Cooking system

Abstract

The invention provides a heating cooking system which can perform optimal heating control based on the component content of grain and can make the main body of a heating cooker compact. A heating and cooking system (1000A) is provided with a rice cabinet (70) (grain container) and a cooking device (1) (heating and cooking device), the cooking device (1) is provided with a pot (4), a heating part (6) and a cooking control part (101) (control part) for controlling the heating part (6), the rice cabinet (70) is provided with a measuring part (14), and the measuring part (14) is provided with a light emitter (141) for irradiating rice with light of a wavelength band in a near infrared region and a light receiver (142) for receiving reflected light from the rice. The cooking control unit (101) controls the heating unit (6) on the basis of the detection information of the measurement unit (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating cooking system. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a rice cooker comprising a protein measuring unit for detecting the protein content of rice and a water absorption determination unit for determining the water absorption ease of the rice based on the detection value of the protein measuring unit. The preheating process time is controlled according to the water absorption ease of the rice determined by the water absorption determination unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-111195 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a cooking system capable of performing optimal heating control.

[0005] The heating cooking system disclosed in the present invention includes a grain storage and a heating cooker, wherein the heating cooker includes a pot, a heating unit and a control unit for controlling the heating unit, and the grain storage includes a measuring unit having a light emitter for irradiating grains with light in a near-infrared band and a light receiver for receiving reflected light from the grains, and the control unit controls the heating unit based on detection information from the measuring unit.

[0006] The heating cooking system disclosed in the present invention includes a grain storage container, a heating cooker and a portable terminal that can be carried with you. The heating cooker includes a pot, a heating unit and a control unit that controls the heating unit. The portable terminal includes a measuring unit, which includes: a light emitter that irradiates the grains stored in the grain storage container with light in a near-infrared band; and a light receiver that receives reflected light from the grains. The control unit controls the heating unit based on the detection information of the measuring unit.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, optimal heating control can be performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a cooking system according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the light emitter and the light receiver according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the light receiver according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the cooking system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a figure for demonstrating the rice cooking process of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the first screen in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the second screen in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a cooking system according to a second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a cooking system according to a third embodiment.

[0018] Description of labels

[0019] 1 Rice cooker (heating cooker)

[0020] 2 Rice cooker body (heating cooker body)

[0021] 3 Main body cover

[0022] 4 pots

[0023] 6. Heating unit

[0024] 9Display operation unit

[0025] 13 Rice cooker control device

[0026] 14 Measurement Department

[0027] 70, 70A rice cabinet (grain storage)

[0028] 74 detection button

[0029] 92 monitors

[0030] 101 Cooking Control Unit (Control Unit)

[0031] 102 Display Unit

[0032] 104 Rice Cooker Communication Unit (Receiving Unit)

[0033] 141 light emitter

[0034] 142 light receiver

[0035] 142A first light receiver

[0036] 142B second light receiver

[0037] 201 Measurement Control Unit

[0038] 203 Detection Communication Unit (Sending Unit)

[0039] 215 detection control device

[0040] 300 cold storage

[0041] 400 portable terminal

[0042] 420 Grain Storage

[0043] 1421 Bandpass Filter

[0044] 1421A first bandpass filter

[0045] 1421B Second Bandpass Filter

[0046] 1422 light sensor

[0047] 1422A first light receiving sensor

[0048] 1422B second light receiving sensor

[0049] 1423 substrate

[0050] 1424 sensor receiving parts

[0051] Rice (cereals)

[0052] G1 first screen

[0053] G2 Second Screen

[0054] J1 moisture content information

[0055] J2 selection information

[0056] J3 Cooked Information

[0057] J4 selection information

[0058] HS frame DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] (Insights, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0060] When the inventors conceived of the present disclosure, there was a rice cooker equipped with a protein quality measuring unit for detecting the protein content of rice; and a water absorption determination unit for determining the rice's water absorption efficiency based on the value detected by the protein quality measuring unit. The preheating time was controlled based on the water absorption efficiency determined by the water absorption determination unit. During the preheating process, this rice cooker measured the rice's protein content by illuminating the bottom of the pot with light, thereby determining the rice's water absorption efficiency. However, the inventors discovered that the rice's water absorption efficiency varied not only with the rice's protein content but also with the moisture content of the raw rice before soaking and the water temperature during the preheating process. Consequently, this rice cooker could not accurately measure the rice's water absorption efficiency. This made it impossible to accurately measure the rice's water absorption efficiency when cooking a small amount of rice or when the rice entered the pot unevenly, preventing optimal heating control. This led to the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0061] The inventors discovered that this problem is common not only to rice cookers, but also to all grain heating cookers such as electric pressure cookers and ovens.

[0062] Furthermore, the inventors have discovered a problem in that providing a heating cooker with a mechanism for measuring the content of components in cereals would increase the size of the heating cooker.

[0063] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a cooking system capable of performing optimal heating control.

[0064] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes more detailed descriptions than necessary are omitted. For example, sometimes detailed descriptions of already known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are omitted.

[0065] In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0066] (Implementation Method 1)

[0067] [1-1. Structure]

[0068] [1-1-1. Structure of the rice cooker]

[0069] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the cooking system 1000A. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the rice cooker 1.

