code on the display. The reader 40 may read the code for the displayed connection setting information i1.

When a code including only the device registration information i2 is to be displayed on the display device, the user causes the display device to access the server 8 that registers the cooking appliance 1. Through this access, the display device collects and recognizes the device registration information i2. Then, when the input device receives an instruction to generate a code for the device registration information i2, the display device generates a code that converts the device registration information i2. The display device displays the generated code on the display. The reader 40 may read the code for the displayed device registration information i2.

In addition, the wireless base device 6 may be provided with a printed matter of a code converted from the connection setting information i1, such as an SSID or a password. For example, a QR code sticker may be provided. The reader 40 may read the printed matter of the code. In addition, if the display device has a camera, it may take a picture of the printed matter of the code provided on the wireless base device 6 and cause the display device to display an image of the code obtained by photographing it. The reader 40 may then read the photographed code displayed by the display device. In this manner as well, the cooking appliance 1 can obtain the connection setting information i1.

In addition, a printed matter of a code converted from the device registration information i2 may be attached to the cooking appliance 1. Alternatively, the code converted from the device registration information i2 may be printed on the instruction manual for the cooking appliance 1 or on the packaging box. The reader 40 may then read the printed matter of the code of the device registration information i2. In this manner as well, the cooking appliance 1 can obtain the device registration information i2.

The above describes an example of a method for preparing the codes for the connection setting information i1 and the device registration information i2. The method for preparing the codes for each piece of information is not limited to the above. The codes for each piece of information may be prepared using other methods.

Next, an example of the flow of setting up wireless communication will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Before the start of FIG. 7, the operation of the reader 40 has begun. Then, the reader 40 (imaging unit 43) reads the code that is held up. Then, the start of FIG. 7 is the point at which the control unit 11 recognizes that the information obtained by decoding the code includes connection setting information i1.

First, in step S701, when establishing a connection with the wireless base device 6 based on the connection setting information i1 included in the code, the heating limiting unit 11d does not allow the heating unit 15 to heat. In addition, as will be described in detail later, when registering the device to the server 8 following the establishment of the connection, the heating limiting unit 11d does not allow the heating unit 15 to heat until the device registration to the server 8 is completed. In other words, during the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 7, the heating limiting unit 11d prohibits heating and does not operate the heating unit 15. Specifically, even if the instruction button (start button) for starting heating among the setting buttons 14a of the operation panel 14 is operated, the heating limiting unit 11d does not allow the heating unit 15 to start heating. Electromagnetic waves from the heating unit 15 may interfere with communication between the wireless communication unit 16 and the wireless base device 6. Since the operation of the heating unit 15 is prohibited, factors that hinder the establishment of a connection and the registration of a device can be reduced. When a connection is established or when device registration with the server 8 is complete, the heating restriction unit 11d releases the restriction on heating by the heating unit 15.

In step S702, the connection execution unit 11b causes the wireless communication unit 16 to start communication with the wireless base station device 6. Specifically, the connection execution unit 11b causes the wireless communication unit 16 to transmit a request for establishing a connection to the wireless base station device 6 having the identification name (SSID) included in the connection setting information i1.

Next, in step S703, the connection execution unit 11b causes the wireless communication unit 16 to transmit and receive information for establishing a connection with the wireless base device 6. For example, the connection execution unit 11b causes the wireless communication unit 16 to transmit the password included in the connection setting information i1 and the MAC address of the wireless communication unit 16. In this way, when the code read by the reader 40 contains the connection setting information i1, the connection execution unit 11b causes the wireless communication unit 16 to communicate with the wireless base device 6 as an access point, and establishes a connection between the wireless communication unit 16 and the wireless base device 6 based on the connection setting information i1. This allows the wireless communication connection setting to be performed simply by reading the code. Here, a portable communication device is not necessarily required for the wireless communication connection setting of the cooking appliance 1. Even a person who is not good at operating a portable communication device or manually entering information can easily perform the wireless communication connection setting of the cooking appliance 1.

