Meal assistance system and cooker

Abstract

To effectively assist a user in perceiving the proper intake amount of a substitute for white rice.SOLUTION: The meal assistance system of the present disclosure includes: a container in which food is contained; selecting means for selecting the kind of food to be cooked; cooking means for heating the container to carry out cooking of the food selected by the selecting means; nutrition information storing means configured to store nutritional information of white rice and a white rice substitute; and notifying means that, when the white rice substitute is selected by the selecting means, notifies a recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the nutrition information storing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a meal assistance system and a cooking appliance. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, health consciousness has increased, and an increasing number of users are thinking about improving their dietary habits by being careful not to overeat. As a technology to support users' meals, Patent Document 1 discloses a rice cooker that allows users to recognize the amount of energy in cooked rice they have consumed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-81641 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With the rise in health consciousness, an increasing number of people are eating white rice substitutes to replace white rice due to the image that white rice is fattening or unhealthy. However, it is difficult for the average user without knowledge of nutrition to properly understand the intake amount of white rice substitutes.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to effectively support users in recognizing the appropriate intake amount of white rice substitutes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The meal assistance system of the present disclosure comprises a container for storing food, a selection means for selecting the type of food to be cooked, a cooking means for heating the container and cooking the food selected by the selection means, a nutritional information storage means for storing nutritional information for white rice and white rice substitutes, and a notification means for, when a white rice substitute is selected by the selection means, notifying the user of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the nutritional information storage means. In addition, the cooking device according to the present disclosure includes a selection means for selecting the type of food to be cooked, a container for accommodating the food to be heated, a cooking means for heating the container and cooking the food selected by the selection means, a nutritional information storage means for storing nutritional information for white rice and white rice substitutes, and a notification means for, when a white rice substitute is selected by the selection means, notifying the user of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the nutritional information storage means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The meal assistance system and cooking appliance according to the present disclosure can effectively assist a user in recognizing the appropriate intake amount of white rice substitutes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the meal assistance system and rice cooker according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen of a smartphone for inputting user information in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen of a smartphone for performing the processes of steps S2 and S3 in FIG. 3. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed when a user takes out a cooked white rice substitute from the rice cooker in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen of a smartphone for performing the processes of steps S21, S22, and S23 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a meal assistance system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a block diagram showing a specific example of each component of the meal assistance system shown in FIG. 8. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a meal assistance system and a cooking appliance according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or corresponding parts. Furthermore, in this disclosure, redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. Note that the present disclosure may include any and all modifications and combinations of the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments, provided that they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment. The rice cooker 100 is a cooking device that cooks rice by heating an object to be heated, including rice and water. The rice cooker 100 may have only a rice cooking function, or may have a rice cooking function and other functions as well. The cooking device according to the present disclosure is not limited to a so-called "rice cooker," but may be one that has at least a rice cooking function.

[0011] In this embodiment, a rice cooker 100 capable of cooking various foods including rice and water will be described as an example of a cooking appliance according to the present disclosure. Specifically, the rice cooker 100 has a function for cooking white rice and a function for cooking white rice substitutes. Note that white rice substitutes in this disclosure refer to various foods eaten as a substitute for white rice, such as brown rice, barley rice, konjac rice, soybean rice, cauliflower rice, and oatmeal. The rice cooker 100 may also have a function for cooking foods other than white rice and white rice substitutes as heated objects.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, rice cooker 100 comprises a pot-shaped container 1, a main body 10, and a lid 20. Pot-shaped container 1 is a pot-shaped container that opens upward. Pot-shaped container 1 is an example of a container that contains an object to be heated. The object to be heated that is contained in pot-shaped container 1 is mainly white rice, white rice substitute, water, etc. Pot-shaped container 1 provided in rice cooker 100 is also called a "rice cooker pot." Note that pot-shaped container 1 may also contain foods other than white rice and white rice substitutes as the object to be heated, such as meat and vegetables.

[0013] The main body 10 is the main structural part of the rice cooker 100. The main body 10 has a cylindrical appearance with a bottom. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10 has a shape that opens upward. The pot-shaped container 1 is detachably housed in the main body 10. The main body 10 heats the pot-shaped container 1 housed in the main body 10. When the pot-shaped container 1 is heated by the main body 10, the food to be heated housed in the pot-shaped container 1 is heated and cooked.

[0014] The lid 20 is attached to the main body 10 via a hinge 14 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely. The hinge 14 is provided on one end side of the upper part of the main body 10. The hinge 14 supports the lid 20 in a state in which it can be opened and closed freely. The lid 20 opens and closes by rotating around the hinge 14 as a fulcrum. The lid 20 is configured to be able to open and close the top opening of the main body 10. The hinge 14 supports the lid 20 so that it can open and close the top opening of the main body 10. The lid 20 opens and closes the top opening of the main body 10, and at the same time, opens and closes the top opening of the pot-shaped container 1 housed in the main body 10. In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the lid 20 closes the top opening of the main body 10 and also closes the top opening of the pot-shaped container 1.

