Grain analysis device, grain analysis method, storage medium, and heating cooker

Abstract

The invention provides a grain analysis device, a grain analysis method, a storage medium and a heating cooker. The grain analysis device has a simple structure and can detect the content of a specific component of grain in a short time. A grain analysis device (2) is provided with: a light emitter (11) that irradiates white rice with light having a wavelength band in a near-infrared region; a light receiver (12) that receives reflected light of the white rice; and a control unit (14) that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, the light receiver receiving light of a first wavelength band (LB1) including the first wavelength and receiving light of a second wavelength band (LB2) including the second wavelength. The first wavelength is a wavelength at which the value of a regression coefficient is the smallest, for example, a coefficient representing the correlation with a reference component amount, which is the content of a specific component in the white rice, among the respective wavelengths of the reflected light of the white rice measured by the reference optical splitter, and the second wavelength is a wavelength at which the value of the regression coefficient is the largest. The control unit detects the content of the specific component of the white rice on the basis of the light reception result of the light receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a grain analyzing device, a grain analyzing method, a storage medium, and a heating cooking machine. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a moisture content detection device comprising: a first light-emitting section having a light emission distribution in a water absorption wavelength region; and a second light-emitting section having a light emission distribution on the shorter wavelength side or on the longer wavelength side of the water absorption wavelength region. Light is sequentially irradiated from the first and second light-emitting sections toward an object to be detected, and a light-receiving section receives reflected light from the object to be detected. The moisture content is detected by a control section performing calculations on the light reception results.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-210902 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a grain analyzing device, a grain analyzing method, a storage medium, and a heating cooking machine that have a simple structure and are capable of detecting the content of a specific component of grains in a short time.

[0005] The grain analyzing device disclosed herein comprises: a light emitter that irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver that receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, the light receiver receiving light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength and receiving light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having the smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount serving as the content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength being a wavelength having the largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the control unit detecting the content of the specific component of the grain based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0006] Furthermore, the grain analysis method disclosed in the present invention is a grain analysis method of a grain analysis device, which includes: a light emitter that irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver that receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein the control unit causes the light receiver to receive light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength and to receive light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having the smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength being a wavelength having the largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the control unit detects the content of the specific component of the grain based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0007] Furthermore, the storage medium in the present disclosure stores a grain analysis program of a grain analysis device, wherein the grain analysis device comprises: a light emitter that irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver that receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit having a processor that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein the storage medium enables the processor to function as a measurement execution unit and a component calculation unit, and the measurement execution unit enables the light receiver to receive light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength and receive light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having the smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength being a wavelength having the largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the component calculation unit detecting the content of the specific component of the grain based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0008] Furthermore, the heating cooking machine disclosed in the present invention comprises: a light emitter that irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver that receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, the light receiver receiving light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength, and receiving light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having a smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grains among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grains measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength being a wavelength having a largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the control unit detecting the content of the specific component of the grains based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0009] The grain analyzing device, grain analyzing method, storage medium and heating cooking machine in the present disclosure receive light of a first wavelength in a first band and receive light of a second wavelength in a second band, and detect the content of a specific component of the grain based on the amounts of these received light, wherein the first wavelength is a wavelength having the smallest value of a coefficient representing the correlation between the wavelengths of reflected light of the grain measured by a reference spectrometer and the reference component amount as the content of the specific component of the grain, and the second wavelength is a wavelength having the largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation.

[0010] Therefore, the content of a specific component in cereals can be detected with a simple structure and in a short time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows the structure of the rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the light emitter and the light receiver according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the light receiver according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the relationship between the regression coefficient and wavelength in the regression calculation formula of the reference water content.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between the detected moisture content and the actually measured moisture content in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of bands, the correlation coefficient, and the variance when the moisture content of white rice is detected in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of bands, the correlation coefficient, and the variance when detecting the protein content of white rice in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of a light emitter and a light receiver according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Description of labels

[0023] 1 Rice cooker (heating cooking machine)

[0024] 2. 2A Grain Analysis Device

[0025] 11 light emitters

[0026] 12 light receivers

[0027] 12A first light receiver

[0028] 12B second light receiver

[0029] 122 light sensor

[0030] 122A first light receiving sensor

[0031] 122B second light receiving sensor

[0032] 123 Bandpass Filter

[0033] 123A first bandpass filter

[0034] 123B second bandpass filter

[0035] 14 Control Unit

[0036] 14A processor

[0037] 141 Regression Generation Department

[0038] 142 lighting indicator

[0039] 143 Measurement Execution Department

[0040] 144 component calculation department

[0041] 14B memory

[0042] 145 Regression Storage Department

[0043] 146 Reference Storage

[0044] DA absorbance

[0045] DA1 first absorbance

[0046] DA2 second absorbance

[0047] LB1 first band

[0048] LB2 second band

[0049] LM1 first light

[0050] LM2 second light intensity

[0051] N number (specified number)

[0052] PG Control Program (Grain Analysis Program) QP Protein Quality

[0053] QPA standard protein quality (standard component quality) QPD detection protein quality QW water content

[0054] QWA reference moisture content (reference component content) QWD detected moisture content RC regression coefficient (coefficient indicating correlation) REW, REP regression calculation formula λ wavelength

[0055] λ1 first wavelength

[0056] λ2 second wavelength DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] (Insights, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0058] When the inventors conceived of the present disclosure, there was a moisture detection device comprising: a first light-emitting portion having a light emission distribution in a water absorption wavelength region; and a second light-emitting portion having a light emission distribution on a shorter wavelength side than the water absorption wavelength region or on a longer wavelength side than the water absorption wavelength region. Light is sequentially irradiated from the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion toward an object to be detected, and a light-receiving portion receives reflected light from the object to be detected. The moisture content is detected by a control portion performing calculations on the light reception results.

[0059] However, in the aforementioned moisture detection device, the water absorption wavelength region and the light-receiving elements located on the longer or shorter wavelength side of the water absorption wavelength region are sequentially illuminated. During this series of illumination operations, including when two light-emitting elements with two wavelengths are illuminated simultaneously, the moisture content is calculated. Simultaneously illuminating two light-emitting elements increases circuit power consumption compared to illuminating a single light-emitting element, resulting in increased circuit component costs. Furthermore, switching between the two light-emitting elements for measurement increases measurement time. Furthermore, the use of expensive InGaAs for the light-receiving elements themselves increases manufacturing costs.

[0060] The inventors have discovered these problems and, in order to solve them, have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0061] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a grain analyzing device, a grain analyzing method, a storage medium, and a heating cooking machine that have a simple structure and can detect the content of a specific component of grains in a short time.

[0062] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, a detailed description exceeding the necessary level may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of a known matter or a repeated description of a substantially identical structure may be omitted.

[0063] In addition, this embodiment includes the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The first embodiment will be described. Figures 10 and 11 A second embodiment will be described.

[0065] Furthermore, 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] (First embodiment)

[0067] [1.Structure]

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

[0069] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows the structure of the rice cooker 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

[0070] In addition, Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 10 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are described in each of the following: The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually orthogonal. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction. The Y-axis indicates the front-back direction. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the right direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the front direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction.

[0071] The rice cooker 1 corresponds to an example of a "cooking machine."

[0072] The rice cooker 1 is a so-called electric rice cooker that uses electricity to cook rice, wheat, cereals, etc. Figure 1 As shown, the rice cooker 1 includes a rice cooker body 10, a light emitter 11, a light receiver 12, a storage container 13, a control unit 14, a pot 15, a heater 16, and a temperature sensor 17. The rice cooker 1 also includes a grain analyzer 2.

[0073] The grain analyzing device 2 is housed in a rice cooker main body 10 and includes a light emitter 11 , a light receiver 12 , and a part of a control unit 14 .

[0074] The rice cooker body 10 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and houses a light emitter 11, a light receiver 12, a storage container 13, a control unit 14, a pot 15, a heater 16, and a temperature sensor 17. Figure 2As shown, a placement portion 101 on which the storage container 13 is placed is formed on the upper surface member 10U of the rice cooker body 10 .