As a result of this exchange, in step S704, the wireless base device 6 determines whether or not it is acceptable to authenticate the wireless communication unit 16. In other words, the wireless base device 6 determines whether or not it is acceptable to establish communication. For example, when there is no problem with all of the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication unit 16, the wireless base device 6 may determine to authenticate the wireless communication unit 16. Also, for example, when the password transmitted by the wireless communication unit 16 is incorrect, the wireless base device 6 may determine not to authenticate the wireless communication unit 16.

When it is determined that authentication is not to be performed, in step S705, the wireless base station device 6 notifies the wireless communication unit 16 that authentication is not to be performed. Since authentication and establishment of communication have failed, the control unit 11 (connection execution unit 11b) ends the processing of this flowchart (END).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the wireless communication unit 16 should be authenticated, in step S706, the wireless base device 6 notifies the wireless communication unit 16 that authentication has been achieved. Communication is established between the wireless communication unit 16 and the wireless base device 6. Upon receiving this notification, in step S707, the control unit 11 stores the connection setting information i1 in a non-volatile manner in the memory 12. In subsequent communications, the wireless communication unit 16 communicates with the wireless base device 6 using the stored connection setting information i1. Thereafter, the wireless communication unit 16 can freely access the network 7 and the server 8 via the wireless base device 6 using the connection setting information i1.

Next, in step S708, the registration execution unit 11c checks whether the information obtained by decrypting the code includes device registration information i2. If the device registration information i2 is not included, in step S709, the registration execution unit 11c checks whether the code converted from the device registration information i2 has been read within a predetermined waiting time. This takes into account the case where the code of the connection setting information i1 and the code of the device registration information i2 are different. The predetermined waiting time is set appropriately. For example, the predetermined waiting time is several minutes. If the code converted from the device registration information i2 cannot be read within the predetermined waiting time, the control unit 11 (registration execution unit 11c) ends this flowchart (END).

On the other hand, if the information obtained by decoding the code includes device registration information i2, or if a code obtained by converting device registration information i2 is read, in step S710, the registration execution unit 11c executes device registration to the server 8 based on the device registration information i2. Specifically, based on the address information of the device registration information i2, the registration execution unit 11c causes the wireless communication unit 16 to access the server 8 via the wireless base station device 6. In addition, in order to register the device, the registration execution unit 11c may cause the wireless communication unit 16 to transmit the model name and unique information of the cooking appliance 1. The unique information may be a serial number or other information.

Based on the information transmitted from the wireless communication unit 16, the server 8 registers the cooking appliance 1. The server 8 transmits a registration completion to the wireless communication unit 16. In step S711, the wireless communication unit 16 receives the registration completion. The server 8 may transmit the management number of the cooking appliance 1. When the registration completion is received, the control unit 11 may store the device registration information i2 and the management number in a non-volatile manner in the memory 12. When accessing the server 8 and transmitting and receiving data, the control unit 11 may communicate using the device registration information i2 and the management number.

If the device registration information i2 is inappropriate, the server 8 may not approve the registration of the device. In this case, the server 8 notifies the wireless communication unit 16 of a message informing that the device cannot be registered. When a message indicating that registration is not possible is received, the control unit 11 may end this flowchart without executing step S711. Alternatively, the registration execution unit 11c may execute step S709.

In this way, when the code read by the reader 40 includes device registration information i2 for registering the cooking appliance 1 to the server 8, the registration execution unit 11c causes the wireless communication unit 16 to communicate with the server 8 via the wireless base station device 6, and executes device registration to the server 8 based on the device registration information i2. In this way, the cooking appliance 1 can be registered to the server 8 simply by reading the code. A portable communication device is not necessarily required for the procedure to register the cooking appliance 1 to the server 8. Even people who are not good at operating portable communication devices or manually entering information can easily register the cooking appliance 1 to the server 8.

(Installation of mirror 103)
Next, an example of the installation of the mirror 103 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The code is read by holding it over the reader 40. The code will not be recognized unless it is held over so that the entire code is within the imaging range. Furthermore, if the focus is not correct, it may not be recognized that the code has been read. If the code is not recognized as having been read, the user may move the object to which the code is attached closer to or farther away from the imaging unit 43. Furthermore, the user may move the object to which the code is attached up, down, left, or right.

