JPH0211993B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

Recently, microwave ovens that use microcomputers to program complex heating sequences and can perform cooking using the optimal heating sequence have become popular. Generally, in such microwave ovens, the operation for programming the heating sequence involves inputting data such as output, temperature, and heating time into a microcomputer by operating keys corresponding to each content. By combining these key operations, fairly complex heating sequences can be programmed. However, as the heating sequence becomes more complex, it has the advantage of allowing more detailed cooking, but has the disadvantage of requiring more key operations, making it less user-friendly. In particular, it is necessary to confirm whether key operations are correct by looking at the display that corresponds to the contents of the key input, so it takes time to set the heating sequence, and in the worst case, you may make the wrong settings. It's also possible that you put it away. In a heating device such as a microwave oven, if the settings are incorrect, the food may be overheated, and in this case, it is impossible to redo the problem, so improvements are desired. On the other hand, there have been remarkable advances in semiconductor technology and information processing technology, and technology has been established that can synthesize a considerable amount of time with one or several chips of LSI, and it can now be used in consumer equipment at a relatively low cost. It's here. The present invention aims to provide a high-frequency heating device that is easy to use and that is less prone to erroneous operations by utilizing such voice synthesis technology. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a convenient system in which when a program such as a heating sequence is entered by key input operation, the content related to the key can be confirmed by voice only when the operation is performed in the correct procedure. An object of the present invention is to provide a high frequency heating device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use high-frequency heating device that allows users to confirm the next operating procedure by voice when programming a heating sequence or the like through input operations. Another object is to provide an easy-to-use high-frequency heating device that, when a heating sequence or the like is input into a program by repeatedly pressing a key, concisely notifies the contents of the key and the repeated pressing operation using a combination of voice and buzzer sound. That's true. Another purpose is a high-frequency heating device that allows reliable program input operation by not only notifying the sound associated with each key when programming a heating sequence etc. using the keys, but also not accepting any other keys other than the reset key during that time. The goal is to provide the following. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high-frequency heating device having an operating means that can clearly call up and notify the contents of a heating sequence and the like that have already been programmed by voice and display. Other purposes are when operating keys to input heating sequences, etc., or depending on the heating progress status.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a high-frequency heating device which can notify the contents by voice and buzzer sound and can selectively turn off only the voice. Another purpose is to create a high-frequency heating device that can notify you of each function with the corresponding sound when you operate a key that allows you to use multiple types of functions with one key depending on the state of the device. It is to provide. Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient high-frequency heating device that appropriately announces the remaining time of a timer that constitutes a heating sequence by voice. Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient high-frequency heating device that notifies the temperature of the food detected by the temperature detection means appropriately by voice. Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the high-frequency heating device. 1 is a main body of the apparatus, and 2 is a door provided on the front surface of the apparatus so as to be openable and closable, through which the food placed in the heating chamber can be viewed through a see-through window. Reference numeral 3 designates an operation panel that is also provided on the front of the device, and on its surface there is a display section 4 for displaying numbers and various statuses, a keyboard 5 for inputting and setting heating sequences, and the operation panel 3. A sound hole 6 for outputting sound from a speaker 9 provided on the back side to the outside of the container, a door lever 7 for opening the door 2, etc. can be seen. FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the operation panel 3. The display section 4 consists of a 4-digit number display consisting of 7 segments, a colon display, and 13 status displays corresponding to key inputs. The keyboard 5 is equipped with 16 keys, including a set key group for inputting programs such as heating sequences with names as shown in the figure, and a reset key for erasing them.
Together with 0, it constitutes a key input means. Reference numeral 8 denotes an audio changeover switch that selectively changes the audio content. Next, FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an embodiment of an electric circuit. 11 is an input device, which includes a keyboard 5, an encoder 22, a commercial frequency ripple signal circuit 23 which serves as a count base for a timer, etc., DOOR, HUM,
For synchronizing the TEMP and BUSY signals
It is composed of an AND circuit 24, an audio OFF switch 8a, a commercial frequency changeover switch 25, and the like. Note that the audio OFF switch 8a is turned on when the audio selection switch 8 is set to the "OFF" position, and is turned on when the audio selection switch 8 is set to the "OFF" position.