[0015] Next, each of the components 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 cylindrical container with a bottom that contains an object to be heated. The pot-shaped container 1 contains, for example, a magnetic metal that generates heat through electromagnetic induction. For example, the upper end 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, and a pot bottom temperature sensor 13. The rice cooker 100 also includes a control unit 18 as an example of a control system. The control unit 18 is provided, for example, inside the main body 10.

[0018] The container cover 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The pot-shaped container 1 is removably housed inside the container cover 11. A hole 11a is formed in the center of the bottom of the container cover 11. A pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is inserted inside the hole 11a.

[0019] The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 detects the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is composed of a component such as a thermistor. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is electrically connected to the control unit 18 via a signal line. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 inserted into the hole 11a is biased upward by a spring or other elastic member. When the pot-shaped container 1 is placed in the container cover 11, the biased pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is pressed against the bottom surface of the pot-shaped container 1. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 detects the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1, particularly the bottom surface, while in contact with the bottom surface. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 sends temperature information related to the detected temperature of the pot-shaped container 1 to the control unit 18 as a detection signal. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 constitutes an example of a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1.

[0020] The bottom heating coil 12 is used to heat the pot-shaped container 1. The bottom heating coil 12 in this embodiment constitutes an example of a heating means for heating a container that contains an object to be heated. The bottom heating coil 12 is arranged, for example, in a circular shape around the hole 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, thereby inductively heating the pot-shaped container 1.

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

[0022] The lid body 20 includes an outer lid 21 and an inner lid 22. The outer lid 21 forms the top and side of the lid body 20. For example, an opening button (not shown) is provided on the side of the outer lid 21 opposite the hinge part 14. When this opening button is pressed, the lid body 20 opens around the hinge part 14 due to the force of a spring or the like.

[0023] The inner lid 22 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The inner lid 22 is attached to the surface of the outer lid 21 facing the main body 10 via a locking member 23. When the lid body 20 is closed, the inner lid 22 is located inside the outer lid 21, i.e., closer to the object to be heated.

[0024] Lid gasket 22a, a sealing material, is attached to the periphery of inner lid 22. When lid 20 is closed, lid gasket 22a tightly contacts the inside of the top end of pot-shaped container 1, sealing the inside of pot-shaped container 1 from the outside. In this disclosure, "inside pot-shaped container 1" or "inside pot-shaped container 1" refers to the area surrounded by pot-shaped container 1 and inner lid 22 when lid 20 is closed.

[0025] An inner lid steam vent 22b is formed in the inner lid 22. An outer lid steam vent 26 is formed in the outer lid 21. The inner lid steam vent 22b and the outer lid steam vent 26 are openings for discharging steam generated in the pot-shaped container 1 to the outside of the rice cooker 100.

[0026] A cartridge 24 is detachably attached to the outer lid 21. The cartridge 24 has a container side hole 24a and a steam exhaust hole 24b. The inner lid steam port 22b, outer lid steam port 26, container side hole 24a, and steam exhaust hole 24b are continuous, connecting the inside and outside of the pot-shaped container 1. The container side hole 24a and steam exhaust hole 24b formed in the cartridge 24, together with the container side hole 24a and steam exhaust hole 24b, form a steam port for exhausting steam generated inside the pot-shaped container 1 to the outside.

[0027] An internal temperature sensor 16 is attached to the inner lid 22 side of the outer lid 21. The internal temperature sensor 16 is arranged to pass through a through-hole formed in the inner lid 22. The internal temperature sensor 16 detects the temperature inside the pot-shaped container 1, i.e., the temperature above the heated object inside the pot-shaped container 1. The internal temperature sensor 16 is composed of a component such as a thermistor. The internal temperature sensor 16 sends temperature information related to the detected temperature inside the pot-shaped container 1 to the control unit 18.

[0028] The rice cooker 100 may include a weight sensor 15. The weight sensor 15 is provided, for example, on a leg at the bottom of the main body 10. The weight sensor 15 is an example of a weight measurement means that measures the weight of an object contained in the pot-shaped container 1. The weight sensor 15 is composed of, for example, a strain gauge or other component. The weight sensor 15 sends weight information including the measurement value to the control unit 18.

