JP2022124777A - Monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a monitoring system capable of monitoring a state of a heating cooker.SOLUTION: A monitoring system 1 includes a heating cooker 10 having a heating unit 15, and a camera unit 20 capable of photographing an upper face side of the heating cooker 10. When an illumination intensity detection value detected by an illumination intensity detection sensor 26 in an illumination intensity detection mode M1 is a threshold or more, the camera unit 20 starts power supply to a communication unit 23, and switches from the illumination intensity detection mode M1 to an information reception waiting mode M2. When the illumination intensity detection value becomes less than the threshold in the information reception waiting mode M2, the camera unit stops the supply of power to the communication unit 23, and switches from the information reception waiting mode M2 to the illumination intensity detection mode M1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a monitoring system capable of monitoring the top side of a cooking device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a monitoring system in which imaging means is provided above a heating cooker in order to detect the heating state of the heating cooker and whether or not a foreign object is placed on the upper surface of the top plate.

For example, the heating cooker of Patent Document 1 is provided with a range hood above it, and a camera is installed at a position corresponding to each stove burner on the range hood. The camera photographs an object to be heated (for example, a pot or a frying pan) placed on the trivet from above and detects the outline of the object to be heated.

Accordingly, by recognizing the flame of the object to be heated from the image captured by the camera, it is possible to detect whether or not the flame protrudes from the object to be heated. In addition, the camera continuously detects the outline of the object to be heated and the flame around the object to be heated while the cooker is in use (Patent Document 1/paragraph 0021, FIGS. 1-2).

JP 2019-78455 A

In the system of Patent Literature 1, the camera always continues photographing for monitoring and maintains a communication state with the heating cooker. However, since the cooking device is used for only a short period of time in a day, power consumption of the camera is accumulated, leading to an increase in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system capable of monitoring the state of a heating cooker while suppressing power consumption of a camera.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
a thermal device having a heating unit; and imaging means capable of communicating with the thermal device and having an imaging unit capable of capturing an image of the upper surface side of the thermal device,
The thermal equipment has a thermal equipment communication unit that transmits an information signal related to the thermal equipment to the imaging means,
The imaging means has an imaging means communication section that receives the information signal transmitted from the thermal equipment communication section, and has a standby mode in which the information signal can be received and a monitoring mode in which the thermal equipment is monitored. and in the monitoring system capable of switching to the monitoring mode when the imaging means communication unit receives the information signal in the standby mode,
further comprising illuminance detection means for detecting illuminance in a peripheral area of the thermal equipment;
The imaging means is
further having an illuminance detection mode for detecting the illuminance by the illuminance detection means;
When the illuminance in the illuminance detection mode exceeds a predetermined threshold, power supply to the imaging means communication unit is started and the illuminance detection mode is switched to the standby mode,
It is characterized in that, when the illuminance becomes less than a predetermined threshold value in the standby mode, power supply to the imaging means communication unit is stopped and the standby mode is switched to the illuminance detection mode.

In the monitoring system of the present invention, the imaging means can communicate with the thermal equipment and can image the upper surface side of the thermal equipment. The imaging means has a standby mode in which information signals transmitted from the thermal equipment can be received, a monitoring mode in which the thermal equipment is monitored, and an illuminance detection mode in which the illuminance detection means detects the illuminance in the area surrounding the thermal equipment. , mode switching is performed according to various conditions.

When the illuminance in the illuminance detection mode reaches a predetermined threshold value or more, it is assumed that the thermal equipment will be used from now on. A switch is made. As a result, the imaging means enters a standby state. On the other hand, when the illuminance becomes less than the predetermined threshold value in the standby mode, since it is assumed that the thermal equipment will not be used after this, the power supply to the imaging means communication unit is stopped, and the standby mode is changed to the illuminance detection mode. A switch is made to In this way, the present monitoring system can prepare for monitoring thermal equipment while suppressing the power consumption of the imaging means.

In the monitoring system of the present invention,
It is preferable that the imaging unit starts supplying power to the imaging unit when the standby mode is switched to the monitoring mode.