[0075] Regarding the placement unit 101, refer to Figure 2 Further explanation.

[0076] The light emitter 11 irradiates light onto the grains stored in the storage container 13. In this embodiment, a case where the grains are white rice will be described.

[0077] White rice is an example of a "grain".

[0078] Also, regarding the light emitter 11, refer to Figure 2 Further explanation.

[0079] The light receiver 12 receives the reflected light from the white rice among the light irradiated from the light emitter 11 onto the white rice, and detects the amount of the received light.

[0080] Regarding the light receiver 12, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 Further explanation.

[0081] Storage container 13 contains white rice, which is the grain for which the grain analyzer 2 is to detect the content of a specific component. A user places white rice in storage container 13 and places storage container 13 on placement portion 101. Storage container 13 is transparently made of glass, resin, or the like.

[0082] The control unit 14 controls each unit of the grain analyzing device 2. Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls the heater 16 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 17, thereby controlling the rice cooking operation of the rice cooker 1.

[0083] The pot 15 stores the rice to be cooked. The user places the rice and water in the pot 15.

[0084] The heater 16 cooks the rice contained in the pot 15 according to the instruction from the control unit 14. The heater 16 is, for example, a coil that heats the pot 15 by induction heating.

[0085] The temperature sensor 17 is disposed on the lower surface of the pan 15 to detect the temperature.

[0086] [1-2. Structure of Grain Analyzer]

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 2 The arrangement of the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 will be described. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] like Figure 2As shown, the storage container 13 containing the rice is placed on the placement portion 101. The placement portion 101 is formed on the upper surface member 10U of the rice cooker body 10.

[0089] The light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 are housed in the housing HS and are arranged below the upper surface member 10U of the rice cooker body 10 .

[0090] The housing HS accommodates the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12. The housing HS includes an inclined member HS1 and a bottom member HS2.

[0091] Sloping member HS1 is tilted relative to a horizontal plane, such as the X-axis. A light emitter 11 is disposed on inclined member HS1. Light emitter 11 illuminates the rice stored in storage container 13 with light having a wavelength in the near-infrared region. Light emitter 11 is, for example, a halogen lamp. Alternatively, light emitter 11 may be, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0092] Moreover, the placement part 101 of the upper surface member 10U of the rice cooker main body 10 is comprised transparently so that the light irradiated from the light emitter 11 may pass therethrough. The placement part 101 is comprised by glass, resin, etc., for example.

[0093] A light receiver 12 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom member HS2. The light receiver 12 receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light from the white rice in the light having a wavelength in the near infrared region emitted from the light emitter 11. Figure 2 In the process, the light receiver 12 receives the reflected light reflected by the white rice.

[0094] Regarding the structure of the light receiver 12, refer to Figure 3 Further explanation.

[0095] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the light receiver 12 will be described. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the light receiver 12 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 The above picture is a top view. Figure 3 The figure below is a side view.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the light receiver 12 includes a bandpass filter 123, a light receiving sensor 122, and a substrate 121 arranged from the upper side toward the lower side. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the light receiving sensor 122 is composed of a first light receiving sensor 122A and a second light receiving sensor 122B. The first light receiving sensor 122A and the second light receiving sensor 122B are arranged along the Y axis. In other words, the second light receiving sensor 122B is arranged in the front direction relative to the first light receiving sensor 122A.

[0097] Furthermore, each of the first light receiving sensor 122A and the second light receiving sensor 122B is constituted by, for example, a photodiode.

[0098] The first light receiving sensor 122A receives Figure 5 The light of the first wavelength band LB1 is shown. The first wavelength band LB1 is, for example, a wavelength band of 950 nm to 980 nm.

[0099] The second light receiving sensor 122B receives Figure 5 The second wavelength band LB2 is a wavelength band of 910 nm to 940 nm, for example.

[0100] Reference Figure 5 The first band LB1 and the second band LB2 are further explained.

[0101] Bandpass filter 123 consists of a first bandpass filter 123A and a second bandpass filter 123B. First bandpass filter 123A is positioned above first light-receiving sensor 122A. First bandpass filter 123A transmits wavelengths between 950 nm and 980 nm. Second bandpass filter 123B is positioned above second light-receiving sensor 122B. Second bandpass filter 123B transmits wavelengths between 910 nm and 940 nm.

[0102] In other words, the light receiver 12 is composed of a first light receiver 12A and a second light receiver 12B. The first light receiver 12A includes a first bandpass filter 123A and a first light receiving sensor 122A. The second light receiver 12B includes a second bandpass filter 123B and a second light receiving sensor 122B.

[0103] A light-receiving sensor 122 is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 121. A sensor housing 124 houses the light-receiving sensor 122 (here, a first light-receiving sensor 122A and a second light-receiving sensor 122B). Bandpass filters 123 (here, a first bandpass filter 123A and a second bandpass filter 123B) are arranged on the upper surface of the sensor housing 124. The sensor housing 124 and the substrate 121 are secured to each other by a pair of screws 125.

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 4 The configuration of the control unit 14 will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0105] The control unit 14 includes a processor 14A and a memory 14B (storage medium).

[0106] The processor 14A is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPC (MicroProcessing Unit), etc. The memory 14B is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0107] The processor 14A may be composed of a plurality of processors or a single processor.

[0108] Processor 14A may also be hardware programmed to implement the functions of the various components described below. Specifically, processor 14A may be configured as a hardware circuit that carries a control program PG. In this case, processor 14A may be comprised of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0109] In the following description, a case will be described where the various functions of the control unit 14 are realized by the processor 14A executing the control program PG.

[0110] The memory 14B has a storage area for storing programs executed by the processor 14A and data processed by the processor 14A. The memory 14B stores the control program PG executed by the processor 14A and data such as regression equations related to the operation of the grain analyzing device 2.

[0111] Memory 14B includes a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatilely storing programs and data. Memory 14B may include, for example, a ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) as a nonvolatile storage area. Furthermore, memory 14B may include a volatile storage area that constitutes a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by processor 14A and data to be processed. Memory 14B may also include, for example, random access memory (RAM) as a volatile storage area.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 14 includes a regression equation generating unit 141 , a lighting instruction unit 142 , a measurement executing unit 143 , a component calculating unit 144 , a regression equation storing unit 145 , and a reference storing unit 146 .

[0113] Specifically, by executing the control program PG, the processor 14A functions as a regression equation generator 141, a lighting instructing unit 142, a measurement executing unit 143, and a component calculating unit 144. Furthermore, by executing the control program PG, the processor 14A causes the memory 14B to function as a regression equation storage unit 145 and a reference storage unit 146.

[0114] The control program PG corresponds to an example of a “grain analysis program”.

[0115] The regression equation storage unit 145 stores a regression equation REW for estimating the moisture content QW of white rice. The regression equation REW is generated by the regression equation generation unit 141. The regression equation REW generated by the regression equation generation unit 141 is stored in the regression equation storage unit 145.

[0116] The regression equation storage unit 145 stores a regression equation REP for estimating the protein content QP of the white rice. The regression equation REP is generated by the regression equation generation unit 141. The regression equation REP generated by the regression equation generation unit 141 is stored in the regression equation storage unit 145.

[0117] The reference storage unit 146 stores the light intensity of the reference light. The reference light indicates the light intensity of the reference plate when the reference plate is placed on the reference plate. Figure 2 The amount of light received by light receiving sensor 122 in the state of mounting portion 101 shown. The reference plate is made of, for example, white resin. That is, light projected from light emitter 11 is totally reflected by the reference plate. The light reflected by the reference plate is then detected by light receiving sensor 122.

[0118] The light amount of the reference light includes a first reference light amount LR1 detected by the first light receiving sensor 122A and a second reference light amount LR2 detected by the second light receiving sensor 122B.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, a case where the light intensity of the reference light is measured and stored in advance before the measurement execution unit 143 executes the measurement of the moisture content QW of the white rice will be described.

