Rice cooker, program, and display system

Abstract

To provide a rice cooker capable of performing a rice cooking process coping with deteriorated rice, and supporting a user so that deteriorated rice is not cooked.SOLUTION: A rice cooker includes: a heating part for heating a container that stores a material to be heated including rice and water; a moisture content detection part for detecting a moisture content of rice; a first analysis part for analyzing an analysis object related to the moisture content on the basis of the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection part; a display part for displaying a result of the analysis by the first analysis part; and a rice cooking control part for controlling the rice cooking process on the basis of the result of the analysis by the first analysis part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rice cooker, a program, and a display system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rice cooker that determines the degree of cracking of rice and adjusts the temperature of water supplied to a pot-shaped container based on the determined degree of cracking of the rice. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-083203 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a rice cooker, a program, and a display system that can execute a rice cooking process that corresponds to deteriorated rice and can assist a user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The rice cooker of the present disclosure comprises a heating unit that heats a container that contains an object to be heated, including rice and water; a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of the rice; a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit; and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit.

[0006] In addition, the program of the present disclosure causes a processor of a rice cooker equipped with a heating unit that heats a container containing heated objects including rice and water to function as a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of rice, a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit, a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit, and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit.

[0007] The display system of the present disclosure also includes a rice cooker having a heating unit that heats a container containing a heated object including rice and water, and a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of the rice, a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit, a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit, and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The rice cooker, program, and display system disclosed herein can execute a cooking process that corresponds to deteriorated rice, and can assist the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation mode of a light emitter and a light receiver according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a photodetector according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a rice cooking process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a chart showing changes in moisture content over time in the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 shows divisions for dividing the range of moisture content in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the moisture content of rice and the temperature of a pot in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows an example of a first screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a second screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows an example of a third screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a chart showing changes in moisture content over time in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 shows an example of a fourth screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a chart showing changes in moisture content over time in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows an example of a fifth screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker in the first embodiment [Figure 17] Flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker in the first embodiment [Figure 18] Flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker in the first embodiment [Figure 19] Flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker in the first embodiment [Figure 20] Flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker in the first embodiment [Figure 21] Flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker in the first embodiment [Figure 22] FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a display system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, rice cookers existed that assessed the degree of cracking of rice grains and adjusted the temperature of the water supplied to the pot-shaped container based on the assessed degree of cracking. Generally, rice develops minute cracks due to drying, in other words, cracks due to a decrease in moisture content. The larger the cracks, the more likely the cooked rice is to lose its contour shape, resulting in poor texture and taste. However, the deterioration of texture and taste is not only due to cracking, but is also largely due to the sticky texture imparted by starch eluted from cracked rice grains. Therefore, the inventors focused on the fact that the characteristic points of temperature change change due to starch elution, which is the direct cause of the deterioration of texture and taste.

[0011] Because cracks in rice are difficult to detect from the outside, users may cook deteriorated rice without noticing the cracks. Therefore, it is desirable to support users in executing cooking steps that correspond to deteriorated rice and in preventing the rice from being cooked. However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls rice cooking according to the susceptibility of the rice to cracking, and the inventors discovered a problem in that it is difficult to prevent the rice from cooking deteriorated rice. To solve this problem, the inventors have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a rice cooker, a program, and a display system that can perform a rice cooking process that corresponds to deteriorated rice and can assist the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Rice cooker configuration] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a rice cooker 1. As shown in FIG. In each figure, arrows indicate directions in the installed state of the rice cooker 1. The symbol UP indicates the upward direction, the symbol FR indicates the forward direction, and the symbol R indicates the rightward direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the rice cooker 1 includes a rice cooker main body 2 and a lid 3 that can open and close the top opening of the rice cooker main body 2.

[0015] The rice cooker main body 2 is formed with a storage compartment 5 capable of storing a pot 4. The pot 4 stores an object to be heated, including rice and water. The storage compartment 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom corresponding to the shape of the pot 4, and has a heating section 6 provided at the bottom. The heating section 6 includes a first heating coil 61 and a second heating coil 62. The first heating coil 61 is provided in a position facing the periphery of the center of the bottom of the pot 4 across the storage compartment 5. The second heating coil 62 is provided in a position facing a corner of the bottom of the pot 4 across the storage compartment 5. Pot 4 is an example of a "container."

[0016] An opening 7 is formed in the center of the bottom of the storage section 5. A temperature sensor 8 that detects the temperature of the pot 4 is provided in the opening 7 so that it can come into contact with the bottom of the pot 4 stored in the storage section 5. The temperature sensor 8 can indirectly detect the temperature inside the pot 4. Note that in the rice cooker 1, heating control is performed using the correlation between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 and the temperature of the heated object inside the pot 4. The temperature sensor 8 is an example of a "temperature detection unit."

[0017] The lid body 3 includes an outer lid 31 and an inner lid 32 . Outer lid 31 is equipped with hinge shaft 31A. Hinge shaft 31A is the axis for opening and closing outer lid 31, and is rotatably provided at the rear of rice cooker main body 2. A torsion coil spring (not shown) is provided around hinge shaft 31A, and the torsion coil spring elastically urges outer lid 31 around hinge shaft 31A in a direction away from the upper opening of rice cooker main body 2.

