Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a multi-timer which is easily managed in a kitchen of a restaurant and is easy to use.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a timer operation unit that makes a selected timer among a plurality of timers displayed on a display unit active; a list display unit that displays a list of items associated with the active timer (an operation timer); a measurement start unit that sets a first time and a second time associated with a selected item from the list, for the operation timer and starts measurements of the first time and the second time; a first notification unit that when the operation timer measures the first time, brings the operation timer into a first notification mode and performs notification; a second notification unit that when the operation timer measures the second time, brings the operation timer into a second notification mode and performs notification; and a timer operation termination unit that after the second notification unit notifies a user of the lapse of the second time, makes the operation timer inactive based on a reset operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-timer used in the kitchen of a restaurant.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, in the kitchen of a restaurant, cooking is performed using a timer. For example, the frying time when frying using a fryer, the boiling time when boiling noodles using a boiling machine, etc. are measured by a timer. At this time, a timer is required for each cooking place, and a timer may also be prepared for each food material to be cooked and each cooking method. Therefore, dozens of timers may be physically installed in the kitchen. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is difficult to manage the timers in the kitchen of a restaurant. In addition, since the cook needs to set the optimal cooking time on the timer according to each food material and cooking method, there has also been a problem that it is difficult to set the time for a cook with little experience.

[0003] In this regard, a composite cooking timer has been disclosed in which, after setting the cooking time for each of a plurality of food materials, an operation panel indicating the name of each food material is displayed in a predetermined section of a display unit, and cooking can be started from an arbitrary point in time for each of the plurality of food materials (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the kitchens of restaurants, there is a need for a multi-timer that is easier to manage and more user-friendly. Specifically, it is desired to physically reduce the number of timers, be able to more easily set the timer time for a variety of ingredients and cooking methods regardless of the cooking level, and be able to attract more attention to the cook during timer execution, etc.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a multi-timer that is easy to manage and user-friendly in the kitchen of a restaurant.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, in one aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of timers at a desired position on a display unit, a timer operation unit that makes the timer selected by the user among the plurality of timers displayed on the display unit in an active state, a list display unit that displays a list of items associated with the timer in the active state (hereinafter referred to as the active timer), a measurement start unit that sets a first time corresponding to the item selected by the user from the list and a second time longer than the first time in the active timer, and starts measuring the first time and the second time in the active timer, when the active timer measures the first time, the active timer is changed to a first notification mode with a first display mode and a first sound output mode to notify the elapse of the first time, a first notification unit, when the active timer measures the second time, the active timer is changed to a second notification mode different from the first notification mode, with a second display mode and a second sound output mode to notify the elapse of the second time, a second notification unit, After the second notification unit notifies the elapse of the second time, a timer operation end unit that deactivates the active timer based on a reset operation of the user on the active timer is the gist of the invention.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multi-timer that is easy to manage and use in the kitchen of a restaurant.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of information processing system> Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 10 is an information processing system that manages timers used by chefs (hereinafter referred to as "users") when cooking in a restaurant kitchen. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a plurality of information processing devices 1 and a monitoring device 2.

[0012] The information processing device 1 is an information terminal installed in the kitchen of a restaurant, and is configured, for example, as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The information processing device 1 is capable of operating multiple timers 4. More specifically, a multi-timer application program (hereinafter referred to as the timer program) 17 is installed in the information processing device 1, and by executing this timer program 17, multiple timers 4 are displayed on the display unit (display) of the information processing device 1, and each of the multiple timers 4 can measure a desired time. The information processing device 1 is attached to a kitchen wall or kitchen equipment with a magnet, fitted into a housing, or installed with a mounting bracket, for example, and is used during cooking.

[0013] The monitoring device 2 is an information terminal installed in the kitchen of a restaurant or other backyard, and is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. The monitoring device 2 is a device for an administrator to monitor the status of the timer 4 operating in the information processing device 1.

[0014] A plurality of information processing devices 1 and monitoring devices 2 are connected to be mutually communicable via a communication network 3. The communication network 3 is generally composed of an in-house network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), but may be composed of a communication network including the Internet, a public network, etc., or may be composed of a communication network including wired.

[0015] Note that the information processing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a plurality of information processing devices 1, but may be composed of one information processing device 1. Also, the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of timers 4 operable, but of course, only one timer 4 may be operated.

[0016] <Configuration of Information Processing Device> FIG. 2(a) is a functional configuration diagram of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 includes an input / output unit 11, a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0017] The input / output unit 11 serves as both the input unit and the output unit of the information processing device 1, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel display, a speaker, etc. More specifically, the input / output unit 11 has input functions such as text input and selection input, a speaker function for outputting a notification sound, a display function for displaying the timer 4, etc.

[0018] The communication unit 12 transmits and receives data to and from other information processing devices 1 and monitoring devices 2 via the communication network 3. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 12 transmits timer information to the monitoring device 2 at any time. Here, the timer information is information regarding the operating status of the timer 4. Note that in the present embodiment, since data copying between information processing devices 1 is enabled, information regarding a timer set in one information processing device 1 can be transferred to other information processing devices 1 via the communication unit 12.

[0019] The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, etc., and stores data and programs used by the control unit 14 for control. In the present embodiment, data regarding the setting and execution of the multi-timer and the above-described timer program 17 are stored in the storage unit 13. Specifically, setting information 15 and operation log information 16 are stored in the storage unit 13.