In the standby mode, power is supplied only to the imaging means communication unit of the imaging means, but along with switching from the standby mode to the monitoring mode, power supply to the imaging unit is started. Thereby, the power consumption of the imaging means can be further reduced.

Also, in the monitoring system of the present invention,
Preferably, the information signal is a signal relating to the start of power supply to the thermal equipment, or a signal relating to the start of heating by the heating unit or a change in heating state.

By determining the information signal as described above, it is possible to grasp the timing of switching the imaging means to the monitoring mode and starting monitoring of the thermal equipment. As a result, the safety of the user of the thermal equipment can be ensured.

Also, in the monitoring system of the present invention,
further comprising illumination means for illuminating the thermal equipment;
The lighting means automatically illuminates the thermal equipment at least during operation of the heating unit,
It is preferable that the imaging means is provided at a position where the illuminance is equal to or greater than the threshold value when illuminated by the lighting means.

According to this configuration, the lighting means automatically illuminates the heating device while the heating section is in operation, so that the user can easily heat and cook. In addition, since the imaging means is provided at a position where the illuminance is equal to or higher than the threshold value during lighting, the imaging means maintains the standby mode or the monitoring mode when the thermal equipment is used. Thereby, the convenience as a system can be improved.

Also, in the monitoring system of the present invention,
The heat device is a heating cooker that cooks the food to be cooked by the heating unit,
An exhaust discharge device is provided above the heating cooker and discharges exhaust emitted by the operation of the heating unit,
Preferably, the lighting means is provided in the exhaust discharge device, and automatically illuminates the heating cooker at least during discharge of the exhaust from the heating unit.

Since an exhaust discharge device (for example, a range hood) for discharging the exhaust is provided above the heating cooker, the exhaust can be discharged while the heating unit is in operation. Since the lighting means is provided in the exhaust discharge device and automatically illuminates the heating cooker at least during the discharge of the exhaust emitted from the heating section, the operating state of the heating section can be reliably monitored.

Also, in the monitoring system of the present invention,
The information signal is a signal regarding the start of heating by the heating unit,
Preferably, the thermal equipment transmits the information signal to the imaging means before starting heating, and starts heating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

According to this configuration, before the heating unit starts heating, the imaging means can shift to the monitoring mode and start monitoring the thermal equipment, thereby improving the safety and convenience of the system. be able to.

Also, in the monitoring system of the present invention,
It is preferable that the imaging means has a power supply unit therein and is supplied with electric power from the power supply unit.

According to this configuration, the life of the power supply unit can be extended, and the trouble of replacing or charging the power supply unit can be saved, so that the convenience of the system can be improved.

1 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. The figure explaining the internal structure of a monitoring system. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining state transitions of a camera; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of overall processing related to camera state transition. Flowchart (first half) of the overall processing of the heating cooker. Flowchart (second half) of the overall processing of the heating cooker.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, a monitoring system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The monitoring system 1 mainly includes a heating cooker 10 , a camera unit 20 and a range hood 30 . The camera unit 20 can take an image of the upper surface side of the top plate part 4 when the heating cooker 10 is used.

First, the heating cooker 10 will be described. The heating cooker 10 is provided with a grill 2 in the central portion on the front side thereof. The grill 2 opens and closes the front opening of the grill 2a provided inside the heating cooker 10 when the object to be heated is taken in and out of the grill 2a.

A heating cooker 10 (a "thermal appliance" of the present invention) is a built-in type to be incorporated in a countertop W of a system kitchen, and has a box-shaped stove main body 3 with an open top surface. A top plate portion 4 is provided on the top of the stove body 3, and stove burners 5, 6 and 7 supported by the stove body 3 are exposed upward from the top plate portion 4. - 特許庁

In FIG. 1, the cooking vessel P is placed on the stove burner 7 on the right side. Note that a heating cooker provided with an IH heater may be used instead of the stove burner.

On the back side (wall side) of the stove burner 6 in the center of the top plate portion 4, there is an intake/exhaust port portion 12 for exhausting the exhaust gas of the heating cooker 10 or sucking air into the heating cooker 10. is provided.

