[0001] The present invention relates to a heat-cooking system provided with: a heat-cooking
appliance for heating an article for cooking, and a portable terminal for wirelessly
communicating by means of an indirect communication method which affords communication
with the heat-cooking appliance via a wireless relay. The invention also relates to
a method for testing a heat-cooking appliance of a heat-cooking system.
[0002] A heat-cooking system which has a function for sensing the state of an article for
cooking on a heat-cooking appliance such as a stove and notifying a user of the situation
is known in the art, as described in
JP 2003-219045 A.
[0003] This kind of heat-cooking system is provided with a heat-cooking appliance such as
a gas stove and a portable terminal, and is adapted in such a way that the gas stove
and the portable terminal can communicate wirelessly. The gas stove is adapted in
such a way that the heating state is determined using various types of detection results
which are then sent to the portable terminal.
[0004] Furthermore, when a detection result is sent from the gas stove to the portable terminal,
the gas stove is adapted in such a way that the supply of fuel gas to the gas burner
can be automatically shut off if a confirmation signal is not sent from the portable
terminal to the gas stove by means of a user operation.
[0005] JP 2003-219045 A and in addition
JP 2006-029710 A describe the use of a long-range communication function between a heat-cooking appliance
and a portable terminal, in which the state of the heat-cooking appliance is communicated
via the Internet using the portable terminal from outside a dwelling in which the
heat-cooking appliance is provided.
[0006] Since it is possible to use the communication function from outside the dwelling,
this is very convenient for the user to confirm, from the location he or she has gone
to, the state of heating by means of the heat-cooking appliance when the user's family
is cooking using the heat-cooking appliance at the user's home, for example, or the
user can confirm from that location that the heat-cooking appliance has been switched
off once cooking by means of the heat-cooking appliance has been completed, after
the user has gone out.
Object and solution
[0007] When the abovementioned communication is performed, it is normally difficult to provide
direct communication between the heat-cooking appliance and the portable terminal,
so communication is performed between the heat-cooking appliance and the portable
terminal via a wireless relay such as a wireless router.
[0008] For this reason, test operations have been carried out to achieve a reliable communication
function between a heat-cooking appliance and a portable terminal via a wireless relay
such as a wireless router when a heat-cooking appliance is installed at a user's home.
[0009] As a result of these test operations, it has been found that when a defect has been
confirmed in the communication function which affords communication between the heat-cooking
appliance and the portable terminal via a wireless relay such as a wireless router,
it is necessary to identify which of the wireless relay such as a wireless router,
the heat-cooking appliance or the portable terminal a problem such as a fault has
occurred in, and it is necessary to take corrective action such as maintenance or
replacement of the problematic equipment from among the wireless relay such as a router,
the heat-cooking appliance and the portable terminal.
[0010] However, when communication is performed between the heat-cooking appliance and the
portable terminal via the wireless relay such as a router, there is an accompanying
problem in terms of the difficulty in identifying which of the wireless relay such
as a wireless router, the heat-cooking appliance or the portable terminal the problem
such as a fault has occurred in.
[0011] An object of the present invention therefore lies in providing a heat-cooking system
and a respective testing method in which it is possible to easily identify which of
a wireless relay such as a wireless router, a heat-cooking appliance or a portable
terminal a problem such as a fault has occurred in when a defect arises in a communication
function which affords communication between the heat-cooking appliance and the portable
terminal via the wireless relay.
[0012] This object is achieved by a heat-cooking system having the features of claim 1 as
well as a respective testing method having the features of claim 5. Advantageous and
preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the further claims and are described
in more detail in the following. Some of the features are only described with reference
to the heat-cooking system or with reference to the testing method. These features
shall nevertheless be applicable to the heat-cooking system as well as to the testing
method in independent manner. The content of the claims is made an integral part of
the description by explicit reference.
[0013] A constituent feature of the heat-cooking system according to the present invention
lies in a heat-cooking system provided with: a heat-cooking appliance for heating
an article for cooking, and a portable terminal for wirelessly communicating by means
of an indirect communication method which affords communication with the heat-cooking
appliance via a wireless relay. The heat-cooking appliance is provided with a memory
unit for storing: processing content of a test mode for confirming operation of a
communication function of the heat-cooking appliance, and test execution information
including information for instructing execution of the test mode from the portable
terminal. The system is adapted in such a way as to enable setting of a state in which
communication is performed by a direct communication method which affords direct communication
between the heat-cooking appliance and the portable terminal, and in a state of communication
by the direct communication method in that the portable terminal acquires the test
execution information from the memory unit of the heat-cooking appliance. The portable
terminal is adapted in such a way as to be able to instruct execution of the test
mode to the heat-cooking appliance by utilizing the acquired test execution information.