[0029] Furthermore, the rice cooker 100 of this embodiment is equipped with an operation unit 2 that is operated by the user when using the rice cooker 100, and a display unit 3 that displays various information related to the rice cooker 100 to notify the user. The operation unit 2 and the display unit 3 are provided on the top surface of the main body 10, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0030] The operation unit 2 includes a plurality of operation buttons that accept various instructions input by the user. The various instructions input by the user using the operation buttons include, for example, starting rice cooking, canceling the rice cooking operation, and various rice cooking settings. The rice cooking settings include, for example, reserving the rice cooking time, setting whether to cook rice at the standard time or quick cooking in a time shorter than the standard time, setting whether the rice is cooked to be firm or soft, and setting the type of food to be cooked. The operation unit 2 sends the various instructions input by the user to the control unit 18 as instruction information.

[0031] The user may operate the rice cooker 100 using a device such as a smartphone instead of the operation unit 2. Furthermore, instead of the display unit 3, a device such as a smartphone may display various information related to the rice cooker 100 and notify the user. The rice cooker 100 may be configured to be able to communicate with a device such as a smartphone. The functions of the operation unit 2 and the display unit 3 may be realized by a device such as a smartphone.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the control unit 18 of the rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 18 controls the overall operation of the rice cooker 100. The control unit 18 is, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 18 has a memory unit 5, a calculation unit 6, a heating control unit 7, and a timer 8 that measures time. The control unit 18 operates in response to an electrical signal from the operation unit 2, for example. The memory unit 5 stores various types of information.

[0033] Control unit 18 controls, for example, the operation of various devices in the cooking process of rice cooker 100. The cooking process refers to the process performed when rice cooker 100 performs cooking by heating. Control unit 18 is an example of a control means included in rice cooker 100.

[0034] The calculation unit 6 stores various pieces of information input by the user via the operation unit 2 in the storage unit 5. As an example, the calculation unit 6 calculates the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute based on the information stored in the storage unit 5.

[0035] The heating control unit 7 of the control unit 18 controls the operation of the bottom heating coil 12, which is an example of a heating means. The heating control unit 7 controls the bottom heating coil 12, for example, based on various instructions input by the user via the operation unit 2. For example, when the user selects a type of food to be cooked by the rice cooker 100 via the operation unit 2, the heating control unit 7 controls the bottom heating coil 12 according to the selected type of food. When white rice is selected, the heating control unit 7 controls the bottom heating coil 12 so that the white rice is properly cooked. When a white rice substitute is selected, the heating control unit 7 controls the bottom heating coil 12 so that the selected white rice substitute is properly cooked. In this embodiment, the heating control unit 7 and the bottom heating coil 12 constitute an example of a cooking means for cooking the selected food.

[0036] Timer 8 is an example of a time measurement means. Timer 8 measures the time required for the calculation process executed by calculation unit 6 and the heating control executed by heating control unit 7. Timer 8 provides time information, which is information relating to the measured time, to calculation unit 6 and heating control unit 7.

[0037] The control unit 18 may be configured with hardware such as a control circuit that realizes its functions, or may be configured with a software program stored in a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory and a computing unit such as a microcomputer or CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the software program.

[0038] Rice cooker 100 according to this embodiment includes a pot-shaped container 1 as a container for containing food. Rice cooker 100 also includes an operation unit 2 as a selection means for selecting the type of food to be cooked. The user operates operation unit 2 to select whether the food to be cooked is white rice or a white rice substitute, or, if it is a white rice substitute, which white rice substitute. Rice cooker 100 also includes a heating control unit 7 and a bottom heating coil 12 as cooking means for heating pot 1 and cooking the food selected by operation unit 2. In this way, rice cooker 100 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to cook not only white rice but also a white rice substitute selected by the user.

[0039] The rice cooker 100 also includes a memory unit 5 as nutritional information storage means for storing nutritional information on white rice and white rice substitutes. The memory unit 5 stores nutritional information, which is information on the nutritional components of each type of white rice substitute. The nutritional information on white rice and white rice substitutes stored in the memory unit 5 includes information on at least one of energy, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, PFC balance, and the amount and weight of solids other than water. The memory unit 5 may also store information on the recommended intake amount for each type of white rice substitute, linked to the nutritional information for each type of white rice substitute.

[0040] The rice cooker 100 includes a display unit 3 as a notification means. When a white rice substitute is selected by the operation unit 2, the display unit 3 notifies the user of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the memory unit 5. The display unit 3 displays, for example, information on the recommended intake amount calculated by the calculation unit 6 based on the nutritional information stored in the memory unit 5. Alternatively, the display unit 3 may display information on the recommended intake amount linked to the nutritional information stored in the memory unit 5.