In addition, on both sides of the grill 2 on the front side of the heating cooker 10, each stove burner 5, 6, 7 and the grill burner 8 in the grill chamber 2a Turning off buttons 13a to 13d and a power switch 13e are provided. there is

Each point extinguishing button 13a to 13d is a push type, and when pushed once from the extinguishing position shown in FIG. It is designed so that it can be rotated for this purpose.

Signals from the power switch 13e and operation detection switches (not shown) of the ignition/extinguishing buttons 13a to 13d of the burners 5 to 8 are controlled by a microcomputer together with signals from the flame detection elements of the burners 5 to 8. It is input to the part 11 . Then, the control unit 11 controls the igniter, the main valve, and each gas valve device.

Next, the camera unit 20 will be explained. The camera unit 20 is a small camera attached to the wall surface between the heating cooker 10 and the range hood 30 . The camera unit 20 is driven by a built-in battery, and can mainly capture an area including the stove burners 5 to 7 on the upper surface side of the top plate section 4 .

In addition, the camera unit 20 can communicate with the heating cooker 10 by wireless communication (Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.). The heat cooker 10 monitors whether or not the cooking container P exists, if it exists, the size of the cooking container P, and the boiling over during cooking, etc. Get image data.

The camera unit 20 includes an illuminance detection sensor 26 (not shown) that detects the illuminance of the surrounding area (working environment during cooking) of the heating cooker 10 (stove burners 5 to 7). The illuminance detection value detected by the illuminance detection sensor 26 is a condition for switching the control mode of the camera unit 20 . Note that the camera unit 20 may be attached to the range hood 30 .

The range hood 30 (“exhaust exhaust device” of the present invention) can exhaust the exhaust emitted during cooking by the heating cooker 10 . Further, the cooker hood 30 includes an illumination unit 33 (“illumination means” of the present invention), which automatically illuminates the upper surface of the heating cooker 10 during discharge of the exhaust gas.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the internal configurations of the heating cooker 10, the camera unit 20, and the range hood 30 that constitute the monitoring system 1 will be described.

First, the heating cooker 10 includes a control section 11 , an operation section 13 , an infrared transmission section 14 , a heating section 15 , a liquid crystal display section 16 and a communication section 17 .

The control unit 11 includes a thermal power control unit 11A and an image analysis unit 11B. The thermal power control section 11A controls the thermal power of the stove burners 5-7 and the grill burner 8. The thermal power control unit 11A receives an operation command from an operation unit 13 including ignition/extinguishing buttons 13a to 13d, and controls the heating unit 15 to turn on/off each stove burner.

The image analysis section 11B analyzes the image data transmitted from the camera unit 20 and monitors whether or not a dangerous event has occurred. The image analysis unit 11B analyzes image data using a method such as image comparison (pattern matching), for example.

The infrared transmission unit 14 is a communication unit used for infrared communication with the range hood 30 . Although the details will be described later, the heating cooker 10 transmits a cooperation signal to the range hood 30 using the infrared transmission unit 14 when it is started.

In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 16 has a function of displaying the heating power status of the stove burners 5 to 7 (heating unit 15) and notifying errors and warnings occurring in the heating cooker 10 using characters, graphics, and the like. there is

The communication section 17 (the “thermal device communication section” of the present invention) can communicate with the camera unit 20 and transmits information signals to the camera unit 20 . The information signal includes a signal regarding the start of power supply to the heating cooker 10, or information regarding the start of heating by the grill 2 or the stove burners 5-7, or a change in the heating state.

The camera unit 20 includes an imaging section 21 , an image processing section 22 , a communication section 23 , a power supply section 24 , a power control section 25 and an illuminance detection sensor 26 . The imaging unit 21 is a digital camera or a video that captures an image of an imaging area on the upper surface side of the heating cooker 10 (the top plate part 4) and acquires the captured image.

The image processing unit 22 receives the captured image from the imaging unit 21, performs necessary image processing and data compression, and creates image data for transmission. The image data is transmitted from the communication unit 23 to the communication unit 17 of the heating cooker 10 and transferred to the control unit 11 .

