Cooking system and heating cooking equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a cooking system and a heating cooking device, which can ensure safety when a user cooks an object to be cooked by using the heating cooking device and can remotely operate the heating cooking device. A cooking system (100) is provided with a heating cooking device (10), a cooking control unit (52), a communication unit (57), and an input / output unit (53). The communication unit 57 performs communication with an external information processing terminal 8 via a network NW1. The information processing terminal (8) can transmit a cooking command to the heating unit (11) to the cooking control unit (52) via the communication unit (57). When a cooking command is received from the information processing terminal (8), the cooking control unit (52) transmits the cooking command to the heating unit (11) and performs heating of the cooking container (20) by the heating unit (11) on the basis of the cooking command when an operation input for approving the cooking command is performed to the input / output unit (53).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cooking systems and heating cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional cooking system. As shown in Figures 6 to 13 of Patent Document 1, the cooking system includes a heating and cooking device, a cooking control unit, and an input / output unit.

[0003] The heating and cooking equipment includes a gas burner as the heating element. The gas burner heats the cooking container that holds the food to be cooked, specifically, a frying pan.

[0004] The cooking control unit is a tablet-shaped computing device placed around the heating and cooking equipment. The cooking control unit controls the heating and cooking equipment by automatically operating the adjustment device for adjusting the flame of the gas burner, or by providing manual operation assistance to the user via display or voice.

[0005] The input / output unit comprises a display, a voice output device, and an input device, which are integrated or separate from the cooking control unit. The input / output unit receives input for cooking operations on the food being cooked, transmits the operation information to the cooking control unit, and is controlled by the cooking control unit to output information for cooking the food being cooked.

[0006] As in patent document 1 Figure 1 As shown, the heating and cooking equipment, cooking control unit, and input / output unit can each be connected to a network to perform one-way or two-way communication. Therefore, this cooking system can collaborate with remote users' computing devices, cooking adjustment and collaboration service computing systems, local user portable devices, etc.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-70516 Summary of the Invention

[0010] However, users of the aforementioned conventional cooking systems can, for example, receive cooking instructions from instructors in cooking classes that are attended online, or receive cooking instructions from cooking assistance services based on artificial intelligence or the like online, or receive cooking instructions from acquaintances in remote locations online.

[0011] Regarding the cooking system, for example, when a user attends a cooking class via the internet, even if the user receives cooking instructions based on images or voice from an information processing terminal used by an instructor at a remote location, sometimes the user may find it difficult to operate the heating and cooking equipment and cook the food in accordance with the cooking instructions.

[0012] Therefore, if cooking commands are sent from the information processing terminal used by the instructor to the cooking control unit on the user side to remotely operate the heating and cooking equipment, the cooking commands may deviate from the actual cooking state, resulting in abnormal heating and other adverse conditions.

[0013] When a user receives cooking instructions from a cooking assistance service via the internet and performs cooking, it is the same as when cooking instructions are sent from an external information processing terminal, such as one that works with artificial intelligence, to the user's cooking control unit to remotely operate the heating and cooking equipment.

[0014] Furthermore, when a user receives cooking instructions from an acquaintance via the internet and performs cooking, it is the same as when cooking instructions are sent from the information processing terminal used by the acquaintance to the cooking control unit on the user's side to remotely operate the heating and cooking equipment.

[0015] Therefore, regarding this cooking system, when users use the heating cooking equipment to cook the food, it is required that safety can be ensured and the heating cooking equipment can be operated remotely.

[0016] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and the problem to be solved is to provide a cooking system and a heating cooking device that can ensure safety when a user cooks a food using a heating cooking device and can remotely operate the heating cooking device.

[0017] The cooking system of the present invention comprises:

[0018] A heating and cooking device having a heating element for heating a cooking container;

[0019] A cooking control unit is provided either integrally or separately from the heating and cooking equipment, and controls the heating and cooking equipment.

[0020] The communications department, which performs communication with external information processing terminals via a network; and

[0021] An input / output unit, which is integrated with or separate from the cooking control unit, receives input for operations to cook the food contained in the cooking container, transmits the operation information to the cooking control unit, and is controlled by the cooking control unit to output information for cooking the food.

[0022] Its features are,

[0023] The information processing terminal can send cooking instructions for the heating unit to the cooking control unit via the communication unit.

[0024] When the cooking control unit receives the cooking instruction from the information processing terminal, it transmits the cooking instruction to the heating unit when the input / output unit approves the cooking instruction, and performs heating of the cooking container by the heating unit based on the cooking instruction.

[0025] Regarding the cooking system of the present invention, for example, when a user participates in a cooking class via the internet, the instructor at a remote location operates an information processing terminal, thereby enabling the information processing terminal to send cooking instructions to the heating unit of the user-side cooking control unit via a communication unit. Furthermore, when the user-side cooking control unit receives the cooking instructions from the information processing terminal, it transmits the cooking instructions to the heating unit when the user approves the cooking instructions via an input / output unit, and executes the heating unit to heat the cooking container based on the cooking instructions.

[0026] In this way, with the user's approval of the cooking instructions, the cooking instructions are unlikely to deviate from the actual cooking state, making it difficult to produce adverse conditions such as abnormal heating, and the food being cooked can be cooked well.

[0027] When a user receives cooking instructions from a cooking assistance service via the internet and performs cooking, it is similar to when cooking instructions are sent from an external information processing terminal such as artificial intelligence to the user's cooking control unit and the heating cooking equipment is operated remotely. With the user's approval of the cooking instructions, the cooking instructions are unlikely to deviate from the actual cooking state, making it difficult to produce adverse conditions such as abnormal heating, and the food being cooked can be cooked well.

[0028] In addition, when a user receives cooking instructions from acquaintances via the network and performs cooking, just as when cooking instructions are sent from the information processing terminal used by acquaintances to the user's cooking control unit and the heating cooking equipment is operated remotely, the cooking instructions are approved by the user, so that the cooking instructions are unlikely to deviate from the actual cooking state and thus are unlikely to cause abnormal heating or other adverse conditions, and the food being cooked can be cooked well.

[0029] Therefore, the cooking system of the present invention can ensure safety when the user cooks the food using the heating cooking equipment and can remotely operate the heating cooking equipment.

[0030] Preferably, the cooking system of the present invention further comprises: a status sensor disposed on the cooking container or the heating cooking device to detect status information of the cooking container or the food being cooked; and an imaging device having a camera capable of capturing images of the cooking container and the heating cooking device, and transmitting the image information captured by the camera to the outside. Preferably, the cooking control unit can transmit the status information to the outside via a communication unit. Preferably, the information processing terminal can receive at least one of heating instruction information, status information, and image information from the cooking control unit to the heating unit. Moreover, preferably, the information processing terminal can send cooking instructions to the cooking control unit based on the received information.

[0031] In this scenario, the information processing terminal can receive at least one of heating indication information, status information, and image information, and send high-precision cooking instructions based on the received information. As a result, when a user uses the heating cooking equipment to cook food, safety can be further ensured, and the heating cooking equipment can be remotely operated effectively.

[0032] Preferably, when a cooking instruction is received from an information processing terminal, the cooking control unit controls the input / output unit to notify the cooking instruction and to notify the operation input requesting whether the cooking instruction is approved.

[0033] In this situation, the user can quickly and appropriately determine whether the cooking instruction should be approved.

[0034] The heating and cooking apparatus of the present invention includes a heating unit for heating a cooking container, characterized in that the heating and cooking apparatus comprises:

[0035] The cooking control unit is integrated with or separate from the heating and cooking equipment, and controls the heating and cooking equipment.

[0036] The communications department, which performs communication with external information processing terminals via a network; and

[0037] The input / output unit, which is integrated with or separate from the cooking control unit, inputs operations for cooking the food contained in the cooking container, transmits the operation information to the cooking control unit, and is controlled by the cooking control unit to output information for cooking the food.

[0038] The information processing terminal can send cooking instructions for the heating unit to the cooking control unit via the communication unit.

[0039] When the cooking control unit receives the cooking instruction from the information processing terminal, it transmits the cooking instruction to the heating unit when the input / output unit approves the cooking instruction, and performs heating of the cooking container by the heating unit based on the cooking instruction.

[0040] The heating and cooking device of the present invention is the same as the cooking system of the present invention. With the user's approval of the cooking command, the cooking command and the actual cooking state are unlikely to deviate and abnormal heating and other adverse conditions are unlikely to occur, and the food being cooked can be cooked well.

[0041] Therefore, the heating and cooking apparatus of the present invention can ensure safety when the user uses the heating and cooking apparatus to cook the food, and can be operated remotely.

[0042] Invention Effects

[0043] According to the cooking system and heating cooking equipment of the present invention, when a user uses the heating cooking equipment to cook the food, safety can be ensured and the heating cooking equipment can be operated remotely. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cooking system of Example 1.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the cooking system of Example 1.

[0046] Figure 3 This is the main view of the portable information terminal.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the cooking system of Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments 1 and 2, which embody the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] (Example 1)

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cooking system 100 of Embodiment 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the cooking system of the present invention. The cooking system 100 includes a heating and cooking device 10, a portable information terminal 50, and a camera 40. The heating and cooking device 10 of Embodiment 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the heating and cooking device of the present invention.

[0051] The heating and cooking equipment 10 is a gas stove installed in the kitchen of residence H1. The camera 40 is suspended from the ceiling of the kitchen of residence H1 or from the frame of the range hood, and is located above the heating and cooking equipment 10.

[0052] Portable Information Terminal

[0053] Portable information terminal 50 refers to smartphones or portable tablets carried by users residing in residence H1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the portable information terminal 50 includes a control unit 51, a touch panel 53, a speaker 54, a microphone 55, and a terminal communication unit 57. Furthermore, the portable information terminal 50 can also be a dedicated terminal for the cooking system of the present invention.

[0054] The control unit 51 is an electronic circuit unit comprising a CPU (not shown), a storage unit 51M composed of storage elements such as ROM and RAM, and interface circuitry. The control unit 51 performs control processing related to the operation of the portable information terminal 50.

[0055] The storage unit 51M stores various programs and settings information used to enable the portable information terminal 50 to perform operations. Additionally, the storage unit 51M appropriately stores various information acquired by the control unit 51. The programs stored in the storage unit 51M include an application program (hereinafter referred to as a "cooking assistant application") used to enable the cooking system 100 to perform operations.

[0056] The control unit 51 includes a cooking control unit 52. That is, the cooking control unit 52 is separately provided from the heating and cooking equipment 10. The cooking control unit 52 functions to control the heating and cooking equipment 10 when a cooking assistant application is executed in the portable information terminal 50. The cooking control unit 52 will be described in detail below.

[0057] The touch panel 53 has a display section for displaying various information such as text and images, and an input section for covering the display section in a state that the user can visually confirm and accepting various inputs through the user's touch with their fingertips.

[0058] Speaker 54 will output the other party's voice during telephone conversations. Additionally, speaker 54 can output various information via voice when various applications are running.

[0059] Microphone 55 captures the user's voice during telephone conversations. Additionally, microphone 55 can accept voice input such as operation instructions when various applications are running.

[0060] The touch panel 53, speaker 54, and microphone 55 used when running a cooking assistant application on the portable information terminal 50 are examples of the "input / output unit" of the present invention. The touch panel 53, speaker 54, and microphone 55 are integrated with respect to the cooking control unit 52.

[0061] The terminal communication unit 57 is capable of making calls using the frequency band of a mobile phone. Furthermore, the terminal communication unit 57 has built-in electronic circuitry for performing short-range wireless communication based on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc.

[0062] The terminal communication unit 57 can connect to the external network NW1 via a wireless router 7 or the like installed in the residence H1, and perform network communication with the external server 9 and multiple information processing terminals 8 connected to the network NW1. The terminal communication unit 57 is an example of the "communication unit" of the present invention. The external server 9 and each information processing terminal 8 are examples of the "external information processing terminals" of the present invention.

[0063] When the cooking assistant application is executed in the portable information terminal 50, the cooking control unit 52 can perform network communication with external servers 9, multiple information processing terminals 8, etc. via the terminal communication unit 57 and the network NW1.

[0064] External server 9 is a server that stores various information used to assist in the execution of the cooking system 100. Control unit 51 can download cooking assistant applications and store them in storage unit 51M via network communication with external server 9.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, when a user cooks food using the cooking system 100 by placing the food F1, such as ingredients for cooking, water to make broth, and various seasonings into the cooking container 20, the cooking assistant application is executed in the portable information terminal 50.

[0066] <Heating and cooking equipment>

[0067] The heating and cooking apparatus 10 includes a heating unit 11, a heating control unit 12, a container temperature sensor 16, a display and operation unit 13, and a first communication unit 17. The container temperature sensor 16 is an example of the "status sensor" of the present invention.

[0068] The heating unit 11 is a gas burner that ignites natural gas, such as municipal gas, supplied from a gas supply source. Although not shown in the figure, the heating unit 11 includes a gas control valve for controlling the gas supply, adjusting the supply amount, and stopping the gas supply, as well as an ignition device. The heating unit 11 is located at the center of the burner mounted on the upper surface of the heating and cooking equipment 10. The heating unit 11 operates to heat the cooking container 20 placed on the burner.

[0069] Although Figure 1 The cooking container 20 is shown as an example and as a lidless double-handled pot, but as long as the cooking container 20 has the shape to accommodate the food F1 being cooked, it can be a lidded single-handled pot, a frying pan, or various other cooking containers.

[0070] The container temperature sensor 16 is located at the center of the top of the burner of the heating unit 11. The container temperature sensor 16 is a well-known temperature sensor that utilizes a thermistor or similar device built into a metal cylindrical body that can contact the bottom of the cooking container 20. The container temperature sensor 16 detects the temperature information of the cooking container 20 by contacting the bottom of the cooking container 20, which is placed on the burner.

[0071] The temperature information of the cooking container 20 can be: real-time raw data of the container temperature of the cooking container 20; or, for example, historical data combining time axis and container temperature changes, or processed data selecting a portion of the data. Furthermore, the heating control unit 12 or cooking control unit 52 that acquires the temperature information of the cooking container 20 can process this temperature information. In this embodiment, the detection result of the container temperature sensor 16, i.e., the temperature information of the cooking container 20, is: real-time raw data of the container temperature of the cooking container 20.

[0072] The heating control unit 12 normally accepts user input via operation buttons or the like on the front surface of the heating and cooking appliance 10, thereby controlling the gas control valve and ignition device, and controlling gas combustion based on the heating unit 11. At this time, the display operation unit 13 on the front surface of the heating and cooking appliance 10 is used for setting the timer and displaying the remaining time, or for setting the cooking mode or displaying the current mode.

[0073] When the cooking assistant application is executed, the operation information set using the operation button or display operation unit 13 is transmitted from the first communication unit 17 to the cooking control unit 52. It is configured so that operations can be handled by the operation button or display operation unit 13 of the heating cooking device 10. Alternatively, operations can also be handled by the touch panel 53 or the microphone 55.

[0074] For example, when a user in the kitchen participates in a cooking class online, receives cooking instructions from a cooking assistance service online, or receives cooking instructions from an acquaintance online, a cooking assistant application is executed on the portable information terminal 50. Thus, when the cooking assistant application is executed on the portable information terminal 50, the cooking control unit 52 controls the heating control unit 12. The heating control unit 12 performs control based on the cooking instructions sent by the cooking control unit 52, described later.

[0075] Specifically, when the cooking assistant application is executed on the portable information terminal 50 and the device enters working mode, the heating control unit 12 controls the heating unit 11 to start heating, change heating output, and stop heating based on the cooking instructions sent by the cooking control unit 52. Furthermore, when the heating control unit 12 determines that a combustion abnormality has occurred in the heating unit 11 based on the detection results of a flame monitoring sensor (not shown) and a container temperature sensor 16, it stops the gas combustion based on the heating unit 11.

[0076] The heating control unit 12 monitors the state of the heating unit 11. The heating control unit 12 sets the monitored state of the heating unit 11 as the monitored state of the heating unit 11. The monitored state of the heating unit 11 may be, for example, heating start, heating output, heating end, combustion abnormality, etc.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the first communication unit 17 is built into the front surface of the heating and cooking device 10. Figure 2 As shown, the first communication unit 17 performs short-range wireless communication. In this embodiment, the first communication unit 17 performs Bluetooth-based short-range wireless communication with minimal power consumption. The first communication unit 17 is paired with the terminal communication unit 57 of the portable information terminal 50 and performs short-range wireless communication one-to-one with the terminal communication unit 57.

[0078] When the cooking control unit 52, described later, selects to send the detection result (container temperature) of the container temperature sensor 16 to the outside, the first communication unit 17 and the terminal communication unit 57 transmit the detection result (container temperature) of the container temperature sensor 16 to the outside via the wireless router 7.

[0079] In addition, when the cooking control unit 52 sends a cooking command for the heating unit 11 from the terminal communication unit 57 as described later, the first communication unit 17 receives the cooking command.

[0080] <Filming Equipment>

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 40 has a power cable 40C that connects to a socket in the residence H1.

[0082] like Figure 2As shown, the imaging device 40 includes a camera 46, a second communication unit 47, and an illumination unit 48. When the power cable 40C is connected to a socket, the camera 46, the second communication unit 47, and the illumination unit 48 enter a low-power standby state. Furthermore, if a cooking assistant application is executed on the portable information terminal 50, and the user selects to operate at least one of the camera 46 and the illumination unit 48 by inputting an operation based on the touch panel 53 or the microphone 55, then at least one of the camera 46 and the illumination unit 48 and the second communication unit 47 become operational. The method for putting the imaging device 40 into an operational state is not limited to this; various methods, such as activating the operational state at the time the cooking assistant application is executed, can be used.

[0083] Furthermore, the camera device 40 can be built into a range hood (not shown) positioned above the heating and cooking equipment 10, and the lighting unit 48 can also serve as a lighting fixture in the kitchen where the heating and cooking equipment 10 is located. In this case, the user operates a remote control switch (not shown) dedicated to the lighting unit 48, thereby enabling the user to independently switch the lighting unit 48 on and off relative to the execution of the cooking assistant application.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, camera 46 can capture images of the heating and cooking equipment 10 and the cooking container 20. Additionally, camera 46 can capture images of cooking utensils (not shown), ingredients being cooked, seasonings, etc., located around the heating and cooking equipment 10. Camera 46 stores the captured images as still images or animations, i.e., image data. Furthermore, camera 46 can process image information, such as adjusting the area outside a predetermined range set by the user on the upper surface of the table. Additionally, camera 46 can process image information to extract images of the heating and cooking equipment 10 and the cooking container 20. Moreover, camera 46 can be configured to recognize not only visible light but also infrared light and extract temperature distribution from infrared light.

[0085] The second communication unit 47 is built-in and located near the outer periphery of the imaging device 40. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the second communication unit 47 performs short-range wireless communication. In this embodiment, similar to the first communication unit 17, the second communication unit 47 performs Bluetooth-based short-range wireless communication. The second communication unit 47 is paired with the terminal communication unit 57 of the portable information terminal 50 and performs short-range wireless communication one-to-one with the terminal communication unit 57.

[0086] When the second communication unit 47 is in an operational state, it transmits image information captured by the camera 46 to the terminal communication unit 57. The image data can be raw data, or, for example, processed data extracted from a portion of the data at the camera 46 side. Furthermore, the cooking control unit 52 can also process the image data received by the terminal communication unit 57.

[0087] The brightness of the lighting element 48 is controlled by the cooking control unit 52 to change during illumination. For example, when the camera 46 is in working condition, the brightness of the lighting element 48 is increased to improve the quality of the image information from the camera 46.

[0088] <Details of the Cooking Control Department>

[0089] The first communication unit 17 and the second communication unit 47 each perform short-range wireless communication with the terminal communication unit 57 in a one-to-one manner. The following explanation uses an example of a user utilizing the cooking system.

[0090] (A scenario where a user utilizes a cooking system under remote control in a remotely hosted cooking classroom)

[0091] External server 9 functions as the host server for remotely hosted cooking classes.

[0092] Information processing terminal 8 (8A) among the multiple external information processing terminals 8 is the information processing terminal used by the instructor of the remote cooking class. The information processing terminals 8 other than information processing terminal 8 (8A) among the multiple external information processing terminals 8 are the information processing terminals used by the students of the remote cooking class. The information processing terminals 8 used by the students constitute part of the same cooking system as the cooking system 100 in their respective residences or other locations.

[0093] When a user in residence H1 begins a remote cooking class as a student, the user can use the images displayed on touch panel 53 to observe the state of the food being cooked in the cooking containers used by the instructor or students, or to communicate with the instructor or other students.

[0094] At this time, images of the food F1 being cooked inside the cooking container 20 and images of the user in residence H1 are captured by camera 46. The cooking control unit 52 can transmit the image information from camera 46 to an external server 9, or to the information processing terminal 8 of the lecturer or other students, in real time and selectively. Alternatively, it can be configured such that, as needed, images of the user in residence H1 are captured using a camera (not shown) mounted on the portable information terminal 50.

[0095] In addition, when a remote cooking class begins, the cooking control unit 52 can transmit the status of the heating unit 11 (including the heating instruction information given by the cooking control unit 52 to the heating unit 11) and the detection results (container temperature) of the container temperature sensor 16 in real time and selectively to the external server 9 or the instructor's information processing terminal 8 (8A).

[0096] Furthermore, the judgment criteria for selectively transmitting information based on the cooking control unit 52 are preset by the user or set each time as needed.

[0097] In addition, the instructor's information processing terminal 8 (8A) sequentially transmits the recipe instructions from the remote cooking class to the students' (i.e., the user's) portable information terminals 50 and other students' information processing terminals 8. The instructions transmitted to the portable information terminals 50 are displayed on the touch panel 53. Students, i.e., the users, can follow the instructions to, for example, change the heating output at appropriate times, add various seasonings at appropriate times, or check the overcooking status of the food F1 at appropriate times.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, the instructor's information processing terminal 8 (8A) can send cooking instructions for the heating unit 11 to the cooking control unit 52 based on information selectively transmitted and received from the cooking control unit 52.

[0099] For example, the instructor can determine the student's (i.e., the user's) cooking status based on the history of changes in heating output, the history of changes in the temperature of the cooking container 20, and the cooking status of the food F1 that can be visually confirmed based on image information from the camera 46. Furthermore, in the history of changes in heating output ( Figure 3 In the broken line L1 shown by the solid line, if it is determined that the heating output is too weak, a cooking command is issued to increase the heating output of the heating unit 11 for a specified time and then gradually decrease the heating output thereafter in order to improve the user's cooking state. Figure 3 The broken line L2 (shown by the double-dotted line) is sent to the cooking control unit 52.

[0100] When a cooking instruction is received from the instructor's information processing terminal 8 (8A), the cooking control unit 52 controls the touch panel 53 to notify the cooking instruction and to notify whether the operation input of the cooking instruction is approved.

[0101] Specifically, the cooking control unit 52 displays on the touch panel 53 Figure 3 The cooking instruction is communicated via the broken line L2 indicated by the double-dotted line, and the operation input requesting approval of the cooking instruction is communicated by displaying the "Approve" button 53A1 and the "Disapprove" button 53A2 on the touch panel 53.

[0102] In addition, the cooking control unit 52 can also control the speaker 54 as needed to issue cooking instructions and to issue operation inputs requesting approval of cooking instructions.

[0103] When an approved cooking command is input onto the touch panel 53, the cooking command is sent from the terminal communication unit 57 to the first communication unit 17. As a result, the heating control unit 12, based on the cooking command, adjusts the heating output of the heating unit 11 as follows: Figure 3 As shown by the dashed line L2, the heating output is increased within a specified time and then gradually decreased in a stepwise manner.

[0104] Furthermore, in this case, when an operation input approving a cooking command is made via voice input to the microphone 55, the cooking control unit 52 can send the cooking command from the terminal communication unit 57 to the first communication unit 17. Additionally, in this case, when an operation input approving a cooking command is made to the display operation unit 13 of the heating cooking device 10 and the operation input is received via the first communication unit 17 and the terminal communication unit 57, the cooking control unit 52 can send the cooking command from the terminal communication unit 57 to the first communication unit 17.

[0105] In this embodiment, the cooking control unit 52 sends the cooking command from the terminal communication unit 57 to the first communication unit 17 only when the user inputs the operation to approve the cooking command.

[0106] Furthermore, due to the structure that approves cooking instructions for users, cooking instructions for the heating unit 11 can also be sent to the cooking control unit 52 based on information transmitted from the cooking control unit 52 regarding the external server 9 or other students' information processing terminals 8. The cooking instructions sent by the external server 9 can also be determined by the artificial intelligence (AI) working on the external server 9 and assisting in remotely conducted cooking classes.

[0107] In this way, if each student's cooking session concludes in a remote cooking classroom, they can promote communication by sharing images of the dishes prepared by the instructor and other students, or by sharing each student's cooking resume. At this time, the structure of selectively transmitting information to external entities through the cooking control unit 52 can prevent information leakage and infringement of personal privacy.

[0108] <Effects>

[0109] Regarding the cooking system 100 of Example 1, such as Figure 2As shown, when a user participates in a cooking class via the network NW1, the instructor at a remote location operates the information processing terminal 8 and the external server 9, thereby enabling the information processing terminal 8 and the external server 9 to send cooking commands to the heating unit 11 of the user-side heating cooking device 10 via the terminal communication unit 57 to the cooking control unit 52 on the user side.

[0110] Furthermore, upon receiving cooking instructions from the instructor's information processing terminal 8 (8A) Figure 3 In the case of the broken line L2 shown by the double-dotted line, when the user inputs a user-approved cooking command to the touch panel 53 or the microphone 55, the cooking control unit 52 on the user side sends the cooking command from the terminal communication unit 57 to the first communication unit 17 and transmits it to the heating cooking device 10, and executes the heating unit 11 to heat the cooking container 20 based on the cooking command.

[0111] In this way, with the user's approval of the cooking instructions, the cooking instructions are unlikely to deviate from the actual cooking state, making it difficult to produce adverse conditions such as abnormal heating, and the food F1 being cooked can be cooked well.

[0112] When a user performs cooking by receiving cooking instructions from a cooking assistance service via the network NW1, it is similar to remotely operating the heating and cooking equipment 10 by sending cooking instructions from an external server 9 (which works on artificial intelligence, etc.) to the user's cooking control unit 52. With the user's approval of the cooking instructions, the cooking instructions are unlikely to deviate from the actual cooking state, making it difficult to produce adverse conditions such as abnormal heating, and the food F1 being cooked can be cooked well.

[0113] In addition, when a user receives cooking instructions from an acquaintance via the network NW1 and performs cooking, just as when cooking instructions are sent from the information processing terminal 8 used by the acquaintance to the cooking control unit 52 on the user's side and the heating cooking equipment 10 is remotely operated, the cooking instructions are unlikely to deviate from the actual cooking state and are unlikely to cause abnormal heating or other adverse conditions, and the food F1 can be cooked well.

[0114] Therefore, when a user uses the heating and cooking device 10 to cook the food F1, the cooking system 100 of Embodiment 1 can ensure safety and allow for remote operation of the heating and cooking device 10. The heating and cooking device 10 of Embodiment 1 is the same.

[0115] In addition, regarding the cooking system 100, such as Figure 2As shown, the cooking control unit 52 can selectively transmit the control status of the heating unit 11 (including heating instruction information indicated by the cooking control unit 52 to the heating unit 11), the detection result (container temperature) of the container temperature sensor 16, and the image information of the camera 46 to an external server 9 or an external specific information processing terminal 8. The external server 9 or the external specific information processing terminal 8 can receive at least one of the control status of the heating unit 11 (including heating instruction information indicated by the cooking control unit 52 to the heating unit 11), the detection result (container temperature) of the container temperature sensor 16, and the image information of the camera 46. Furthermore, the external server 9 or the external specific information processing terminal 8 can send cooking instructions to the cooking control unit 52 based on the information it receives. According to this structure, the external server 9 or the external specific information processing terminal 8 can send highly accurate cooking instructions based on the received information. As a result, when a user uses the heating cooking device 10 to cook the food F1, they can effectively remotely operate the heating cooking device 10 while further ensuring safety.

[0116] Furthermore, regarding the cooking system 100, such as Figure 3 As shown, a cooking instruction is received from the instructor's information processing terminal 8 (8A). Figure 3 In the case of the broken line L2 shown by the double-dotted line, the cooking control unit 52 displays on the touch panel 53 Figure 3 The cooking command is communicated via a broken line L2 indicated by a double-dotted line, and the user is notified of whether to approve the cooking command by displaying an "Approve" button 53A1 and a "Disapprove" button 53A2 on the touch panel 53. The cooking control unit 52 can also control the speaker 54 as needed to communicate the cooking command and the user's input for approval. With this structure, the user can quickly and appropriately determine whether to approve the cooking command.

[0117] (Example 2)

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the cooking system of Embodiment 2 is modified as follows: the heating and cooking device 10 of the cooking system 100 of Embodiment 1 has a control unit 211, a part of which functions as a heating control unit 12, and another part of which functions as a cooking control unit 212. The cooking control unit 212 functions in the same way as the cooking control unit 52 of Embodiment 1. Accordingly, the cooking control unit 52 is omitted from the control unit 51 of the portable information terminal 50 of Embodiment 1. That is, the cooking control unit 212 is integrally provided with respect to the heating and cooking device 10.

[0119] If the cooking control unit 212 of the heating and cooking device 10 executes a cooking assistant application through user input, the cooking control unit 212 communicates with the control unit 51 via the first communication unit 17 and the terminal communication unit, and the touch panel 53, speaker 54, and microphone 55 function as the "input / output unit" of this invention. That is, the touch panel 53, speaker 54, and microphone 55 are separately provided relative to the cooking control unit 212.

[0120] The cooking control unit 212 can perform network communication with an external server 9 or multiple information processing terminals 8 via the network NW1 using the first communication unit 17 and the terminal communication unit 57.

[0121] The external server 9 or the external specific information processing terminal 8 can send cooking instructions to the heating unit 11 of the heating cooking device 10 via the terminal communication unit 57 and the first communication unit 17 to the cooking control unit 212.

[0122] Furthermore, cooking instructions are received from external server 9 or external specific information processing terminal 8. Figure 3 In the case of the broken line L2 shown by the double-dotted line, when the user inputs an operation to approve the cooking command on the touch panel 53 or the microphone 55, the cooking control unit 212 transmits the cooking command to the heating control unit 12, and the heating unit 11 heats the cooking container 20 based on the cooking command.

[0123] The other structures of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to label the structures that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0124] The cooking system of Embodiment 2 is the same as the cooking system 100 of Embodiment 1. When the user uses the heating cooking device 10 to cook the food F1, safety can be ensured and the heating cooking device 10 can be operated remotely.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to Embodiments 1 and 2, the present invention is not limited to the above Embodiments 1 and 2, and can of course be appropriately modified and applied without departing from its spirit.

[0126] The present invention also includes a structure in which a cooking control unit, functioning in the same manner as the cooking control unit 52 described in Embodiment 1 or the cooking control unit 212 described in Embodiment 2, is provided in the imaging device 40. In this case, the cooking control unit communicates with the control unit 51 via the second communication unit 47 and the terminal communication unit 57, and the touch panel 53, speaker 54, and microphone 55 function as the "input / output units" of the present invention. Furthermore, an external server 9 or an external specific information processing terminal 8 can send cooking commands to the cooking control unit for the heating unit 11 of the heating cooking device 10 via the terminal communication unit 57 and the second communication unit 47. The cooking control unit transmits the cooking commands to the heating control unit 12 via the second communication unit 47 and the first communication unit 17, and executes the heating unit 11 to heat the cooking container 20 based on the cooking commands.

[0127] Regarding the cooking system of Embodiment 2, the present invention also includes a structure that does not require a portable information terminal 50. In this case, the display operation unit 13 of the heating and cooking device 10 functions as the "input / output unit" of the present invention, and the first communication unit 17 performs network communication with the outside.

[0128] In embodiments 1 and 2, although the heating and cooking device 10 is a gas stove with a gas combustion heating element 11, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the heating and cooking device may also be an IH cooking heater with a high-frequency induction heating element.

[0129] In embodiments 1 and 2, although the container temperature sensor 16 is provided on the heating and cooking device 10, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the present invention also includes a structure in which a container temperature sensor provided on the cooking container 20 detects the temperature information of the cooking container 20. In this case, the detection result of the container temperature sensor can be directly sent to the terminal communication unit 57, or it can be sent to the terminal communication unit 57 via the first communication unit 17.

[0130] In embodiments 1 and 2, although the imaging device 40 has an illumination element 48, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the present invention also includes structures in which the illumination element 48 is omitted from the imaging device 40.

[0131] In embodiments 1 and 2, although the touch panel 53, speaker 54, and microphone 55, which serve as input / output units, are provided on the portable information terminal 50, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, it can be configured such that the portable information terminal only performs the display, while the display operation unit of the heating and cooking equipment handles the operation of approving cooking instructions. That is, it can be configured to perform input (the display operation unit of the heating and cooking equipment) and output (the display of the portable information terminal) respectively.

[0132] In embodiments 1 and 2, although a container temperature sensor 16 is provided as a state sensor, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, various sensors such as a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the food being cooked in the container, a concentration sensor for measuring the salt concentration of the food being cooked, etc., can also be used as state sensors. In addition, multiple sensors mentioned above can be mounted.

[0133] In embodiments 1 and 2, although the heating and cooking device 10 communicates with the external server 9 and each information processing terminal 8 via a network using a portable information terminal 50, the present invention is not limited to this structure. The present invention also includes a structure in which the heating and cooking device is provided with a terminal communication unit, and the heating and cooking device communicates directly with the external information processing terminal via a network.

[0134] Industrial availability

[0135] This invention can be used, for example, in cooking systems for performing cooking in homes or cooking facilities.

[0136] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0137] 100: Cooking System

[0138] 20: Cooking containers

[0139] 11: Heating section

[0140] 10: Heating and cooking equipment

[0141] NW1: Network

[0142] 8, 9: External information processing terminals (8: Information processing terminal, 9: External server)

[0143] 57: Communications Department (Terminal Communications Department)

[0144] 52, 212: Cooking Control Department

[0145] F1: Food to be cooked

[0146] 53, 54, 55: Input / output section (53: Touch panel, 54: Speaker, 55: Microphone)

[0147] 16: Status sensor (container temperature sensor)

[0148] 46: Camera

[0149] 40: Filming equipment

Claims

1. A cooking system comprising: A heating and cooking device having a heating element for heating a cooking container; A cooking control unit is provided either integrally or separately from the heating and cooking equipment, and controls the heating and cooking equipment. The communications department performs communication with external information processing terminals via a network; as well as An input / output unit, which is integrated with or separate from the cooking control unit, receives input for operations to cook the food contained in the cooking container, transmits the operation information to the cooking control unit, and is controlled by the cooking control unit to output information for cooking the food. Its features are, The information processing terminal can send cooking instructions for the heating unit to the cooking control unit via the communication unit. When the cooking control unit receives the cooking instruction from the information processing terminal, it transmits the cooking instruction to the heating unit when the input / output unit approves the cooking instruction, and performs heating of the cooking container by the heating unit based on the cooking instruction.

2. The cooking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking system also features: A status sensor, disposed on the cooking container or the heating cooking device, detects the status information of the cooking container or the food being cooked; and The imaging device includes a camera capable of capturing images of the cooking container and the heating cooking equipment, and transmitting the image information captured by the camera to the external environment. The cooking control unit can transmit the status information to the outside via the communication unit. The information processing terminal is capable of receiving at least one of the following: heating instruction information from the cooking control unit to the heating unit, the status information, and the image information. The information processing terminal can send the cooking instructions to the cooking control unit based on the received information.

3. The cooking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the cooking control unit receives the cooking instruction from the information processing terminal, it controls the input / output unit to notify the cooking instruction and to notify the operation input requesting whether to approve the cooking instruction.

4. A heating and cooking apparatus, comprising a heating section for heating a cooking container, characterized in that, The heating and cooking equipment includes: The cooking control unit is integrated with or separate from the heating and cooking equipment, and controls the heating and cooking equipment. The communications department performs communication with external information processing terminals via a network; as well as An input / output unit, which is integrated with or separate from the cooking control unit, receives input for operations to cook the food contained in the cooking container, transmits the operation information to the cooking control unit, and is controlled by the cooking control unit to output information for cooking the food. The information processing terminal can send cooking instructions for the heating unit to the cooking control unit via the communication unit. When the cooking control unit receives the cooking instruction from the information processing terminal, it transmits the cooking instruction to the heating unit when the input / output unit approves the cooking instruction, and performs heating of the cooking container by the heating unit based on the cooking instruction.

Images