[0041] Some white rice substitutes have similar nutritional components to white rice, while others are significantly different. For example, some white rice substitutes have energy per unit weight that is significantly different from that of white rice, while others have significantly lower energy. It cannot be generally said that "you can eat as much white rice substitute as you want." The recommended intake varies depending on the type of white rice substitute, but it is difficult for average users without nutritional knowledge to properly recognize their intake of white rice substitutes. The rice cooker 100 configured as described above can effectively help users recognize the appropriate intake of white rice substitutes by notifying them of the recommended intake of white rice substitutes based on the nutritional information stored in the memory unit 5.

[0042] For example, the recommended intake may be set based on consuming a white rice substitute with the same amount of energy as a bowl of white rice. For example, the storage unit 5 may store, as nutritional information, information on the amount of energy in a bowl of white rice, such as "150g of white rice = 234kcal." The storage unit 5 may also store information on the amount of energy per unit weight for each type of white rice substitute, such as "100g of brown rice = 152kcal" or "100g of konjac rice = 105kcal." Based on the intake of a white rice substitute with the same amount of energy as a bowl of white rice, the recommended intake may be set to 154g if brown rice is selected, and 223g if konjac rice is selected. For example, if the user selects brown rice and cooks it, the user may be notified that "the recommended amount is 154g, equivalent to 7 / 10ths of a bowl." Also, for example, if the user selects konjac rice and cooks it, the user may be notified that "the recommended amount is 223 g, equivalent to 10% of a bowl."

[0043] The criteria for setting the recommended intake amount are not limited to the above examples. For example, the criteria may be that the energy amount of the white rice substitute to be ingested is less than that of a bowl of white rice by a predetermined percentage. Alternatively, the criteria may be that the carbohydrate amount of the white rice substitute to be ingested is less than that of a bowl of white rice by a predetermined percentage. Furthermore, the criteria may be that the protein intake is equal to or greater than that of white rice by a predetermined percentage. The criteria may be that the dietary fiber intake is equal to or greater than that of white rice by a predetermined percentage. Taking into account the user's satiety, the criteria may be that the amount of solids intake is equal to that of white rice. In this way, the criteria for setting the recommended intake amount can be set arbitrarily according to the user's needs, etc.

[0044] The meal assistance system according to this embodiment can be realized by the rice cooker 100 configured as described above, or by linking the rice cooker 100 with an external device such as a smartphone. The rice cooker 100 may be configured to be able to communicate with the external device. For example, the functions of the operation unit 2 and the display unit 3 may be realized by an external device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control unit 18 may be realized by a server device on the Internet. At least some of the selection means, nutritional information storage means, and notification means that constitute the meal assistance system according to this embodiment do not have to be provided in a cooking appliance such as the rice cooker 100. At least some of the selection means, nutritional information storage means, and notification means may be provided as external devices of the cooking appliance.

[0045] Further reference will now be made to the drawings to describe more specific examples of the operation of the meal assistance system and rice cooker 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the meal assistance system and rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] When using the meal assistance system and rice cooker 100 of this embodiment, the user may first input user information (step S1). User information is information about the user's body. User information is input using, for example, the operation unit 2 or a smartphone. In this embodiment, the operation unit 2 or the smartphone functions as a user information acquisition means for acquiring user information.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen 40 of a smartphone on which user information is input in the first embodiment. The user information includes at least one of age, sex, weight, and physical activity level. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, date of birth, sex, weight, and usual activity level may be displayed as user information, and the user may input each display item. Furthermore, information on physical constitution derived from DNA or intestinal environment information, such as tendency to gain weight, may be acquired as user information. Furthermore, information on whether the user is pregnant or breastfeeding may be acquired as user information. Furthermore, information on health status, such as whether the user is undergoing treatment for a specific disease, may be acquired as user information.

[0048] The acquired user information is stored in the memory unit 5 of the rice cooker 100 or in a memory means such as an external device of the rice cooker 100. In this embodiment, the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the user can be notified based on the user information stored in the memory means and the nutritional information of white rice and the white rice substitute. That is, the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the user can be notified based on the user information, which is information about the user's body, acquired by the user information acquisition means. The recommended intake amount can be calculated, for example, by the calculation unit 6 of the rice cooker 100 or by a calculation means such as an external device of the rice cooker 100. By using the user information, which is information about the user's body, it is possible to set the notified intake amount of the white rice substitute to a more appropriate value.

[0049] The user may also input needs information, which is information relating to the user's needs. The needs information is input using, for example, the operation unit 2 or a smartphone. In this embodiment, the operation unit 2 or the smartphone functions as a needs information acquisition unit that acquires the needs information.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a goal may be displayed as need information, and the user may input this goal. In the example of FIG. 4, the options "diet, maintain current weight, prevent lifestyle-related diseases, and body shaping" are displayed as goals, and the user is about to select "prevent lifestyle-related diseases." Note that the user's needs are not limited to the above-mentioned goals, and may be, for example, objectives such as "I want to cook quickly, I want to use inexpensive foods, I want to cook foods that are filling, and I want to cook foods that are suitable for freezing." Furthermore, it may be possible to set multiple goals and objectives, such as "I want to diet and prevent lifestyle-related diseases at the same time."