The power supply unit 24 is a battery built into the camera unit 20, receives the above-described information signal, and supplies power to the imaging unit 21, the image processing unit 22, and the communication unit 23 (“imaging means communication unit” of the present invention). do.

The power control unit 25 creates a power control signal based on the illuminance detection value of the illuminance detection sensor 26 . Based on the power supply control signal, the power supply unit 24 supplies power only to the communication unit 23, for example, in an information reception standby mode M2, which will be described later. The power supply unit 24 may be a commercially available primary battery, or may be a secondary battery that can be used repeatedly by charging.

The range hood 30 includes an infrared receiving section 31 , a signal processing section 32 and an illumination section 33 . The infrared reception unit 31 is a communication unit that receives an infrared cooperation signal from the heating cooker 10 .

The signal processing unit 32 receives the cooperation signal and controls the lighting unit 33 or an exhaust fan (not shown). Also, the illumination unit 33 is arranged in the cooker hood 30 (see FIG. 1), and automatically illuminates the heating cooker 10 while the exhaust fan is discharging the exhaust air. When the illumination unit 33 is turned on, the peripheral area of the heating cooker 10 has a predetermined brightness, and the illuminance detection value detected by the illuminance detection sensor 26 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The illuminance detection sensor 26 can also detect the illumination (fluorescent lamp) of the kitchen.

Next, a state transition diagram of the camera unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown, the camera unit 20 has three types of control modes: illumination detection mode M1, information reception standby mode M2, and monitoring mode M3. Each control mode transitions when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

When the heating cooker 10 is not cooking, the camera unit 20 is in the illuminance detection mode M1. In the illuminance detection mode M1, the power control unit 25 of the camera unit 20 periodically receives the illuminance detection value detected by the illuminance detection sensor .

When cooking or the like is started in the heat cooker 10, the surrounding area of the heat cooker 10 usually has a predetermined brightness. The illuminance detection sensor 26 (see FIG. 1) provided in the camera unit 20 always detects the illuminance of the surrounding area.

When the detected illuminance value of the surrounding area becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the camera unit 20 transitions from the illuminance detection mode M1 to the information reception standby mode M2. Further, when the illuminance detection value is less than the threshold, the state of the illuminance detection mode M1 is maintained.

The information reception standby mode M2 (“standby mode” of the present invention) is a so-called standby state in which the camera unit 20 (communication section 23) can receive the above information signal from the cooking device 10 (communication section 17). . In the information reception standby mode M2, power is supplied only to the communication unit 23 (the imaging unit 21 and the image processing unit 22 are turned off), so power consumption of the camera unit 20 (power supply unit 24) can be suppressed. .

When the camera unit 20 receives stove-on information (information signal indicating that the heating unit 15 is about to start operating) from the cooking device 10, the camera unit 20 transitions from the information reception standby mode M2 to the monitoring mode M3. When the camera unit 20 has not received the stove-on information, the state of the information reception standby mode M2 is maintained.

Further, when the illuminance detection value detected by the illuminance detection sensor 26 becomes less than the threshold value, the camera unit 20 transitions to the illuminance detection mode M1. At this time, power supply to the communication unit 23 is stopped.

The monitoring mode M3 is a state in which the camera unit 20 captures an image of the top side of the heating cooker 10 (stove burners 5 to 7, etc.) for monitoring. In the monitoring mode M3, power is supplied to the imaging unit 21, the image processing unit 22, and the communication unit 23 for monitoring.

When the camera unit 20 receives stove-off information (information signal indicating that the operation of the heating unit 15 has ended) from the cooking device 10, the camera unit 20 transitions from the monitoring mode M3 to the information reception standby mode M2. Also, when the camera unit 20 does not receive the stove-off information, the state of the monitoring mode M3 is maintained.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a flowchart of overall processing relating to state transition of the camera unit 20 will be described. It is assumed that the initial state of the camera unit 20 is the illuminance detection mode M1.

In this process, first, an illuminance detection value is obtained (STEP 01). Specifically, the illuminance detection sensor 26 detects the illuminance of the surrounding area of the heating cooker 10 and transmits the illuminance detection value to the camera unit 20 .