However, it may be difficult to know whether the position of the code is appropriate with respect to the imaging unit 43. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a mirror 103 may be provided near the reader 40. Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which the mirror 103 is provided above the reader 40 when viewed from the front of the cooking appliance 1.

The mirror 103 reflects the view in front of the cooking appliance 1 (-Y direction). The mirror 103 may be installed so that its plane (mirror surface) is perpendicular to the shooting direction of the imaging unit 43. The mirror 103 allows the position of the code being held over the reader 40 (imaging unit 43) to be confirmed. Furthermore, the mirror 103 may be marked with a frame 104 indicating the imaging range of the imaging unit 43 (the range in which the code should be accommodated). In this way, the cooking appliance 1 may include a mirror 103 that reflects the code held over the imaging unit 43 and has a frame 104 marked with a frame indicating the range in which the code should be accommodated. This allows visual confirmation of whether the entire code is within the imaging range of the imaging unit 43. It becomes easier to confirm whether the code is being held over so that it can be recognized.

1 Cooking device, 101 Door, 102 Handle, 103 Mirror, 104 Frame line, 11 Control unit, 11a Control circuit, 11b Connection execution unit, 11c Registration execution unit, 11d Heating restriction unit, 12 Memory, 13 Opening/closing detection sensor, 14 Operation panel, 14a Setting button, 14b Display panel, 14c Reading control button, 15 Heating unit, 16 Wireless communication unit, 201 Heating chamber, 202 Storage space, 40 Reader, 41 Processing circuit, 42 Reader memory, 43 Imaging unit, 44 Lamp, 45 Communication interface, 46 Image sensor, 47 Image signal processing circuit, 48 Decoding program, 50 Interlocking device, 51 Motor, 52 Imaging rotation axis, 6 Wireless base station equipment, 7 Network, 8 Server, 81 Server processing unit, 82 Server storage unit, 83 Server communication unit, i1 Connection setting information, i2 Device registration information

Claims (8)

A heating chamber having a storage space and capable of housing an object to be heated;
A door for opening and closing the heating chamber;
A wireless communication unit;
a reader having an imaging unit for reading the code into which information has been converted;
a connection execution unit that, when the code read by the reader includes connection setting information, causes the wireless communication unit to communicate with a wireless base station device as an access point, and establishes a connection between the wireless communication unit and the wireless base station device based on the connection setting information;
and a linkage device that rotates the imaging unit so that, when the door is open, the imaging direction is more downward than when the door is closed, and rotates the imaging unit so that, when the door is closed, the imaging direction is more upward than when the door is open . The cooking device according to claim 1, further comprising a registration execution unit that, when the code read by the reader includes device registration information for registering the cooking device to a server, causes the wireless communication unit to communicate with the server via the wireless base station device, and executes device registration to the server based on the device registration information. The cooking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging direction of the imaging unit is variable. The imaging unit is disposed on a front surface of the cooking device and above the storage space,
The interlocking device is
When the door is open, the imaging unit is rotated to a position where the imaging unit images a bottom surface of the inner wall surface of the heating chamber,
The cooking appliance according to claim 1 , wherein when the door is closed, the imaging unit rotates to a position where the imaging unit captures an image parallel to a front-rear direction of the cooking appliance and in a direction from a rear surface to the front surface. A heating chamber having a storage space and capable of housing an object to be heated;
A door for opening and closing the heating chamber;
A wireless communication unit;
a reader having an imaging unit for reading the code into which information has been converted;
a connection execution unit that, when the code read by the reader includes connection setting information, causes the wireless communication unit to communicate with a wireless base station device as an access point, and establishes a connection between the wireless communication unit and the wireless base station device based on the connection setting information;
The cooking device is provided with a lamp that irradiates light toward an imaging range of the imaging unit when the door is open, and irradiates less light when the door is closed than when the door is open. A heating unit that heats the heating object by electromagnetic waves,
The cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat limiting unit that prevents the heating unit from heating when a connection with the wireless base station device is established based on the connection setting information. The cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising a mirror that reflects the code held up towards the imaging unit and has a frame line indicating an area in which the code can be accommodated. The cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display panel that displays an image based on image data obtained by reading the image of the imaging unit.

Images