[0051] The acquired needs information is stored in the memory unit 5 of the rice cooker 100 or in a memory means such as an external device of the rice cooker 100. In this embodiment, the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the user can be notified based on the needs information stored in the memory means and the nutritional information of white rice and the white rice substitute. That is, the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the user can be notified based on the needs information, which is information about the user's needs, acquired by the needs information acquisition means. The recommended intake amount can be calculated, for example, by the calculation unit 6 of the rice cooker 100 or by a calculation means such as an external device of the rice cooker 100. By using the needs information, which is information about the user's needs, it is possible to set the notified intake amount of the white rice substitute to a more appropriate value.

[0052] Once the input of user information in step S1 is complete, the type of recommended white rice substitute may be notified (step S2). In addition, in response to the notification in step S2, the user may select a type of white rice substitute (step S3). The notification in step S2 is performed by the display unit 3 or a smartphone, which are examples of notification means. The selection process in step S3 is performed by the operation unit 2 or a smartphone, which are examples of selection means.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen 40 for performing the processes of steps S2 and S3 in FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 5, a recommended menu is displayed in the upper section of the screen as a screen display equivalent to the process of step S2. The recommended menu here refers to types of recommended white rice substitutes. In the example of FIG. 5, a selection of foods that the user will actually cook is displayed in the middle section of the screen as a screen display equivalent to the process of step S3. The example of FIG. 5 shows a state in which barley rice is being selected. In the example of FIG. 5, a "Start" button that instructs the user to start cooking is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

[0054] The display of recommended menus, i.e., the notification of the types of recommended white rice substitutes, is performed, for example, based on needs information. For example, if dieting is selected as the goal, konjac rice, which has a low energy content per unit weight, may be recommended as the recommended white rice substitute. Alternatively, if prevention of lifestyle-related diseases is selected as the goal, brown rice or barley rice, which has a high dietary fiber content per unit weight, may be recommended as the recommended white rice substitute. If body shaping is selected as the goal, soybean rice, which has a high protein content per unit weight, may be recommended as the recommended white rice substitute. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, multiple types of white rice substitutes may be recommended as recommended white rice substitutes. Note that the notification of the types of recommended white rice substitutes may also be performed, for example, based on user information, which is information about the user's body.

[0055] In this embodiment, the display of a recommended menu, i.e., notification of the types of recommended white rice substitutes, makes it easier for the user to select the most suitable white rice substitute from among multiple white rice substitutes. Note that the user does not necessarily have to select the recommended white rice substitute. If the user selects a white rice substitute other than the recommended white rice substitutes, the recommended intake amount can be notified based on the nutritional conditions and needs information of the actually selected white rice substitute.

[0056] After the selection of the type of white rice substitute in step S3 is completed, it is determined whether or not a command to start cooking has been input (step S4). The determination process in step S4 continues until a command to start cooking is input. When a command to start cooking is input, the selected white rice substitute is cooked by the heating control unit 7 and bottom heating coil 12, which are the cooking means (step S5).

[0057] After the processing of step S5, a calculation process is performed to calculate the recommended intake of the white rice substitute based on the user information and nutritional information (step S6). The calculation process of step S6 is performed, for example, by the calculation unit 6 of the rice cooker 100 or a calculation means such as an external device of the rice cooker 100. Note that a learning device may be used in the calculation process of step S6. As described above, the calculation process of the recommended intake of the white rice substitute may also be performed based on the needs information. After the processing of step S6, when cooking is completed (step S7), the rice cooker 100 ends the cooking process and transitions to the keep-warm process.

[0058] The process of step S6 described above can be performed at any timing after step S3. For example, the process of step S6 may be performed immediately after the selection of the white rice substitute in step S3.

[0059] The "recommended intake amount" is calculated based on at least one of the following information: energy, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, PFC balance, and the amount and weight of solids other than water. For example, if the goal is weight management, adjusting the amount of energy is important. If the user's need is to lose weight or maintain their current weight, the recommended intake amount should be calculated based on the amount of energy. If the goal is to prevent lifestyle-related diseases, the recommended intake amount should be calculated based on the amount of dietary fiber, which is effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases. Furthermore, since obesity is a cause of lifestyle-related diseases, the recommended intake amount should be calculated so as to avoid excessive energy. If the goal is body shaping, the recommended intake amount should be calculated based on the amount of protein, so as to avoid excessive carbohydrates and energy.