Next, it is determined whether or not the illuminance detection value is equal to or greater than the threshold (STEP 02). This determination is made by the power control section 25 of the camera unit 20 . If the detected illuminance value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to STEP03, and if the detected illuminance value is less than the threshold value, the process returns to STEP01 and the state of the illuminance detection mode M1 is maintained.

If the detected illuminance value is equal to or greater than the threshold ("YES" in STEP02), the camera unit 20 transitions to the information signal reception mode M2 (STEP03). As a result, the camera unit 20 is in a standby state in which power is supplied to the communication section 23 and the information signal described above can be received.

Next, the camera unit 20 determines whether or not the stove-on information has been received from the cooking device 10 (STEP 04). The "stove-on information" is information indicating that the heating portion 15 (stove burners 5 to 7) of the heating cooker 10 will start heating from now on, and is one of the information signals. If the camera unit 20 has received the stove-on information, the process proceeds to STEP05, and if it has not received the stove-on information, the process proceeds to STEP09.

First, the case where the camera unit 20 receives the stove-on information from the cooking device 10 ("YES" in STEP 04) will be described. In this case, the camera unit 20 transitions to the monitoring mode M3 (STEP05). As a result, power is supplied to the imaging unit 21, the image processing unit 22, and the communication unit 23 of the camera unit 20, and the top side of the heating cooker 10 can be monitored.

At this time, the camera unit 20 also transmits camera-on information to the cooker 10 . "Camera ON information" is information indicating that the camera unit 20 has been activated, and is one of information signals. Control of the heating cooker 10 when the camera-on information is received will be described later.

Next, the camera unit 20 determines whether or not the stove-off information has been received from the cooking device 10 (STEP 06). The "stove-off information" is information indicating that the work by the heating unit 15 in the heating cooker 10 has ended, and is one of the information signals. If the camera unit 20 has not received the stove-off information, it proceeds to STEP07, and if it has received the stove-off information, it proceeds to STEP08.

If the camera unit 20 has not received the stove-off information ("NO" in STEP06), the main processing of the camera unit 20 is executed (STEP07). This is a process in which the camera unit 20 (imaging section 21 ) in the monitoring mode M3 continuously performs imaging and transmits image data to the heating cooker 10 . The image data is analyzed by the control section 11 (image analysis section 11B) of the heating cooker 10 .

On the other hand, when the camera unit 20 receives the stove-off information ("YES" in STEP06), the camera unit 20 transitions to the information signal reception mode M2 (STEP08). As a result, the camera unit 20 enters the standby state again. After that, the process returns to STEP04.

Next, the case where the camera unit 20 has not received the stove-on information from the cooking device 10 (“NO” in STEP 04) will be described. In this case, an illuminance detection value is acquired (STEP09). Specifically, the illuminance detection sensor 26 again detects the illuminance of the surrounding area of the heating cooker 10 and transmits the illuminance detection value to the camera unit 20 .

Next, it is determined whether or not the illuminance detection value is equal to or greater than the threshold (STEP 10). If the detected illuminance value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process returns to STEP04, and if it is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to STEP11.

If the detected illuminance value is less than the threshold ("NO" in STEP 10), the camera unit 20 transitions to the illuminance detection mode M1 (STEP 11). This is because, for example, the fluorescent lamp in the kitchen where the heating cooker 10 is installed turns on, and once the illuminance detection value exceeds the threshold value ("YES" in STEP 02), the power of the heating cooker 10 is turned on. This is the case where the fluorescent lamp is turned off ("NO" in STEP 10) while the fluorescent lamp is turned off ("NO" in STEP 04). After that, the process returns to STEP01.

In this manner, the camera unit 20 transitions between the three states of the illuminance detection mode M1, the information reception standby mode M2, and the monitoring mode M3 according to the illuminance detection value and the power ON/OFF condition of the cooking device 10. Power is not supplied to the camera unit 20 (completely off) in the illuminance detection mode M1, and power is not supplied except for the communication unit 23 in the information reception standby mode M2. can be reduced to A mode in which the camera unit 20 operates on a 100V power supply is also advantageous in that power consumption can be suppressed.