It is turned off in the "H" position. Table 1 shows the relationship including the volume level switch 8b. A display device 12 is composed of a fluorescent display tube 4a, its filament circuit 26, and the like.
The grid of the fluorescent display tube 4a is composed of six digits _G1 to _G6 , and the display of each digit lights up dynamically. However, G ₃ and G ₆ operate at the same timing. Reference numeral 13 denotes a main control device for comprehensively controlling all functions, and specifically, it is realized by a microcomputer 13a. In the embodiment, the microcomputer 13a is TMS-1370 manufactured by Texas Instruments.
are using. This includes 2K bytes of program memory (ROM), 512-bit data memory (RAM), arithmetic logic unit (ALU), instruction PLA, program counter, clock generator, output PLA, various registers,
It is a general-purpose microcomputer with a built-in 4-bit K input port, 16-bit discrete R output port, 8-bit parallel 0 output port, etc., and is based on the contents of the control program registered in advance in the 2K byte program memory. In addition, the various functions described above operate organically, and the control contents change depending on the input conditions applied to the K input port from the outside. A detailed explanation of the workings of a microcomputer will be omitted as it is a well-known technical matter.
In the present invention, the following functions are registered in the program memory as a control program in the microcomputer 13a to function. For example, after determining which key was operated, it is determined whether or not the key input is valid at the time of operation, and if the key input is valid, the specified task is performed. a valid key determination function, a program storage function for storing program input contents, and an operation procedure for deriving the next operation procedure based on the operation procedure table registered in advance in the program memory. Search function, number of strokes determination function that counts the number of strokes and determines the number of strokes for keys that update the input contents sequentially by repeatedly pressing the key, depending on conditions, multiple keys can be used with one key When dealing with keys that can be used for different functions, there is a function to determine the double key function to be executed currently based on the conditions indicated in the data memory, a countdown timer function used for executing heating sequences, etc. These include a remaining time detection function that detects when a timer has reached a predetermined remaining time, and a temperature determination function that determines that the temperature detected by a temperature sensor has reached a predetermined temperature. Naturally, in the drawings of the present invention, there are no hardware embodiments that embody these functions, but in the present invention, these functional means are important components. 27 is an oscillation time constant circuit and an initial reset circuit of the microcomputer 13a. 14 is a sensor control device, and the sensors include a humidity sensor 28 for detecting water vapor released from heated food, and a meat probe that is inserted into the food to detect the temperature inside the food. A temperature sensor 29 is provided. Since the control means for these two sensors is a well-known technology, a brief explanation will be provided. 31 is a humidity sensor sample circuit, 35 is a temperature sensor sample circuit, and 32 and 36 are comparators, which together with the 5-bit D/A converter 30 constitute a simple A/D conversion system. That is, the analog values of the humidity sensor 28 and the temperature sensor 29 are converted into 5-bit digital values, and the microcomputer 13a converts the analog values into 5-bit digital values.
be taken in. Therefore, a conversion table between digital values and Fahrenheit temperature (〓) is created in the program memory of the microcomputer 13a.
The Fahrenheit temperature can be calculated from the digital value obtained by the temperature sensor 29 and the A/D conversion system by referring to a conversion table. 33 is the humidity sensor 28
The refresh heater 34 is its driving circuit. 15 is an interface device between the heating device 16 and the main control device 13, specifically, a drive circuit 37 of the power relay 44 and a door switch 42.
It is comprised of a door signal circuit 38 for detecting opening/closing of a door, a drive circuit 39 for a high voltage relay 50, a power supply circuit 40 for the high voltage relay 50, and the like. The high frequency output corresponding to various power levels is as shown in Table 2, and when the high voltage relay 50 is turned on,
Obtained by turning off. In the heating device 16, 41 is a power plug;
3 is a short switch, which is turned on when door 2 is open.