Furthermore, the heat-cooking appliance executes the test mode of the processing content
stored in the memory unit when the test mode execution is instructed. The respective
method is worked accordingly.
[0014] According to the abovementioned constituent feature, communication employing a direct
communication method can be performed when it is not possible to perform wireless
communication by means of an indirect communication method. This means that when there
is an error in the indirect communication method, communication by the direct communication
method is possible.
[0015] In a state of communication by the direct communication method, it is possible to
instruct execution of the test mode from the portable terminal to the heat-cooking
appliance. The heat-cooking appliance then stores processing content of the test,
so even if a plurality of heat-cooking appliances are present, the test mode for confirming
operation of the communication function matching the relevant heat-cooking appliance
can be performed.
[0016] In the indirect communication method, a wireless relay acts as an intermediary between
the portable terminal and the heat-cooking appliance, but with the direct communication
method, a wireless relay is not present between the portable terminal and the heat-cooking
appliance. According to the abovementioned constituent feature, the portable terminal
receives test execution information from the memory unit of the heat-cooking appliance
and an instruction for execution of the test mode is sent from the portable terminal
to the heat-cooking appliance, whereby it is possible to confirm that communication
can be performed in a regular manner in terms of both transmission and reception by
the direct communication method. This means that when communication cannot be performed
in a regular manner by the indirect communication method and it has been possible
to confirm by the direct communication method that the communication function of the
heat-cooking appliance is regular, it is possible to identify that there is a problem
in the wireless relay or the wireless communication environment (radio wave environment).
[0017] That is to say, it is possible to provide a heat-cooking system which can easily
identify the location of a problem. Furthermore, by using this heat-cooking system,
an operator installing the heat-cooking system can take suitable measures such as
replacing the wireless relay or improving the wireless communication environment (removing
interference noise).
[0018] Furthermore, a different constituent feature lies in a heat-cooking system provided
with: a heat-cooking appliance for heating an article for cooking, and a portable
terminal for wirelessly communicating by means of an indirect communication method
which affords communication with the heat-cooking appliance via a wireless relay.
The portable terminal stores processing content of a test mode for confirming operation
of a communication function of the heat-cooking appliance. The heat-cooking appliance
is provided with a memory unit for storing test execution information including information
for instructing execution of the test mode from the portable terminal. The system
is adapted in such a way as to enable setting of a state in which communication is
performed by a direct communication method which affords direct communication between
the heat-cooking appliance and the portable terminal, and in a state of communication
by the direct communication method in that the portable terminal acquires the test
execution information from the memory unit of the heat-cooking appliance. The portable
terminal is adapted in such a way as to be able to instruct execution of the test
mode to the heat-cooking appliance by utilizing the acquired test execution information,
and also to send said processing content. The heat-cooking appliance executes the
test mode of the received processing content when the test mode execution is instructed.
The method is worked accordingly.
[0019] According to the abovementioned constituent feature, a test of the heat-cooking appliance
can be executed by storing, in the portable terminal, processing content of the test
mode corresponding to the heat-cooking appliance in direct communication with said
portable terminal, without storing the processing content on the heat-cooking appliance
side.
[0020] That is to say, it is possible to provide a heat-cooking system which can easily
identify the location of a problem. Furthermore, by using this heat-cooking system,
an operator installing the heat-cooking system can take suitable measures such as
replacing the wireless relay or improving the wireless communication environment (removing
interference noise).
[0021] A further feature lies in the fact that the heat-cooking appliance is provided with
a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the portable terminal
and the wireless relay, and a display unit for displaying the operating state of the
heat-cooking appliance. The processing content includes processing for performing
internal communication between the communication unit and the display unit inside
the heat-cooking appliance, and for displaying the operating state on the display
unit.