In the surveillance system 1 of the present embodiment, the life of the power supply section 24 (battery) of the camera unit 20 can be extended. Therefore, the trouble of replacing or charging the battery can be saved, and the convenience of the system can be improved.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a flow chart of the overall processing of the heating cooker 10 will be described.

In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the power switch 13e of the heating cooker 10 is turned on (FIG. 5A: STEP 21). If the power switch 13e is turned on, the process proceeds to STEP 22. If the power switch 13e is not turned on, the process loops until the power switch 13e is turned on.

When the power switch 13e is turned on ("YES" in STEP 21), the cooker 10 transmits a range hood link signal (STEP 22). The “range hood link signal” is an infrared signal for making the range hood 30 recognize that the cooker 10 is powered on, and is transmitted from the infrared transmitter 14 (see FIG. 2) to the range hood 30 .

The range hood 30 turns on the lighting unit 33 upon receiving the "range hood cooperation signal". If the cooperation is not performed normally, the liquid crystal display unit 16 of the heating cooker 10 may inform the user that the lighting unit 33 (or the fluorescent lamp in the kitchen) is manually turned on. Also, the exhaust fan may be driven at this timing (or the timing at which heating of the heating unit 15 is started).

Next, the cooking device 10 transmits the stove-on information (STEP 23). Specifically, “stove ON information” indicating that heating by the heating unit 15 (stove burners 5 to 7) will start is transmitted to the camera unit 20 . Note that when the camera unit 20 receives the "stove-on information", the processing after STEP 05 in FIG. 4 is performed.

Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (STEP 24). The "predetermined time" here is the time to wait for activation of the camera unit 20 (the imaging unit 21 and the image processing unit 22). In addition, by adding the leeway time α to the “predetermined time”, the camera unit 20 (imaging section 21) can start monitoring from the state before the heating section 15 is activated. If the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to STEP 25, and if the predetermined time has not yet passed, the process loops until the predetermined time has passed.

When the predetermined time has passed ("YES" in STEP 25), heating by the stove starts (STEP 25). Specifically, heating and cooking of the cooking vessel P placed on one (or more) of the stove burners 5 to 7 is started.

Next, the cooking device 10 determines whether or not camera-on information has been received ( FIG. 5B : STEP 26). "Camera ON information" is an information signal transmitted to the heating cooker 10 when the camera unit 20 transitions to the monitoring mode M3 and monitoring is started. If the camera-on information has been received, the process proceeds to STEP27, and if the camera-on information has not been received, the process proceeds to STEP31.

First, the case where the cooking device 10 receives camera-on information from the camera unit 20 (“YES” in STEP 26) will be described. In this case, the cooker 10 notifies the operation of the camera unit 20 (STEP 27). This is, for example, a process of notifying the user that the camera unit 20 has started up and is in a monitoring state in the liquid crystal display section 16 of the heating cooker 10 .

Next, the main process of the heating cooker 10 is executed (STEP28). This is a process in which the cooker 10 performs monitoring based on the image data from the camera unit 20, and notifies the user as an error or warning when a dangerous event or the like occurs. The notification is made by characters, graphics, etc. on the liquid crystal display unit 16, but such notification may be made by voice, buzzer, or the like.

After that, it is determined whether or not the power switch 13e of the heating cooker 10 is turned off (STEP 29). If the power switch 13e is turned on ("YES" in STEP29), the process proceeds to STEP30, and if the power switch 13e is not turned off ("NO" in STEP29), the process returns to STEP28.

Next, the case where the cooker 10 has not received the camera-on information from the camera unit 20 (“NO” in STEP 26) will be described. In this case, the cooker 10 notifies the non-operation of the camera unit 20 (STEP 31). This is a process for informing the user that the liquid crystal display section 16 of the heating cooker 10 is not in a monitoring state due to a communication failure with the camera unit 20 or a change in the illuminance detection value. . In addition, the said alerting|reporting is performed only for the first time.