[0070] In each figure, arrows indicate directions in the installed state of the rice cooker 1. Symbol UP indicates upward, symbol FR indicates forward, and symbol R indicates rightward.

[0071] like Figure 1As shown, the cooking system 1000A includes a rice cooker 1 and a rice cabinet 70 .

[0072] The rice cooker 1 corresponds to an example of a “heating cooker”, and the rice cabinet 70 corresponds to an example of a “grain storage”.

[0073] The rice cabinet 70 includes a storage portion 71 , a rod 72 , and a drawer 73 .

[0074] The storage section 71 is provided at the top of the rice cabinet 70 and stores rice Ri. The rod 72 is configured to be movable up and down. By pressing the rod 72 downward, a predetermined amount of rice Ri falls into the drawer 73.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the rice cooker 1 includes a rice cooker body 2 and a body cover 3 that can open and close an upper opening of the rice cooker body 2 .

[0076] The rice cooker body 2 is formed with a pot accommodating portion 5 that can accommodate a pot 4. The pot 4 contains a heated object containing rice and water. The pot accommodating portion 5 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the pot 4, and a heating portion 6 is provided at the bottom.

[0077] The heating unit 6 includes a first heating coil 61 and a second heating coil 62. The first heating coil 61 is disposed opposite the center of the bottom portion of the pot 4 across the pot storage unit 5. The second heating coil 62 is disposed opposite the corner of the bottom portion of the pot 4 across the pot storage unit 5. Alternatively, the heating unit 6 may be formed of a heater.

[0078] An opening 7 is formed in the center of the bottom portion of the pot storage portion 5. A temperature sensor 8 for detecting the temperature of the pot 4 is provided in the opening 7 so as to be in contact with the bottom of the pot 4 stored in the pot storage portion 5. The temperature sensor 8 can indirectly detect the temperature inside the pot 4. Furthermore, the rice cooker 1 utilizes the correlation between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 and the temperature of the object to be heated inside the pot 4 to perform heating control.

[0079] The main body cover 3 includes an outer cover 31 and an inner cover 32. The main body cover 3 is opened by pressing an opening button 33.

[0080] The outer lid 31 has a hinge axis 31A. The hinge axis 31A serves as the axis for opening and closing the outer lid 31 and is rotatably mounted at the rear of the rice cooker body 2. Furthermore, a torsion coil spring (not shown) is positioned around the hinge axis 31A. The torsion coil spring elastically biases the outer lid 31 away from the upper opening of the rice cooker body 2, centered about the hinge axis 31A.

[0081] A display and operation unit 9 is provided on the outer top surface 31B of the outer lid 31 (the top surface when the upper opening of the rice cooker body 2 is sealed). The display and operation unit 9 includes a plurality of buttons 91 and a display 92. The buttons 91 receive commands such as starting and stopping cooking, and reserving cooking. The buttons 91 also receive input regarding the type and composition of rice in the rice pot 4.

[0082] Display 92 displays various information related to rice cooking, such as the cooking time, information related to rice, and information related to water. Alternatively, display 92 may be formed of a touch panel. In this configuration, in addition to displaying various information, display 92 may also display software buttons having the same functions as buttons 91. Furthermore, in this configuration, display operation unit 9 may not include buttons 91.

[0083] The inner lid 32 is formed with a first steam outlet 32A and a second steam outlet 32B for discharging steam from the pot 4. The diameter of the second steam outlet 32B is larger than that of the first steam outlet 32A, for example, being designed to be at least twice the diameter of the first steam outlet 32A. Steam discharged from the first and second steam outlets 32A, 32B, is discharged to the outside of the rice cooker 1 through a third steam outlet 31C. The third steam outlet 31C is also formed on the outer top surface 31B of the outer lid 31.

[0084] The pot 4 is provided with a pressure regulating valve 10 capable of opening and closing the first steam exhaust port 32A and a pressure release valve 11 capable of opening and closing the second steam exhaust port 32B.

[0085] The pressure regulating valve 10 is a valve that suppresses the pressure within the pot 4 from rising above a specified value (e.g., 1.2 atmospheres) above atmospheric pressure. In this embodiment, the pressure regulating valve 10 is constructed using a ball bearing. Its own weight closes the first steam outlet 32A. When the pressure within the pot 4 exceeds its own weight, the first steam outlet 32A opens. Alternatively, the pressure regulating valve 10 may be constructed using a sealing member that closes the first steam outlet 32A and a spring that biases the sealing member to close the first steam outlet 32A.

[0086] The pressure relief valve 11 is movable between a closed position, which closes the second steam outlet 32B, and an open position, which opens the second steam outlet 32B. The outer lid 31 is provided with a pressure valve moving mechanism 12 that moves the pressure relief valve 11 between the closed and open positions. The position of the pressure relief valve 11 is controlled by the pressure valve moving mechanism 12. Under the control of the rice cooker control device 13 (described later), the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 presses the pressure relief valve 11 with a pressure greater than a specified value, maintaining the pressure relief valve 11 in the closed position. Furthermore, under the control of the rice cooker control device 13 (described later), the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 moves the pressure relief valve 11 from the closed position to the open position when the pressure within the pot 4 exceeds a specified value. The pressure valve moving mechanism 12 is composed of a component that presses the pressure relief valve 11, an arm that moves the pressing component vertically, and gears and a motor that drive the arm. Alternatively, the arm can be driven by moving a ball using a solenoid.