[0018] A display operation unit 9 is provided on the outer top surface 31B of the outer lid 31 (the top surface when the upper opening of the rice cooker main body 2 is closed). The display operation unit 9 includes multiple buttons 91 and a display 92. The multiple buttons 91 accept instructions such as starting rice cooking, stopping rice cooking, and programming rice cooking. The multiple buttons 91 may also accept input of the brand and ingredients of the rice contained in the pot 4. The display 92 displays various information such as rice cooking information such as cooking time, information about the rice, and information about the water. The display 92 may be configured as a touch panel. In this configuration, the display 92 may display software buttons having the same functions as the buttons 91 in addition to displaying various information. In this configuration, the display operation unit 9 does not necessarily have to include the buttons 91.

[0019] Inner lid 32 is formed with first steam outlet 32A for discharging steam from inside pot 4, and second steam outlet 32B for discharging steam from inside pot 4. The diameter of second steam outlet 32B is larger than the diameter of first steam outlet 32A, and is designed to be, for example, at least twice the diameter of first steam outlet 32A. Steam discharged from first steam outlet 32A and second steam outlet 32B is discharged to the outside of rice cooker 1 via third steam outlet 31C. Third steam outlet 31C is formed on outer top surface 31B of outer lid 31.

[0020] The inner pot 4 is provided with a pressure suppression valve 10 that can open and close the first steam exhaust port 32A, and a pressure valve 11 that can open and close the second steam exhaust port 32B. Pressure suppression valve 10 is a valve that prevents the pressure inside pot 4 from rising above a predetermined value (e.g., 1.2 atmospheres) higher than atmospheric pressure. In the present embodiment, pressure suppression valve 10 is formed of a ball, closes first steam outlet 32A under its own weight, and opens first steam outlet 32A when the pressure inside pot 4 exceeds its own weight. Note that pressure suppression valve 10 may also be formed by a closing member that closes first steam outlet 32A and a spring that biases the closing member to close first steam outlet 32A.

[0021] Pressure valve 11 is a valve that can move between a closed position where it closes second steam exhaust port 32B and an open position where it opens second steam exhaust port 32B. Outer lid 31 is provided with a pressure valve movement mechanism 12 that moves pressure valve 11 between the closed position and the open position. The position of pressure valve 11 is controlled by this pressure valve movement mechanism 12. Under the control of control device 15 (described below), pressure valve movement mechanism 12 presses pressure valve 11 with a pressure greater than a predetermined value to hold pressure valve 11 in the closed position. Furthermore, under the control of control device 15 (described below), pressure valve movement mechanism 12 moves pressure valve 11 from the closed position to the open position when the pressure inside pot 4 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. Note that pressure valve movement mechanism 12 is composed of a member that presses pressure valve 11, an arm that moves the pressing member up and down, a gear and a motor that drive the arm, etc.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, rice cooker 1 includes container 13. Container 13 is a container for storing rice and is made of a transparent material such as glass or resin. Container 13 is placed on placement section 31D formed on outer top surface 31B of outer lid 31 by the user.

[0023] 1, the rice cooker 1 is equipped with a detection unit 14 for detecting the moisture content of rice. The detection unit 14 is provided in the outer lid 31 below the placement section 31D (when the outer lid 31 is closed). The detection unit 14 shown in FIG. 2 is equipped with a light emitter 141 and a light receiver 142.

[0024] Here, the light emitter 141 and the light receiver 142 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the installation state of the light emitter 141 and the light receiver 142. As shown in FIG.

[0025] The light emitter 141 and the light receiver 142 are housed in a housing HS and are disposed below the placement section 31D. The housing HS accommodates the light emitter 141 and the light receiver 142. The housing HS has an inclined member HS1 and a bottom member HS2.

[0026] The tilting member HS1 is provided at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. A light emitter 141 is installed on the tilting member HS1. The light emitter 141 irradiates the rice stored in the storage container 13 with light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region. The light emitter 141 is formed, for example, by a halogen lamp. The light emitter 141 may also be formed, for example, by an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The placement portion 31D of the rice cooker main body 2 is made transparent so as to transmit the light emitted from the light emitter 131. The placement portion 31D is made of a transparent material such as glass or resin, for example.

[0027] A light receiver 142 is installed on the top surface of the bottom member HS2. The light receiver 142 receives at least one of the light reflected by and transmitted through the rice out of the light having a wavelength band in the near-infrared region irradiated from the light emitter 141. In this embodiment, the light receiver 142 receives the light reflected by the rice.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the light receiver 142 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the light receiver 142. The upper diagram of Fig. 3 is a plan view, and the lower diagram of Fig. 3 is a side view.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the light receiver 142 includes, from top to bottom, a bandpass filter 1421, a light receiving sensor 1422, and a substrate 1423. In Fig. 3, the light receiving sensor 1422 includes a first light receiving sensor 1422A and a second light receiving sensor 1422B. The first light receiving sensor 1422A and the second light receiving sensor 1422B are arranged side by side. Each of the first light receiving sensor 1422A and the second light receiving sensor 1422B is formed of, for example, a photodiode.

[0030] The first light receiving sensor 1422A receives light in a first wavelength band, which is, for example, a wavelength band of 950 nm or more and 980 nm or less. The second light receiving sensor 1422B receives light in a second wavelength band, which is, for example, a wavelength band of 910 nm or more and 940 nm or less.

[0031] The bandpass filter 1421 is composed of a first bandpass filter 1421A and a second bandpass filter 1421B. The first bandpass filter 1421A is provided above the first light receiving sensor 1422A. The first bandpass filter 1421A is a bandpass filter that transmits a wavelength band of 950 nm or more and 980 nm or less. The second bandpass filter 1421B is provided above the second light receiving sensor 1422B. The second bandpass filter 1421B is a bandpass filter that transmits a wavelength band of 910 nm or more and 940 nm or less.