[0022] According to the abovementioned constituent feature, the test mode can be executed
at the same time as a display test of the operating state in the display unit of the
heat-cooking appliance. In this case, the operating state is also displayed on the
display unit, so an operator who has sent a test mode execution instruction from the
portable terminal can visually confirm that the test mode is conducted in a regular
manner.
[0023] Furthermore, it is possible to confirm whether operation of the display unit and
internal communication between the display unit and the communication unit can be
conducted in a regular manner, in addition to whether or not the communication function
has been conducted in a regular manner.
[0024] That is to say, it is possible to provide a heat-cooking system which can easily
identify the location of a problem while also providing a heat-cooking system which
can confirm that there is no problem with internal communication in the heat-cooking
appliance.
[0025] Furthermore, a different feature lies in the fact that the heat-cooking appliance
is adapted to be operable from the portable terminal using the direct communication
method after the test mode has been completed.
[0026] With the present heat-cooking system, an operation such as replacing the wireless
relay is required if indirect communication has failed and direct communication has
been successful.
[0027] According to the abovementioned constituent feature, when the indirect communication
method cannot be performed and the test mode is executed by the direct communication
method, then if the test mode succeeds, the heat-cooking appliance can be operated
from the portable terminal using direct communication without further intervention.
This means that the heat-cooking appliance can also be operated from the portable
terminal until the operation such as replacing the wireless relay has been completed.
[0028] That is to say, it is possible to provide a heat-cooking system which can easily
identify the location of a problem while also providing a heat-cooking system which
restricts any loss of convenience for the user even if there is a problem around the
wireless relay.
[0029] A further different feature lies in the fact that the heat-cooking appliance is provided
with a notification unit for notifying the portable terminal that there is a high
probability of a problem in the wireless relay or in the wireless communication environment
mediated by the wireless relay when the test mode has been completed in a regular
manner.
[0030] According to the abovementioned constituent feature, when the test mode has been
completed in a regular manner, the location of a possible defect is clearly indicated
on the portable terminal. For example, an operator installing the heat-cooking appliance
etc. can therefore confirm the cause of a problem close at hand using the portable
terminal. Furthermore, it is possible to display a larger amount of information on
the portable terminal than with a heat-cooking appliance having a limited external
display function (display), so more detailed information for determining a problem
can be displayed.
[0031] That is to say, it is possible to provide a heat-cooking system which can easily
identify the location of a problem while also providing a heat-cooking system which
supports the adoption of suitable measures such as replacing the wireless relay or
improving the wireless communication environment (removing interference noise).
[0032] These and further features can be gathered not only from the claims but also from
the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features can in each case
be realized on their own or several combined together in an embodiment of the invention
and in other areas and can constitute advantageous and independently patentable configurations
for which protection is claimed here. Subdividing the application into sub-headings
and individual sections does not restrict the general validity of what is said therebeneath
or therein.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0033]
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat-cooking system;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the heat-cooking system;
Fig. 3 is an external diagram of a display unit of the heat-cooking appliance; and
Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen for instructing execution of a test mode
from a portable terminal.
Detailed description of the embodiments
1. Outline configuration of the heat-cooking system
[0034] A heat-cooking system S according to a mode of embodiment of the present invention
will be described with the aid of the figures.
[0035] As shown in fig. 1, the heat-cooking system S is provided with a heat-cooking appliance
1 for heating an article for cooking, and a portable terminal 2 for remotely controlling
the heat-cooking appliance 1 by means of wireless communication and for displaying
the state of the heat-cooking appliance 1. According to the mode of embodiment described
herein, a gas stove equipped with a grill is used as the heat-cooking appliance 1
and a smartphone is used as the portable terminal 2.
[0036] The heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable terminal 2 are adapted to be able to
communicate using a wireless LAN. To be more specific, the heat-cooking appliance
1 and the portable terminal 2 are adapted to be able to communicate in either an infrastructure
mode A for communicating with the heat-cooking appliance 1 via a wireless relay 3,
and an access point mode B for direct one-to-one communication. A wireless router
is used as the wireless relay 3. The infrastructure mode A corresponds to an "indirect
communication method" while the access point mode B corresponds to a "direct communication
method".