[0060] For a user to feel satisfied with a meal, it is desirable for the intake amount to be equal to or greater than a cup of white rice. Furthermore, the degree of satiety is affected by the amount of solids other than water. Therefore, in order to ensure a user feels satisfied, the recommended intake amount may be calculated based on the amount and weight of solids.

[0061] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when the user removes a cooked white rice substitute from the rice cooker 100 in the first embodiment. After the cooking is completed, the recommended intake amount calculated in step S6 is notified by the display unit 3 or a smartphone, which are examples of notification means (step S21). Note that the process of step S21, i.e., the notification of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute, can be performed at any time after step S3 described above. For example, the notification of the recommended intake amount may be performed immediately after the white rice substitute is selected in step S3, or may be performed while the cooking is in progress.

[0062] After step S21, it is determined whether the recommended intake amount of white rice substitute has been removed from the pot-shaped container 1 (step S22). Specifically, the calculation unit 6 monitors the weight information from the weight sensor 15, and determines the difference in weight between the time when cooking is completed and the current time as the amount of white rice substitute removed by the user. If the recommended intake amount has not been removed, a notification is issued as to whether the amount removed is excessive or insufficient (step S23). If the recommended intake amount has been removed, a notification is issued to that effect (step S24). If the keep warm function of the rice cooker 100 has not been turned off, the process from step S21 is repeated, and when the keep warm function is turned off, the process of notifying the recommended intake amount is terminated (step S25).

[0063] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen 40 for performing the processes of steps S21, S22, and S23 in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 7, the upper section of the screen displays the menu that was actually cooked and a suggested recipe for that menu. In the example of Fig. 5, the middle section of the screen displays the recommended intake amount as a screen display corresponding to the process of step S21.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 7, the amount currently being taken out by the user is displayed at the bottom of the screen. At this time, information regarding the energy content of the taken-out white rice substitute may be reported. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the amount of calories that would be consumed if the energy content of the taken-out white rice substitute were converted into white rice may be displayed. By being notified of the converted value in white rice, the user can intuitively understand whether the amount of white rice substitute they have taken out is large or small.

[0065] Moreover, Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the meal assistance system of embodiment 1. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a specific example of each component of the meal assistance system shown in Fig. 8. As described above, the meal assistance system according to this embodiment can also be realized by linking rice cooker 100 with an external device.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 8, the rice cooker 100 may be connected to a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) controller 41 via a network 50. The network 50 is a home network. For example, the network 50 is a Local Area Network (LAN) using a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router. Home appliances such as a wearable terminal 43, a weighing scale 47, a cooking appliance 48, a refrigerator 81, and a smart speaker 51 are connected to the HEMS controller 41 via the network 50.

[0067] The HEMS controller 41 has an information acquisition unit 41a and a controller control unit 42. The controller control unit 42 is, for example, a microcomputer. The controller control unit 42 has a memory unit 42a and a calculation unit 42b. The calculation unit 42b is connected for communication with multiple home appliances including the rice cooker 100 and monitors the power consumption of the multiple home appliances.

[0068] The wearable terminal 43 is an information processing terminal carried by the user. The wearable terminal 43 is an example of an activity meter that measures the user's physical activity level. The wearable terminal 43 is, for example, a wristwatch-type terminal. The wearable terminal 43 has a terminal control unit 44 and an acceleration sensor 46. The terminal control unit 44 is, for example, a microcomputer. The terminal control unit 44 has an activity amount measuring unit 45. The activity amount measuring unit 45 counts the number of steps taken by the user in a day based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 46, and transmits information on the counted number of steps to the information acquiring unit 41a of the HEMS controller 41 via the network 50. The information on the number of steps is an example of information indicating the physical activity level.

[0069] When a user steps on the scale 47, the scale 47 measures the user's weight and transmits the measured weight information to the information acquisition unit 41a of the HEMS controller 41 via the network 50. The cooking appliance 48 is a cooking appliance other than the rice cooker 100. The cooking appliance 48 is, for example, an automatic cooking pot or an IH cooking heater. The cooking appliance 48 transmits information about side dishes to be cooked as side dish information to the information acquisition unit 41a of the HEMS controller 41 via the network 50. In the present disclosure, side dish information means information about side dishes that are foods other than rice for a meal.

[0070] Refrigerator 81 is an example of a food preservation device. Refrigerator 81 has a camera 82 that captures images of ingredients stored in the storage compartment and a controller 83 that controls the refrigeration cycle device of refrigerator 81. Controller 83 has a memory that stores programs and a processor that executes processing in accordance with the programs. The memory of controller 83 stores image data of various ingredients. The processor of controller 83 determines the type of ingredients stored in the storage compartment by comparing the images of ingredients captured by camera 82 with the images stored in the memory. The processor of controller 83 transmits information about the determined ingredients as side dish information to information acquisition unit 41a of HEMS controller 41 via network 50.