[0120] The regression equation generation unit 141 performs multivariate analysis on the detected light amount LM and the reference moisture content QWA of the white rice for each of a plurality of types (e.g., 500 types) of white rice, and generates a regression equation REW for estimating the moisture content QW of the white rice. For example, the regression equation generation unit 141 performs multivariate analysis on the first light amount LM1, the second light amount LM2, and the reference moisture content QWA of the white rice, and generates a regression equation REW for estimating the moisture content QW of the white rice.

[0121] The reference moisture content QWA is the exact moisture content of the white rice. The reference moisture content QWA is further described in [1-3. Experimental Results]. The reference moisture content QWA corresponds to an example of a "reference component amount."

[0122] For example, the bandwidth of each of the N number of bands LB, which is two or more, is 30 nm. Then, a regression formula REW is calculated by performing PLS (Partial Least Squares) regression analysis. This regression formula REW estimates the reference moisture content QWA of the white rice using the detected light quantity LM of each of at least two of the N number of bands LB. For example, the at least two bands LB range from two to five bands LB. PLS regression analysis is an example of multivariate analysis.

[0123] The number N corresponds to an example of a “predetermined number”.

[0124] In the case where the at least two bands LB are, for example, two bands LB, the two bands LB are composed of a first band LB1 and a second band LB2.

[0125] Reference Figure 5 Further description is given of at least 2 bands LB.

[0126] Formula (1) shows an example of the regression calculation formula REW.

[0127] QW=A1×X1+A2×X2+···+AN×XN+B (1)

[0128] Here, coefficients A1, A2, ..., and AN are regression coefficients RW. Variables X1, X2, ..., and XN are absorbances DA corresponding to the detected light quantities LM in at least two wavelength bands LB. "At least two" can be, for example, "two" to "five."

[0129] When “at least two” is, for example, “two”, the regression calculation formula REW is expressed by formula (2).

[0130] QW=A1×X1+A2×X2+B (2)

[0131] Here, variable X1 is the first absorbance DA1 corresponding to the first light quantity LM1, and variable X2 is the second absorbance DA2 corresponding to the second light quantity LM2. Coefficients A1 and A2 are regression coefficients RW.

[0132] The first absorbance DA1 is obtained by the following formula (3).

[0133] DA1=-Log 10 (LM1 / LR1) (3)

[0134] The second absorbance DA2 is obtained by the following formula (4).

[0135] DA2=-Log 10 (LM2 / LR2) (4)

[0136] Then, the regression equation generation unit 141 stores the generated regression equation REW in the regression equation storage unit 145 .

[0137] When “at least 2” is, for example, “3”, the regression calculation formula REW is expressed by formula (5).

[0138] QW=A1×X1+A2×X2+A3×X3+B (5)

[0139] When "at least two" is, for example, "four," the regression calculation formula REW is represented by Formula (6). Coefficient A1, coefficient A2, and coefficient A3 are regression coefficients RW.

[0140] QW=A1×X1+A2×X2+A3×X3+A4×X4+B (6)

[0141] When "at least two" is, for example, "five," the regression calculation formula REW is represented by Formula (7). Coefficient A1, coefficient A2, coefficient A3, and coefficient A4 are regression coefficients RW.

[0142] QW=A1×X1+A2×X2+A3×X3+A4×X4+A5×X5+B (7)

[0143] Furthermore, the regression equation generating unit 141 generates a regression equation REP for estimating the protein amount QP of the white rice, similarly to the regression equation REW for estimating the moisture amount QW of the white rice.

[0144] When “at least two” is, for example, “two”, the regression calculation formula REP is expressed by formula (8).

[0145] QP=C1×Y1+C2×Y2+D (8)

[0146] Here, coefficients C1, C2, and D are regression coefficients RC. Variable Y1 is first absorbance DA1 corresponding to first light quantity LM1, and variable Y2 is second absorbance DA2 corresponding to second light quantity LM2.

[0147] Then, the regression equation generation unit 141 stores the generated regression equation REP in the regression equation storage unit 145 .

[0148] The lighting instruction unit 142 lights up the light emitting device 11. The lighting instruction unit 142 lights up the light emitting device 11 based on an instruction from a user, for example.

[0149] The grain analyzing device 2 may also include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) that detects when the storage container 13 containing the rice is placed on the placement portion 101 of the upper surface member 10U of the rice cooker body 10. In this case, the lighting indicator 142 illuminates the light emitter 11 when the sensor detects that the storage container 13 containing the rice is placed on the placement portion 101 of the upper surface member 10U of the rice cooker body 10.

[0150] The measurement execution unit 143 causes the light receiver 12 to receive the reflected light from the rice. For example, the measurement execution unit 143 causes the first light receiving sensor 122A to detect light in the first wavelength band LB1 and obtains a first light quantity LM1 as the detection result. Furthermore, the measurement execution unit 143 causes the second light receiving sensor 122B to detect light in the second wavelength band LB2 and obtains a second light quantity LM2 as the detection result.

[0151] The component calculation unit 144 calculates the moisture content QW of the white rice contained in the storage container 13 based on the light reception result of the light receiver 12. First, the component calculation unit 144 calculates the first absorbance DA1 using equation (3) and the second absorbance DA2 using equation (4). Then, the component calculation unit 144 calculates the moisture content QW of the white rice by, for example, substituting the first absorbance DA1 and the second absorbance DA2 into the regression calculation equation REW shown in equation (4). In order to distinguish the moisture content QW calculated by the component calculation unit 144 from the reference moisture content QWA, it may be referred to as the detected moisture content QWD in the following description.

[0152] Furthermore, the component calculation unit 144 calculates the protein amount QP of the white rice contained in the storage container 13 based on the light reception result of the light receiver 12. First, the component calculation unit 144 calculates the first absorbance DA1 using equation (3) and the second absorbance DA2 using equation (4). Then, the component calculation unit 144 calculates the protein amount QP of the white rice by substituting the first absorbance DA1 and the second absorbance DA2 into the regression calculation formula REP shown in equation (8), for example. In order to distinguish the protein amount QP calculated by the component calculation unit 144 from the reference protein amount QPA, it may be described as the detected protein amount QPD in the following description.

[0153] [1-3. Experimental Results]

[0154] First, the recursive QEW for determining the first band LB1 to the fifth band LB5 will be described.

[0155] The moisture content QW is accurately measured in advance for each of multiple types of polished rice. For example, the multiple types may be 600. Furthermore, the 600 types of polished rice include multiple varieties (such as Koshihikari rice and Sasanishiki rice). For each of the 600 types of polished rice, a specialized laboratory is commissioned to perform a chemical analysis to accurately measure the moisture content QW. In the following description, the moisture content QW accurately measured in this manner may sometimes be referred to as the reference moisture content QWA.

[0156] Similarly, for each of the 600 types of white rice, a specialized laboratory was commissioned to perform chemical analysis, accurately measuring the protein content QP in advance. In the following description, the accurately measured protein content QP may be referred to as the reference protein content QPA. The reference protein content QPA corresponds to an example of a "reference component amount."

[0157] Next, the light quantity LM of reflected light at each wavelength λ in the near-infrared region was measured for 500 types of polished rice out of the 600 types of polished rice using "C14384MA-01" of the "SMD Series" of the "Mini Spectrometer" manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Ltd.

[0158] "C14384MA-01" manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Ltd. corresponds to an example of a "reference spectrometer." In the following description, for convenience, "C14384MA-01" manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Ltd. may be referred to as a "reference spectrometer."

[0159] For each of the 500 types of white rice, the reference spectrometer measures the amount of reference light LR before measuring the amount of light LM of reflected light at each wavelength λ in the near-infrared region. The reference spectrometer then measures the amount of light LM of reflected light at each wavelength λ in the near-infrared region for each of the 500 types of white rice. In this embodiment, the near-infrared region refers to, for example, light with a wavelength λ of 640 nm to 1050 nm.

[0160] Then, for each of the 500 types of white rice, the wavelength spectrum of absorbance DA at each wavelength λ is calculated using the following formula (9) based on the light quantity LM of each wavelength λ of the reflected light in the near-infrared region and the light quantity LR of each wavelength λ of the reference light.