[0037] According to this mode of embodiment, the access point mode B is used as the direct
communication method, so it is possible to identify more accurately the cause of a
failure in wireless communication in the infrastructure mode A, compared with a case
employing a different direct communication method such as an ad hoc mode. To be more
specific, when a direct communication method such as an ad hoc mode is employed, the
protocols of OSI layer 3 and above are the same as the infrastructure mode A, but
the OSI layer 2 protocols are different. Consequently, although there is no problem
in identifying a fault such as a deterioration in the radio wave conditions, it is
difficult to identify a problem when the problem arises at the OSI layer 2 protocol
level. In contrast to this, when the access point mode B is employed, wireless communication
can be performed using the same protocol as the infrastructure mode A including up
to the OSI layer 2 protocols, so it can be easily and more accurately identified whether
there is any problem such as a fault in the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable
terminal 2 (problem isolation) in wireless communication between the heat-cooking
appliance 1 and the portable terminal 2 in the infrastructure mode A.
1-1. Communication in infrastructure mode
[0038] According to this mode of embodiment, the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable
terminal 2 are adapted in such a way as to communicate under normal circumstances
by means of the infrastructure mode A. A state in which the heat-cooking appliance
1 and the portable terminal 2 communicate in the infrastructure mode A will be referred
to below as the "normal communication mode".
[0039] In the normal communication mode, the heating power can be set or a timer can be
set from the portable terminal 2 for the stove section or the grill section provided
in the heat-cooking appliance 1, for example. Specifically, the portable terminal
2 is adapted in such a way as to be able to display a recipe downloaded in advance
from an external server (not depicted). The recipe displayed on the portable terminal
2 shows the procedure for timer-cooking using the stove section or the grill section
of the heat-cooking appliance 1, and the heating power or the time given in the recipe
can be forwarded to the heat-cooking appliance 1 and set therein. A function such
as this makes it possible to simplify the operations of the heat-cooking appliance
1 which are required during cooking, so there is excellent usability.
[0040] It should be noted that initial settings for connecting the heat-cooking appliance
1 and the portable terminal 2 to the wireless relay 3 are required in advance for
the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable terminal 2 in order for them to communicate
in the infrastructure mode A.
[0041] Specific initial settings include operations such as storing a password and SSID
for connecting to the wireless relay 3, and exchanging identification information
(e.g. IP address) with each other in order to enable inter-communication. The SSID
and password may be stored by using a method employing an automatic setting means
such as WPS or a method involving manual input by a user.
1-2. Problems relating to connection in infrastructure mode
[0042] When the initial settings have been completed, communication can be implemented in
normal communication mode which allows the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable
terminal 2 to communicate by means of the infrastructure mode A via the wireless relay
3.
[0043] However, when the initial settings have not been completed for whatever reason, it
is necessary to identify the cause and to devise a solution. In particular, if an
operator is installing the heat-cooking appliance 1 in a normal dwelling, for example,
it would be desirable to rapidly identify the cause and to present the customer with
a solution. However, communication in the infrastructure mode A involves cooperation
between three devices, namely the heat-cooking appliance 1, the portable terminal
2 and the wireless relay 3, so it is not a simple matter to identify which of these
devices the problem originates from.
1-3. Communication in access point mode
[0044] When the initial settings have not been completed for whatever reason, the cause
can be identified by implementing communication using the access point mode B in which
communication is performed directly between the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable
terminal 2 without the intermediary of the wireless relay 3.
[0045] In the access point mode B, the heat-cooking appliance 1 acts as what is known as
an access point. The heat-cooking appliance 1 already stores wireless connection settings
(SSID and password) for when it functions as an access point, and wireless communication
from the portable terminal 2 to the heat-cooking appliance 1 can be achieved to enable
inter-communication as a result of the user of the portable terminal 2 setting said
wireless connection settings (SSID and password). The heat-cooking appliance 1 and
the portable terminal 2 communicate directly and wirelessly in the access point mode
B without the intermediary of the wireless relay 3.
[0046] According to this mode of embodiment, when the heat-cooking appliance 1 is switched
to the access point mode B by means of a predetermined operation, a web server (e.g.
HTTP server) function for transmitting terminal display information d2 to the portable
terminal 2 is activated. The web server function is provided in a communication unit
11.
2. Configuration of the portable terminal
[0047] The portable terminal 2 is adapted to be able to communicate using the wireless LAN
and can communicate by selecting either the infrastructure mode A or the access point
mode B. Furthermore, the portable terminal 2 is provided with an input unit such as
a touch panel or buttons, and a display unit such as a display.