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the rice cabinet 70 includes a measuring unit 14 for detecting the moisture content of rice in the storage section 71. Moisture content corresponds to an example of "detection information." The measuring unit 14 is located to the left of the storage section 71. Furthermore, the rice cabinet 70 includes a detection button 74. Pressing the detection button 74 initiates measurement by the measuring unit 14. The measuring unit 14 includes a light emitter 141 and a light receiver 142.

[0088] Figure 3 14 is a diagram showing how the light emitter 141 and the light receiver 142 are arranged.

[0089] The housing portion 71 has a light-transmitting surface 71A made of resin or glass, and the housing HS is disposed on the light-transmitting surface 71A.

[0090] The housing HS includes an inclined member HS1 and a bottom member HS2 , and houses the light emitter 141 and the light receiver 142 .

[0091] The inclined member HS1 is provided with a light emitter 141. The light emitter 141 emits light having a wavelength in the near-infrared region toward the rice stored in the storage portion 71. The light emitter 141 is formed of, for example, a halogen lamp. Alternatively, the light emitter 141 may be formed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0092] The bottom member HS2 is provided with a light receiver 142. The light receiver 142 receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the light having a wavelength in the near-infrared region emitted from the light emitter 141. In this embodiment, the light receiver 142 receives the reflected light of the rice.

[0093] Next, refer to Figure 4The structure of the light receiver 142 will be described. Figure 4 14 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the light receiver 142 . Figure 4 The above picture is a top view. Figure 4 The figure below is a side view.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the light receiver 142 includes a bandpass filter 1421, a light receiving sensor 1422, and a substrate 1423 arranged from the right side toward the left side. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the light receiving sensor 1422 includes a first light receiving sensor 1422A and a second light receiving sensor 1422B. The first light receiving sensor 1422A and the second light receiving sensor 1422B are arranged side by side. The first light receiving sensor 1422A and the second light receiving sensor 1422B are each composed of, for example, a photodiode.

[0095] The first light receiving sensor 1422A receives light in a first wavelength band, which is, for example, a wavelength band of 950 nm to 980 nm.

[0096] The second light receiving sensor 1422B receives light in a second wavelength band, which is, for example, a wavelength band of 910 nm to 940 nm.

[0097] Bandpass filter 1421 consists of a first bandpass filter 1421A and a second bandpass filter 1421B. First bandpass filter 1421A is located to the right of first light-receiving sensor 1422A. It transmits wavelengths between 950 nm and 980 nm. Second bandpass filter 1421B is located to the right of second light-receiving sensor 1422B. It transmits wavelengths between 910 nm and 940 nm.

[0098] In other words, the light receiver 142 includes a first light receiver 142A and a second light receiver 142B. The first light receiver 142A includes a first bandpass filter 1421A and a first light receiving sensor 1422A. The second light receiver 142B includes a second bandpass filter 1421B and a second light receiving sensor 1422B.

[0099] Light-receiving sensor 1422 is placed on the right side of substrate 1423. Sensor housing 1424 houses light-receiving sensor 1422 (here, first light-receiving sensor 1422A and second light-receiving sensor 1422B). Bandpass filter 1421 (here, first bandpass filter 1421A and second bandpass filter 1421B) is provided on the right side of sensor housing 1424. Sensor housing 1424 and substrate 1423 are secured to each other by a pair of screws 1425.

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a detection control device 215 for controlling the operation of the measuring unit 14 is provided in the rice cabinet 70. Figure 2 As shown, the rice cooker main body 2 is provided with a rice cooker control device 13 for controlling the operation of the rice cooker 1 .

[0101] The rice cooker control device 13 corresponds to an example of a “control unit”.

[0102] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the cooking system 1000A.

[0103] The rice cabinet 70 includes a detection control device 215 . The measurement unit 14 and the detection communication unit 203 are connected to the detection control device 215 .

[0104] The detection control device 215 includes a detection processor 200 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPC (MicroProcessing Unit), a detection memory 210 , and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices and sensors.

[0105] The detection memory 210 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The detection memory 210 stores a control program 211 and data processed by the detection processor 200. The rice cooker memory 110 includes a non-volatile storage area. Furthermore, the rice cooker memory 110 includes a volatile storage area that constitutes the workspace of the rice cooker processor 100. The rice cooker memory 110 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0106] The detection communication unit 203 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit and communicates with the rice cooker communication unit 104 of the rice cooker 1 under the control of the detection control device 215. The communication standard of the detection communication unit 203 is a wireless communication standard. As a wireless communication standard, for example, connection is made via a wireless communication line based on Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or other wireless communication standards.

[0107] The detection communication unit 203 corresponds to an example of a “transmitting unit”.

[0108] The detection processor 200 reads and executes the control program 211 stored in the detection memory 210 , thereby functioning as a measurement control unit 201 and a detection communication control unit 202 .

[0109] The measurement control unit 201 detects the moisture content of the rice. In this embodiment, the measurement control unit 201 detects the moisture content of the rice as a percentage.

[0110] The measurement control unit 201 detects the moisture content of rice using the following equations (1) to (3).