[0020] Note that the timer program 17 is not only stored in the storage unit 13, that is, the main storage device such as the above-described memory or the auxiliary storage device such as the hard disk, but can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an external hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), or distributed via the communication network 3.

[0021] The setting information 15 is a general term for information regarding the setting of the multi-timer. More specifically, it includes information set for the information processing device 1 (hereinafter referred to as information processing device setting information 15a), information set for the timer 4 (hereinafter referred to as timer setting information 15b), setting information regarding product items (food ingredients) (hereinafter referred to as item setting information 15c), and the like. The data configurations of the information processing device setting information 15a, the timer setting information 15b, and the item setting information 15c are schematically shown in FIGS. 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c), respectively. The setting information 15 is information set in advance by the user.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the information processing device setting information 15a is data including items such as a terminal ID, a terminal name, a language, and a data synchronization flag. The terminal ID is an ID that can uniquely identify the information processing device 1 in the information processing system 10, and the terminal name is the name of the information processing device 1 in the information processing system 10. The language is the language displayed on the display unit of the information processing device 1, and languages such as Japanese, English, and Chinese can be set. The data synchronization flag is a flag indicating whether to synchronize the setting data with other information processing devices 1. When the data synchronization flag is ON, the information processing device 1 synchronizes the setting information 15 with other information processing devices 1.

[0023] For example, in the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 4(a), the terminal name "Fryer" is set, and the language is set to Japanese. Note that attaching a name indicating the installation location of the terminal, specifically, the name of the kitchen equipment near the installation, to the terminal name has the advantage that the use of the timer 4 of the information processing device 1 can be easily grasped.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3(b), the timer setting information 15b is data including items such as a timer ID, a timer name, an operation mode, and a monitoring flag. The timer ID is an ID that can uniquely identify the timer 4 in the information processing system 10, and the timer name is the name of the timer in the information processing system 10. For example, in the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 4(a), three timer windows are generated (hereinafter, the notation of the timer window is simply abbreviated as a timer), and the respective timer names are "Fryer 1", "Fryer 2", and "Fryer 3". Attaching the name of the kitchen equipment to the timer name also has the advantage that the use of the timer 4 can be specified, making it easy for the user to understand.

[0025] Here, the configuration of Timer 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 4(a). Timer 4 includes a timer name section 41 indicating the timer name, a product item section 42 where the product item name (food ingredient) is displayed, a timer section 43 where the measured time is displayed, and an action button section 44 that executes a predetermined operation upon receiving an operation.

[0026] The operation mode indicates the type of operation of the timer. In the present embodiment, there are three types: (1) "List" in which a desired item can be selected from a plurality of product items (food ingredients), (2) "Fixed" in which a specific product item (food ingredient) is fixedly set, and (3) "Rice cooking" for cooking rice. The user can set any of these operation modes when generating the timer. Of course, it is also possible to change the operation mode that has been set once. When the operation mode is "List", a further group (type) setting is performed. The monitoring flag is a flag indicating whether to transmit timer information (information regarding the operation status of Timer 4) to the monitoring device 2, that is, whether to target the Timer 4 for monitoring. When the monitoring flag is set to ON, the Timer 4 becomes the monitoring target of the monitoring device 2.

[0027] Here, the operation modes will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIGS. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing the display modes of Timer 4 displayed on the display unit (display) of the information processing device 1. Hereinafter, the "List" Timer 4 will be denoted as Timer 4a, the "Fixed" Timer 4 as Timer 4b, and the "Rice cooking" Timer 4 as Timer 4c, and when referring to them collectively, they will be denoted as Timer 4.

[0028] In Fig. 4(a), three timers 4a with the operation mode of "List" are displayed. Fig. 4(b) shows the display mode when the action button part 44 (specifically, the "select" button) of the timer 4a named "Flyer 1" is pressed in the state of Fig. 4(a). Pressing the "select" button on the timer 4a means selecting the timer 4a and activating the window of the timer 4a. In this embodiment, when a timer 4a with the operation mode of "List" is selected, as shown in Fig. 4(b), a list 5 of product items is displayed.

[0029] The list 5 is composed of a plurality of tabs (groups). In Fig. 4(b), the list 5 of the "Fly" tab is displayed by default (displayed in the front). The user can select a desired product item from this list 5. Of course, it is also possible to select not only the product items of the "Fly" tab but also the product items of other tabs (groups) (for example, the product items of the tabs such as "Refrigerator 1" and "Boiling Place").

[0030] When a product item is selected from the list 5 by the user, the name of the selected product item is displayed in the product item part 42 of the timer 4a whose name is "Flyer 1", and the timer 4a operates. For example, when "Large Potato" is selected from the list 5, the display of "-----" on the timer 4a of "Flyer 1" is changed to "Large Potato", and the timer 4a starts measuring the time of "Cooking Time of Large Potato". Although it will be described in detail later, the timer 4a that has started measuring the time outputs a notification sound and displays a notification display mode when the set time is reached, and notifies the set time.

[0031] In Fig. 5(a), three timers 4a with the operation mode "list" and one timer 4b with the operation mode "fixed" are displayed. The timer 4b with the operation mode "fixed" is a timer with the timer name "F potato". In the timer 4b with the operation mode "fixed", since the product item is fixed, the name of the set product item is already displayed in the product item section 42 of the timer 4b. For example, in the timer 4 of "F potato" shown in Fig. 5(a), "F potato" is displayed in the product item section 42. That is to say, the timer 4b with the operation mode "fixed" can also be said to be in a state where one product item is selected from the list 5 with the operation mode "list".