Turns off when closed. 45 is a cooling fan motor, 48 is a high voltage capacitor, 49 is a high voltage diode, and 51 is a magnetron. 17 is a voice controller, 18 is a voice data storage device, 19 is a voice synthesizer, 20 is a filter amplifier circuit,
Together with the speaker 9, it constitutes speech synthesis means. Next, these operations will be explained, but since this is also a known technique, the explanation will be kept simple. Table 3 shows the correspondence between the voice address signals _W0 to _W4 and voices. The audio controller ₁₇ receives 5-bit audio address signals W ₀ - W ₄ and R ₇ from the microcomputer _13a to specify which audio is to be synthesized.
When the specified voice is input, the voice controller 17 accesses a predetermined area in the voice data storage device 18 in which voice data for synthesizing the designated voice is stored in advance, and extracts the necessary voice data. Next, the extracted audio data is output to the audio synthesizer 19 to synthesize the audio signal VO. During this time, the voice controller 17 sends a message to the microcomputer 1 indicating that voice synthesis is in progress.
A BUSY signal is being sent to notify 3a. Next, as for the specific configuration, first, the voice controller 17 is a dedicated
It can be realized by LSI or another microcomputer. The audio data storage device 18 is composed of a mask ROM. The speech synthesizer 19 is a dedicated LSI.
Since the audio signal VO is a step-like composite waveform, it contains many high frequency components. Since it is difficult to hear the sound as it is, the filter circuit 52 removes unnecessary high frequency components to improve the sound quality. Reference numeral 53 denotes a volume control circuit, in which the sound is low when the volume level switch 8b is on, and loud when the volume level switch 8b is off. 54 is a matching circuit with speaker a, and 55 is a general-purpose low frequency amplifier. 21 is a power supply circuit, which includes AC ripple RIP of the commercial power frequency, filament voltages F ₁ , F ₂ of the fluorescent display tube,
Generates regulated +15V, +5V, -15V voltages, unregulated + _B1 voltage, etc. Next, the contents of each key on the keyboard 5 will be briefly explained. The four keys "10MIN", "1MIN", "10SEC", and "1SEC" are numerical keys for setting the timer time and time that constitute the heating sequence. These four keys each correspond to each digit of the four-digit number display on the display section 4, and by repeatedly hitting the keys, the corresponding digit is incremented. The "POWER SELECT" key is used to select the high frequency power level.
Five power levels can be set from High to Low. The "WARM/TEMP HOLD" key activates the "WARM" function, which heats with the Warm power level output for the set time when the meat probe temperature sensor is not used, or the This is for setting the "TEMP HOLD" function, which heats the product by keeping it at a set temperature for a certain amount of time. When the "DELAY/STAND" key is used before a heating sequence program, the heating sequence will be executed after the set time has elapsed, and when used after the heating sequence, the heating sequence will be executed after the heating sequence has finished. It works as a "STAND" function that leaves it in an unattended state for a set time. The "TIME DEF" key is used to defrost general frozen food, and has the function of heating it at the DEF power level output for a set time and then leaving it alone for the same amount of time. "BEEF PORK" key and "GRO.MEAT"
The "POUL TRY" keys are keys used to defrost specific frozen foods. The "FROZEN FOODS" key automatically heats and cooks frozen foods using a humidity sensor control system, and allows you to select the cooking category by repeatedly pressing the key. The ``COOK'' key automatically heats and cooks food at room temperature using a humidity sensor control system, and the cooking category can be selected by repeatedly pressing the ``COOK'' key. The ``TEMP'' key uses a meat probe temperature sensor to control food temperature and cook the food, and you can select the cooking category by pressing it repeatedly. The "HOLD/RESET" key is used as a "HOLD" function to stop the heating device 16 when it is in operation, and a "RESET" function to erase the programmed contents when the heating device 16 is not in operation. ” works as a function. The "PROGRAM RECALL" key is used to recall and confirm the contents of the programmed heating sequence. The "START" key is for starting the operation of the heating device 16 after the predetermined heating sequence has been programmed. The present invention will be further explained based on the above configuration.