[0032] In other words, the light receiver 142 is composed of a first light receiver 142A and a second light receiver 142B. The first light receiver 142A has a first band-pass filter 1421A and a first light receiving sensor 1422A. The second light receiver 142B has a second band-pass filter 1421B and a second light receiving sensor 1422B.

[0033] A light receiving sensor 1422 is placed on the upper surface of the substrate 121. A sensor containing member 1424 contains the light receiving sensors 1422 (here, a first light receiving sensor 1422A and a second light receiving sensor 1422B). A band pass filter 1421 (here, a first band pass filter 1421A and a second band pass filter 1421B) is provided on the upper surface of the sensor containing member 1424. The sensor containing member 1424 and the substrate 1423 are fixed to each other by a pair of screws 1425.

[0034] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, rice cooker main body 2 is provided with control device 15 that controls the operation of rice cooker 1. The external appearance of control device 15 may be a housing or a circuit board. Note that while Figure 1 shows control device 15 being provided at the lower rear of rice cooker 1, the installation location of control device 15 is not limited to the lower rear of rice cooker 1.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the control system of the rice cooker 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the rice cooker 1.

[0036] 4, the rice cooker 1 includes a control device 15. The control device 15 is connected to the heating unit 6, the temperature sensor 8, the display operation unit 9, the pressure valve moving mechanism 12, and the detection unit .

[0037] The control device 15 includes a processor 100 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPC (Micro Processing Unit), a memory 110, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors.

[0038] The memory 110 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 110 stores a control program 111, history data 112, and data to be processed by the processor 100. The memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 110 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the processor 100. The memory 110 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control program 111 is an example of a "program." The history data 112 will be explained when the moisture content detection unit 102 is explained.

[0039] The processor 100 functions as a rice cooking control unit 101, a moisture content detection unit 102, a first analysis unit 103, a second analysis unit 104, and a display unit 105 by reading and executing a control program 111 stored in the memory 110.

[0040] The rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 and the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8, and executes and controls the rice cooking process.

[0041] Here, the rice cooking process will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the rice cooking process. Fig. 5 shows a chart CH1 in which the horizontal axis is set to the time elapsed since the start of rice cooking and the vertical axis is set to the temperature of the pot 4.

[0042] The rice cooking process consists of a water absorption process A, a temperature increase process B, a boiling maintenance process C, and a steaming process D. In water absorption process A, rice is soaked in water that is lower than the gelatinization temperature to allow the rice to absorb water in advance, allowing the rice to gelatinize all the way to the center in the processes that follow. In water absorption process A, amylase contained in the rice breaks down starch to produce glucose, which gives the rice a sweet taste after cooking. The water absorption process A is the first process performed in the rice cooking process. In the water absorption process A, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 to heat the pot 4 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 becomes the first temperature Tm1 until the first time Ti1 has elapsed since the start of the water absorption process A. The first time Ti1 is about 20 minutes, and the first temperature Tm1 is about 55°C.

[0043] In the rice cooking process, the water absorption process A is followed by the temperature increase process B. The temperature increase process B is a process for bringing the water in the pot 4 to a boil. In the temperature increase process B, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 to heat the pot 4 until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 rises to the second temperature Tm2. The second temperature Tm2 is higher than the first temperature Tm1 and is approximately 100°C.

[0044] In the rice cooking process, the boiling maintenance step C is carried out after the temperature increase step B. In the boiling maintenance step C, the water in the pot 4 is kept boiling, the rice starch is gelatinized, and the degree of gelatinization is increased to approximately 50% to 80%. In the boiling maintenance step C, the pot 4 is heated so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 becomes the second temperature Tm2. In the boiling maintenance step C, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 and the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 to maintain the boiling state of the water in the pot 4. Specifically, the rice cooking control unit 101 repeatedly turns the power supply to the heating unit 6 on and off at regular intervals to heat the pot 4 intermittently. In addition, in the first half of the boiling maintenance step C, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 so that the pressure valve 11 opens and closes the second steam outlet 32B, fluctuating the pressure in the pot 4 within a range from atmospheric pressure to a pressure above atmospheric pressure. This causes bumping in the pot 4, stirring the rice in the pot 4. Furthermore, in the latter half of the boiling maintaining step C, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the pressure valve 11 to be in the closed position, and maintains the pressure in the pot 4 at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.

[0045] As the boiling maintenance step C progresses, the water in the pot 4 evaporates and there is no water left in the pot 4. As a result, the temperature of the pot 4 rises, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 rises to the third temperature Tm3. The third temperature Tm3 is higher than the second temperature Tm2. When the temperature sensor 8 detects the third temperature Tm3, the rice cooking control unit 101 ends the boiling maintenance step C.

[0046] In the rice cooking process, the soaking process D is carried out after the boiling maintenance process C. The soaking process D is a process that follows the boiling maintenance process C and promotes the gelatinization of rice starch. The soaking process D raises the degree of gelatinization of the rice to nearly 100%. In the soaking process D, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the heating unit 6 to heat the pot 4 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 becomes the second temperature Tm2 until the second time Ti2 has elapsed since the start of the soaking process D. In the soaking process D, the rice cooking control unit 101 heats the pot 4 every time the temperature inside the pot 4 falls below the second temperature Tm2. During at least one of these heating cycles of the pot 4, the pressure valve 11 is placed in the closed position to increase the pressure inside the pot 4, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8 reaches the second temperature Tm2, ​​the pressure valve 11 is placed in the open position.

[0047] Returning to the explanation of the functional units of the processor 100, the moisture content detection unit 102 detects the moisture content of rice. In this embodiment, the moisture content detection unit 102 detects the moisture content of rice as a percentage.