[0032] Fig. 5(b) shows the case where the timer 4 is displayed on the horizontal screen (the screen when the horizontal length > the vertical length) of the information processing apparatus 1. In Fig. 5(b), four timers 4a with the operation mode "list" and one timer 4b with the operation mode "fixed" are displayed.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 4(a) to (b) and Fig. 5(a), the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can not only display the timer 4 on the vertical screen (the screen when the vertical length > the horizontal length), but also display the timer 4 on the horizontal screen as shown in Fig. 5(b). Therefore, a suitable screen can be selected according to the space of the installation location of the information processing apparatus 1 and the cooking section of the kitchen equipment. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 is expected to be installed for each kitchen equipment, and a plurality of timers 4 displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus 1 are expected to be arranged corresponding to the positions of the cooking sections (for example, the cooking sections of the fryer and the boiling utensils). Therefore, the installation direction of the information processing apparatus 1 can be determined according to the layout situation of the individual kitchen equipment section layouts.

[0034] Figures 6(a) and (b) show three timers 4a with the operation mode "list" and one timer 4c with the operation mode "rice cooking". The timer 4c with the operation mode "rice cooking" is a timer with the timer name "rice cooking". Figure 6(a) shows the state before the timer 4c for "rice cooking" is selected, and Figure 8(b) shows the state after the timer 4c for "rice cooking" is selected. In this embodiment, when the timer 4c is selected (when the "select" button of the timer 4c is pressed), the selection screen 6 for the rice cooking time is displayed as a dialog. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6(b), it is possible to select from two rice cooking times (minutes), 35 or 45, but it is not limited thereto. It may be possible to select from three or more options, and the times as options are not limited to 35 and 45 either.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3(c), the item setting information 15c is data including items such as item ID, product item name, group, counting method, notification time, notification sound, preliminary notification time, preliminary notification sound, image, and measurement flag after time-up. The item ID is an ID that can uniquely identify a product item to be measured by the timer 4 in the information processing system 10. The product item name is the name of the product item in the information processing system 10, and the group is the type group of the product item. For example, "F potato", "Large potato", "Extra-large potato", etc. shown in the list 5 in FIG. 4(a) indicate the product item names, and the tabs of the list 5, "Fry", "Refrigerator 1", indicate the groups. The counting method is the display method of the timer unit 43, and there are a countdown method (counting down from the notification time to 0) and a count-up method (counting up from 0 to the notification time). The notification time is the desired time to be measured by the timer 4 (the cooking time of the product item), and the notification sound is the sound output when the notification time is reached. The preliminary notification time is the time for preliminary notification before the notification time, and the preliminary notification sound is the sound output when the preliminary notification time is reached. The image is an image of the product item displayed in the list 5. The measurement flag after time-up is a flag indicating whether to continue time measurement after the notification time has been reached. When the measurement flag after time-up is set to ON, time measurement continues even after the notification time has been reached. Note that the time measurement after the notification time has been reached ends based on the user's reset operation.

[0036] As described above, in this embodiment, not only when the measurement time of the timer 4 reaches the notification time but also when it reaches the pre-notification time, notification is performed, that is, two-stage notification is executed. Therefore, it is possible to draw more attention to the user. Also, for product items with the measurement flag after time-up set to ON, time measurement is continued even after the notification time has been reached. Therefore, it is possible to measure the response time until the user performs a reset operation on the timer 4 after the notification of the notification time, and thus it is possible to determine the speed of the user's operation.

[0037] Fig. 7(a) shows an example of a product item setting screen. In the product item setting screen shown in Fig. 7(a), after selecting the corresponding product item, it is possible to set the name (item name), count (count method), notification time, notification sound, preliminary notification time, preliminary notification sound, image, elapsed time measurement (measurement flag after timeout). Note that after selecting the corresponding product item, it is also possible to move to different tabs (groups). Fig. 7(a) shows the case of setting product items with the operation mode being "list", but it is also possible to set product items in the same way when the operation mode is "fixed" and "rice cooking".

[0038] The item setting information 15c of the present embodiment can be set for groups (tabs), and the same or similar product items are classified into the same group (tab). Therefore, when selecting a product item from the list list 5, it is easy to select the desired product item. For example, specifically, as shown in Figs. 4(b) and 7(a), tabs are set for each location related to product items such as fryers, refrigerators, and cooking areas, so it is easy to select the product items handled in a single workplace, and the work is made more efficient.

[0039] Returning to Fig. 2, the operation log information 16 is the operation log information of the timer 4 that has operated in the information processing apparatus 1. The data configuration of the operation log information 16 is schematically shown in Fig. 3(d).

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3(d), the operation log information 16 is data including items such as date and time, timer ID, item ID, and elapsed time after timeout. The date and time is the operation start date and time of the timer 4, the timer ID is the timer ID of the timer 4 to be logged, the item ID is the item ID of the product item to be logged, and the elapsed time after timeout is the elapsed time from when the measurement of the timer 4 reaches the notification time until the user resets the timer 4. Note that only the product items with the measurement flag after timeout in the item setting information 15c being ON are recorded as the operation log information 16.

[0041] Fig. 7(b) shows a search display screen for operation log information. The search display screen for operation log information in Fig. 7(b) can display the corresponding operation log information by, for example, instructing a search for a timer name (timer title), product name (product item name), the relevant period, etc. The elapsed time indicates the elapsed time until the reset operation after timeout. In this embodiment, operation log information 16 with an elapsed time of 1 minute or more after timeout is displayed, but it is not limited to this. All of the operation log information 16 for which the notification time has elapsed may be displayed.