“POWER SELECT”, “WARM/TEMP”
HOLD”, “DELAY/STAND”, “TIME DEF”
The four keys are function keys for specifying a heating sequence by time control, and the next operation procedure naturally requires time setting using the four numerical keys. Then, the sounds shown in Table 4 are synthesized following the buzzer sound, and the operating procedure is suggested to the user. In this way, the microcomputer 13a performs the task of determining the content of the key, performing an operation procedure search for deriving the operation procedure based on the content, and synthesizing the results into speech. "POWER SELECT", "FROZEN FOODS",
The four keys "COOK" and "TEMP" are keys that are repeatedly pressed, and the input contents are sequentially updated by repeatedly pressing the keys. As shown in Table 5, the first
The hits synthesize the buzzer sound and the audio content related to each key, give information to the user, and
After the first hit, only the buzzer sound is synthesized with each successive hit, allowing the player to perform the continuous hitting action in a short period of time.
On the other hand, if you synthesize any predetermined voice for each consecutive press, the repeated press operation will become very noisy, and if you accept the next consecutive press before one voice synthesis has finished, it will be difficult to synthesize the sound corresponding to each consecutive press. Since voice synthesis will no longer be possible, repeated taps will not be accepted during voice synthesis, and the repeated tap operation will be extremely slow, resulting in a time-consuming setup. The microcomputer 13a performs the task of determining and distinguishing between the first and second and subsequent key strokes and synthesizing corresponding sounds and buzzer sounds. “WARM/TEMP HOLD”, “DELAY/
The two keys "STAND" are double keys, and their functions change depending on the conditions. That is, the function of "WARM" or "TEMP" can be used depending on when the meat probe temperature sensor 29 is used or not. Table 6
As shown in , the sound related to each key, which varies depending on each condition, is synthesized following the buzzer sound.
The user can be asked to confirm. In this way, the microcomputer 13a performs the task of determining the function of the double key according to the conditions and synthesizing the voice related to that function. The operation of calling the heating sequence using the "PROGRAM RECALL" key will be explained. For example, assuming that a three-stage heating sequence is currently programmed, first
In addition to synthesizing the voice with "Stage One", the display section 4
shows the program content of the first stage, then, after a predetermined interval, synthesizes the words “Pi Stage Two”, displays the program content of the second stage on the display unit 4, and then after a predetermined interval, the program content of the second stage is displayed. ,
"Pi Stage Three" is synthesized and the display section 4 shows the program contents of the third stage. still,
When the heating sequence is in progress, the content from that point on is displayed as the stage number by voice synthesis and the display unit 4.
Notify by. Next, the consideration given to the relationship between key input and speech synthesis in the present invention will be explained. First, in the present invention, it is first determined whether or not the key input is valid at the time of key operation, and only when it is determined that the key input is valid, the voice related to the operated key is synthesized. has been done. On the other hand, if such considerations were not taken into consideration, the system would be extremely chaotic and prone to programming errors, since the sound would be synthesized whenever a key was pressed. In the present invention, the microcomputer 13a has a function of determining such key inputs and determining whether the key inputs are valid at that time. In addition, in the present invention, "HOLD/
The function configuration is such that it does not accept any key input other than the "RESET" key. The reason why "HOLD/RESET" was made an exception is because this key should have the highest priority. If such consideration is not taken, when a key is pressed, the voice being synthesized will be interrupted, and then the new voice will be connected to the previous voice, resulting in a very jarring key input operation. Furthermore, in the present invention, a buzzer sound is synthesized as a forecast before a predetermined sound, and after the user's attention is alerted by the buzzer sound, a sound containing information is synthesized, thereby making an effective sound notification. ing. However, once the user becomes skilled in handling high-frequency heating equipment,
On the other hand, the sound may become unnecessary, and in some cases, it may become too harsh to the ears. Therefore, in the present invention, the audio OFF switch 8a is designed to prevent only audio from being synthesized. Next, the features during the heating operation of the present invention will be explained. While the heating sequence is being executed, the timer time displayed on the display unit 4 counts down every second, but when the remaining time reaches 10 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, and 1 minute, "Ten Minutes" and "Ten Minutes" appear, respectively. “Three
The system synthesizes the voices ``Minutes'', ``Two Minutes'', and ``One Minute'' to aurally notify the user of the time until the end.The remaining time is 10 minutes, 3 minutes,
The function of determining whether the time has reached 2 minutes or 1 minute is executed by the microcomputer 13a. Furthermore, when cooking using the meat probe temperature sensor 29 is performed, the temperature of the food detected by the temperature sensor 29 is displayed on the display unit 4 moment by moment using a 7-segment numerical display, for example. Fahrenheit is displayed in units of 5, such as “125F”.