Next, the cooking device 10 resends the stove-on signal (STEP 32). Specifically, a “stove-on signal” is transmitted to the camera unit 20 again. After that, the main process is executed (STEP 33), and further, it is determined whether or not the power switch 13e of the heating cooker 10 is turned off (STEP 34). If the power switch 13e is turned off ("YES" in STEP34), the process proceeds to STEP30, and if the power switch 13e is not turned off ("NO" in STEP34), the process returns to STEP26.

Finally, the heat cooker 10 transmits stove-off information (STEP30). Specifically, “stove off information” indicating that heating by the heating unit 15 has ended is transmitted to the camera unit 20 . Note that when the camera unit 20 receives the "stove off information", the processing from STEP 08 onward in FIG. 4 is performed. After that, this process is terminated.

As described above, in the monitoring system 1, the heating cooker 10 turns on the lighting unit 33 in cooperation with the range hood 30 at the time of startup, receives image data from the camera unit 20, and monitors the cooking situation by the user. can be monitored.

In this embodiment, wireless communication is used between the heating cooker 10 and the camera unit 20, and infrared communication is used between the heating cooker 10 and the range hood 30. However, even if the units communicate with each other in the same manner, good. Also, infrared communication may be wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 Monitoring system 3 Stove main body 4 Top plate parts 5 to 7 Stove burner 8 Grill burner 10 Heating cooker 11 Control part 11A Thermal power control part 11B Image analysis part 14 Infrared transmission part 15 Heating part 16 Liquid crystal display part 17 Communication part (cooking vessel side)
20 camera unit 21 imaging unit 22 image processing unit 23 communication unit (camera side)
25 Power control unit 26 Illuminance detection sensor 30 Range hood 31 Infrared receiving unit 32 Signal processing unit 33 Illumination unit

Claims (7)

a thermal device having a heating unit; and imaging means capable of communicating with the thermal device and having an imaging unit capable of capturing an image of the upper surface side of the thermal device,
The thermal equipment has a thermal equipment communication unit that transmits an information signal related to the thermal equipment to the imaging means,
The imaging means has an imaging means communication section that receives the information signal transmitted from the thermal equipment communication section, and has a standby mode in which the information signal can be received and a monitoring mode in which the thermal equipment is monitored. and in the monitoring system capable of switching to the monitoring mode when the imaging means communication unit receives the information signal in the standby mode,
further comprising illuminance detection means for detecting illuminance in a peripheral area of the thermal equipment;
The imaging means is
further having an illuminance detection mode for detecting the illuminance by the illuminance detection means;
When the illuminance in the illuminance detection mode exceeds a predetermined threshold, power supply to the imaging means communication unit is started and the illuminance detection mode is switched to the standby mode,
When the illuminance becomes less than a predetermined threshold value in the standby mode, the power supply to the imaging means communication unit is stopped and the standby mode is switched to the illuminance detection mode.
A surveillance system characterized by: The imaging means starts supplying power to the imaging unit when the standby mode is switched to the monitoring mode.
The surveillance system according to claim 1, characterized by: The information signal is a signal relating to the start of power supply to the thermal equipment, or a signal relating to the start of heating by the heating unit or a change in the heating state.
3. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: further comprising illumination means for illuminating the thermal equipment;
The lighting means automatically illuminates the thermal equipment at least during operation of the heating unit,
The imaging means is provided at a position where the illuminance is equal to or greater than the threshold value when illuminated by the lighting means.
The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat device is a heating cooker that cooks the food to be cooked by the heating unit,
An exhaust discharge device is provided above the heating cooker and discharges exhaust emitted by the operation of the heating unit,
The lighting means is provided in the exhaust discharge device, and automatically illuminates the heating cooker at least during the discharge of the exhaust from the heating unit.
5. The surveillance system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The information signal is a signal regarding the start of heating by the heating unit,
The thermal equipment transmits the information signal to the imaging means before starting heating, and starts heating after a predetermined time has elapsed.
6. The monitoring system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The imaging means has a power supply section inside, and supplies power from the power supply section.
The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:

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