[0042] Thus, the operation log information 16 is log information indicating how quickly the user performed a reset operation when the timer 4 operated and reached the desired notification time. In other words, the operation log information 16 can be used as an indicator showing the user's operation mistakes and further as an indicator related to cooking quality.

[0043] Returning to Fig. 2, the control unit 14 is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory, etc., and realizes the multi-timer function by performing control of the storage unit 13, transfer of various data, various calculations, temporary storage of data, etc. The multi-timer function of the information processing apparatus 1 is due to the execution of the timer program 17.

[0044] Functionally, the control unit 14 has a timer setting control unit 15 and a timer execution control unit 19.

[0045] The timer setting control unit 15 executes processes related to the setting of the timer 4. Specifically, it executes processes such as registration, change, and deletion of the setting information 15 (information processing apparatus setting information 15a, timer setting information 15b, item setting information 15c).

[0046] The timer execution control unit 19 executes processes related to the execution of the timer 4. Specifically, it executes processes such as the timer selection execution process and the timer information transmission process, which will be described later.

[0047] <Configuration of the monitoring device> Figure 2(b) is a schematic functional diagram of the monitoring device 2. The monitoring device 2 includes an input / output unit 21, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0048] The input / output unit 21 serves as both the input unit and the output unit of the monitoring device 2, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel display, a display, a speaker, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display unit (display) of the input / output unit 21 in the present embodiment displays the timer information transmitted from the plurality of information processing devices 1.

[0049] The communication unit 22 transmits and receives data to and from the plurality of information processing devices 1 via the communication network 3. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 22 receives timer information from the plurality of information processing devices 1.

[0050] The storage unit 23 is composed of, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, etc., and stores data, programs, etc. used by the control unit 24 for control. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores the timer information 25 received from the information processing device 1. Further, the storage unit 23 stores a monitoring program 26 that monitors the operation status of the timer 4 by displaying the timer information 25 received from the information processing device 1 on the display unit (display).

[0051] Note that the monitoring program 26 is not only stored in the storage unit 23, that is, the main storage device such as the memory described above or the auxiliary storage device such as the hard disk, but can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an external hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), or distributed via the communication network 3.

[0052] The control unit 24 is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory, etc., and realizes the monitoring function of the timer 4 by performing control of the storage unit 23, transfer of various data, various calculations, temporary storage of data, etc. The monitoring function of the monitoring device 2 is realized by the execution of the monitoring program 26. The monitoring function of the control unit 24 is, specifically, the function of the timer display control unit 27 that executes a timer information display process of displaying and monitoring timer information on the display unit (display).

[0053] <Operation of the information processing system> Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the timer selection execution process of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the timer selection execution process of the information processing apparatus 1. As a premise, the information processing apparatus 1 generates one or more timers 4 and displays the generated timers 4 on the display unit (display).

[0054] When one of the one or more timers 4 displayed on the display is selected by the user in the information processing apparatus 1 (step S10), the selected timer 4 is set to an active state (step S20).

[0055] Next, the information processing apparatus 1 determines the operation mode of the selected timer 4 (step S30).

[0056] · When the operation mode is "list" When the operation mode is "list" (step S30: list), the information processing apparatus 1 (timer 4a) pops up and displays the list 5 (see step S40, FIG. 4(b)). When one item is selected from the list 5 by the user (step S50), the timer 4a sets the time (prior notice time, notification time) associated with the selected product item, and the timer 4a starts measuring the set time (step S70).

[0057] Here, with reference to FIG. 9, the operation of the timer 4a when the operation mode is "list" will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing changes in the display mode of the timer 4a.

[0058] Figure 9(a) shows the non-active state of timer 4a. That is, it indicates that timer 4a is not selected and is in the state before the timer selection execution process shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Note that timer 4a shown in FIG. 4(a) also shows this non-active state.

[0059] Figure 9(b) shows that timer 4a is in the active state, that is, as a result of timer 4a being selected by the user (pressing the select button of timer 4a), timer 4a has become active (steps S10, S20). The state shown in FIG. 9(b) has no change in the character color of timer 4 compared to the state shown in FIG. 9(a), but the background color has changed (for example, from gray to black, etc.). Thus, the user can recognize that timer 4a has become active. Note that after this, a reset button is displayed instead of the select button (not shown in FIG. 9(b)), and the list 5 is pop-up displayed (step S40, see FIG. 4(b)).

[0060] Figure 9(c) shows the state of timer 4a at time point t1 when one product item is selected from the pop-up displayed list 5. At this time point t1, list 5 is erased, the name of the selected product item is displayed on timer 4a, and timer 4a starts execution (step S70). That is, starting from time point t1 when one item is selected from list 5, timer 4a starts measuring the notification time and the advance notification time of the selected product item. Note that after time point t1, the reset button becomes non-active (a state where operations are not accepted).

[0061] Returning to FIG. 8, next, the information processing apparatus 1 (timer 4a) determines whether or not the prior notification time has elapsed since the start of measurement (step S80). If the prior notification time has elapsed (step S80: YES), the information processing apparatus 1 (timer 4a) performs notification of the prior notification time (step S90). If the prior notification time has not elapsed (step S80: NO), it waits until the prior notification time elapses.