Also, when the temperature reaches each temperature in units of 10〓 such as “100F”, “110F”, etc., and the display changes, “Pi One
Pi One Hundred Ten”, “Pi One Hundred Ten”, etc., the temperature is announced by voice.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the function of determining whether the temperature has reached a predetermined value such as "100", "110", etc. is realized by the microcomputer 13a. The effects of the present invention will be explained next. (1) Only when the key input operation is performed in the correct procedure,
With the function of notifying a sound corresponding to a key input, it is possible to provide a high-frequency heating device that allows the user to hear whether the key input operation is correct or not and prevents erroneous operation. (2) User-friendliness has been dramatically improved with a function that successively announces the operating procedure of key input operations with voice.
It is possible to provide a high-frequency heating device that can be easily operated even by a first-time user. (3) When inputting with a repeated key, the first key press will notify you of the sound corresponding to the content of the key, and the second and subsequent presses will be notified with a buzzer sound.
It is possible to provide a high-frequency heating device that is simple and crisp without noise, and requires fewer types of notification sounds. (4) To provide a high-frequency heating device that can reliably confirm key input by voice by not only notifying the contents of the key by voice when a key input operation is performed, but also by not accepting keys other than the reset key during voice notification. Can be done. (5) A convenient high-frequency heating device can be provided in which the input program can be clearly checked at any time by the function of calling up the content of the heating sequence etc. that has already been input into the program and notifying the user with audio and display. (6) High-frequency radio waves that can notify the status of the device with audio and buzzer sounds, and also have the ability to turn off just the audio if necessary, giving experienced users the freedom to choose when it comes to notifications. A heating device can be provided. (7) It is possible to provide a high-frequency heating device that can prevent erroneous operations by notifying double key input operations with sounds corresponding to each function. (8) Convenient high-frequency heating function that notifies the remaining time of the timer that makes up the heating sequence by voice, allowing the user to hear and know the time until the end of heating without constantly monitoring the device. equipment can be provided. (9) The function allows the user to notify the food temperature by voice as appropriate, even if the user is not constantly monitoring the device.
It is possible to provide a convenient high-frequency heating device that allows you to know the condition of food by hearing it.

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【table】 [Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of the high-frequency heating device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially detailed view of the same device,
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the same device, and FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the same device. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Device main body, 4...Display section, 5...Keyboard, 8...Audio selection switch, 9...Speaker, 13...Microcomputer, 17...Audio controller, 18...Audio data storage device,
19...Speech synthesizer, 20...Filter/amplifier circuit, 29...Temperature sensor.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Key input means that can selectively use multiple types of functions with one key; voice data storage means in which voice data for synthesizing voices related to each function is registered; a function determining means for determining a function to be executed when the key is input, and extracting voice data related to the function from voice data stored in the voice data storage means; 1. A high-frequency heating device comprising a voice synthesis means for synthesizing a predetermined voice using voice data. 2. By repeatedly hitting a key, a key input means for updating input contents, voice data for synthesizing a predetermined voice related to this key input means, and voice data for synthesizing a buzzer sound are registered. the number of strokes determining means for determining whether the key operation by the key input means is the first stroke or the second stroke, and the number of strokes determining means determines that the key operation is the first stroke. a sound generation/synthesis means for synthesizing a predetermined sound related to the key input means at the time, and a buzzer sound when it is determined that the key input is after the second key input using the sound data stored in the sound data storage means; A high frequency heating device equipped with: