Rice cooking system and rice cooking method

Abstract

To provide a rice cooking system effectively supporting users to reduce an amount of sugar that they consume.SOLUTION: A rice cooking system includes amount-of-rice specification means for allowing a user to specify an amount of rice to be cooked, and selection means for allowing the user to select a first mode and a second mode for cooking the amount of rice specified by the amount-of-rice specification means. In a case where a specific amount X is specified by the amount-of-rice specification means, the weight R2 of rice to be put into a container before rice cooking when the second mode is selected is less than the weight R1 of rice to be put into the container before the rice cooking when the first mode is selected, the weight W2 of water to be put into the container before the rice cooking when the second mode is selected is more than the weight W1 of water to be put into the container before the rice cooking when the first mode is selected, and the volume X2 of rice cooked in the second mode is within a range of plus or minus 10% with respect to the volume X1 of rice cooked in the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rice cooking system and a rice cooking method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a rice cooker. This rice cooker is compatible with the needs of calorie-off and carbohydrate cut, and can cook rice in a low-carbohydrate operation mode that reduces the amount of carbohydrates contained in the cooked rice per unit weight.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the rice cooker described in Patent Document 1 above, in both the normal operation mode and the low-carbohydrate operation mode, the amount of rice used is assumed to be in units of go (a traditional Japanese unit of volume), such as 1 go or 2 go. In the rice cooker described in Patent Document 1, when cooking rice using the same amount of rice in either the normal operation mode or the low-carbohydrate operation mode, there is no difference in the amount of carbohydrates contained in the entire cooked rice. Therefore, for example, when the cooked rice is consumed in one meal, or when the cooked rice is divided equally and stored, etc., when the amount of rice for one meal is not judged by weight, the amount of carbohydrates ingested by the user cannot be reduced.

[0005] The present disclosure is for solving the above problems. The object of the present disclosure is to effectively assist in reducing the amount of carbohydrates ingested by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The rice cooking system according to the present disclosure includes a rice amount specifying means for a user to specify the amount of cooked rice, and a selection means for a user to select a first mode and a second mode for cooking the amount of rice specified by the rice amount specifying means. When a specific amount X is specified by the rice amount specifying means, the weight R2 of the rice put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected is less than the weight R1 of the rice put into the container before cooking when the first mode is selected, and the weight W2 of the water put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected is more than the weight W1 of the water put into the container before cooking when the first mode is selected, and the volume X2 of the cooked rice cooked in the second mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 10% with respect to the volume X1 of the cooked rice cooked in the first mode. The rice cooking method according to the present disclosure includes a rice amount specifying step for a user to specify the amount of cooked rice, and a selection step for a user to select a first mode and a second mode for cooking the amount of rice specified by the rice amount specifying step. When a specific amount X is specified by the rice amount specifying step, the weight R2 of the rice put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected is less than the weight R1 of the rice put into the container before cooking when the first mode is selected, and the weight W2 of the water put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected is more than the weight W1 of the water put into the container before cooking when the first mode is selected, and the volume X2 of the cooked rice cooked in the second mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 10% with respect to the volume X1 of the cooked rice cooked in the first mode.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the rice cooking system and the rice cooking method according to the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively assist in reducing the amount of carbohydrates consumed by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the rice cooking system and the rice cooking method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each figure indicate the same or corresponding parts. In the present disclosure, redundant descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the present disclosure can include any modifications and any combinations of the configurations disclosed by the following embodiments without departing from the gist thereof.

[0010] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 1 together with the configuration of the control system. As shown in FIG. 1, the rice cooker 100 includes a pot-shaped container 1, a main body 10, and a lid 20.

[0011] The rice cooker 100 is a cooking appliance that cooks rice by heating an object to be heated containing rice and water. Note that the rice cooker 100 may have only a rice cooking function, or it may have other functions in addition to the rice cooking function. The rice cooker 100 may also have a function of heating and cooking foods other than rice as the object to be heated.

[0012] The pot-shaped container 1 is a pot-shaped container that is open upward. The pot-shaped container 1 is an example of a container for accommodating the object to be heated. The object to be heated accommodated in the pot-shaped container 1 is mainly foods such as rice and water. The pot-shaped container 1 provided in the rice cooker 100 is also referred to as a "rice cooking pot". Note that the pot-shaped container 1 may accommodate, for example, foods other than rice, such as meat and vegetables, as the object to be heated.

[0013] The main body 10 is the main structural part of the rice cooker 100. The main body 10 has a bottomed cylindrical shape on its outer appearance. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10 has an upwardly open shape. The pot-shaped container 1 is detachably accommodated in the main body 10. The main body 10 heats the pot-shaped container 1 accommodated in the main body 10. When the pot-shaped container 1 is heated by the main body 10, the object to be heated accommodated in the pot-shaped container 1 is heated and cooked. The rice cooker 100 is a cooking appliance that cooks cooked rice by heating the pot-shaped container 1 containing rice and water with the main body 10.

[0014] The lid 20 is attached to the main body 10 so as to be openable and closable. The lid 20 is configured to be able to open and close the opening at the upper part of the main body 10. The lid 20 opens and closes the opening at the upper part of the main body 10 and at the same time opens and closes the opening at the upper part of the pot-shaped container 1 accommodated in the main body 10. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the lid 20 closes the opening at the upper part of the main body 10 and at the same time closes the opening at the upper part of the pot-shaped container 1.

[0015] In addition, in FIG. 1, some components of the control system of the rice cooker 100 and signal lines are drawn outside the main body 10, but this is for the convenience of illustration. These components and signal lines are actually provided in the main body 10 or the lid 20 of the rice cooker 100. Hereinafter, each component of the rice cooker 100, such as the pot-shaped container 1, the main body 10, and the lid 20, will be described in more detail.

[0016] The pot-shaped container 1 is a bottomed cylindrical container that houses the object to be heated. The pot-shaped container 1 contains, for example, a magnetic metal that generates heat by electromagnetic induction. As an example, the upper end portion of the pot-shaped container 1 is formed in a flange shape.

[0017] The main body 10 includes a container cover 11, a bottom heating coil 12, a pot bottom temperature sensor 13, and a hinge portion 14. The rice cooker 100 also includes a time measurement unit 17 and a control unit 18 as an example of the control system. The time measurement unit 17 and the control unit 18 are provided, for example, inside the main body 10.

[0018] The container cover 11 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. Inside the container cover 11, the pot-shaped container 1 is detachably accommodated. A hole 11a is formed at the center of the bottom of the container cover 11. Inside the hole 11a, the pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is inserted.

[0019] The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is for detecting the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is composed of, for example, a member such as a thermistor. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 inserted into the hole 11a is biased upward by means such as a spring that is an elastic member. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 biased upward is pressed against the bottom surface of the pot-shaped container 1 when the pot-shaped container 1 is accommodated in the container cover 11. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 detects the temperature of the bottom surface of the pot-shaped container 1 in a state of being in contact with the bottom surface of the pot-shaped container 1. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 sends temperature information regarding the detected temperature of the pot-shaped container 1 to the control unit 18 as a detection signal. In this way, the pot bottom temperature sensor 13 constitutes an example of temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1.

[0020] The bottom heating coil 12 is for heating the pot-shaped container 1. The bottom heating coil 12 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of heating means for heating a container that houses an object to be heated. The bottom heating coil 12 is, for example, annularly arranged around the hole portion 11a at the bottom of the container cover 11. The bottom heating coil 12 is arranged so as to face the bottom of the pot-shaped container 1. The bottom heating coil 12 is energized under the control of the control unit 18 to inductively heat the pot-shaped container 1.

[0021] Note that the heating means provided in the rice cooker 100 is not limited to the one using induction heating such as the bottom heating coil 12. The heating means may be, for example, a sheathed heater which is an electric heater.

[0022] The control unit 18 is for controlling the overall operation of the rice cooker 100. The control unit 18 controls, for example, the operations of various devices in the rice cooking process of the rice cooker 100. The rice cooking process means the process implemented when the rice cooker 100 cooks rice. The control unit 18 is an example of the control means provided in the rice cooker 100. In the present embodiment, the control unit 18 which is an example of the control means controls the operation of the bottom heating coil 12 which is an example of the heating means.