[0062] FIG. 9(d) shows the prior notification state of the timer 4a. The prior notification state is the state from the time point t2 when the prior notification time has elapsed to the time point t3 when the notification time has elapsed. In the prior notification state, the information processing apparatus 1 changes the background of the timer 4a to a first display mode accompanied by attention arousal (for example, the background color is yellow), and outputs a prior notification sound in a first sound output mode that prompts attention arousal (for example, a sound output at a predetermined volume that the user can notice during work), thereby notifying the passage of the prior notification time.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 8, next, the information processing apparatus 1 (timer 4a) determines whether or not the notification time has elapsed since the start of measurement (step S100). If the notification time has elapsed (step S100: YES), the information processing apparatus 1 (timer 4a) performs notification of the notification time (step S110). If the prior notification time has not elapsed (step S100: NO), it waits until the notification time elapses.

[0064] FIG. 9(e) shows the notification state of the timer 4a. The notification state is the state from the time point t3 when the notification time has elapsed until a reset operation is performed. In the notification state, the information processing apparatus 1 changes the background of the timer 4a to a second display mode (for example, a display mode in which red and black flash alternately) that is more attention-grabbing than the first display mode, and outputs a notification sound in a second sound output mode (for example, a sound output with a higher volume than the first sound output mode) that prompts attention more than the first sound output mode. Note that the notification sound is preferably a different sound from the pre-notification sound, but it may be the same sound. Also, in the notification state, the reset button becomes active, and the user's reset operation can be accepted. Further, when a product item with the measurement flag ON after the time-up is selected, the timer 4a measures the time after the notification time has elapsed, and displays the measured time on the timer unit 43. Note that the time after the notification time has elapsed is displayed in a count-up manner.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 8, then, the information processing apparatus 1 (timer 4a) determines whether or not it has received a reset operation by the user after the elapsed time has passed (step S120). If it has received a reset operation (step S120: YES), the information processing apparatus 1 deactivates the timer 4a and ends the timer selection execution process. Also, the elapsed time until the reset operation (the elapsed time after the time-up) is recorded in the storage unit 13 as operation log information 16. On the other hand, if it has not received a reset operation (step S120: NO), it waits until it receives a reset operation.

[0066] ·When the operation mode is "fixed" When the operation mode is "fixed" (step S30: fixed), the information processing apparatus 1 sets the time (pre-notification time, notification time) associated with the product item fixedly set in the timer 4b, and the timer 4b starts time measurement (step S70).

[0067] Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of timer 4a when the operation mode is "fixed" will be described. FIGS. 5(a) and (b) show the non-active state of timer 4b. The non-active state is a state in which the operation of the start button is not accepted, and the active state is a state in which the operation of the start button is accepted. When the user selects the non-active timer 4b, it becomes the active state. Then, when the start button of the active timer 4a is operated, timer 4a starts time measurement (step S70). That is, upon the operation of the start button, timer 4b starts measuring the notification time and the pre-notification time.

[0068] Note that the processing after step S80 in FIG. 8 is the same as that in the case where the operation mode is "list", so the description is omitted.

[0069] · When the operation mode is "rice cooking" When the operation mode is "rice cooking" (step S30: rice cooking), the information processing apparatus 1 displays a selection screen for the rice cooking time as a dialog (see FIG. 6(b)), so that a single rice cooking time is selected by the user (step S60). The timer 4c is set with the time (pre-notification time, notification time = single rice cooking time) associated with the single rice cooking time of the product item (rice cooking), and the timer 4c starts time measurement (step S70). That is, upon the selection of a single rice cooking time, the timer 4c starts measuring the notification time and the pre-notification time.

[0070] Note that the processing after step S80 in FIG. 8 is the same as that in the case where the operation mode is "list", so the description is omitted.

[0071] As described above, according to the timer selection execution process of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since timer execution according to the operation mode is possible, the user can quickly perform the steps from the detailed time setting according to the product items (type and amount of food ingredients) to the start of timer execution. Further, when the operation mode is a list, a list of groups of product items (type and amount of food ingredients) suitable for the workplace is displayed by default, and the user can select from this list, so that accurate time setting can be performed regardless of the proficiency in cooking. Further, even after the timer operation, warning notifications are given in two stages, so that the user can be prompted to pay attention twice. Further, the time from the elapse of the notification time to the reset operation is also recorded as operation log information, which can be used to improve the efficiency and improvement of the kitchen operation work.

[0072] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the timer monitoring process of the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the timer monitoring process of the information processing system 10. The timer monitoring process of the information processing system 10 is a process composed of the timer information transmission process of the information processing apparatus 1 and the timer information display process of the monitoring apparatus 2.

[0073] Note that the timer monitoring process shown in FIG. 10 shows the flow of the process when one information processing apparatus 1 transmits the timer information of one timer 4 to the monitoring apparatus 2. Actually, each of a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 transmits the timer information from each of the plurality of timers 4 operating in the information processing apparatus 1 to the monitoring apparatus 2.

[0074] When the timer 4 of the information processing apparatus 1 starts measurement (step S210) and determines that the pre-notification time has elapsed since the start of measurement (step S220: YES), it transmits the first timer information 7 (step S230). The first timer information 7 is information indicating the operation status of the timer 4 at the time when the pre-notification time has elapsed. In the present embodiment, information regarding the display mode of the timer 4 shown in FIG. 9(d) (specifically, an image of the timer window in the pre-notification state display mode shown in FIG. 9(d)) is transmitted to the monitoring apparatus 2 as the first timer information 7, but it is not limited thereto. The first timer information 7 may include at least the timer ID of the timer 4 that has reached the pre-notification time and information indicating that the pre-notification time has been reached.