[0111] QW=A1×X1+A2×X2+B (1)

[0112] DA1=-Log 10 (LM1 / LR1) (2)

[0113] DA2=-Log 10 (LM2 / LR2) (3)

[0114] In the formula (1), QW on the left side represents the water content.

[0115] Furthermore, in formula (1), A1, A2, and B represent regression coefficients.

[0116] Furthermore, in formula (1), X1 is a variable and is the first absorbance.

[0117] Furthermore, in formula (1), X2 is a variable and is the second absorbance.

[0118] In formula (2), DA1 on the left side represents the first absorbance.

[0119] Furthermore, in the formula (2), LM1 represents the first light quantity. The first light quantity refers to the light quantity in the first wavelength band.

[0120] In equation (2), LR1 represents the first reference light quantity. The first reference light quantity represents the amount of light received by first light-receiving sensor 1422A when the reference plate is placed on light-transmitting surface 71A. The reference plate is made of, for example, white resin. The first reference light quantity is measured in advance and stored in detection memory 210.

[0121] In formula (3), DA2 on the left side represents the second absorbance.

[0122] Furthermore, in the formula (3), LM2 represents the second light quantity. The second light quantity refers to the light quantity in the second wavelength band.

[0123] In equation (3), LR2 represents the second reference light quantity. The second reference light quantity represents the amount of light received by the second light receiving sensor 1422B when the reference plate is placed on the light transmitting surface 71A. The second reference light quantity is measured in advance and stored in the detection memory 210.

[0124] When a predetermined trigger occurs, the measurement control unit 201 turns on the light emitter 141. As an example of this predetermined trigger, the user operates the detection button 74 for starting the detection of the water content.

[0125] The measurement control unit 201 then causes the light receiver 142 to receive the reflected light. The measurement control unit 201 causes the first light receiving sensor 1422A to detect light in the first wavelength band and obtain a first light intensity as a detection result. The measurement control unit 201 causes the second light receiving sensor 1422B to detect light in the second wavelength band and obtain a second light intensity as a detection result.

[0126] The measurement control unit 201 calculates the moisture content of the rice stored in the storage unit 71 based on the light reception result of the light receiver 142. Specifically, the measurement control unit 201 substitutes the first light intensity obtained into LM1 of formula (2) and substitutes the first reference light intensity stored in the detection memory 210 into LR1 of formula (2) to calculate the first absorbance. In addition, the measurement control unit 201 substitutes the second light intensity obtained into LM2 of formula (3) and substitutes the second reference light intensity stored in the detection memory 210 into LR2 of formula (2) to calculate the second absorbance. Then, the measurement control unit 201 substitutes the calculated first absorbance and second absorbance into X1 and X2 of formula (3), respectively, to detect the moisture content of the rice.

[0127] When the measurement control unit 201 detects the moisture content, it associates the date and time of the detection with the detected moisture content and transmits information including the detected moisture content to the rice cooker 1 via the detection communication unit 203. The rice cooker 1 receives this information via the rice cooker communication unit 104 (described later) and records the moisture content in the historical data 112. The historical data 112 is a database representing the history of the moisture content detected by the measurement control unit 201, and records the moisture content for a specified number of days in a chronological order.

[0128] The rice cooker 1 includes a rice cooker control device 13. The rice cooker control device 13 is connected to the heating unit 6, the temperature sensor 8, the display operation unit 9, and the pressure valve moving mechanism 12.

[0129] The rice cooker control device 13 includes a rice cooker processor 100 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPC (MicroProcessing Unit), a rice cooker memory 110 , and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices and sensors.

[0130] The rice cooker memory 110 is a storage device that stores programs and data. It stores a control program 111, historical data 112, and data processed by the rice cooker processor 100. The rice cooker memory 110 includes a non-volatile storage area. Furthermore, the rice cooker memory 110 includes a volatile storage area that constitutes the workspace of the rice cooker processor 100. The rice cooker memory 110 is comprised of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0131] The rice cooker communication unit 104 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the detection communication unit 203 of the rice cabinet 70 according to the control of the rice cooker control device 13. The communication standard of the rice cooker communication unit 104 is a wireless communication standard. As a wireless communication standard, for example, connection is made via a wireless communication line based on Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or other wireless communication standards. In addition, the detection communication unit 203 and the rice cooker communication unit 104 can also be composed of a wired communication standard.

[0132] The rice cooker communication unit 104 corresponds to an example of a “receiving unit”.

[0133] The rice cooker processor 100 reads and executes the control program 111 stored in the rice cooker memory 110 to function as a rice cooking control unit 101, a display unit 102, and a rice cooker communication control unit 103. The rice cooking control unit 101 is an example of a "control unit."

[0134] The rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 and the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 to execute and control the rice cooking process.

[0135] Here, refer to Figure 6 The rice cooking process is explained.

[0136] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the cooking process. Figure 6 Graph CH1 is shown in which the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time from the start of rice cooking and the vertical axis represents the temperature of the pan 4 .

[0137] The rice cooking process consists of a water absorption process A, a temperature increase process B, a boiling maintenance process C, and a rice stewing process D.