[0023] The time measurement unit 17 is an example of time measurement means and measures the elapsed time necessary for device control by the control unit 18 and the like. The time measurement unit 17 measures the elapsed time in response to an instruction from the control unit 18 and sends time information regarding the measured elapsed time to the control unit 18.

[0024] Note that one or both of the control unit 18 and the time measurement unit 17 may be configured by hardware such as a control circuit that realizes its function. Also, one or both of the control unit 18 and the time measurement unit 17 may be configured by a software program stored in a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory and an arithmetic device such as a microcomputer or a CPU (central processing unit) that executes this software program.

[0025] The hinge portion 14 is provided at one end side of the upper part of the main body 10. The hinge portion 14 supports the lid body 20 in a state where it can be freely opened and closed. The lid body 20 opens and closes by rotating about the hinge portion 14 as a fulcrum. The hinge portion 14 supports the lid body 20 so that the lid body 20 can open and close the opening at the upper part of the main body 10.

[0026] The lid body 20 includes an outer lid 21 and an inner lid 22. The outer lid 21 constitutes the upper part and the side part of the lid body 20. For example, an open button (not shown) is provided on the side surface of the outer lid 21 opposite to the hinge portion 14. When this open button is pressed, the lid body 20 opens about the hinge portion 14 by the force of a spring or the like.

[0027] The inner lid 22 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel, for example. The inner lid 22 is attached to the surface of the outer lid 21 on the side of the main body 10 via a locking member 23. In a state where the lid body 20 is closed, the inner lid 22 is located inside the outer lid 21, that is, on the side closer to the object to be heated.

[0028] A lid packing 22a, which is a sealing material, is attached to the peripheral edge of the inner lid 22. When the lid body 20 is closed, the lid packing 22a closely adheres to the inner part of the upper end of the pot-shaped container 1 to seal the inside of the pot-shaped container 1 from the outside. Note that in the present disclosure, "inside the pot-shaped container 1" or "the interior of the pot-shaped container 1" means the region surrounded by the pot-shaped container 1 and the inner lid 22 when the lid body 20 is closed.

[0029] An inner lid steam port 22b is formed in the inner lid 22. An outer lid steam port 26 is formed in the outer lid 21. The inner lid steam port 22b and the outer lid steam port 26 are openings for discharging the steam generated inside the pot-shaped container 1 to the outside of the rice cooker 100.

[0030] A cartridge 24 is detachably attached to an outer lid 21. A container side hole 24a and a steam discharge hole 24b are formed in the cartridge 24. An inner lid steam port 22b, an outer lid steam port 26, the container side hole 24a, and the steam discharge hole 24b are continuous and communicate the inside and the outside of the pot-shaped container 1. The container side hole 24a and the steam discharge hole 24b formed in the cartridge 24, together with the container side hole 24a and the steam discharge hole 24b, constitute a steam port for discharging the steam generated in the pot-shaped container 1 to the outside.

[0031] An internal temperature sensor 43 is attached to the inner lid 22 side of the outer lid 21. The internal temperature sensor 43 is disposed so as to pass through a through hole formed in the inner lid 22. The internal temperature sensor 43 detects the temperature of the internal space of the pot-shaped container 1, that is, the temperature above the object to be heated in the pot-shaped container 1. The internal temperature sensor 43 is constituted by a member such as a thermistor, for example. The internal temperature sensor 43 sends temperature information regarding the detected temperature inside the pot-shaped container 1 to the control unit 18.

[0032] As an example, the rice cooker 100 may include a weight sensor 15. The weight sensor 15 is provided, for example, at the bottom of the main body 10. The weight sensor 15 can measure the weight of the rice contained in the pot-shaped container 1. The weight sensor 15 is an example of rice weighing means. Further, the weight sensor 15 can measure the weight of the water contained in the pot-shaped container 1. The weight sensor 15 is also an example of water weighing means.

[0033] Further, the rice cooker 100 of the present embodiment includes an operation display unit 42. The operation display unit 42 is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the outer lid 21. The operation display unit 42 is operated when the user uses the rice cooker 100. Further, the operation display unit 42 displays various kinds of information regarding the rice cooker 100. Note that the user may operate the rice cooker 100 by a device such as a smartphone instead of the operation display unit 42. The rice cooker 100 may be configured to be communicable with a device such as a smartphone. The function of the operation display unit 42 may be realized by a device such as a smartphone.

[0034] The operation display unit 42 includes a plurality of operation buttons for receiving various instructions operated by the user. Various instructions performed by the user using the operation buttons are, for example, starting rice cooking, canceling the rice cooking operation, various rice cooking settings, and the like. The rice cooking settings are, for example, reservation of the rice cooking time, setting whether to cook at the standard time or quick-cook at a time shorter than the standard time, setting whether the finish is firm or soft, setting the type of rice, and the like. The operation display unit 42 sends various instructions input by the user to the control unit 18 as instruction information.

[0035] Instead of the operation display unit 42, the user may operate the rice cooker 100 using a device such as a smartphone. The rice cooker 100 may be configured to be communicable with a device such as a smartphone. The functions of the operation display unit 42 may be realized by a device such as a smartphone.

[0036] The rice cooking system according to the present embodiment can be realized by the rice cooker 100 alone configured as described above, or can also be realized by the cooperation of the rice cooker 100 and an external device such as a smartphone. Further, the functions of the rice cooking system according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a rice cooking method. Hereinafter, with further reference to the drawings, the features of the rice cooking system and the rice cooking method according to the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the rice cooking system according to Embodiment 1. When cooking rice using the rice cooking system of this embodiment, the user first inputs rice cooking settings (step S1). The input of the rice cooking settings is performed, for example, using a smartphone. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the application screen 50 of the smartphone for setting the rice cooking of the rice cooking system according to Embodiment 1. When the input of the rice cooking settings is completed and the "Next" button is pressed (Yes in step S2), the operation with the input rice cooking settings is started. The input of the rice cooking settings continues until the "Next" button is pressed (No in step S2). Note that the rice cooking settings may be performed using an external device such as a smartphone as a setting means, or as described above, using a device provided in the rice cooker 100 such as the operation display unit 42 as a setting means.

[0038] The rice cooking system of this embodiment can cook rice in a plurality of modes by the rice cooker 100. Specifically, the rice cooking system is configured to be selectively executable for cooking rice in the standard rice cooking mode and the sugar suppression rice cooking mode. The standard rice cooking mode is a mode for cooking cooked rice with a standard water addition ratio. The sugar suppression rice cooking mode is a mode for cooking cooked rice with a water addition ratio larger than the standard. The "water addition ratio" means the water addition ratio W / R, which is the ratio of the weight W of water put into the pot-shaped container 1 before cooking rice by the rice cooker 100 to the weight R of rice. According to the sugar suppression rice cooking mode, by cooking cooked rice with a water addition ratio larger than the standard, it is possible to cook cooked rice with the amount of sugar contained per unit volume suppressed. The standard rice cooking mode is an example of the first mode according to the present disclosure. The sugar suppression rice cooking mode is an example of the second mode according to the present disclosure.

[0039] In the input of the rice cooking setting in step S1, the user makes a selection of "Cooking Method" indicated by A1 in FIG. 3. More specifically, the user selects either the standard rice cooking mode or the sugar suppression rice cooking mode. FIG. 3 shows an example when the sugar suppression rice cooking mode is selected. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the functions of the selection means by which the user can select the first mode and the second mode are realized by an application on a smartphone. The process of making the selection of "Cooking Method" indicated by A1 in FIG. 3 is an example of the selection process according to the present disclosure. Note that the functions of the selection means according to the present disclosure may also be realized by devices provided in the rice cooker 100 such as the operation display unit 42.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the sugar suppression rice cooking mode is selected in "Cooking Method" of A1, "Rice Reduction Rate" of A2 becomes settable. Note that the "Rice Reduction Rate" may be set arbitrarily by the user or may be a preset fixed value. Also, instead of the "Rice Reduction Rate", "Sugar Reduction Rate", "Sugar Reduction Amount", "Calorie Reduction Rate" or "Calorie Reduction Amount" may be made settable.

[0041] Also, in the input of the rice cooking setting in step S1, the user designates the "Cooked Volume", which is the amount of cooked rice. The "Cooked Volume" may be designated, for example, by the input of "n cups n-th of a bowl" in B1 and B2 of FIG. 3, or may be designated by the input of "equivalent to n go of normal rice" in B3 of FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 3, when B1 and B2 are input, B3 is automatically displayed. Similarly, when B3 is input, B1 and B2 are automatically displayed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the functions of the cooked rice amount designation means for the user to designate the amount of cooked rice are realized by an application on a smartphone. The process of designating the "Cooked Volume" in FIG. 3 is an example of the cooked rice amount designation process according to the present disclosure. Note that the functions of the cooked rice amount designation means according to the present disclosure may also be realized by devices provided in the rice cooker 100 such as the operation display unit 42.

[0042] The specification of the "cooked volume" in FIG. 3 is performed regardless of whether the standard rice cooking mode or the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode is selected. The rice cooking system of the present embodiment performs an operation for cooking the cooked rice of the specified "cooked volume" regardless of whether the standard rice cooking mode or the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode is selected. The standard rice cooking mode is an example of a first mode for cooking the amount of cooked rice specified by the cooked rice amount specifying means. The sugar-reduced rice cooking mode is an example of a second mode for cooking the amount of cooked rice specified by the cooked rice amount specifying means.

[0043] As described above, in the standard rice cooking mode, the cooked rice is cooked with a standard water addition ratio. In the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode, the cooked rice is cooked with a water addition ratio larger than the standard. In the rice cooking system and the rice cooking method according to the present embodiment, when a specific amount X is specified as the "cooked volume", the weight R2 of the rice put into the pot-shaped container 1 before cooking when the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode is selected is less than the weight R1 of the rice put into the pot-shaped container 1 before cooking when the standard rice cooking mode is selected, and the weight W2 of the water put into the pot-shaped container 1 before cooking when the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode is selected is more than the weight W1 of the water put into the pot-shaped container 1 before cooking when the standard rice cooking mode is selected. The relationship of W1 / R1 < W2 / R2 holds.

[0044] And the rice cooking system and the rice cooking method according to the present embodiment are characterized in that when a specific amount X is specified as the "cooked volume", the volume X1 of the cooked rice cooked in the standard rice cooking mode and the volume X2 of the cooked rice cooked in the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode are about the same. "About the same" means a state in which it is difficult for the user who sees the cooked rice to recognize the difference. Specifically, the volume X2 of the cooked rice cooked in the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 10% with respect to the volume X1 of the cooked rice cooked in the standard rice cooking mode. For example, the cooked rice of volume X2 cooked in the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode divided into n equal parts and served in a bowl is not inferior in appearance compared to the cooked rice of volume X1 cooked in the standard rice cooking mode divided into n equal parts and served in a bowl.

[0045] According to the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode of the present embodiment, by cooking rice with a water addition ratio larger than the standard, it is possible to cook rice with the amount of carbohydrates per unit volume suppressed. Also, since the cooked volume in the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode is about the same as the cooked volume in the standard rice-cooking mode, there is no inferiority in appearance for the user and it is easy to obtain a sense of satisfaction. Further, according to the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode of the present embodiment, even when the cooked rice is eaten up in one meal, or when the cooked rice is divided equally and stored, etc., in cases where the amount of one serving of rice is not judged by weight, the amount of carbohydrates ingested by the user can be reduced. Thus, with the rice-cooking system and rice-cooking method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively assist in reducing the amount of carbohydrates ingested by the user.

[0046] When the volume of the cooked rice fluctuates within a range of plus or minus 10%, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the volume fluctuation immediately. However, it is possible for the user to notice the volume fluctuation. It is preferable that the volume X2 of the rice cooked in the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode is as close as possible to or the same as the volume X1 of the rice cooked in the standard rice-cooking mode. For example, it is better if the volume X2 of the rice cooked in the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 5% with respect to the volume X1 of the rice cooked in the standard rice-cooking mode. For example, it is even better if the volume X2 of the rice cooked in the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 3% with respect to the volume X1 of the rice cooked in the standard rice-cooking mode. For example, it is even better if the volume X2 of the rice cooked in the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 1.5% with respect to the volume X1 of the rice cooked in the standard rice-cooking mode.

[0047] When the input of the rice-cooking setting is completed and the "Next" button is pressed, the amounts of rice and water required for rice-cooking with the input rice-cooking setting are calculated (step S3). Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, an example in the case where the carbohydrate-suppressing rice-cooking mode is selected will be described.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of data used in the arithmetic processing of the rice cooking system according to Embodiment 1. Further, FIG. 5 is a table for explaining the arithmetic processing of the rice cooking system according to Embodiment 1. In step S3, data corresponding to the rice cooking setting input in step S1 is extracted from the table in FIG. 4. For example, when "8 cups at the 6.5th mark of a teacup" and "equivalent to 3 go of normal rice" are set as the "cooked volume", the specified amount X, which is "1303 ml", and the weight R1 of rice in the case of the standard rice cooking mode, which is "450 g", are extracted.

[0049] In step S3, using the data extracted from the table shown in FIG. 4, the weight R2 of rice used for rice cooking in the sugar suppression rice cooking mode shown in the third row of the table in FIG. 5 is calculated. The weight R2 of rice is calculated from the weight R1 of rice extracted from the table shown in FIG. 4 and the "rice reduction rate" input in step S1.

[0050] Next, the water addition ratio W2 / R2 shown in the fifth row of the table in FIG. 5 is calculated. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an approximate formula used in the arithmetic processing of the rice cooking system according to Embodiment 1. The water addition ratio W2 / R2 can be calculated from the approximate formula shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, it was experimentally confirmed that the relationship between "cooked volume / raw rice weight" and "water addition ratio" when cooking rice in the sugar suppression rice cooking mode can be represented by an approximate formula of a linear function. By using this experimentally obtained approximate formula, the water addition ratio W2 / R2 for the volume X2 of the cooked rice cooked in the sugar suppression rice cooking mode to be approximately the same as the volume X1 of the cooked rice cooked in the standard rice cooking mode can be calculated. After calculating the water addition ratio W2 / R2, the weight R2 of water shown in the sixth row of the table in FIG. 5 is calculated.

[0051] The arithmetic processing in step S3 described above may be performed, for example, by the control unit 18 or by an external device such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the arithmetic processing in step S3 may be performed by a server device or the like that can communicate with the rice cooker 100 or an external device such as a smartphone. The arithmetic processing in step S3 is performed by an arbitrary arithmetic means.

[0052] After the arithmetic processing in step S3, the weight R2 of the rice required for cooking rice is displayed (step S4), and the weight of the rice contained in the pot-shaped container 1 is displayed (step S5). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the application screen 50 of the smartphone when the user puts in rice in the rice cooking system of Embodiment 1. In steps S4 and S5 of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 7, the weight R2 of the rice required for cooking rice and the weight of the rice contained in the pot-shaped container 1 are displayed on the application screen 50 of the smartphone. The screen display in steps S4 and S5 is performed, for example, according to the detection result of the weight sensor 15. Note that the display function in steps S4 and S5 may be realized by a device provided in the rice cooker 100 such as the operation display unit 42.

[0053] When the required amount of rice is put in and the "Next" button is pressed (Yes in step S6), the weight W2 of the water required for cooking rice is displayed (step S7), and the weight of the water contained in the pot-shaped container 1 is displayed (step S8). The screen display in steps S4 and S5 continues until the "Next" button is pressed (No in step S6).

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the application screen 50 of the smartphone when the user puts in water in the rice cooking system of Embodiment 1. In steps S7 and S8, as shown in FIG. 7, the weight W2 of the water required for cooking rice and the weight of the water contained in the pot-shaped container 1 are displayed on the application screen 50 of the smartphone. The screen display in steps S7 and S8 is performed, for example, according to the detection result of the weight sensor 15. The display function in steps S7 and S8 may be realized by a device provided in the rice cooker 100 such as the operation display unit 42.