[0075] When the monitoring apparatus 2 receives the first timer information 7 (step S240), it displays the received first timer information 7 on the display unit (display) based on the received first timer information 7 (step S250).

[0076] Next, when the information processing apparatus 1 determines that the notification time has elapsed since the start of measurement (step S260: YES), it transmits the second timer information 8 (step S230). The second timer information 8 is information indicating the operation status of the timer 4 at the time when the notification time has elapsed. In the present embodiment, information regarding the display mode of the timer 4 shown in FIG. 9(e) (specifically, an image of the timer window in the notification state display mode shown in FIG. 9(e)) is transmitted to the monitoring apparatus 2 as the second timer information 8, but it is not limited thereto. The second timer information 8 may include at least the timer ID of the timer 4 that has reached the notification time and information indicating that the notification time has been reached.

[0077] When the monitoring apparatus 2 receives the second timer information 8 (step S280), it displays the second timer information 8 on the display unit (display) instead of the first timer information 7 based on the received second timer information 8 (step S290).

[0078] Next, when the information processing apparatus 1 receives a reset operation from the user after the notification time has elapsed (step S300: YES), it transmits reset operation information (step S310). The reset operation information is information indicating that a reset operation has been received.

[0079] When the monitoring apparatus 2 receives the reset operation information (step S320), it deletes the second timer information 8 displayed on the display unit (display) (step S330).

[0080] FIG. 11 shows an example of a display mode on the display unit (display) of the monitoring apparatus 2. In FIG. 11, the monitoring apparatus 2 displays the first timer information 7 in the first size and the second timer information 8 in a second size larger than the first size. That is, the second timer information 8 is displayed in a more prominent display mode than the first timer information. Note that since the second timer information 8 is displayed until a reset operation is performed after the notification time has elapsed, the monitor can grasp the merchandise items for which the reset operation has not been performed by visually recognizing the second timer information 8.

[0081] As described above, according to the timer monitoring process of the information processing system 10 of the present embodiment, the administrator can monitor the operation status of the plurality of timers 4 in the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 under the management of the information processing system 10 by visually recognizing the monitoring display unit of the monitoring apparatus 2. Further, since the monitoring apparatus 2 displays the timer information of the timer 4 that has elapsed the notification time in a prominent display mode and displays it until a reset operation is performed, the administrator can easily grasp the operation status of the kitchen.

[0082] Note that in the timer monitoring process of the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 transmits timer information when the advance notice time and the notice time are triggered, but the timing of transmitting the timer information is not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 may periodically transmit timer information at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). In this case, since the information processing apparatus 1 transmits information regarding the display mode of the timer 4 in which the update of the timer unit 43 on which the measurement time is displayed is reflected, the monitoring apparatus 2 can grasp the operation status of the timer 4 in a situation close to real time.

[0083] In addition, when the measurement time after the notice time has elapsed exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 5 minutes), the monitoring apparatus 2 may change the timer information displayed in the second display mode to a third display mode (for example, a display mode in which the blinking interval of red and black is shortened and the warning level is increased compared to the case of the second display mode) and display it on the monitoring display unit. Thereby, it is possible to further emphasize and make prominent kitchen work with poor operation. Note that in this case, the information processing apparatus 1 transmits the third timer information when the measurement time after the notice time has elapsed reaches the predetermined threshold value. The third timer information only needs to include at least the timer ID of the timer 4 that has reached the threshold value and information indicating that the threshold value has been reached.

[0084] In addition, although the monitoring apparatus 2 displays the timer information on the monitoring display unit in the same display mode as the display mode of the timer 4 of the information processing apparatus 1, it may be displayed in a different display mode. For example, the names of the information processing apparatus 1 and the timer 4 may be displayed in each window so that the information processing apparatus 1 can be more easily identified. Also, when the monitor wants to pay attention to and monitor a specific information processing apparatus 1 or timer 4, the specific information processing apparatus 1 or timer 4 may be displayed in a special display mode so as to stand out.

[0085] <Other Modification Examples> ·Interlocking with External Devices In the information processing system 10 of the above-described embodiment, the interlocking between the information processing apparatus 1 and external devices (for example, a fryer, a boiler, a rice cooker, etc.) has not been described, but it goes without saying that the information processing apparatus 1 and the external devices may be interlocked in the information processing system 1. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 1 and the external devices are configured to be communicable via the communication network 3, and when the timer 4 measures the notification time, a control signal is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 1 to the external devices, thereby causing the external devices to execute desired operations (for example, to end the frying operation or the boiling operation).

[0086] · Monitoring of timer information of a plurality of restaurants The monitoring apparatus 2 of the above-described embodiment is configured to monitor the timers 4 of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 installed in one restaurant, but may be configured to monitor the timers 4 of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 installed in a plurality of restaurants. The administrator can centrally manage the timers 4 across a plurality of restaurants.