[0138] Water absorption step A involves soaking the rice in water at a temperature lower than its gelatinization temperature to pre-absorb the rice. This allows the rice to gelatinize to the center of the rice in subsequent steps. Water absorption step A also involves the amylase enzyme in the rice breaking down starch to produce glucose, which contributes to the sweetness of the cooked rice.

[0139] The water absorption step A is the first step in the rice cooking process. In the water absorption step A, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 to heat the pot 4 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 reaches the first temperature Tm1 after the first time Ti1 has passed since the start of the water absorption step A.

[0140] In addition, the first time Ti1 is about 20 minutes and the first temperature Tm1 is about 55°C.

[0141] In the rice cooking process, the heating step B is executed after the water absorption step A. The heating step B brings the water in the pot 4 to a boil. In the heating step B, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 to heat the pot 4 until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 reaches a second temperature Tm2. The second temperature Tm2 is approximately 100°C, which is higher than the first temperature Tm1.

[0142] In the rice cooking process, the boiling maintenance step C is performed after the heating step B. This step maintains the boiling state of the water in the pot 4, gelatinizing the rice starch and raising the degree of gelatinization to approximately 50% to 80%. In this step, the pot 4 is heated so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 reaches the second temperature Tm2. During this step, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 and the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 to maintain the boiling state of the water in the pot 4. Specifically, the rice cooking control unit 101 repeatedly turns the power supply to the heating unit 6 on and off at regular intervals, intermittently heating the pot 4. Furthermore, in the first half of the boiling maintenance step C, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 so that the pressure release valve 11 opens and closes the second steam outlet 32B, thereby fluctuating the pressure in the pot 4 within a range from atmospheric pressure to pressures exceeding atmospheric pressure. When the pressure changes from superatmospheric pressure to atmospheric pressure, a sudden boiling phenomenon occurs in the pot 4, stirring the rice in the pot 4. Furthermore, in the second half of the boiling maintenance step C, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the pressure relief valve 11 so that the pressure relief valve 11 is in the closed position, thereby maintaining the pressure in the pot 4 at a pressure superatmospheric.

[0143] As the boiling maintenance step C progresses, the water in the pot 4 evaporates, leaving no water in the pot 4. This causes the temperature of the pot 4 to rise, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 rises to the third temperature Tm3. Furthermore, the third temperature Tm3 is higher than the second temperature Tm2. When the temperature sensor 8 detects the third temperature Tm3, the rice cooking control unit 101 ends the boiling maintenance step C.

[0144] In the rice cooking process, the rice stewing process D is performed after the boiling maintenance process C. The rice stewing process D is a process that progresses the gelatinization of the rice starch following the boiling maintenance process C. Through the rice stewing process D, the gelatinization degree of the rice is increased to nearly 100%. In the rice stewing process D, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 to heat the pot 4 in the following manner: from the start of the rice stewing process D to the elapse of the second time Ti2, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 reaches the second temperature Tm2. In the rice stewing process D, the rice cooking control unit 101 heats the pot 4 each time the temperature in the pot 4 drops below the second temperature Tm2. However, during at least one of the heating operations of the pot 4, the pressure release valve 11 is placed in the closed position to increase the pressure in the pot 4. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 reaches the second temperature Tm2, ​​the pressure release valve 11 is placed in the open position.

[0145] The display unit 102 displays various information such as the detected water content rate on the display 92 (see Figure 1 ).

[0146] Figure 7 The first screen G1 of the display 92 is shown, and the moisture status of rice is displayed in the first screen G1. Figure 8 The second screen G2 of the display 92 is displayed, and the second screen G2 shows the cooked state of the rice.

[0147] like Figure 7 As shown, the water content information J1 and the selection information J2 are displayed on the first screen G1 of the display 92 .

[0148] The moisture content information J1 displays a character string “moisture status of rice” and five sections CL1 to CL5 including a first section CL1 , a second section CL2 , a third section CL3 , a fourth section CL4 , and a fifth section CL5 .

[0149] The moisture status of rice is visualized by displaying 5 zones CL1 to CL5. Figure 7 In the example shown, the character string "slightly dry" is displayed along with the display of the three sections CL1 to CL3 , namely the first section CL1 , the second section CL2 , and the third section CL3 , so that the user can recognize that the rice is slightly dry.

[0150] The selection information J2 displays a character string of “whether to change to a program corresponding to drying” and character strings of “yes” and “no”.

[0151] The display 92 is a touch panel having a touch sensor, and the character strings of “Yes” and “No” correspond to software buttons.

[0152] The user can view selection information J2 and select "Drying-related Program." For example, if "Yes" is pressed, the rice cooking control unit 101 executes a cooking process based on the moisture content. If "No" is pressed, the rice cooking control unit 101 executes a predetermined cooking process not based on the moisture content.

[0153] like Figure 8 As shown, the second screen G2 of the display 92 displays the cooking information J3 and the selection information J4. The cooking information J3 displays the character strings "Rice is cooked," "The grains are distinct and chewy," and "Soft and elastic," as well as six sections DL1 to DL6, including a first section DL1, a second section DL2, a third section DL3, a fourth section DL4, a fifth section DL5, and a sixth section DL6.

[0154] The selection information J4 displays a character string “Please set to your preferred taste”, a left button LB, and a right button RB.