[0048] The moisture content detection unit 102 detects the moisture content of rice using the following formulas (1) to (3). QW=A1×X1+A2×X2+B (1) DA1=-Log 10 (LM1 / LR1) (2) DA2=-Log 10 (LM2 / LR2) (3)

[0049] In formula (1), QW on the left side represents the water content. In addition, in the formula (1), A1, A2, and B represent regression coefficients. In addition, in formula (1), X1 is a variable and is the first absorbance. In addition, in formula (1), X2 is a variable and is the second absorbance.

[0050] In formula (2), DA1 on the left side represents the first absorbance. In addition, in formula (2), LM1 represents a first light amount, which is the amount of light in the first wavelength band. In addition, in formula (2), LR1 represents the first reference light amount. The first reference light amount represents the amount of light received by the first light receiving sensor 1422A when the reference plate is placed on the placement unit 31D. The reference plate is made of, for example, white resin. The first reference light amount is measured in advance and stored in the memory 110.

[0051] In formula (3), DA2 on the left side represents the second absorbance. In addition, in formula (3), LM2 represents the second light amount, which is the light amount in the first wavelength band. In addition, in formula (3), LR2 represents the second reference light amount. The second reference light amount represents the amount of light received by the second light receiving sensor 1422B when the reference plate is placed on the placement unit 31D. The second reference light amount is measured in advance and stored in the memory 110.

[0052] When a predetermined trigger occurs, moisture content detection unit 102 turns on light emitter 141. Examples of the predetermined trigger include a user operating button 91 to start moisture content detection, or a large change in the amount of light received by light receiver 142 (a change from a predetermined value). Note that if rice cooker 1 is equipped with a sensor that detects that storage container 13 has been placed on mounting portion 31D, this predetermined trigger may be the sensor detecting that storage container 13 has been placed on mounting portion 31D.

[0053] The moisture content detection unit 102 also causes the light receiver 142 to receive light reflected from the rice. The moisture content detection unit 102 causes the first light receiving sensor 1422A to detect light in a first wavelength band and obtains a first light intensity as the detection result. The moisture content detection unit 102 causes the second light receiving sensor 1422B to detect light in a second wavelength band and obtains a second light intensity as the detection result.

[0054] The moisture content detection unit 102 calculates the moisture content of the rice stored in the storage container 13 based on the light reception result of the light receiver 142. More specifically, the moisture content detection unit 102 calculates a first absorbance by substituting the acquired first light intensity into LM1 in equation (2) and the first reference light intensity stored in memory 110 into LR1 in equation (2). Furthermore, the moisture content detection unit 102 calculates a second absorbance by substituting the acquired second light intensity into LM2 in equation (3) and the second reference light intensity stored in memory 110 into LR2 in equation (2). The moisture content detection unit 102 then detects the moisture content of the rice by substituting the calculated first absorbance and second absorbance into X1 and X2 in equation (3), respectively.

[0055] When the moisture content detection unit 102 detects the moisture content, it associates the detected moisture content with the date and time when the moisture content was detected and records the detected moisture content in history data 112. The history data 112 is a database showing the history of moisture contents detected by the moisture content detection unit 102, and records moisture contents for a predetermined number of days in chronological order.

[0056] The first analysis unit 103 analyzes the analysis target relating to the moisture content. The first analysis unit 103 analyzes changes in moisture content over time. The first analysis unit 103 reads moisture content rates recorded in memory 110 from history data 112, and generates a chart CH2 showing changes in moisture content over time as an analysis of the changes in moisture content over time. In this embodiment, the first analysis unit 103 reads all moisture content rates from history data 112 to generate chart CH2. The moisture content rates read by the first analysis unit 103 from history data 112 include moisture content rates associated with the most recent date and time, and may also be moisture content rates for a predetermined number of days going back from the date and time corresponding to this moisture content rate.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a chart CH2 showing the change in moisture content over time. Chart CH2 has a horizontal axis set to the number of days and a vertical axis set to moisture content, and includes a line L that indicates the change in moisture content over time. The horizontal axis of chart CH2 is marked with "today" for the date and time when chart CH2 was created, and "-N days" for days going back N days (N is an integer of 1 or greater) from "today." The horizontal axis of chart CH2 may be marked with a scale for each day, or may be marked with a scale for each predetermined number of days.

[0058] The first analysis unit 103 reads out the moisture content from the history data 112 and plots the read out moisture content. The earlier the date and time associated with the read out moisture content, the further to the left the first analysis unit 103 plots it. The first analysis unit 103 then generates a line L connecting the plotted moisture content rates to generate a graph CH2. Note that when multiple moisture content rates associated with the same date and time are read out, the first analysis unit 103 may plot the average of the multiple moisture content rates, or may plot the lowest moisture content rate, or may plot the highest moisture content rate.

[0059] Note that chart CH2 in FIG. 6 shows the following change over time. Chart CH2 shows the change over time in moisture content, from approximately 14.5% to 11.0% or less, from 63 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2 toward 7 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. Chart CH2 also shows the change over time in moisture content, from approximately 14.5% to 11.0% or less, 7 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. This indicates that new rice to be cooked was purchased 7 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. Chart CH2 also shows the change over time in moisture content, from approximately 14.5% to approximately 13.3%, from 7 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2 toward the creation date and time of chart CH2.

[0060] In addition, in the graph CH2, the object showing the change in moisture content over time may be a plot instead of the line L.