[0087] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an information processing apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of timers at desired positions on a display unit, a timer operation unit (for example, steps S10 and S20 in FIG. 8) that makes the timer selected by the user among the plurality of timers displayed on the display unit active, a list display unit (for example, step S40 in FIG. 8) that displays a list of items associated with the timer set to the active state (hereinafter referred to as an active timer), a measurement start unit (for example, steps S50 and S70 in FIG. 8) that sets a first time (for example, a pre-notification time) corresponding to the item selected by the user from the list and a second time (for example, a notification time) longer than the first time to the active timer, and starts measuring the first time and the second time for the active timer, When the active timer measures the first time, the active timer is set to a first notification mode accompanied by a first display mode and a first sound output mode, and a first notification unit (for example, steps S80 and S90 in FIG. 8) that notifies the elapse of the first time, When the active timer measures the second time, the active timer is set to a second notification mode accompanied by a second display mode and a second sound output mode, which is different from the first notification mode, and a second notification unit (for example, steps S100 and S110 in FIG. 8) that notifies the elapse of the second time, After the second notification unit notifies the elapse of the second time, a timer operation end unit (for example, steps S120 and S130 in FIG. 8) that sets the active timer to an inactive state based on a reset operation of the user on the active timer, is basically configured to include.

[0088] According to the basic configuration of the information processing apparatus 1, since a plurality of timers can be displayed at desired positions on the display unit, for example, a plurality of timers can be assigned corresponding to a plurality of areas of kitchen equipment. Thereby, even when cooking simultaneously in a plurality of areas of kitchen equipment, a plurality of timers can be operated simultaneously without confusing the user. In addition, since the first time and the second time corresponding to the item selected by the user from the list can be set, regardless of the proficiency in cooking, a fine time setting according to the type and amount of ingredients can be made quickly and accurately. Further, after the timer operation, different modes of notification are performed at two stages of the elapse of the first time and the elapse of the second time, so that the user can be prompted to pay attention twice. As a result, it is possible to provide a multi-timer that is easy to manage and use in the kitchen of a restaurant.

[0089] Further, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has, in the above basic configuration, a log information storage unit (for example, the storage unit 13) that stores information regarding the operation history of the active timer (for example, the operation log information 16), The active timer can further measure a third time (for example, the measurement time after the time is up) from the point in time when the second time has elapsed until there is a reset operation by the user for the active timer. The information regarding the operation history includes the operation date and time of the active timer, information that can uniquely identify the active timer, the selected item, and the third time. This is a preferred configuration.

[0090] According to this preferred configuration, since the time from when the second time has elapsed until the reset operation is recorded as operation log information, by analyzing this operation log information, it can be used to improve the efficiency and improvement of the kitchen operation work.

[0091] Note that the above basic configuration and the list of the above preferred configurations are one of a plurality of types of pre-prepared lists. The plurality of types of lists are lists corresponding to each place where the information processing device is installed. The active timer is associated with one of the plurality of types of lists. This is preferable.

[0092] Thereby, since the list most suitable for the place where the information processing device is installed is displayed from among the plurality of types of lists, the user can select product items according to the workplace.

[0093] Also, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment is an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices having the above configuration (hereinafter referred to as an information processing device group) and a monitoring device (for example, monitoring device 2) that can communicate with each other via a communication network with the information processing device group and can display the measurement state of each active timer operating in the information processing device group on a monitoring display unit. The information processing device group each transmits information regarding the operation status of each active timer to the monitoring device at a predetermined timing. The monitoring device displays, on a monitoring display unit, information regarding the operating status transmitted from each of the active timers of the information processing device group. This constitutes the basic configuration.

[0094] According to the basic configuration of the information processing system 10, since the monitoring device displays information regarding the operating status of the active timer of the information processing device, the administrator can monitor the operation status of the user.

[0095] Also, in the above basic configuration, the information processing device system 10 according to the present embodiment The predetermined timing includes at least the elapse of the first time and the second time of the active timer, and the timing of a reset operation for the active timer. When the first time elapses, the monitoring device displays the active timer in a first display mode. When the second time elapses, the monitoring device displays the active timer in a second display mode. At the timing of the reset operation, the monitoring device erases the active timer that was being displayed in the second display mode. This is a preferred configuration.

[0096] According to this preferred configuration, since the administrator can visually recognize the progress of the active timer (the elapse of the first time, the elapse of the second time, and the reset operation being performed), the operation status of the kitchen can be easily grasped.

[0097] Also, the timer program 17 for the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment An information processing device capable of displaying a plurality of timers at desired positions on a display unit, A timer operation unit that makes the timer selected by the user among the plurality of timers displayed on the display unit active, A list display unit that displays a list of items associated with the timer that has been made active (hereinafter referred to as an active timer), Set a first time corresponding to an item selected by a user from a list and a second time longer than the first time in an active timer, and start measuring the first time and the second time in the active timer. A measurement start unit; When the active timer measures the first time, set the active timer to a first notification mode with a first display mode and a first sound output mode, and a first notification unit that notifies the elapse of the first time; When the active timer measures the second time, set the active timer to a second notification mode different from the first notification mode, with a second display mode and a second sound output mode, and a second notification unit that notifies the elapse of the second time; After the second notification unit notifies the elapse of the second time, a timer operation end unit that sets the active timer to an inactive state based on a reset operation of the user on the active timer; It is basically configured to function.

[0098] According to the basic configuration of the timer program 17, since a plurality of timers can be displayed at desired positions on the display unit, for example, a plurality of timers can be assigned corresponding to a plurality of areas of kitchen equipment. Thereby, even when cooking simultaneously in a plurality of areas of kitchen equipment, a plurality of timers can be operated simultaneously without confusing the user. In addition, since the first time and the second time corresponding to the item selected by the user from the list can be set, regardless of the cooking proficiency, fine time settings according to the type and amount of ingredients can be made quickly and accurately. Further, after the timer operation, different modes of notification are executed at two stages of the elapse of the first time and the elapse of the second time, so that the user can be prompted to pay attention twice. As a result, it is possible to provide a multi-timer that is easy to manage and easy to use in the kitchen of a restaurant.