[0071] For example, if cooking appliance 48 is an induction cooking heater and a user operates cooking appliance 48 to select "curry" from the automatic cooking menu, cooking appliance 48 transmits information about "curry" as side dish information to information acquisition unit 41a of HEMS controller 41 via network 50. Also, if the user removes tomatoes, lettuce, and dressing from refrigerator 81 to make a "salad" as a side dish, controller 83 determines that tomatoes, lettuce, and dressing have been removed from the image of the storage area captured by camera 82. Then, controller 83 transmits information about tomatoes, lettuce, and dressing as side dish information to information acquisition unit 41a of HEMS controller 41 via network 50.

[0072] The calculation unit 42b of the HEMS controller 41 receives information about the user's weight from the scale 47 via the information acquisition unit 41a. The calculation unit 42b receives information about the number of steps from the wearable terminal 43 via the information acquisition unit 41a. The calculation unit 42b updates the user's weight registered in the storage unit 42a to the user's current or most recent past weight value using the weight information received from the scale 47. The calculation unit 42b also updates the user's physical activity level registered in the storage unit 42a to the user's current or most recent past physical activity level value using the received information about the number of steps.

[0073] The calculation unit 42b calculates the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the user using the user information and side dish information stored in the storage unit 42a. The calculation unit 42b transmits the information on the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute to the smart speaker 51.

[0074] Smart speaker 51 has speaker control unit 52 and audio output unit 53. Speaker control unit 52 is, for example, a microcomputer. Audio output unit 53 functions as a notification means for notifying the user of information. Audio output unit 53 is, for example, a speaker. Speaker control unit 52 converts information received from HEMS controller 41 into audio information and causes audio output unit 53 to output the audio information. For example, when speaker control unit 52 receives information on the recommended intake amount of white rice substitutes from HEMS controller 41, speaker control unit 52 causes audio output unit 53 to output the received information on the recommended intake amount by audio.

[0075] In the configuration example of FIG. 9, the control unit 18 of the rice cooker 100 does not have a calculation unit 6 or a memory unit 5. The functions of the calculation unit 6 and memory unit 5 described above are realized by a calculation unit 42b and a memory unit 42a of a HEMS controller 41 connected to the rice cooker 100 via a network 50. Note that the network 50 does not have to be an in-house network, but may be an external network. For example, the network 50 may be the Internet. The functions of the HEMS controller 41 may be realized by an external server device connected to a network 50 such as the Internet.

[0076] Instead of the wearable device 43 in the example configuration of Fig. 9, another activity meter capable of measuring data that is the basis for calculating the user's energy consumption may be used. Examples of activity meters include a pedometer, a heart rate meter, a calorie consumption meter, and a distance traveled meter. The pedometer function may be realized by a mobile device such as a smartphone carried by the user.

[0077] Cooking appliance 48 that provides side dish information may be any one or more of the following cooking appliances: an automatic cooking pot, an induction cooking heater, a microwave oven, an oven, etc. Refrigerator 81 that provides side dish information is not limited to one, but may be multiple. Furthermore, the food storage device that provides side dish information is not limited to refrigerator 81, but may be a refrigerator-freezer or a freezer without a refrigeration function.

[0078] When a command to "cook" or "warm" is input to cooking appliance 48 during the period from a certain time before rice cooker 100 finishes cooking white rice or a white rice substitute until the user opens the lid of rice cooker 100, calculation unit 42b may determine that an item cooked by cooking appliance 48 is a side dish. Calculation unit 42b may also determine that an item taken out of refrigerator 81 during the period from a certain time before rice cooker 100 finishes cooking white rice or a white rice substitute until the user opens the lid of rice cooker 100 is a side dish. Automatic registration of side dish information by calculation unit 42b saves the user the trouble of inputting information about the side dishes to be prepared into HEMS controller 41 when preparing a meal.

[0079] As in the above example, rice cooker 100 can automatically acquire user information, which is information about the user's body, at any time by linking with scale 47 or wearable terminal 43. In this example, scale 47 and wearable terminal 43 function as user information acquisition means.

[0080] Furthermore, by linking the rice cooker 100 with the cooking appliance 48 or the refrigerator 81, it is possible to notify at least one of the recommended intake amount of white rice substitutes and the type of recommended white rice substitute, taking into account the side dish information. For example, if the side dish is low in protein, it is recommended to suggest soy rice, which is high in protein. For example, if the side dishes are mostly high-calorie items such as fried foods, it is recommended to suggest konjac rice and to reduce the recommended intake amount. In this example, the cooking appliance 48 and the refrigerator 81 function as side dish information acquisition means. Note that the user may input side dish information by operating a terminal such as a smartphone or the operation unit 2 of the rice cooker 100. In other words, the terminal such as a smartphone or the operation unit 2 of the rice cooker 100 may function as side dish information acquisition means.