[0061] Returning to the explanation of the first analysis unit 103, the first analysis unit 103 analyzes the category CL to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 belongs. In this embodiment, the range of the moisture content is divided into four categories CL shown in FIG.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing divisions CL that divide the range of moisture content. As shown in Figure 7, moisture content is divided into four categories CL. The first category CL1 indicates a moisture content range of over 13.5%. The second category CL2 indicates a moisture content range of over 12.5% ​​to 13.5% or less. The third category CL3 indicates a moisture content range of over 11.5% to 12.5% ​​or less. The fourth category CL4 indicates a moisture content range of 11.5% or less. The fourth section CL4 is an example of a "first specific section" and a "third specific section." The second section CL2 is an example of a "second specific section." The third section CL3 is an example of a "third specific section."

[0063] If the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 is 13.5% or higher, the first analysis unit 103 analyzes that the division CL to which the moisture content obtained by the moisture content detection unit 102 belongs is the first division CL1. Furthermore, when the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 is greater than 12.5% ​​and equal to or less than 13.5%, the first analysis unit 103 analyzes that the category CL to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 belongs is the second category CL2. Furthermore, when the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 is greater than 11.5% and equal to or less than 12.5%, the first analysis unit 103 analyzes that the category CL to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 belongs is the third category CL3. Furthermore, when the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 is 11.5% or less, the first analysis unit 103 analyzes that the category CL to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 belongs is the fourth category CL4.

[0064] The second analysis unit 104 analyzes whether the first timing is earlier than the second timing by a predetermined value or more. Here, the first timing is the timing at which the temperature sensor 8 detects the highest temperature after the start of the most recent rice cooking process. The second timing is the timing at which the temperature of the pot 4 reaches the highest temperature after the start of the rice cooking process for cooking regular rice, and is determined in advance through prior testing, simulations, etc.

[0065] Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the reason why second analysis unit 104 performs the above-mentioned analysis will be explained while explaining normal rice.

[0066] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the moisture content of rice and the temperature of pot 4. Figure 8 shows three diagrams. In diagrams CH3, CH4, and CH5, the horizontal axis represents the time elapsed since the start of rice cooking, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of pot 4.

[0067] Diagram CH3 shows the temperature change over time in pot 4 when cooking regular rice. Regular rice is rice with a moisture content of more than 13.5% and less than 14.5%. As shown in Diagram CH3, when cooking regular rice, the temperature of pot 4 reaches its maximum at time T1 after cooking begins.

[0068] Diagram CH4 shows the change in temperature of pot 4 over time when cooking dry rice. Dry rice is rice with a moisture content of 13.5% or less. Diagram CH4 shows the change in temperature of pot 4 over time when cooking rice with a moisture content of 12.7%. As shown in Diagram CH4, when cooking dry rice, the temperature of pot 4 reaches its maximum temperature at timing T2, which is earlier than timing T1, after cooking begins.

[0069] Diagram CH5 shows the change in temperature of pot 4 over time when dry rice is cooked. Diagram CH5 shows the change in temperature of pot 4 over time when rice with a moisture content of 11.1% is cooked. As shown in Diagram CH5, when dry rice is cooked, the temperature of pot 4 reaches its maximum temperature at timing T3, which is earlier than timing T1, after cooking begins. Furthermore, as is clear from comparing Diagram CH5 with Diagram CH4, the lower the moisture content, the earlier the temperature of pot 4 reaches its maximum temperature after cooking begins.

[0070] Thus, when dry rice is cooked, the temperature of the pot 4 reaches its maximum temperature earlier than when regular rice is cooked. The lower the moisture content of the dry rice, the earlier the temperature of the pot 4 reaches its maximum temperature. In other words, the difference between the first timing and the second timing can be used to determine whether the rice is regular or dry. Therefore, the second analysis unit 104 analyzes whether the difference between the first timing and the second timing is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, 1.0%.

[0071] The second analysis unit 104 reads the first timing and the second timing from the memory 110. The first timing is updated and recorded in the memory 110 by the rice cooking control unit 101 each time rice is cooked. The second timing is recorded in the memory 110 in advance. The second analysis unit 104 calculates the difference between the first timing and the second timing and determines whether the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the second analysis unit 104 determines that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it analyzes that the first timing is earlier than the second timing by equal to or greater than the predetermined value. If the second analysis unit 104 determines that the calculated difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it analyzes that the first timing is not earlier than the second timing by equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0072] The display unit 105 displays various information on the display 92 . The display unit 105 of this embodiment displays a first screen G1 shown in FIG.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first screen G1. The first screen G1 is a screen that displays the change over time in the moisture content of rice analyzed by the first analysis unit 103. Therefore, the first screen G1 displays the chart CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103.

[0074] The first screen G1 also displays moisture content information J1 indicating the moisture content. The moisture content indicated by the moisture content information J1 on the first screen G1 is the moisture content most recently detected by the moisture content detection unit 102.

[0075] Returning to the explanation of the display unit 105, when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the fourth section CL4, the display unit 105 displays a second screen G2 shown in FIG. 10, which will be described later, on the display 92.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second screen G2. The second screen G2 displays moisture content information J1. The moisture content indicated by the moisture content information J1 on the second screen G2 is the moisture content most recently detected by the moisture content detection unit 102.

[0077] The second screen G2 displays the drying state information J2. The drying state information J2 is information that indicates the drying state of the rice. In Fig. 10, the character string "The rice is drying considerably." is the drying state information J2.

[0078] The second screen G2 displays the measure information J3. The measure information J3 is information that indicates the measures to prevent the rice from drying out. In FIG. 10, the strings "Seal the storage bag / container" and "Store in a place with low temperature and humidity" are the measure information J3.