[0099] In addition, the monitoring program 26 for the monitoring device 2 according to the present embodiment is A monitoring device that can communicate with a plurality of information processing apparatuses having the above-described configuration (hereinafter referred to as an information processing apparatus group) via a communication network and can display the measurement states of respective active timers operating in the information processing apparatus group on a monitoring display unit. Function as means for displaying, on the monitoring display unit, information regarding the measurement states of respective active timers transmitted from respective ones of the information processing apparatus group at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing includes at least the time when a first time of the active timer has elapsed, the time when a second time of the active timer has elapsed, and the timing of a reset operation for the active timer. When the first time has elapsed, the monitoring device displays the active timer in a first display mode. When the second time has elapsed, the monitoring device displays the active timer in a second display mode. At the timing of the reset operation, the monitoring device erases the active timer that was being displayed in the second display mode. This is the basic configuration.

[0100] According to the basic configuration of the monitoring program 26, the monitoring device displays information regarding information on the operation status of the active timer of the information processing apparatus, and the administrator can visually recognize the progress of the active timer (the elapse of the first time, the elapse of the second time, and the reset operation being performed), so that the operation status of the kitchen can be easily grasped.

[0101] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention, and those accompanied by such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Also, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention are merely an enumeration of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0102] 1 Information processing apparatus 2 Monitoring device 3 Communication network 4 Timer 5 List 6 Selection screen 7 First timer information 8 Second timer information 10 Information processing system 11, 21 Input / output unit 12, 22 Communication unit 13, 23 Storage unit 14, 24 Control unit 15 Setting information 16 Operation log information 17 Timer program 18 Timer setting control unit 19 Timer execution control unit 25 Timer information 26 Monitoring program 27 Timer information display control unit

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of timers at a desired position on a display unit, comprising: a timer operation unit that activates a timer selected by a user among the plurality of timers displayed on the display unit; a list display unit that displays a list of items associated with the activated timer (hereinafter referred to as the active timer); a measurement start unit that sets a first time corresponding to an item selected by the user from the list and a second time longer than the first time in the active timer, and starts measuring the first time and the second time in the active timer; a first notification unit that, when the active timer measures the first time, changes the active timer to a first notification mode accompanied by a first display mode and a first sound output mode, and notifies the elapse of the first time; a second notification unit that, when the active timer measures the second time, changes the active timer to a second notification mode different from the first notification mode, accompanied by a second display mode and a second sound output mode, and notifies the elapse of the second time; a timer operation end unit that deactivates the active timer based on a reset operation of the user on the active timer after the second notification unit notifies the elapse of the second time; An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising the above.

2. comprising a log information storage unit that stores information regarding the operation history of the active timer, the active timer is further capable of measuring a third time from the point in time when the second time has elapsed until a reset operation of the user on the active timer, the information regarding the operation history includes the operation date and time of the active timer, information capable of uniquely identifying the active timer, the selected item, and the third time, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. the list is one of a plurality of types of lists prepared in advance, the plurality of types of lists are lists corresponding to the respective locations where the information processing apparatus is installed, the active timer is associated with one of the plurality of types of lists, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. A plurality of information processing apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as an information processing apparatus group) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a monitoring apparatus capable of mutually communicating with the information processing apparatus group via a communication network and displaying, on a monitoring display unit, a measurement state of each of the active timers operating in the information processing apparatus group, an information processing system comprising: Each of the information processing apparatus group transmits information regarding an operation status of each of the active timers to the monitoring apparatus at a predetermined timing. The monitoring apparatus displays, on the monitoring display unit, information regarding the operation status transmitted from each of the active timers of the information processing apparatus group. An information processing system characterized by the above.

5. The predetermined timing includes at least a timing when the first time of the active timer has elapsed, a timing when the second time of the active timer has elapsed, and a timing of a reset operation for the active timer. When the first time has elapsed, the monitoring apparatus displays the active timer in the first display mode, when the second time has elapsed, the monitoring apparatus displays the active timer in the second display mode, and at the timing of the reset operation, the monitoring apparatus erases the active timer that was being displayed in the second display mode. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. An information processing program that causes a computer to function as each means of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. An information processing program for a monitoring apparatus capable of mutually communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as an information processing apparatus group) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 via a communication network and displaying an operation status of each of the active timers operating in the information processing apparatus group on a monitoring display unit, wherein: Each of the information processing apparatus group transmits information regarding an operation status of each of the active timers to the monitoring apparatus at a predetermined timing. The monitoring apparatus is caused to function as means for displaying, on the monitoring display unit, information regarding the operation status of each of the active timers transmitted from each of the information processing apparatus group at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing includes at least a timing when the first time of the active timer has elapsed, a timing when the second time of the active timer has elapsed, and a timing of a reset operation for the active timer. When the first period of time has elapsed, the monitoring device displays the active timer in the first display mode, and when the second period of time has elapsed, the monitoring device displays the active timer in the second display mode. At the timing of the reset operation, the monitoring device erases the active timer that was being displayed in the second display mode. An information processing program characterized by the above.

Images