[0055] When the required amount of water is put in and the "Start Cooking" button is pressed (Yes in step S9), the rice cooker 100 starts the rice cooking process and cooks the cooked rice. The screen display in steps S7 and S8 continues until the "Start Cooking" button is pressed (No in step S9).

[0056] In this embodiment, the control unit 18 and the bottom heating coil 12 constitute an example of the rice cooking means. The rice cooking means cooks rice by heating up the pot-shaped container 1. The control unit 18 controls the bottom heating coil 12 so that rice cooking is performed according to the rice cooking settings input by the user.

[0057] Here, the operation of the bottom heating coil 12 when the standard rice cooking mode is selected and the operation of the bottom heating coil 12 when the sugar reduction rice cooking mode is selected may be the same or different. For example, when the standard rice cooking mode is selected, the control unit 18 may execute first control so that the total amount of thermal energy input by the bottom heating coil 12 into the pot-shaped container 1 becomes a first amount of heat. When the sugar reduction rice cooking mode is selected, the control unit 18 may execute second control so that the total amount of thermal energy input by the bottom heating coil 12 into the pot-shaped container 1 becomes a second amount of heat. This second amount of heat is more than the first amount of heat. That is, the total amount of thermal energy input by the bottom heating coil 12 into the pot-shaped container 1 when the sugar reduction rice cooking mode is selected may be more than the total amount of thermal energy input by the bottom heating coil 12 into the pot-shaped container when the sugar reduction rice cooking mode is selected. Thereby, it is possible to cook rice with an appropriate texture that is not too soft during rice cooking in the sugar reduction rice cooking mode.

[0058] Also, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first modification of Embodiment 1. For example, the rice cooker 100 may be provided with a standard rice cooking cup 30 and a sugar reduction rice cooking cup 31 as an example of rice measuring means configured to be able to measure rice of weight R1 for cooking rice in the first mode and rice of weight R2 for cooking rice in the second mode. In this modification, the measurement of rice is performed not by the weight sensor 15 but by the standard rice cooking cup 30 and the sugar reduction rice cooking cup 31. In this modification, the "rice reduction rate" is a fixed value determined by the size of the cup, not an arbitrary value.

[0059] In the first modification example, when the user selects the standard rice cooking mode, using the standard rice cooking cup 30, after measuring and washing rice in any number of cups, for example, three cups of rice, water is added according to the water level line for standard rice cooking "3 cups" in the pot-shaped container 1 and then rice cooking is started. When the user selects the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode, after measuring three cups of rice with the sugar-reduced rice cooking cup 31 and washing the rice, water is added according to the water level line for sugar reduction "3 cups" in the pot-shaped container 1 and then rice cooking is started. In this modification example, the function of the water measuring means is realized by the water level line in the pot-shaped container 1. Also, in this modification example, the function of the rice amount specifying means for the user to specify the amount of cooked rice is realized by the standard rice cooking cup 30 and the sugar-reduced rice cooking cup 31.

[0060] In order to make the volume X1 of the cooked rice in the standard rice cooking mode the same as the volume X2 of the cooked rice in the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode, it is advisable to set the water level line for sugar reduction higher than the water level for standard rice cooking. Note that the water level line in the pot-shaped container 1 may be used in both the standard rice cooking mode and the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode. When the water level line is used in both modes, the volume X2 of the cooked rice in the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode will be slightly smaller than the volume X1 of the cooked rice in the standard rice cooking mode. Specifically, when the reduction rate of rice is 5%, the volume X2 of the cooked rice in the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode will be about 1.5% less than the volume X1 of the cooked rice in the standard rice cooking mode. When the reduction rate of rice is 10%, the volume X2 of the cooked rice in the sugar-reduced rice cooking mode will be about 3% less than the volume X1 of the cooked rice in the standard rice cooking mode. However, this difference in volume is such that even if the user visually checks, it is hardly recognizable, and there is little difference in the appearance of the cooked rice.