[0079] Returning to the explanation of the display unit 105, if the second analysis unit 104 analyzes that the first timing is earlier than the second timing by a predetermined value or more, the display unit 105 displays the third screen G3 shown in Figure 11, which will be described later, on the display 92.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the third screen G3. The third screen G3 displays drying progress information J4. The drying progress information J4 is information indicating that the drying of the rice is progressing. In FIG. 11, the text "Rice drying is progressing" is the drying progress information J4.

[0081] The third screen G3 displays recommendation information J5. The recommendation information J5 is information that recommends detecting the moisture content of rice. In FIG. 11, the recommendation information J5 is a string of characters that reads, "We recommend that you detect the moisture content using a moisture content detection means." Note that the string of characters indicated by the recommendation information J5 is not limited to the string of characters shown in FIG. 11. For example, the string of characters indicated by the recommendation information J5 may be, "We recommend that you place the storage container containing rice on the placement section and detect the moisture content of the rice."

[0082] Returning to the explanation of display unit 105, when the change over time in the moisture content analyzed by first analysis unit 103 indicates a first change, display unit 105 displays a fourth screen G4 shown in Fig. 13, which will be described later, on display 92. The first change is a change over time that indicates a sudden rise in moisture content and that the moisture content detection unit 102 has not detected the moisture content for a predetermined period of time or more since the moisture content suddenly rose. More specifically, the first change is a change over time that indicates a sudden rise in moisture content and that the moisture content detection unit 102 has not detected the moisture content from the date and time when the moisture content suddenly rose to the current date and time, and that the period between the date and time when the moisture content suddenly rose and the current date and time is a predetermined period of time. A sudden rise in moisture content refers to a rise in moisture content of a predetermined value (e.g., 2.3%) or more. The predetermined period is, for example, four weeks. This predetermined period is the period during which newly purchased rice can be considered to have deteriorated, in other words, the period during which the moisture content of newly purchased rice can be considered to have fallen below 13.5%, and is appropriately determined through prior testing and simulation.

[0083] Before describing the fourth screen G4, we will now explain the change over time in the moisture content when the fourth screen G4 is displayed by the display unit 105. For example, the display unit 105 displays the fourth screen G4 when the change over time in the moisture content analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is as shown in FIG.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a chart CH2 showing the change in moisture content over time.

[0085] Chart CH2 in FIG. 12 shows the following change over time. Chart CH2 in FIG. 12 shows the change over time in moisture content, from approximately 11.5% to approximately 10.0% from 63 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2 to 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. Chart CH2 in FIG. 12 also shows the change over time in moisture content, with the moisture content rising sharply to approximately 14.5% 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. This indicates that new rice to be cooked was purchased 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. Chart CH2 in FIG. 12 also indicates that moisture content detection unit 102 did not detect the moisture content for four weeks from 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2 to the creation date and time of chart CH2.

[0086] 12 indicates a sudden rise in moisture content, that the moisture content detection unit 102 has not detected the moisture content from the date and time when the moisture content suddenly rose until the current date and time, and that the period from the date and time when the moisture content suddenly rose to the current date and time is a predetermined period. Therefore, when the change in moisture content over time analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the change over time shown in FIG. 12, the display unit 105 displays the fourth screen G4.

[0087] The fourth screen G4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth screen G4.

[0088] The fourth screen G4 displays recommendation information J5. In FIG. 13, the recommendation information J5 is a string of characters that reads, "We recommend that you now detect the moisture content using the moisture content detection means." Note that the string of characters indicated by the recommendation information J5 displayed on the fourth screen G4 is not limited to the string of characters shown in FIG. 13. For example, the string of characters indicated by the recommendation information J5 may be, "We recommend that you now place the storage container containing rice on the placement section and detect the moisture content of the rice."

[0089] Returning to the explanation of the display unit 105, when the change over time in the moisture content analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 indicates the second change, the display unit 105 displays a fifth screen G5 shown in Figure 15, which will be described later, on the display 92. The second change is a change over time that indicates that the moisture content has been at or above a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time. More specifically, the second change is a change over time that indicates that the moisture content has been at or above a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time up to the current date and time. The predetermined value is, for example, 13.5%, and the predetermined period is, for example, four weeks.

[0090] Before describing the fifth screen G5, we will now explain the change in moisture content over time when the fifth screen G5 is displayed on the display unit 105. For example, the display unit 105 displays the fifth screen G5 when the change in moisture content over time analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is as shown in FIG.

[0091] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a chart CH2 showing the change in moisture content over time.

[0092] Chart CH2 in FIG. 14 shows the following change over time. Chart CH2 in FIG. 14 shows the change over time in moisture content, from approximately 11.5% to approximately 10.0% from 63 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2 to 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. Chart CH2 in FIG. 14 also shows the change over time in moisture content, with the moisture content rising sharply to approximately 14.5% 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. This indicates that new rice to be cooked was purchased 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2. Chart CH2 in FIG. 14 also indicates that moisture content detection unit 102 continuously detected a moisture content of 13.5% or higher for four weeks from 28 days before the creation date and time of chart CH2.

[0093] The change in moisture content over time shown in Fig. 14 indicates that a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value has been detected continuously for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, when the change in moisture content over time analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the change over time shown in Fig. 14, the display unit 105 displays the fifth screen G5.

[0094] The fifth screen G5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the fifth screen G5.

[0095] The fifth screen G5 displays appropriate maintenance information J6. The appropriate maintenance information J6 is information indicating that the moisture content of the rice is being maintained appropriately. In FIG. 15, the appropriate maintenance information J6 is a string of characters that reads, "The rice has maintained a good moisture content for four weeks." Note that the string of characters indicated by the appropriate maintenance information J6 displayed on the fifth screen G5 is not limited to the string of characters shown in FIG. 15. For example, the string of characters indicated by the appropriate maintenance information J6 may be, "The rice's moisture content has been maintained appropriately for four weeks."