[0155] By pressing the left button LB and the right button RB, the user can arbitrarily choose whether the "rice is cooked" is "distinct and chewy", "soft and elastic", or "in between".

[0156] The display 92 is a touch panel having a touch sensor, and the left button LB and the right button RB correspond to software buttons.

[0157] The first screen G1 and the second screen G2 of the display 92 can be switched by operating the button 91, or the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 can be displayed on the screen of the display 92 at the same time, or the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 can be switched alternately after every specified period.

[0158] When a selection is made on the first screen G1 or the second screen G2 and the button 91 of the display operation unit 9 is pressed, a rice cooking process based on the moisture content is executed.

[0159] In the rice cooker 1, for example, when the detection button 74 is not pressed, the measurement control unit 201 cannot detect the moisture content of the rice.

[0160] In this case, the rice cooker 1 reads the latest water content data from the database indicating the history of water content recorded in the history data 112 , and performs display on the display unit 102 and control of the rice cooking control unit 101 based on the data.

[0161] Thus, even when the moisture content of rice cannot be detected, the measurement control unit 201 can control the rice cooker 1 by operating the operation items of the display 92 with reference to the latest moisture content data of rice.

[0162] Thus, first, by pressing the detection button 74, the measuring unit 14 is activated, and the moisture content is obtained by the measurement control unit 201. Next, the detection communication control unit 202 sends information including the moisture content to the rice cooker control device 13, and the rice cooker communication unit 104 receives it. Next, the display unit 102 displays the first screen G1 or the second screen G2. Thereafter, when a trigger to start the rice cooking process occurs, the rice cooking control unit 101 executes the rice cooking process. The rice cooking process can be changed based on the most recent moisture content. In addition, the rice cooking control unit 101 can also execute the rice cooking process based on the cooking process instruction changed by the user in the first screen G1 or the second screen G2.

[0163] [1-2. Effect]

[0164] The heating cooking system 1000A of this embodiment includes a rice cabinet 70 (grain storage container) and a rice cooker 1 (heating cooker). The rice cooker 1 includes a pot 4, a heating unit 6, and a rice cooking control unit 101 for controlling the heating unit 6. The rice cabinet 70 includes a measuring unit 14, which has a light emitter 141 for irradiating rice with light in the near-infrared region and a light receiver 142 for receiving reflected light from the rice. The rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 based on the detection information of the measuring unit 14.

[0165] With this configuration, the measurement unit 14 can be used to non-destructively measure the content of grain components before cooking. Furthermore, for example, if the measurement unit 14 is located within the rice cooker 1, the rice cooker 1 becomes larger. In the first embodiment, the measurement unit 14 is located within the rice cabinet 70, eliminating the need to locate the measurement unit 14 within the rice cooker body 2. This allows the rice cooker 1 to be more compact.

[0166] Since the heating can be controlled according to the state of the rice stored in the rice cabinet 70, a stable cooked state can be achieved regardless of changes in the rice.

[0167] Furthermore, the rice cabinet 70 may be separate from the rice cooker 1, the rice cabinet 70 may include a measuring unit 14 and a detection communication unit 203 (transmitting unit) for wirelessly transmitting detection information of the measuring unit 14, and the rice cooker 1 may include a rice cooker communication unit 104 (receiving unit) for receiving the detection information.

[0168] According to this structure, the information of the grain detected in the rice cabinet 70 can be wirelessly transmitted to the rice cooker 1. The user can freely select the storage location of the rice cabinet 70, which is convenient for use.

[0169] Furthermore, the rice cooker 1 may include a display unit 102 that displays the detection information of the measuring unit 14 .

[0170] According to this configuration, the user can change the rice cooking process based on the grain information displayed on the display unit 102 . Therefore, the user can grasp the grain information and control the heating unit 6 according to the user's preference.

[0171] (Implementation Method 2)

[0172] [2-1. Structure]

[0173] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a cooking system 1000B according to the second embodiment.

[0174] The heating cooking system 1000B includes a rice cooker 1 and a rice cabinet 70A housed in a refrigerator 300. The rice cabinet 70A is an example of a "grain storage container" or a "container housed in a refrigerator." The refrigerator 300 includes a housing 301 with an open front. The housing 301 includes four refrigerator compartments 302 and two freezer compartments 303. A drawer 304 is housed in the bottom refrigerator compartment 302. Each of the two freezer compartments 303 houses a drawer 305. Horizontally opening doors 306 and 307 are provided in the front opening of the housing 301.

[0175] Three racks, namely a first rack 308 , a second rack 309 , and a third rack 310 , are provided inside the door 306 .

[0176] The rice cabinet 70A is housed in the third rack 310. The rice cabinet 70A is sized to fit in the third rack 310. The main structure of the rice cabinet 70A is similar to Figure 1 The rice cabinet 70 shown is the same, so its description is omitted.

[0177] Thus, first, by pressing the detection button 74 of the rice cabinet 70A, the measuring unit 14 is activated, and the moisture content is obtained by the measurement control unit 201. Next, the detection communication control unit 202 sends information including the moisture content to the rice cooker control device 13, and the rice cooker communication unit 104 receives it. Next, the display unit 102 displays the first screen G1 or the second screen G2. Thereafter, when a trigger to start the rice cooking process occurs, the rice cooking control unit 101 executes the rice cooking process. The rice cooking process can be changed based on the most recent moisture content. In addition, the rice cooking control unit 101 can also execute the rice cooking process based on the cooking process instruction changed by the user in the first screen G1 or the second screen G2.