[0048] The portable terminal 2 acquires test execution information d from a memory unit
13 of the heat-cooking appliance 1 in a state of communicating with the heat-cooking
appliance 1 in the access point mode B. The portable terminal 2 is further adapted
in such a way as to be able to display the acquired test execution information d on
the display unit and in such a way as to enable a user to instruct execution of the
test mode to the heat-cooking appliance 1 through the input unit.
3. Configuration of the heat-cooking appliance
[0049] As shown in fig. 2, the heat-cooking appliance 1 is broadly provided with: the communication
unit 11 for providing wireless communication between the portable terminal 2 and an
external device such as the wireless relay 3; an operation display unit 12 (display
panel 122) for displaying the operating state of the heat-cooking appliance 1; the
memory unit 13 for storing information relating to the test mode; and a control unit
14 for controlling internal communication inside the heat-cooking appliance 1. Here,
the display panel 122 corresponds to the "display unit".
[0050] The communication unit 11 is provided in order to enable wireless LAN communication
between the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable terminal 2, and specifically
corresponds to a wireless LAN network chip. The communication unit 11 is adapted to
operate in either the infrastructure mode A or the access point mode B. It should
be noted that settings (SSID and password) for communication in the access point mode
B are stored in advance in the memory unit 13 as factory default settings, for example.
[0051] As shown in fig. 1 and fig. 3, the operation display unit 12 is an interface for
heat-cooking which is used by a user of the heat-cooking appliance 1, and it is provided
with operating buttons 121 for adjusting burner ignition or heating power, and the
display panels 122 by means of which the user can observe the operating state of the
heat-cooking appliance 1. It should be noted that in fig. 3, a grill operation display
unit provided on the front surface of the heat-cooking appliance 1 is shown as an
example of the operation display unit 12, but a burner operation display unit provided
on the upper surface of the heat-cooking appliance 1 may equally be used as the operation
display unit 12.
[0052] The memory unit 13 is a storage device for storing data required for executing the
test mode, and the test execution information d is stored therein. According to this
mode of embodiment, processing content d1 of the test mode for confirming operation
of the communication function of the heat-cooking appliance 1, and terminal display
information d2 including information for instructing execution of the test mode from
the portable terminal 2 are stored as the test execution information d.
[0053] To be more specific, the memory unit 13 stores, as the processing content d1 of the
test mode, the procedure for performing internal communication between the communication
unit 11 and the operation display unit 12 via the control unit 14, and the procedure
for performing direct internal communication between the communication unit 11 and
the operation display unit 12 without the intermediary of the control unit 14. To
be more specific, the procedure for starting internal communication between the communication
unit 11 and the operation display unit 12 as a result of operation of the control
unit 14, and the procedure for performing direct internal communication between the
communication unit 11 and the operation display unit 12 without operation of the control
unit 14 but while the control unit 14 lies therebetween are stored as the processing
content d1 of the test mode. As a result of these procedures, operations are performed
in which the text on the display panels 122 of the display operation unit 12 shown
in fig. 3 is lit in succession.
[0054] The memory unit 13 also stores, as the terminal display information d2, webpage information
(e.g. HTML files) etc. including buttons or the like for instructing execution of
the test mode displayed on the display of the portable terminal 2, as shown in fig.
4. The user of the portable terminal 2 can instruct execution of the test mode to
the heat-cooking appliance 1 by way of the terminal display information d2 displayed
on the display.
[0055] The control unit 14 is a device for performing control in such a way that the functions
(11-13) of the heat-cooking appliance 1 are co-ordinated, and specifically it is possible
to use a control microcomputer, for example. According to this mode of embodiment,
the heat-cooking appliance 1 is adapted to perform internal communication by means
of serial communication between the communication unit 11 and the operation display
unit 12, via the control unit 14.
[0056] The control unit 14 receives input from the operating buttons 121 on the operation
display unit 12 and controls operations such as controlling the burner etc. and lighting
the display panels 122 on the operation display unit 12 correspondingly with the state
of operation of the heat-cooking appliance 1.