[0161] DA=-Log 10 (LM / LR) (9)

[0162] Next, as preprocessing, the wavelength spectrum of the absorbance DA was subjected to secondary differentiation with respect to wavelength λ. Next, multivariate analysis was performed on the reference moisture content QWA of each of the various types of white rice and the wavelength spectrum of the absorbance DA after secondary differentiation. Here, PLS regression analysis was performed to calculate the regression equation QEW representing the standard line. An example of the regression equation QEW is shown in the following equation (10). The wavelength spectrum of the absorbance DA was detected at 1 nm intervals with respect to wavelength λ.

[0163] QWA=AN1×XN1+AN2×XN2+···+ANK×XNK+B (10)

[0164] Here, coefficients AN1, AN2, ..., and ANK are regression coefficients RC. Integers N1 to NK represent wavelengths λ, respectively. Integer N1 is "640," and integer NK is "1050." Integer K is 411 (=1050-640+1).

[0165] Coefficients AN1 through ANK are the regression coefficients RC for wavelengths λ ranging from 640 nm to 1050 nm, respectively. A larger regression coefficient RC for wavelength λ indicates a lower correlation between the amount of light at wavelength λ and the reference moisture content QWA. A smaller regression coefficient RC for wavelength λ indicates a higher correlation between the amount of light at wavelength λ and the reference moisture content QWA.

[0166] The regression coefficient RC corresponds to an example of a “coefficient indicating correlation”.

[0167] Next, based on the regression coefficient RC, the number N of bands LB greater than or equal to 2 is determined. For example, as the number N of bands LB greater than or equal to 2, a first band LB1 and a second band LB2 are determined.

[0168] The first wavelength band LB1 is a wavelength band including the first wavelength λ1, which is a wavelength with the smallest regression coefficient RC. The first wavelength band LB1 is, for example, a wavelength band of 950 nm or more and 980 nm or less. The first light quantity LM1, which is the light quantity of the first wavelength band LB1, is given by Figure 3 The first light receiving sensor 122A shown detects.

[0169] The second wavelength band LB2 is a wavelength band including the second wavelength λ2, which is a wavelength with the largest regression coefficient RC. The second wavelength band LB2 is, for example, a wavelength band with a wavelength of 910 nm or more and 940 nm or less. The second light quantity LM2, which is the light quantity of the second wavelength band LB2, is given by Figure 3 The second light receiving sensor 122B shown detects.

[0170] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 8 , the experimental results of the grain analysis device 2 are explained.

[0171] Figure 5 Graph showing the relationship between the regression coefficient RC and the wavelength λ in the regression equation QEW.

[0172] Figure 5 The horizontal axis represents the wavelength λ, Figure 5 The vertical axis represents the regression coefficient RC in the regression equation QEW. Figure 5 On the vertical axis, the higher the position, that is, the larger the regression coefficient RC, the smaller the correlation with the reference moisture content QWA. Figure 5 On the vertical axis, the lower the position is, that is, the smaller the regression coefficient RC is, the greater the correlation with the reference moisture content QWA is.

[0173] Graph G1 shows the relationship between the regression coefficient RC and the wavelength λ.

[0174] As shown in graph G1, the regression coefficient RC reaches its minimum value at the first wavelength λ1. In other words, the first wavelength λ1 is the wavelength λ with the highest correlation with the reference moisture content QWA. The first wavelength λ1 is 965 nm. The regression coefficient RC at the first wavelength λ1 is -2159. Furthermore, as shown in graph G1, the regression coefficient RC reaches its maximum value at the second wavelength λ2. In other words, the second wavelength λ2 is the wavelength λ with the lowest correlation with the reference moisture content QWA. The second wavelength λ2 is 925 nm. The regression coefficient RC at the second wavelength λ2 is 1660.

[0175] Based on the above measurement results, the first wavelength band LB1 is set to a wavelength band of 950 nm to 980 nm, and the second wavelength band LB2 is set to a wavelength band of 910 nm to 940 nm.

[0176] Furthermore, as described below, the third to fifth wavelengths λ3 to λ5 are selected in descending order of the absolute value of the regression coefficient RC. As shown in graph G1, the regression coefficient RC reaches its maximum value at the third wavelength λ3. The third wavelength λ3 is 820 nm. The regression coefficient RC at the third wavelength λ3 is 418. Furthermore, the regression coefficient RC reaches its minimum value at the fourth wavelength λ4. The fourth wavelength λ4 is 860 nm. The regression coefficient RC at the fourth wavelength λ4 is -344. Furthermore, the regression coefficient RC reaches its minimum value at the fifth wavelength λ5. The fifth wavelength λ5 is 680 nm. The regression coefficient RC at the fifth wavelength λ5 is -218.

[0177] Based on the above measurement results, the third wavelength band LB3 is set to a wavelength band of 805 nm to 835 nm. Furthermore, the fourth wavelength band LB4 is set to a wavelength band of 845 nm to 875 nm. Furthermore, the fifth wavelength band LB5 is set to a wavelength band of 665 nm to 695 nm.

[0178] When “at least 2” is “3” or more, that is, when the number of light receiving sensors 122 is “3” or more, the third wavelength band LB3 is set as the wavelength band LB detected by the light receiving sensors 122 .

[0179] When “at least 2” is “4” or more, that is, when the number of light receiving sensors 122 is “4” or more, the fourth wavelength band LB4 is set as the wavelength band LB detected by the light receiving sensors 122 .

[0180] When “at least 2” is “5” or more, that is, when the number of light receiving sensors 122 is “5” or more, the fifth wavelength band LB5 is set as the wavelength band LB detected by the light receiving sensors 122 .

[0181] Next, refer to Figure 6 The relationship between the detected moisture content QWD and the reference moisture content QWA will be described. Figure 6 : This is a graph showing the relationship between the detected moisture content QWD and the reference moisture content QWA according to the first embodiment.

[0182] Figure 6 The horizontal axis is the reference moisture content QWA, Figure 6 The vertical axis is the detected moisture content QWD. Figure 6 The circular marks in the table are points corresponding to 100 types of rice, excluding the 500 types of rice used to calculate the regression equation QEW, among the 600 types of rice for which the reference moisture content QWA was measured. Figure 6 The circular marks recorded are obtained by detecting the detected moisture content QWD by the grain analyzer 2 for each of the 100 types of white rice among the 600 types of white rice for which the reference moisture content QWA was measured, excluding the 500 types of white rice used to calculate the regression equation QEW, and plotting the relationship between the detected moisture content QWD and the reference moisture content QWA.

[0183] like Figure 6 As shown in the graph G2, the difference between the detected moisture content QWD detected by the grain analyzer 2 and the corresponding reference moisture content QWA is less than ±0.5%. Figure 6 As shown, the grain analyzing device 2 can detect the moisture content QW of white rice with sufficient accuracy.

[0184] Next, refer to Figure 7The relationship between the number N of detection bands, the correlation coefficient CW, and the variance VW for detecting the moisture content QWD in the grain analyzing device 2 will be described. Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number N of bands, the correlation coefficient CW, and the variance VW when the grain analyzing device 2 detects the moisture content (=detected moisture content QWD) of white rice in the first embodiment.

[0185] The number N of the detection bands used to detect the moisture content QWD in the grain analyzer 2 is changed from 2 to 5. Then, for each of the number N of the detection bands being 2 to 5, the moisture content QWD is detected in the grain analyzer 2. Furthermore, for each of the number N of the detection bands being 2 to 5, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As described above, the correlation coefficient CW and the variance VW are obtained based on the graph showing the relationship between the detected moisture content QWD and the reference moisture content QWA.

[0186] Figure 7 The horizontal axis is the number of bands N, Figure 7 The vertical axis on the left is the correlation coefficient CW, Figure 7 The vertical axis on the right side of is the variance VW. Graph G31 shows the relationship between the correlation coefficient CW and the number N of bands, and graph G32 shows the relationship between the variance VW and the number N of bands.