[0096] The fifth screen G5 displays support information J7. The support information J7 is information indicating support for maintaining the proper storage of rice. In FIG. 15, the support information J7 is a string of characters saying "Please continue to do your best in storing rice." Note that the string of characters indicated by the support information J7 displayed on the fifth screen G5 is not limited to the string of characters shown in FIG. 15.

[0097] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the rice cooker 1 in this embodiment will be described. First, the operation of the rice cooker 1 related to the display on the first screen G1 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker 1.

[0098] The moisture content detection unit 102 determines whether a trigger for detecting the moisture content has occurred (step SA1). An example of this trigger is the operation of button 91 to start detecting the moisture content. If the rice cooker 1 is equipped with a sensor that detects that the storage container 13 has been placed on the placement section 31D, this trigger may be the sensor detecting that the storage container 13 has been placed on the placement section 31D. Alternatively, this trigger may be the operation of button 91 to start cooking rice, or the power to the rice cooker 1 being turned on.

[0099] When the moisture content detection unit 102 determines that a trigger for detecting the moisture content has occurred (step SA1: YES), it turns on the light emitter 141 and detects the moisture content of the rice (step SA2).

[0100] Next, first analysis unit 103 analyzes the change in the moisture content of the rice over time (step SA3).

[0101] Next, the display unit 105 displays the first screen G1, which displays the analysis results of step SA3, on the display 92 (step SA4).

[0102] The first screen G1 displayed in step SA4 displays the chart CH2 generated by the analysis in step SA3. The first screen G1 displayed in step SA4 also displays moisture content information J1 indicating the moisture content detected in step SA2.

[0103] Next, the operation of the rice cooker 1 related to the display on the second screen G2 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker 1.

[0104] The moisture content detection unit 102 determines whether a trigger for detecting the moisture content has occurred, i.e., whether a trigger for displaying the second screen G2 has occurred (step SB1). An example of this trigger is operating the button 91 to start moisture content detection. If the rice cooker 1 is equipped with a sensor that detects when the storage container 13 has been placed on the placement section 31D, this trigger may be the sensor detecting that the storage container 13 has been placed on the placement section 31D. Alternatively, this trigger may be operating the button 91 to start cooking rice, or turning on the power to the rice cooker 1.

[0105] When it is determined that a trigger for detecting the moisture content has occurred (step SB1: YES), the moisture content detection unit 102 detects the moisture content of the rice (step SB2).

[0106] Next, the first analysis unit 103 analyzes the category CL to which the moisture content detected in step SB2 belongs (step SB3).

[0107] Next, the display unit 105 determines whether the section CL analyzed in step SB3 is the fourth section CL4 (step SB4).

[0108] If the display unit 105 determines that the section CL analyzed in step SB3 is the fourth section CL4 (step SB4: YES), it displays the second screen G2 on the display 92 (step SB5).

[0109] The second screen G2 displayed in step SB5 displays moisture content information J1 indicating the moisture content detected in step SB2.

[0110] On the other hand, if the display unit 105 determines that the section CL analyzed in step SB3 is not the fourth section CL4 (step SB4: NO), it ends this process without displaying the second screen G2.

[0111] When the trigger for displaying the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 simultaneously, or may display the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 switchably using the button 91, or may display the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 alternately every time a predetermined period of time elapses.

[0112] Next, the operation of the rice cooker 1 related to the display on the 3rd screen G3 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker 1.

[0113] The second analysis unit 104 determines whether a trigger for displaying the third screen G3 has occurred (step SC1). Examples of such a trigger include turning on the rice cooker 1, reaching a predetermined time, or finishing cooking rice.

[0114] If the second analysis unit 104 determines that a trigger for displaying the third screen G3 has occurred (step SC1: YES), it reads the first timing and the second timing from the memory 110 and analyzes whether the first timing is earlier than the second timing by a predetermined value or more (step SC2).

[0115] Next, the display unit 105 determines whether or not it has been analyzed in step SC2 that the first timing is earlier than the second timing by a predetermined value or more (step SC3).

[0116] If an affirmative decision is made in step SC3, the display unit 105 displays the third screen G3 on the display 92 (step SC4).

[0117] On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SC3, the display unit 105 ends this process without displaying the third screen G3.

[0118] When the trigger for displaying the first screen G1 and the third screen G3 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the first screen G1 and the third screen G3 simultaneously, or may display the first screen G1 and the third screen G3 switchably using the button 91, or may display the first screen G1 and the third screen G3 alternately every time a predetermined period of time elapses. Furthermore, if the trigger for displaying the second screen G2 and the third screen G3 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the second screen G2 and the third screen G3 simultaneously, or may display the second screen G2 and the third screen G3 in a switchable manner using the button 91, or may display the second screen G2 and the third screen G3 alternately every time a predetermined period of time has passed.

[0119] Next, the operation of the rice cooker 1 related to the display on the fourth screen G4 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker 1.

[0120] The first analysis unit 103 determines whether a trigger for displaying the fourth screen G4 has occurred (step SD1). Examples of such a trigger include turning on the rice cooker 1, reaching a predetermined time, or finishing cooking rice.

[0121] When it is determined that a trigger for displaying the fourth screen G4 has occurred (step SD1: YES), the first analysis unit 103 analyzes the change over time in the moisture content of the rice (step SD2).

[0122] Next, the display unit 105 determines whether the change over time analyzed in step SD2 indicates the first change (step SD3).