[0178] [2-2. Effect]

[0179] The heating cooking system 1000B of this embodiment includes a rice cabinet 70A (grain storage container) as a container for storing in a cold storage 300 and a rice cooker 1 (heating cooker). The rice cooker 1 includes a pot 4, a heating unit 6 and a rice cooking control unit 101 for controlling the heating unit 6. The rice cabinet 70A includes a measuring unit 14, which has a light emitter 141 for irradiating rice with light in the near-infrared region and a light receiver 142 for receiving reflected light from the rice. The rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 based on the detection information of the measuring unit 14.

[0180] According to this configuration, the content of the grain components can be non-destructively detected before cooking by the measuring unit 14. Furthermore, there is no need to configure the measuring unit 14 in the rice cooker 1. Therefore, optimal heating control can be performed based on the content of the grain components, and the rice cooker 1 can be made compact.

[0181] Furthermore, since the grain storage unit main body can be cooled in the refrigerator, deterioration of rice can be suppressed, and the rice can be kept in a good state for a long time.

[0182] (Implementation 3)

[0183] [3-1. Structure]

[0184] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a cooking system 1000C according to a third embodiment.

[0185] The heating cooking system 1000C includes a rice cooker 1, a portable terminal 400 having a measuring unit 14, and a grain storage container 420. The portable terminal 400 includes a portable terminal body 401 and a detection control device 215. The portable terminal 400 includes a portable terminal display 403. The portable terminal display 403 displays a screen indicating that the portable terminal 400 is starting up and a screen indicating the moisture content. The portable terminal 400 is provided with a detection button 74. The portable terminal 400 is provided with a housing HS that accommodates the measuring unit 14. The measuring unit 14 is accommodated within the housing HS. The measuring unit 14 includes a light emitter 141 and a light receiver 142, which are arranged in the housing HS so as to face the outside of the portable terminal body 401. In addition, the housing HS can also be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the portable terminal body 401.

[0186] The user directs the measuring unit 14 of the portable terminal 400 toward the rice Ri stored in the grain storage 420 and presses the detection button 74 , whereby the moisture content can be calculated using the measuring unit 14 .

[0187] Examples of grain storage container 420 include a lightweight cup, a rice cabinet, the pot 4 of the rice cooker 1, or a flat plate containing uncooked rice. In these cases, the moisture content can be calculated using the measuring unit 14 of the portable terminal 400. Grain storage container 420 can also be a vinyl bag or a resin container. In these cases, the moisture content can be calculated using the measuring unit 14 of the portable terminal 400 by illuminating the rice with light from the light emitter 141 through a transparent portion of the bag or container.

[0188] Thus, first, by pressing the detection button 74 of the portable terminal 400, the measuring unit 14 is activated, and the moisture content is obtained by the measuring control unit 201. Next, the detection communication control unit 202 sends information including the moisture content to the rice cooker control device 13, which is received by the rice cooker communication unit 104. Next, the display unit 102 displays the first screen G1 or the second screen G2. Thereafter, when a trigger to start the rice cooking process occurs, the rice cooking control unit 101 executes the rice cooking process. The rice cooking process can be changed based on the most recent moisture content. In addition, the rice cooking control unit 101 can also execute the rice cooking process based on the cooking process instruction changed by the user in the first screen G1 or the second screen G2.

[0189] [3-2. Effect]

[0190] The heating cooking system 1000C of this embodiment includes a grain storage container 420, a rice cooker 1 and a portable terminal 400. The rice cooker 1 includes a pot 4, a heating unit 6 and a rice cooking control unit 101 for controlling the heating unit 6. The portable terminal 400 includes a measuring unit 14. The measuring unit 14 has a light emitter 141 for irradiating rice contained in the grain storage container 420 with light in the near-infrared region, and a light receiver 142 for receiving reflected light from the rice. The rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 based on the detection information of the measuring unit 14.

[0191] According to this configuration, the content of the grain components can be non-destructively detected before cooking by the measuring unit 14. Furthermore, there is no need to configure the measuring unit 14 in the rice cooker 1. Therefore, optimal heating control can be performed based on the content of the grain components, and the rice cooker 1 can be made compact.

[0192] Furthermore, by arranging the measuring unit 14 in the portable terminal 400 , the user can freely select the storage location of the grains and can freely select the measurement location of the grains corresponding to the cooking location, thereby improving ease of use.

[0193] (Other embodiments)

[0194] As described above, the above-mentioned embodiments 1-3 are described as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology disclosed in this disclosure is not limited to these and can also be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, omitted, etc. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the various components described in the above-mentioned embodiments 1-3 to form new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0195] In other embodiments, the light emitter 141 may be composed of two light emitters, one emitting light in the first wavelength band and the other emitting light in the second wavelength band. In this other embodiment, the light receiver 142 does not need to include the bandpass filter 1421.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the above-mentioned formulas (1) to (3) are used to detect the moisture content of rice. In other embodiments, the moisture content of water may be detected using other formulas, or the moisture content of water may be detected based on the amount of light received by the light receiver 142, with reference to a table that defines the relationship between light amount and moisture content.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the measurement of the measuring unit 14 is started by the detection button 74. In other embodiments, the measurement of the measuring unit 14 may be started by the button 91 provided in the rice cooker 1. In this case, by pressing the button 91, an instruction to illuminate the light emitter 141 of the measuring unit 14 is transmitted from the rice cooker communication unit 104 and received by the detection communication unit 203.