[0187] As shown in the graph G31 , when the number N of detection bands for detecting the moisture content QWD in the grain analyzing device 2 is changed from 2 to 5, the correlation coefficient CW increases as the number N of bands increases.

[0188] Furthermore, as shown in the graph G32 , when the number N of detection bands for detecting the moisture content QWD in the grain analyzing apparatus 2 is changed from 2 to 5, the larger the number N of detection bands, the smaller the variance VW.

[0189] Thus, it can be seen that the larger the number N of bands is, the more accurately the moisture content QW of white rice can be detected. Therefore, the number N of bands can be set according to the accuracy required by the user.

[0190] Next, refer to Figure 8 The relationship between the number N of detection bands for detecting the protein quality QPD in the grain analyzer 2 and the correlation coefficient CP and variance VP will be described. Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number N of bands, the correlation coefficient CP, and the variance VP when the grain analyzing apparatus 2 detects the protein content (=detected protein quality QPD) of white rice in the first embodiment.

[0191] The number N of wavelength bands used for detecting protein quality QPD in the grain analyzer 2 is changed from 2 to 5. Then, for each of the wavelength bands N being 2 to 5, the protein quality QPD is detected in the grain analyzer 2. Furthermore, for each of the wavelength bands N being 2 to 5, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As described above, the correlation coefficient CP and the variance VP are determined based on the graph showing the relationship between the detected protein amount QPD and the reference protein amount QPA.

[0192] Figure 8 The horizontal axis is the number of bands N, Figure 8 The vertical axis on the left is the correlation coefficient CP, Figure 8 The vertical axis on the right side of is the variance VP. Graph G41 shows the relationship between the correlation coefficient CP and the number N of bands, and graph G42 shows the relationship between the variance VP and the number N of bands.

[0193] As shown in the graph G41 , when the number N of wavelength bands used for detecting the protein quality QPD in the grain analyzing device 2 is changed from 2 to 5, the correlation coefficient CP increases as the number N of wavelength bands increases.

[0194] Furthermore, as shown in the graph G42 , when the number N of wavelength bands used for detecting the protein quality QPD in the grain analyzing device 2 is changed from 2 to 5, the larger the number N of wavelength bands is, the smaller the variance VP is.

[0195] Thus, it can be seen that the larger the number N of bands is, the more accurately the protein quality QP of white rice can be detected. Therefore, the number N of bands can be set according to the accuracy required by the user.

[0196] [1-4. Processing of the Control Unit]

[0197] Next, refer to Figure 9 , the processing of the control unit 14 is explained. Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 14 in the first embodiment.

[0198] In addition, Figure 9 Hereinafter, a case will be described where the regression formula generation unit 141 obtains the regression calculation formula REW shown in Formula (2) in advance and stores it in the regression formula storage unit 145 .

[0199] And, in Figure 9 Hereinafter, the measurement execution unit 143 will be described as previously measuring the reference light intensity and storing it in the reference storage unit 146. The reference light intensity includes a first reference light intensity LR1 detected by the first light receiving sensor 122A and a second reference light intensity LR2 detected by the second light receiving sensor 122B.

[0200] First, in step S101 , the lighting instruction unit 142 lights the light emitter 11 .

[0201] Next, in step S103 , after the amount of light irradiated from the light emitter 11 onto the cooked rice stabilizes, the measurement execution unit 143 causes the first light receiving sensor 122A to detect light in the first wavelength band LB1 , and acquires a first light amount LM1 as a detection result.

[0202] Next, in step S105 , the measurement execution unit 143 causes the second light receiving sensor 122B to detect light in the second wavelength band LB2 , and acquires the second light amount LM2 as a detection result.

[0203] Next, in step S107 , the component calculation unit 144 calculates the first absorbance DA1 by substituting the first light amount LM1 and the first reference light amount LR1 into the following equation (11). The equation (11) is a restatement of the equation (3) for convenience.

[0204] DA1=-Log 10 (LM1 / LR1) (11)

[0205] Next, in step S109 , the component calculation unit 144 calculates the second absorbance DA2 by substituting the second light amount LM2 and the second reference light amount LR2 into the following equation (12). Equation (12) is a restatement of equation (4) for convenience.

[0206] DA2=-Log 10 (LM2 / LR2) (12)

[0207] Next, in step S111 , the component calculation unit 144 calculates the detected moisture content QWD of the white rice by substituting the first absorbance DA1 and the second absorbance DA2 into the regression equation REW shown in equation (2).

[0208] (Second embodiment)

[0209] [2.Structure]

[0210] The structure and reference of the rice cooker 1 of the second embodiment Figure 1 Since the structure of the rice cooker 1 of the first embodiment described is the same, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0211] [2-1. Structure of Grain Analyzer]

[0212] Next, refer to Figure 10 The arrangement of the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 will be described. Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 according to the second embodiment.

[0213] In the following description, the main description and reference Figure 2 The structure of the grain analyzing device 2 of the first embodiment will be described, and description of the structure identical to that of the grain analyzing device 2 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0214] like Figure 10 As shown, the grain analyzing device 2A of the second embodiment includes a light emitter 11 and a light receiver 12. The light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12 are housed in a housing HS and disposed below the upper surface member 10U of the rice cooker body 10. The housing HS is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0215] A light emitter 11 and a light receiver 12 are arranged on the lower surface of the housing HS.

[0216] The light emitter 11 is composed of a first light emitter 111 and a second light emitter 112 .

[0217] The first light emitter 111 irradiates light in the first wavelength band LB1 toward the polished rice stored in the storage container 13. The first light emitter 111 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0218] The second light emitting device 112 irradiates the polished rice stored in the storage container 13 with light in the second wavelength band LB2. The second light emitting device 112 is composed of, for example, an LED.

[0219] The light receiver 12 differs from the light receiver 12 of the first embodiment in that it does not include a bandpass filter. The first light emitter 111 irradiates the rice with light in the first wavelength band LB1, and the second light emitter 112 irradiates the rice with light in the second wavelength band LB2. Therefore, the light receiver 12 does not need to include a bandpass filter.

[0220] Furthermore, the light receiver 12 of the first embodiment is different in that the light receiver 12 is composed of a first light receiving sensor 122A and a second light receiving sensor 122B, but the light receiving sensor 122 of the light receiver 12 is composed of a single light receiving sensor 122 .

[0221] On the other hand, since the light emitting device 11 is composed of the first light emitting device 111 and the second light emitting device 112, when the first light emitting device 111 irradiates light to the rice, the second light emitting device 112 needs to be turned off. Also, when the second light emitting device 112 irradiates light to the rice, the first light emitting device 111 needs to be turned off. Figure 11 Further explanation.

[0222] [2-2. Processing of the Control Unit]

[0223] Next, refer to Figure 11 The processing of the control unit 14 will be described. Figure 11This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 14 according to the second embodiment.

[0224] In addition, Figure 11 Hereinafter, a case will be described where the regression formula generation unit 141 obtains the regression calculation formula REW shown in Formula (2) in advance and stores it in the regression formula storage unit 145 .

[0225] And, in Figure 11 146, the following describes a case where the measurement execution unit 143 preliminarily measures the amount of reference light and stores the measured amount of reference light in the reference storage unit 146. The amount of reference light includes a first reference light amount LR1 obtained by the light receiving sensor 122 detecting the reflected light of the light emitted by the first light emitter 111, and a second reference light amount LR2 obtained by the light receiving sensor 122 detecting the reflected light of the light emitted by the second light emitter 112.

[0226] First, in step S201 , the lighting instruction unit 142 lights the first light emitter 111 .

[0227] Next, in step S203 , after the amount of light irradiated from the first light emitter 111 to the cooked rice stabilizes, the measurement execution unit 143 causes the light receiving sensor 122 to detect light in the first wavelength band LB1 , and obtains a first light amount LM1 as a detection result.

[0228] Next, in step S205 , the lighting instruction unit 142 turns off the first light emitter 111 .

[0229] Next, in step S207 , the second light emitting device 112 is turned on.