[0081] Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a container for containing food; a selection means for selecting the type of food to be cooked; a cooking means for heating the container to cook the food selected by the selection means; a nutritional information storage means for storing nutritional information of white rice and white rice substitutes; a notification means for notifying the user of a recommended intake amount of a white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the nutritional information storage means when the white rice substitute is selected by the selection means; A meal assistance system equipped with (Appendix 2) a user information acquisition means for acquiring user information that is information about the user's body; The meal assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the selection means based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition means. (Appendix 3) a needs information acquisition means for acquiring needs information that is information relating to the needs of a user; 3. The meal assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the selection means based on the needs information acquired by the needs information acquisition means. (Appendix 4) The meal assistance system according to claim 3, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the type of recommended white rice substitute based on the needs information acquired by the needs information acquisition means. (Appendix 5) a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the object in the container; The meal assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification means notifies information regarding the energy content of the white rice substitute removed from the container based on the measurement results of the weight measurement means. (Appendix 6) a side dish information acquisition means for acquiring side dish information, which is information about side dishes other than rice, for a meal; The meal assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification means notifies at least one of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the selection means and the type of the recommended white rice substitute based on the side dish information obtained by the side dish information acquisition means. (Appendix 7) a selection means for selecting the type of food to be cooked; A container that accommodates an object to be heated; a cooking means for heating the container to cook the food selected by the selection means; a nutritional information storage means for storing nutritional information of white rice and white rice substitutes; a notification means for notifying the user of a recommended intake amount of a white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the nutritional information storage means when the white rice substitute is selected by the selection means; A heating cooker equipped with the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 pot-shaped container, 2 operation unit, 3 display unit, 5 memory unit, 6 calculation unit, 10 main body, 7 heating control unit, 8 timer, 11 container cover, 11a hole unit, 12 bottom heating coil, 13 pot bottom temperature sensor, 14 hinge unit, 15 weight sensor, 16 internal temperature sensor, 18 control unit, 20 lid body, 21 outer lid, 22 inner lid, 22a lid gasket, 22b inner lid steam vent, 23 locking member, 24 cartridge, 24a container side hole, 24b steam exhaust hole, 26 outer lid steam vent, 40 app screen, 41 HEMS controller, 41a information acquisition unit, 42 controller control unit, 42a memory unit, 42b calculation unit, 43 wearable terminal, 44 Terminal control unit, 45 Activity amount measurement unit, 46 Acceleration sensor, 47 Weight scale, 50 Network, 51 Smart speaker, 52 Speaker control unit, 53 Audio output unit, 81 Refrigerator, 82 Camera, 83 Controller, 100 Rice cooker

Claims

1. a container for containing food; a selection means for selecting the type of food to be cooked; a cooking means for heating the container to cook the food selected by the selection means; a nutritional information storage means for storing nutritional information of white rice and white rice substitutes; a notification means for notifying the user of a recommended intake amount of a white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the nutritional information storage means when the white rice substitute is selected by the selection means; A meal assistance system equipped with

2. a user information acquisition means for acquiring user information that is information about the user's body; The meal assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification means notifies the user of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the selection means based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition means.

3. a needs information acquisition means for acquiring needs information that is information relating to the needs of a user; 3. The meal assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the selection means based on the needs information acquired by the needs information acquisition means.

4. The meal assistance system according to claim 3 , wherein the notification means notifies the user of the type of recommended white rice substitute based on the needs information acquired by the needs information acquisition means.

5. a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the object in the container; 3. The meal assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies information about the energy content of the white rice substitute removed from the container based on the measurement result of the weight measurement means.

6. a side dish information acquisition means for acquiring side dish information, which is information about side dishes other than rice, for a meal; The meal assistance system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the notification means notifies at least one of the recommended intake amount of the white rice substitute selected by the selection means and the type of recommended white rice substitute based on the side dish information obtained by the side dish information acquisition means.

7. a selection means for selecting the type of food to be cooked; A container that accommodates an object to be heated; a cooking means for heating the container to cook the food selected by the selection means; a nutritional information storage means for storing nutritional information of white rice and white rice substitutes; a notification means for notifying the user of a recommended intake amount of a white rice substitute based on the nutritional information stored in the nutritional information storage means when the white rice substitute is selected by the selection means; A heating cooker equipped with the above.

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