[0198] In the second embodiment, rice cabinet 70A is exemplified as the container stored in refrigerator 300, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the container stored in refrigerator 300 may be a vinyl bag-shaped container, tableware, or a resin container.

[0199] The rice cooker processor 100 and the detection processor 200 may be composed of a single processor or a plurality of processors. The rice cooker processor 100 and the detection processor 200 may also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. Specifically, the rice cooker processor 100 and the detection processor 200 may be composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0200] The configuration of the rice cooker 1, rice cabinet 70, and portable terminal 400 is merely an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. Specifically, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each component. Alternatively, the functions of each component can be implemented by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions implemented by software in the above-described embodiments can be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented as software.

[0201] The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0202] (Note)

[0203] The following techniques are disclosed based on the description of the above embodiments.

[0204] (Technology 1) A heating cooking system comprises a grain storage container and a heating cooker, wherein the heating cooker comprises a pot, a heating unit and a control unit for controlling the heating unit, the grain storage container comprises a measuring unit having a light emitter for irradiating grains with light in a wavelength band of a near-infrared region and a light receiver for receiving reflected light from the grains, and the control unit controls the heating unit based on detection information from the measuring unit.

[0205] Thus, the measurement unit can be used to non-destructively detect the content of grain components before cooking. Furthermore, there is no need to configure the measurement unit within the rice cooker body. Therefore, optimal heating control can be performed based on the grain content, and the rice cooker body can be made compact.

[0206] (Technology 2) The heating cooking system according to Technology 1, wherein the grain storage is separate from the heating cooker, the grain storage includes the measuring unit and a sending unit that sends detection information of the measuring unit, and the heating cooker includes a receiving unit that receives the detection information.

[0207] This allows the information on grains detected by the grain storage to be wirelessly transmitted to the main body of the heating cooker. The user can freely select the storage location of the grain storage, making it easy to use.

[0208] (Technique 3) The heating cooking system according to Technique 1 or 2, wherein the grain storage container is a rice cabinet.

[0209] In this way, heating can be controlled according to the state of the rice stored in the rice cabinet, so that a stable cooked state can be achieved regardless of changes in the rice.

[0210] (Technique 4) The cooking system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the grain storage container is a container housed in a refrigerator.

[0211] Thereby, since the grain storage part main body can be cooled in the refrigerator, deterioration of rice can be suppressed and the good state of rice can be maintained for a long time.

[0212] (Technology 5) A heating cooking system comprises a grain storage container, a heating cooker and a portable terminal that can be carried with you, wherein the heating cooker comprises a pot, a heating unit and a control unit that controls the heating unit, and the portable terminal comprises a measuring unit comprising: a light emitter that irradiates the grains stored in the grain storage container with light in a near-infrared region; and a light receiver that receives reflected light from the grains, and the control unit controls the heating unit based on the detection information of the measuring unit.

[0213] Thus, by arranging the measuring unit in the portable terminal, the user can freely select the storage location of the grains and can freely select the measurement location of the grains according to the cooking location, which is convenient to use.

[0214] (Technique 6) The cooking system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 5, further comprising a display unit that displays the detection information of the measuring unit.

[0215] Thus, the user can change the rice cooking process based on the information about the grains displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the user can grasp the information about the grains and control the heating unit according to the user's preference.

[0216] [Industrial Applicability]

[0217] As described above, the cooking system of the present invention can be used to detect the content of a specific component in cereals in a short time with a simple structure.

Claims

1. A heating cooking system comprising a grain storage container and a heating cooker. The heating cooker includes a pot, a heating unit, and a control unit for controlling the heating unit. The grain storage device includes a measuring unit having a light emitter for irradiating the grain with light in a near-infrared wavelength range and a light receiver for receiving reflected light from the grain. The control unit controls the heating unit based on the detection information of the measurement unit.

2. The heating cooking system according to claim 1, wherein: The grain storage device is separated from the heating cooker. The grain storage device includes the measuring unit and a transmitting unit that transmits detection information of the measuring unit. The cooking device includes a receiving unit that receives the detection information.

3. The heating cooking system according to claim 2, wherein: The grain storage container is a rice cabinet.

4. The heating cooking system according to claim 2, wherein: The grain storage container is a container housed in a cold storage.

5. A heating cooking system comprising a grain storage container, a heating cooker, and a portable terminal. The heating cooker includes a pot, a heating unit, and a control unit for controlling the heating unit. The portable terminal includes a measuring unit having: a light emitter for irradiating light in a near-infrared wavelength band to the grains stored in the grain storage container; and a light receiver for receiving reflected light from the grains. The control unit controls the heating unit based on the detection information of the measurement unit.

6. The cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The cooking system includes a display unit that displays detection information from the measuring unit.

Images