[0061] According to the first modification example shown above, the user can measure rice and water in the same way as in the past, that is, by measuring rice with a cup and measuring water with a water level line. This can prevent measurement errors by the user.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second modification of the first embodiment. In this second modification, when the user selects the sugar-restricted rice cooking mode, the user performs an adjustment step of reducing the amount of rice put into the pot-shaped container 1 after putting the rice of weight R1 at the time of selecting the standard rice cooking mode, so that the weight of the rice in the pot-shaped container 1 becomes weight R2.

[0063] In the second modification, when the user selects the standard rice cooking mode, the user uses the measuring cup attached to the rice cooker 100 to measure and wash an arbitrary number of cups of rice, for example, three cups of rice, and then puts water according to the water level line "3 cups" for standard rice cooking in the pot-shaped container 1 and starts rice cooking. When the user selects the sugar-restricted rice cooking mode, after measuring three cups of rice with the measuring cup, for example, one tablespoon per cup, in this case, three tablespoons of rice are returned to the rice. After washing the remaining rice, water is put according to the water level line "3 cups" for sugar restriction in the pot-shaped container 1 and then rice cooking is started. Also according to this modification, it is possible to effectively support reducing the amount of sugar ingested by the user. In this modification, the function of the water measuring means is realized by the water level line in the pot-shaped container 1. Also in this modification, the function of the rice amount specifying means for the user to specify the amount of cooked rice is realized by the measuring cup.

[0064] In the second modification, the tool for measuring the amount of rice to be reduced does not have to be a tablespoon. For example, a small dedicated cup or the like capable of measuring a specified amount may be separately provided in the rice cooker 100 as a measuring means for measuring the amount of rice to be reduced.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0065] 1 Pot-shaped container, 10 Main body, 11 Container cover, 11a Hole part, 12 Bottom heating coil, 13 Bottom temperature sensor of the pot, 14 Hinge part, 15 Weight sensor, 17 Time measurement part, 18 Control part, 20 Lid body, 21 Outer lid, 22 Inner lid, 22a Lid packing, 22b Inner lid steam port, 23 Locking material, 24 Cartridge, 24a Container side hole, 24b Steam discharge hole, 26 Outer lid steam port, 30 Standard rice cooking cup, 31 Carbohydrate suppression rice cooking cup, 42 Operation display part, 43 Internal temperature sensor, 50 App screen, 100 Rice cooker

Claims

1. A rice quantity specifying means for a user to specify the amount of cooked rice, A selection means for a user to select a first mode and a second mode for cooking the amount of rice specified by the rice quantity specifying means, Comprising, When a specific amount X is specified by the rice quantity specifying means, when the first mode is selected, the weight R2 of the rice put into the container before cooking is less than the weight R1 of the rice put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected, and when the first mode is selected, the weight W2 of the water put into the container before cooking is more than the weight W1 of the water put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected, and the volume X2 of the cooked rice cooked in the second mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 10% with respect to the volume X1 of the cooked rice cooked in the first mode. A rice cooking system characterized by this.

2. The rice cooking system according to claim 1, further comprising a rice weighing means configured to be able to weigh the rice of the weight R1 for cooking rice in the first mode and the rice of the weight R2 for cooking rice in the second mode.

3. A rice quantity specifying step for a user to specify the amount of cooked rice, A selection step for a user to select a first mode and a second mode for cooking the amount of rice specified in the rice quantity specifying step, Comprising, When a specific amount X is specified by the rice quantity specifying step, when the first mode is selected, the weight R2 of the rice put into the container before cooking is less than the weight R1 of the rice put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected, and when the first mode is selected, the weight W2 of the water put into the container before cooking is more than the weight W1 of the water put into the container before cooking when the second mode is selected, and the volume X2 of the cooked rice cooked in the second mode belongs to the range of plus or minus 10% with respect to the volume X1 of the cooked rice cooked in the first mode. A rice cooking method characterized by this.

4. The rice cooking method according to claim 3, further comprising an adjustment step of reducing the rice put into the container after putting the rice of the weight R1 at the time of selecting the first mode when the second mode is selected to make the weight of the rice in the container the weight R2.

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