[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 14 is provided with a test mode execution unit 141
and a notification unit 142 for implementing the test mode which will be described
later. The test mode execution unit 141 reads out the test execution information d
stored in the memory unit 13 and forwards the terminal display information d2 to the
portable terminal 2 via the communication unit 11, and controls each unit in accordance
with the processing content d1 of the test mode. Furthermore, the notification unit
142 provides notification relating to execution results of the test mode to the portable
terminal 2 via the communication unit 11. The test mode execution unit 141 and the
notification unit 142 will be described in detail below.
3-1. Test mode execution unit
[0058] According to this mode of embodiment, the heat-cooking appliance 1 normally communicates
wirelessly with the portable terminal 2 in the infrastructure mode A, but when a predetermined
operation is performed, operation is switched in such a way that wireless communication
is performed in the access point mode B.
[0059] Specifically, when a cooking mode selection key 121a and a heat level selection key
121b of the operating buttons 121 shown in fig. 3 have been pressed simultaneously
for at least three seconds within a predetermined time after a power switch (not depicted)
of the heat-cooking appliance 1 has been switched ON, the control unit 14 of the heat-cooking
appliance 1 deems the abovementioned predetermined operation to have been performed.
[0060] When communication with the portable terminal 2 starts in access point mode B, the
control unit 14 reads out the test execution information d stored in the memory unit
13 and sends the terminal display information d2 in the test execution information
d to the portable terminal 2.
[0061] When a test execution button on the screen of the portable terminal 2 which is displayed
as a result of the terminal display information d2 is touched and execution of the
test mode is instructed from the portable terminal 2 to the heat-cooking appliance
1, the processing content d1 of the test mode included in the test execution information
d is executed by means of the test mode execution unit 141.
3-2. Communication unit
[0062] When the test mode has been completed in a regular manner by means of the test mode
execution unit 141, notification is provided by the notification unit 142 to the portable
terminal 2 that there is a high probability of a problem in the wireless relay 3 or
in the wireless communication environment mediated by the wireless relay 3. The notification
unit 142 may, in addition to showing the location of a problem, simultaneously provide
notification that there is no problem in the portable terminal 2 or the heat-cooking
appliance 1.
3-3. Processing content of the test mode
[0063] The processing content d1 of the test mode included in the test execution information
d will be described. According to this mode of embodiment, the processing content
d1 stored in the memory unit 13 includes processing for performing internal communication
between the communication unit 11 and the operation display unit 12 inside the heat-cooking
appliance 1, and for displaying the operating state on the display panel 122 of the
operation display unit 12. Display processing for the operating state involves a display
for test mode processing on the display panel 122 of the operation display unit 12
in the heat-cooking appliance 1.
[0064] Specifically, the display for test mode processing involves successively switching
the location of illumination on the display of the grill operating section shown in
fig. 3 in the following order: "Fish: Grilled whole" → "Fish: Fillet" → "Roast chicken
thigh" → "Roast in foil" → "Toast" → "Rice" → "Grill" → "Heat" → "Non-fry" → "Boil"
→ "Steam" → "Bread" → "High" → "Medium" → "Low".
[0065] By virtue of this arrangement, when the test mode processing is executed, it is possible
to observe from the display panels 122 that the test mode processing is being executed.
In addition, it can also be confirmed that the control unit 14 for controlling internal
communication is functioning in an appropriate manner and internal communication is
taking place in an appropriate manner between the communication unit 11 and the operation
display unit 12, and also that there are no problems with the actual display panels
122.
4. Execution of test mode
[0066] If it is not possible to connect the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable terminal
2 via the wireless relay 3 using the infrastructure mode A when the heat-cooking appliance
1 is installed, the test mode execution procedure is implemented.
[0067] The heat-cooking appliance 1 is first of all switched to the access point mode B,
after which the wireless settings of the portable terminal 2 are set in such a way
that the portable terminal 2 is connected to the heat-cooking appliance 1. Here, the
portable terminal 2 is switched to the access point mode B as a result of the user
of the portable terminal 2 using the predetermined settings of the heat-cooking appliance
1 for access point mode B (SSID and password).