[0230] Next, in step S209 , after the amount of light irradiated from the second light emitter 112 to the cooked rice stabilizes, the measurement execution unit 143 causes the light receiving sensor 122 to detect light in the second wavelength band LB2 , and obtains a second light amount LM2 as a detection result.

[0231] Next, in step S211 , the component calculation unit 144 calculates the first absorbance DA1 by substituting the first light amount LM1 and the first reference light amount LR1 into the following equation (13). Equation (13) is a restatement of equation (3) for convenience.

[0232] DA1=-Log 10 (LM1 / LR1) (13)

[0233] Next, in step S213 , the component calculation unit 144 calculates the second absorbance DA2 by substituting the second light amount LM2 and the second reference light amount LR2 into the following equation (14). Equation (14) is a restatement of equation (4) for convenience.

[0234] DA2=-Log 10(LM2 / LR2) (14)

[0235] Next, in step S215 , the component calculation unit 144 calculates the detected moisture content QWD of the white rice by substituting the first absorbance DA1 and the second absorbance DA2 into the regression equation REW shown in equation (3).

[0236] [3. Structure and Effect]

[0237] As described above, the grain analyzing device 2 and the grain analyzing device 2A respectively include: a light emitter 11, which irradiates light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region toward white rice; a light receiver 12, which receives the reflected light from the white rice; and a control unit 14, which controls the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12, the light receiver 12 receives light in a first wavelength band LB1 including a first wavelength λ1, and receives light in a second wavelength band LB2 including a second wavelength λ2, the first wavelength λ1 being the wavelength λ having the smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the white rice, such as a regression coefficient RC, among the wavelengths λ of the reflected light from the white rice measured by the reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength λ2 being the wavelength λ having the largest value of the regression coefficient RC, and the control unit 14 detects the content of the specific component of the white rice based on the light reception result of the light receiver 12.

[0238] Thus, the light receiver 12 receives light in the first wavelength band LB1 including the first wavelength λ1, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC, representing the coefficient of correlation between the reflected light from the white rice and the reference component amount, which is the content of the specific component in the white rice, is minimized, as measured by the reference spectrometer, and receives light in the second wavelength band LB2 including the second wavelength λ2, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC is maximized. Based on the light reception results from the light receiver 12, the control unit 14 detects the content of the specific component in the white rice. Consequently, the content of the specific component in the white rice can be detected in a short time with a simple configuration.

[0239] In the grain analyzing device 2 , the light receiver 12 includes a first light receiver 12A that receives light in the first wavelength band LB1 and a second light receiver 12B that receives light in the second wavelength band LB2 .

[0240] Thus, the first light receiver 12A receives light in the first wavelength band LB1, and the second light receiver 12B receives light in the second wavelength band LB2. Therefore, the content of a specific component in white rice can be detected in a short time with a simple structure.

[0241] In the grain analyzing device 2 , the first light receiver 12A includes a first bandpass filter 123A that transmits light in the first wavelength band LB1 , and the second light receiver 12B includes a second bandpass filter 123B that transmits light in the second wavelength band LB2 .

[0242] Thus, the first optical receiver 12A includes the first bandpass filter 123A that transmits light in the first wavelength band LB1, thereby being able to receive light in the first wavelength band LB1 with a simple structure. Furthermore, the second optical receiver 12B includes the second bandpass filter 123B that transmits light in the second wavelength band LB2, thereby being able to receive light in the second wavelength band LB2 with a simple structure.

[0243] In the grain analyzing device 2 , the grain is white rice, the specific component is water, the first wavelength band LB1 is from 950 nm to 980 nm, and the second wavelength band LB2 is from 910 nm to 940 nm.

[0244] Therefore, as reference Figure 5 As described above, when the grain analyzer 2 detects the moisture content of white rice, the first wavelength band LB1 can be set to include the first wavelength λ1, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference moisture content of white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength band LB2 can be set to include the second wavelength λ2, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference moisture content of white rice is maximized. Therefore, when the grain analyzer 2 detects the moisture content of white rice, the first wavelength band LB1 and the second wavelength band LB2 can be set to appropriate wavelengths.

[0245] In the grain analyzing device 2 , the grain is white rice, the specific component is protein, the first wavelength band LB1 is from 870 nm to 910 nm, and the second wavelength band LB2 is from 920 nm to 960 nm.

[0246] Thus, when the grain analyzer 2 is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first wavelength band LB1 can be set to include the first wavelength λ1, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength band LB2 can be set to include the second wavelength λ2, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is maximized. Therefore, when the grain analyzer 2 is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first wavelength band LB1 and the second wavelength band LB2 can be set to appropriate wavelength bands.

[0247] In the grain analyzing device 2A, the light emitter 11 includes a first light emitter 111 emitting light in the first wavelength band LB1 and a second light emitter 112 emitting light in the second wavelength band LB2 . The control unit 14 causes the first light emitter 111 and the second light emitter 112 to emit light in sequence.

[0248] Thus, when the first light emitter 111 and the second light emitter 112 emit light sequentially, and the first light emitter 111 emits light in the first wavelength band LB1, the light receiver 12 can receive the light in the first wavelength band LB1 reflected from the white rice. Furthermore, when the second light emitter 112 emits light in the second wavelength band LB2, the light receiver 12 can receive the light in the second wavelength band LB2 reflected from the white rice. Therefore, the light receiver 12 can receive both the light in the first wavelength band LB1 and the light in the second wavelength band LB2 with a simple structure.

[0249] In the grain analyzing device 2A, the grain is white rice, the specific component is water, the first wavelength band LB1 is from 950 nm to 980 nm, and the second wavelength band LB2 is from 910 nm to 940 nm.

[0250] Therefore, as reference Figure 5 As described above, when the grain analyzer 2 detects the moisture content of white rice, the first wavelength band LB1 can be set to include the first wavelength λ1, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference moisture content of white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength band LB2 can be set to include the second wavelength λ2, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference moisture content of white rice is maximized. Therefore, the first and second wavelength bands LB1 and LB2 can be set to appropriate wavelengths.

[0251] In the grain analyzing device 2A, the grain is white rice, the specific component is protein, the first wavelength band LB1 is from 870 nm to 910 nm, and the second wavelength band LB2 is from 920 nm to 960 nm.

[0252] Thus, when the grain analyzer 2A is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first wavelength band LB1 can be set to include the first wavelength λ1, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength band LB2 can be set to include the second wavelength λ2, which is the wavelength λ at which the regression coefficient RC representing the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is maximized. Therefore, when the grain analyzer 2 is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first wavelength band LB1 and the second wavelength band LB2 can be set to appropriate wavelength bands.

[0253] In the grain analyzing device 2 and the grain analyzing device 2A, the light receiver 12 receives light of three or more mutually different bands, including a first band LB1 and a second band LB2. The N number of mutually different bands are selected in descending order according to the absolute value of the regression coefficient RC, and the control unit 14 sets the number N.

[0254] Thus, the light receiver 12 receives light from three or more different wavelength bands, number N, including the first wavelength band LB1 and the second wavelength band LB2. Therefore, by appropriately setting the number N of different wavelength bands, the content of a specific component in white rice can be detected with high accuracy. Furthermore, the number N of different wavelength bands is selected in descending order of the absolute value of the regression coefficient RC, allowing for the appropriate setting of the number N. Furthermore, since the control unit 14 sets the number N, the number N can be set according to the user's desired accuracy.

[0255] A grain analysis method is a grain analysis method using a grain analysis device 2, which includes: a light emitter 11 that irradiates white rice with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver 12 that receives reflected light from the white rice; and a control unit 14 that controls the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12, wherein the control unit 14 causes the light receiver 12 to receive light in a first wavelength band LB1 including a first wavelength λ1, and to receive light in a second wavelength band LB2 including a second wavelength λ2, and based on the light reception result of the light receiver 12, the content of a specific component in the white rice is detected, wherein the first wavelength λ1 is a wavelength λ having a minimum value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of the specific component in the white rice, such as a regression coefficient RC, among each wavelength λ of the reflected light from the white rice measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength λ2 is a wavelength λ having a maximum value of the regression coefficient RC.