[0068] The user operates the portable terminal 2 to send a request for terminal display
information d2 to the heat-cooking appliance 1 (e.g., access by HTTP communication
using the IP address of the heat-cooking appliance 1), and as a result the terminal
display information d2 of the heat-cooking appliance 1 is forwarded from the heat-cooking
appliance 1 to the portable terminal 2, and the operating screen for executing the
test mode is displayed on the portable terminal 2, as shown in fig. 4. When the operating
screen of the portable terminal 2 is displayed, it can be confirmed that direct communication
from the heat-cooking appliance 1 to the portable terminal 2 can be performed without
any problem.
[0069] When the test mode is instructed to the heat-cooking appliance 1 on the operating
screen displayed on the portable terminal 2, the abovementioned test mode processing
is executed by means of the test mode execution unit 141 of the heat-cooking appliance
1.
[0070] When the test mode is executed in the access point mode B and the test mode has been
successfully executed, it can be confirmed that internal communication inside the
heat-cooking appliance 1 and the operation display unit 12 are operating in a regular
manner, and also that direct communication from the heat-cooking appliance 1 to the
portable terminal 2 is operating in a regular manner. That is to say, it can be confirmed
that the heat-cooking appliance 1 and the portable terminal 2 are able to communicate
directly and wirelessly without the intermediary of the wireless relay 3. As a result,
it can be determined that there is a high probability of a fault with the wireless
relay 3 or a problem in the wireless communication environment.
[0071] As a result, suitable measures can be taken in terms of replacing the wireless relay
3 or improving the wireless environment (removing interference noise etc.).
[0072] According to this mode of embodiment, when the test mode has been completed, the
portable terminal 2 is notified by means of the notification unit 142 of the control
unit 14 that there is a high probability of a fault with the wireless relay 3 or a
problem in the wireless communication environment (radio wave environment).
[0073] The portable terminal 2 is thus notified that there is a high probability of a fault
with the wireless relay 3 or a problem in the wireless communication environment (radio
wave environment), so the user is incited to take suitable measures in terms of replacing
the wireless relay 3 or improving the wireless environment (removing interference
noise etc.), and this helps in taking appropriate steps.
[0074] In addition, according to this mode of embodiment, the heat-cooking appliance 1 is
adapted in such a way as to be operable from the portable terminal 2 using the access
point mode B after completion of the test mode, and the heat-cooking appliance 1 also
communicates wirelessly in the access point mode B after completion of the test mode.
[0075] As a result, the heat-cooking appliance 1 can be used in the normal manner after
test mode processing has been completed, so it can also be used until the problem
with the wireless relay 3 such as a router has been resolved, which provides good
usability.
Other modes of embodiment
[0076]
- (1) In the abovementioned mode of embodiment, an example was described in which serial
communication is used for the internal communication, but the internal communication
may be performed by means of parallel communication.
- (2) In the abovementioned mode of embodiment, an example was described in which the
heat-cooking appliance 1 is switched to the access point mode B, but it is equally
possible to use a direct communication method employing a different protocol from
that of the abovementioned mode of embodiment. For example, it is possible to use
Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) or an ad hoc mode or the like as the direct communication
method, for example.
- (3) In the abovementioned mode of embodiment, an example was described in which an
operational check of internal communication is performed in the test mode, but a check
simply for establishing communication between the communication unit 11 and the portable
terminal 2 may equally be performed.
- (4) In the abovementioned mode of embodiment, an example was described in which the
heat-cooking appliance 1 is operable from the portable terminal 2 in the access point
mode B after completion of the test mode, but the heat-cooking appliance 1 may equally
return to the infrastructure mode A after completion of the test mode.
- (5) In the abovementioned mode of embodiment, an example was described in which the
control unit 14 of the heat-cooking appliance 1 is provided with the notification
unit 142, but the notification unit 142 may equally not be provided.
- (6) In the abovementioned mode of embodiment, an example was described in which the
processing content d1 of the test mode is stored in the memory unit 13 of the heat-cooking
appliance 1, but the processing content d1 of the test mode may equally be stored
in the portable terminal 2. In this case, the portable terminal 2 may equally acquire
and store the processing content d1 of the test mode from an external server via the
Internet, as required, or the processing content d1 of the test mode corresponding
to one or more heat-cooking appliances 1 may equally be pre-stored before the test
mode is executed. In such a case, the portable terminal 2 may instruct execution of
the test mode to the heat-cooking appliance 1 and may also send the processing content
d1 of the test mode.
- (7) In the abovementioned mode of embodiment, an example was described in which what
is known as a smartphone is used as the portable terminal 2, but any device may be
used as the portable terminal 2 provided that it is an information terminal which
can utilize a wireless LAN.
[0077] The present invention can be used as a heat-cooking system which can easily identify
which of a wireless relay such as a wireless router, a heat-cooking appliance or a
portable terminal a problem such as a fault has occurred in, when a defect arises
in a communication function which affords communication between the heat-cooking appliance
and the portable terminal via the wireless relay.
Key to Symbols
[0078]
1: Heat-cooking appliance
2: Portable terminal
3: Wireless relay
11: Communication unit
12: Operation display unit (display unit)
13: Memory unit
122: Display panel (display unit)
142: Notification unit
A: Infrastructure mode (indirect communication method)
B: Access point mode (direct communication method)
S: Heat-cooking system
d: Test execution information
dl: Processing content
1. Heat-cooking system provided with: a heat-cooking appliance for heating an article
for cooking, and a portable terminal for wirelessly communicating by means of an indirect
communication method which affords communication with the heat-cooking appliance via
a wireless relay,
wherein the heat-cooking appliance and/or the portable terminal is provided with a
memory unit for storing:
processing content of a test mode for confirming operation of a communication function
of the heat-cooking appliance;
wherein the heat-cooking appliance is provided with a memory unit for storing: test
execution information including information for instructing execution of the test
mode from the portable terminal;
the system is adapted in such a way as to enable setting of a state in which communication
is performed by a direct communication method which affords direct communication between
the heat-cooking appliance and
the portable terminal, and in a state of communication by the direct communication
method:
the portable terminal acquires the test execution information from the memory unit
of the heat-cooking appliance,
the portable terminal is adapted in such a way as to be able to instruct execution
of the test mode to the heat-cooking appliance by utilizing the acquired test execution
information, and
the heat-cooking appliance executes the test mode of the processing content either
received by the portable terminal that has sent the processing content to the heat-cooking
appliance or stored in the memory unit when the test mode execution is instructed.
2. Heat-cooking system according to Claim 1, wherein the heat-cooking appliance is provided
with:
- a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the portable terminal
and the wireless relay, and
- a display unit for displaying the operating state of the heat-cooking appliance,
wherein the processing content includes processing for performing internal communication
between the communication unit and the display unit inside the heat-cooking appliance,
and for displaying the operating state on the display unit.
3. Heat-cooking system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-cooking appliance
is adapted to be operable from the portable terminal using the direct communication
method after the test mode has been completed.
4. Heat-cooking system according to Claim 3, wherein the heat-cooking appliance is provided
with a notification unit for notifying the portable terminal that there is a high
probability of a problem in the wireless relay or in the wireless communication environment
mediated by the wireless relay when the test mode has been completed in a regular
manner.
5. Method for testing a heat-cooking appliance of a heat-cooking system provided with:
the heat-cooking appliance for heating an article for cooking, and a portable terminal
for wirelessly communicating by means of an indirect communication method which affords
communication with the heat-cooking appliance via a wireless relay,
wherein the heat-cooking appliance and/or the portable terminal has stored in a memory
unit: processing content of a test mode for confirming operation of a communication
function of the heat-cooking appliance; wherein the heat-cooking appliance has stored
in a memory unit: test execution information including information for instructing
execution of the test mode from the portable terminal;
the system is adapted in such a way as to enable setting of a state in which communication
is performed by a direct communication method which affords direct communication between
the heat-cooking appliance and the portable terminal, and in a state of communication
by the direct communication method the following steps are executed:
- the portable terminal acquires the test execution information from the memory unit
of the heat-cooking appliance,
- the portable terminal instructs execution of the test mode to the heat-cooking appliance
by utilizing the acquired test execution information,
- and the heat-cooking appliance executes the test mode of the processing content
either received by the portable terminal that has sent the processing content to the
heat-cooking appliance or stored in the memory unit when the test mode execution is
instructed.
6. Method according to Claim 5, wherein the portable terminal operates the heat-cooking
appliance using the direct communication method after the test mode has been completed.
7. Method according to Claim 6, wherein the heat-cooking appliance notifies the portable
terminal that there is a high probability of a problem in the wireless relay or in
the wireless communication environment mediated by the wireless relay when the test
mode has been completed in a regular manner.