[0256] Thus, the grain analysis method achieves the same effects as those of the grain analysis device 2 described above.

[0257] A control program PG is a control program PG for a grain analyzing device 2, the grain analyzing device 2 including: a light emitter 11 for irradiating white rice with light having a wavelength in the near-infrared region; a light receiver 12 for receiving light reflected from the white rice; and a control unit 14 including a processor 14A for controlling the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12. The control program PG causes the processor 14A to function as a measurement execution unit 143 and a component calculation unit 144. The measurement execution unit 143 causes the light receiver 12 to receive light in a first wavelength band LB1 including a first wavelength λ1, and to receive light in a second wavelength band LB2 including a second wavelength λ2. The first wavelength λ1 is a wavelength λ at which the value of a coefficient indicating a correlation with a reference component amount, such as a regression coefficient RC, is minimized among the wavelengths λ of reflected light from the white rice measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength λ2 is a wavelength λ at which the value of the regression coefficient RC is maximized. The component calculation unit 144 detects the content of the specific component in the white rice based on the light reception result of the light receiver 12.

[0258] Thus, the control program PG achieves the same effects as those of the above-described grain analyzing device 2 .

[0259] The rice cooker 1 includes: a light emitter 11 that irradiates white rice with light having a wavelength in the near-infrared region; a light receiver 12 that receives light reflected from the white rice; and a control unit 14 that controls the light emitter 11 and the light receiver 12, wherein the light receiver 12 receives light in a first wavelength band LB1 including a first wavelength λ1, and receives light in a second wavelength band LB2 including a second wavelength λ2. The first wavelength λ1 is a wavelength λ having a minimum value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the white rice, such as a regression coefficient RC, among each wavelength λ of the reflected light from the white rice measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength λ2 is a wavelength λ having a maximum value of the regression coefficient RC. The control unit 14 detects the content of the specific component of the white rice based on the light reception result of the light receiver 12.

[0260] Thereby, the rice cooker 1 achieves the same effects as those of the above-mentioned grain analyzing device 2 .

[0261] (Other embodiments)

[0262] As described above, the first and second embodiments are described as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology disclosed in this application is not limited to these embodiments and can also be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, the various components described in the first and second embodiments can also be combined to form new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below.

[0263] In the first and second embodiments described above, the "heating cooking machine" of the present disclosure is described as a rice cooker 1. The "heating cooking machine" of the present disclosure is not limited to the rice cooker 1. The "heating cooking machine" of the present disclosure may be, for example, a pressure cooker. Furthermore, the "heating cooking machine" of the present disclosure may also be, for example, a home baking machine.

[0264] In the first and second embodiments described above, the "cereal" of the present disclosure is described as white rice. The "cereal" of the present disclosure is not limited to white rice. For example, the "cereal" of the present disclosure may also be brown rice. Furthermore, the "cereal" of the present disclosure may also be wheat. Furthermore, the "cereal" of the present disclosure may also be barley.

[0265] In the first and second embodiments described above, the light receiver 12 is described as receiving reflected light from rice. The light receiver 12 of the present disclosure is not limited to receiving reflected light from rice. The light receiver 12 of the present disclosure only needs to receive at least one of the light transmitted through rice and the light reflected from rice. That is, the light receiver 12 of the present disclosure can also receive light transmitted through rice. Furthermore, the light receiver 12 of the present disclosure can also receive both light transmitted through rice and light reflected from rice.

[0266] In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the optical receiver 12 receives light of the first wavelength band LB1 and light of the second wavelength band LB2 is described. The optical receiver 12 of the present disclosure is not limited to receiving light of the first wavelength band LB1 and light of the second wavelength band LB2. The optical receiver 12 of the present disclosure may also receive light of the first wavelength band LB1, light of the second wavelength band LB2, and light of the third wavelength band LB3, for example. Furthermore, the optical receiver 12 of the present disclosure may also receive light of the first wavelength band LB1, light of the second wavelength band LB2, light of the third wavelength band LB3, and light of the fourth wavelength band LB4, for example. Furthermore, the optical receiver 12 of the present disclosure may also receive light of the first wavelength band LB1, light of the second wavelength band LB2, light of the third wavelength band LB3, light of the fourth wavelength band LB4, and light of the fifth wavelength band LB5, for example.

[0267] Figure 4 The structure of the grain analyzing device 2 shown is merely an example, and the specific implementation method is not particularly limited. Specifically, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each component; the functions of each component can also be implemented by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions implemented by software in the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented as software.

[0268] Figure 9 as well as Figure 11The processing step units shown are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the processing. The processing is not limited by the division method or name of the processing unit. It can also be divided into more step units based on the processing content. In addition, it can be divided in a way that a step unit contains more processing. In addition, the order of the steps can be appropriately changed within the scope that does not affect the main purpose of this disclosure.

[0269] 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.

[0270] (Note)

[0271] The following techniques are disclosed based on the description of the above embodiments.

[0272] (Technology 1) A grain analyzing device, comprising: a light emitter that irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver that receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, the light receiver receiving light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength and receiving light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having a smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grains among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grains measured by a reference spectrometer, the second wavelength being a wavelength having a largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the control unit detecting the content of the specific component of the grains based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0273] According to this configuration, the light receiver receives light in a first wavelength band including a first wavelength, which is the wavelength at which the coefficient indicating the correlation between the reflected light from the grain measured by the reference spectrometer and the reference component amount, which is the content of the specific component in the grain, is minimized, and receives light in a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, which is the wavelength at which the coefficient indicating the correlation is maximized. Based on the light reception results of the light receiver, the control unit detects the content of the specific component in the grain. Therefore, the content of the specific component in the grain can be detected in a short time with a simple configuration.

[0274] (Technique 2) The grain analyzing device according to Technique 1, wherein the light receiver includes: a first light receiver that receives light in the first wavelength band; and a second light receiver that receives light in the second wavelength band.

[0275] According to this structure, the first light receiver receives light in the first wavelength band, and the second light receiver receives light in the second wavelength band. Therefore, the content of a specific component in cereals can be detected in a short time with a simple structure.

[0276] (Technique 3) The grain analysis device according to Technique 1 or Technique 2, wherein the first light receiver has a first band-pass filter that transmits light in the first wavelength band, and the second light receiver has a second band-pass filter that transmits light in the second wavelength band.

[0277] According to this configuration, the first optical receiver includes a first bandpass filter that transmits light in the first wavelength band, thereby enabling reception of light in the first wavelength band with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the second optical receiver includes a second bandpass filter that transmits light in the second wavelength band, thereby enabling reception of light in the second wavelength band with a simple configuration.

[0278] (Technology 4) A grain analyzing device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the grain is white rice, the specific component is moisture, the first band is a band above 950 nm and below 980 nm, and the second band is a band above 910 nm and below 940 nm.

[0279] With this configuration, when the grain analyzer detects the moisture content of white rice, the first wavelength can be set to include the first wavelength at which the coefficient of correlation with the reference moisture content of the white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength can be set to include the second wavelength at which the coefficient of correlation with the reference moisture content of the white rice is maximized. Therefore, when the grain analyzer detects the moisture content of white rice, the first and second wavelengths can be set appropriately.

[0280] (Technology 5) A grain analyzing device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the grain is white rice, the specific component is protein, the first waveband is a waveband above 870 nm and below 910 nm, and the second waveband is a waveband above 920 nm and below 960 nm.

[0281] With this configuration, when the grain analyzer is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first wavelength can be set to include the first wavelength, which is the wavelength at which the coefficient indicating the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength can be set to include the second wavelength, which is the wavelength at which the coefficient indicating the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is maximized. Therefore, when the grain analyzer is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first and second wavelengths can be set appropriately.

[0282] (Technology 6) A grain analysis device according to Technology 1, wherein the light emitter has a first light emitter that emits light in the first wavelength band and a second light emitter that emits light in the second wavelength band, and the control unit causes the first light emitter and the second light emitter to emit light in sequence.

[0283] With this structure, when the first and second light emitters emit light sequentially, and the first light emitter emits light in the first wavelength band, the light receiver can receive light in the first wavelength band reflected from the white rice. Furthermore, when the second light emitter emits light in the second wavelength band, the light receiver can receive light in the second wavelength band reflected from the white rice. Therefore, the light receiver can receive both light in the first wavelength band and light in the second wavelength band with a simple structure.

[0284] (Technology 7) A grain analyzing device according to Technology 6, wherein the grain is white rice, the specific component is water, the first wavelength band is a wavelength band of 950 nm to 980 nm, and the second wavelength band is a wavelength band of 910 nm to 940 nm.

[0285] With this configuration, when the grain analyzer detects the moisture content of white rice, the first wavelength can be set to include the first wavelength at which the coefficient of correlation with the reference moisture content of the white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength can be set to include the second wavelength at which the coefficient of correlation with the reference moisture content of the white rice is maximized. Therefore, when the grain analyzer detects the moisture content of white rice, the first and second wavelengths can be set appropriately.

[0286] (Technology 8) The grain analyzing device according to Technology 6, wherein the grain is white rice, the specific component is protein, the first wavelength band is a wavelength band of 870 nm to 910 nm, and the second wavelength band is a wavelength band of 920 nm to 960 nm.

[0287] With this configuration, when the grain analyzer is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first wavelength can be set to include the first wavelength, which is the wavelength at which the coefficient indicating the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is minimized. Furthermore, the second wavelength can be set to include the second wavelength, which is the wavelength at which the coefficient indicating the correlation with the reference protein content of white rice is maximized. Therefore, when the grain analyzer is detecting the protein content of white rice, the first and second wavelengths can be set appropriately.

[0288] (Technology 9) A grain analyzing device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 8, wherein the light receiver receives light of a specified number of three or more different bands including the first band and the second band, and the specified number of different bands are selected in descending order of the absolute values ​​of the coefficients representing the correlation, and the control unit sets the specified number.

[0289] With this configuration, the light receiver receives light from a predetermined number of three or more different wavelength bands, including the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band. Therefore, by appropriately setting the predetermined number of different wavelength bands, the content of a specific component in white rice can be detected with high accuracy. Furthermore, the predetermined number of different wavelength bands are selected in descending order of the absolute value of the coefficient representing the correlation, allowing for the predetermined number of different wavelength bands to be appropriately set. Since the control unit sets the predetermined number, the predetermined number can be set according to the user's desired accuracy.

[0290] (Technology 10) A grain analysis method, which is a grain analysis method of a grain analysis device, the grain analysis device comprising: a light emitter, which irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver, which receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit, which controls the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein the control unit causes the light receiver to receive light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength, and causes the light receiver to receive light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having a minimum value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength being a wavelength having a maximum value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the control unit detects the content of the specific component of the grain based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0291] According to this structure, the same effect as the grain analysis device described in the technique 1 is achieved.

[0292] (Technology 11) A storage medium storing a grain analysis program of a grain analysis device, the grain analysis device comprising: a light emitter that irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver that receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit having a processor that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein the storage medium enables the processor to function as a measurement execution unit and a component calculation unit, the measurement execution unit enables the light receiver to receive light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength, and to receive light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having the smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength being a wavelength having the largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the component calculation unit detecting the content of the specific component of the grain based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0293] According to this structure, the same effect as the grain analysis device described in the technique 1 is achieved.

[0294] (Technology 12) A heating cooking machine comprises: a light emitter that irradiates grains with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region; a light receiver that receives at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grains; and a control unit that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein the light receiver receives light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength and receives light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, the first wavelength being a wavelength having the smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grains among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grains measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength being a wavelength having the largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the control unit detects the content of the specific component of the grains based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

[0295] According to this structure, the same effect as the grain analysis device described in the technique 1 is achieved.

[0296] [Industrial Applicability]

[0297] As described above, the grain analyzing device, grain analyzing method, storage medium, and cooking machine of the present invention can be used to detect the content of a specific component in grains in a short time with a simple structure.

Claims

1. A grain analysis device comprising: a light emitter for irradiating light having a wavelength in a near-infrared region toward the grains; a light receiver for receiving at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grain; and a control unit that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, The light receiver receives light of a first wavelength in a first band including a first wavelength, and receives light of a second wavelength in a second band including a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is a wavelength having a minimum value of a coefficient indicating a correlation with a reference component amount as a content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by the reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength is a wavelength having a maximum value of a coefficient indicating the correlation, The control unit detects the content of a specific component in the cereal based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

2. The grain analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein The light receiver has: a first light receiver for receiving light in the first wavelength band; and The second light receiver receives light in the second wavelength band.

3. The grain analyzing device according to claim 2, wherein: The first light receiver includes a first bandpass filter that transmits light in the first wavelength band. The second light receiver includes a second bandpass filter that transmits light in the second wavelength band.

4. The grain analyzing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The grain is white rice, the specific ingredient is water, The first wavelength range is from 950 nm to 980 nm. The second wavelength band is a wavelength band of 910 nm to 940 nm.

5. The grain analyzing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The grain is white rice, the specific ingredient is protein, The first wavelength range is between 870 nm and 910 nm. The second wavelength band is a wavelength band of 920 nm to 960 nm.

6. The grain analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein The light emitter has: a first light emitter emitting light in the first wavelength band; and a second light emitter emitting light in the second wavelength band, The control unit causes the first light emitter and the second light emitter to emit light in sequence.

7. The grain analyzing device according to claim 6, wherein: The grain is white rice, the specific ingredient is water, The first wavelength range is from 950 nm to 980 nm. The second wavelength band is a wavelength band of 910 nm to 940 nm.

8. The grain analyzing device according to claim 6, wherein The grain is white rice, the specific ingredient is protein, The first wavelength range is between 870 nm and 910 nm. The second wavelength band is a wavelength band of 920 nm to 960 nm.

9. The grain analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein The light receiver receives light in a predetermined number of three or more different wavelength bands including the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band. The predetermined number of mutually different bands are selected in descending order of absolute values ​​of the coefficients representing the correlation, The control unit sets the predetermined number.

10. A grain analysis method using a grain analysis device, the grain analysis device comprising: a light emitter for irradiating grains with light having a wavelength in the near-infrared region; a light receiver for receiving at least one of reflected light and transmitted light from the grains; and a control unit for controlling the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein: The control unit causes the light receiver to receive light of a first wavelength in a first band including a first wavelength, and to receive light of a second wavelength in a second band including a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is a wavelength having a minimum value of a coefficient indicating a correlation with a reference component amount as a content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by the reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength is a wavelength having a maximum value of a coefficient indicating the correlation, The control unit detects the content of a specific component in the cereal based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

11. A storage medium storing a grain analysis program for a grain analysis device, the grain analysis device comprising: a light emitter for irradiating grain with light having a wavelength in the near-infrared region; a light receiver for receiving at least one of reflected light and transmitted light from the grain; and a control unit having a processor for controlling the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein: The storage medium enables the processor to function as a measurement execution unit and a component calculation unit, and the measurement execution unit enables the light receiver to receive light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength, and receive light of a second wavelength band including a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is a wavelength having a smallest value of a coefficient representing a correlation with a reference component amount as the content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by a reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength is a wavelength having a largest value of a coefficient representing the correlation, and the component calculation unit detects the content of the specific component of the grain based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

12. A heating cooking machine comprising: a light emitter for irradiating light having a wavelength in a near-infrared region toward the grains; a light receiver for receiving at least one of the reflected light and the transmitted light of the grain; and a control unit that controls the light emitter and the light receiver, The light receiver receives light of a first wavelength in a first band including a first wavelength, and receives light of a second wavelength in a second band including a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is a wavelength having a minimum value of a coefficient indicating a correlation with a reference component amount as a content of a specific component of the grain among the wavelengths of the reflected light of the grain measured by the reference spectrometer, and the second wavelength is a wavelength having a maximum value of a coefficient indicating the correlation, The control unit detects the content of a specific component in the cereal based on the light reception result of the light receiver.

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