[0123] If it is determined that the change over time analyzed in step SD2 indicates the first change (step SD3: YES), the display unit 105 displays the fourth screen G4 on the display 92 (step SD4).

[0124] On the other hand, if the display unit 105 determines that the change over time analyzed in step SD2 does not indicate the first change (step SD3: NO), it ends this process without displaying the fourth screen G4.

[0125] When the trigger for displaying the first screen G1 and the fourth screen G4 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the first screen G1 and the fourth screen G4 simultaneously, or may display the first screen G1 and the fourth screen G4 switchably using the button 91, or may display the first screen G1 and the fourth screen G4 alternately every time a predetermined period of time elapses. Furthermore, if the trigger for displaying the second screen G2 and the fourth screen G4 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the second screen G2 and the fourth screen G4 simultaneously, or may display the second screen G2 and the fourth screen G4 switchably using the button 91, or may display the second screen G2 and the fourth screen G4 alternately every time a predetermined period of time elapses. Furthermore, if the trigger for displaying the third screen G3 and the fourth screen G4 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the third screen G3 and the fourth screen G4 simultaneously, or may display the third screen G3 and the fourth screen G4 switchably using the button 91, or may display the third screen G3 and the fourth screen G4 alternately every time a predetermined period of time elapses.

[0126] Next, the operation of the rice cooker 1 related to the display on the fifth screen G5 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker 1.

[0127] The first analysis unit 103 determines whether a trigger for displaying the fifth screen G5 has occurred (step SE1). Examples of such a trigger include turning on the rice cooker 1, reaching a predetermined time, or finishing cooking rice.

[0128] When it is determined that a trigger for displaying the fifth screen G5 has occurred (step SE1: YES), the first analysis unit 103 analyzes the change over time in the moisture content of the rice (step SE2).

[0129] Next, the display unit 105 determines whether the change over time analyzed in step SE2 indicates a second change (step SE3).

[0130] If it is determined that the change over time analyzed in step SE2 indicates the second change (step SE3: YES), the display unit 105 displays the fifth screen G5 on the display 92 (step SE4).

[0131] On the other hand, if the display unit 105 determines that the change over time analyzed in step SE2 does not indicate the second change (step SE3: NO), it ends this process without displaying the fifth screen G5.

[0132] In addition, if the trigger for displaying the first screen G1 and the fifth screen G5 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the first screen G1 and the fifth screen G5 simultaneously, or may display the first screen G1 and the fifth screen G5 in a switchable manner using the button 91, or may display the first screen G1 and the fifth screen G5 alternately every time a predetermined period of time has passed. Furthermore, if the trigger for displaying the second screen G2 and the fifth screen G5 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the second screen G2 and the fifth screen G5 simultaneously, or may display the second screen G2 and the fifth screen G5 in a switchable manner using the button 91, or may display the second screen G2 and the fifth screen G5 alternately every time a predetermined period of time has passed. Furthermore, if the trigger for displaying the third screen G3 and the fifth screen G5 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the third screen G3 and the fifth screen G5 simultaneously, or may display the third screen G3 and the fifth screen G5 in a switchable manner using the button 91, or may display the third screen G3 and the fifth screen G5 alternately every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Furthermore, if the trigger for displaying the fourth screen G4 and the fifth screen G5 is the same, the display unit 105 may display the fourth screen G4 and the fifth screen G5 simultaneously, or may display the fourth screen G4 and the fifth screen G5 switchably using the button 91, or may display the fourth screen G4 and the fifth screen G5 alternately every time a predetermined period of time elapses.

[0133] Next, the operation of the rice cooker 1 in relation to the rice cooking process will be described. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker 1. The flowchart in Fig. 21 is based on the premise that the container 13 containing rice is placed on the placement section 31D.

[0134] The moisture content detection unit 102 determines whether a trigger related to the start of the rice cooking process has occurred (step SF1). An example of the trigger is when an instruction to start rice cooking is given to the display operation unit 9.

[0135] When it is determined that a trigger related to the start of the rice cooking process has occurred (step SF1: YES), the moisture content detection unit 102 detects the moisture content of the rice (step SF2).

[0136] Next, the first analysis unit 103 analyzes the category CL to which the moisture content obtained in step SF2 belongs (step SF3).

[0137] Next, the rice cooking control unit 101 determines whether the category CL analyzed in step SF3 is the first category CL1 (step SF4).

[0138] If the rice cooking control unit 101 determines that the section CL analyzed in step SF3 is the first section CL1 (step SF4: YES), it determines the control for the rice cooking process to be normal control (step SF5) and executes the rice cooking process under normal control (step SF6). Note that normal control refers to the control of the heating unit 6 and the pressure valve moving mechanism 12 in the rice cooking process described with reference to Figure 5.

[0139] Returning to the explanation of step SF4, if the rice cooking control unit 101 determines that the category CL analyzed in step SF3 is not the first category CL1 (step SF4: NO), it determines whether the category CL analyzed in step SF3 is the second category CL2 (step SF7).

[0140] If the rice cooking control unit 101 determines that the category CL analyzed in step SF3 is the second category CL2 (step SF7: YES), it determines the control for the rice cooking process to be the first suppression control (step SF8) and performs the rice cooking process using the first suppression control (step SF9).

[0141] Here, the first suppression control will be explained. The first suppression control is a control that suppresses deterioration in the texture and taste of cooked rice. The first suppression control includes control to lower the water temperature in the water absorption step A compared to normal control. This suppresses the outflow of starch from the surface of the rice, prevents an increase in the amount of starch accumulating at the bottom of the pot 4, and suppresses the obstruction of heat exchange between the pot 4 and the water in the boiling maintenance step C. This prevents the timing at which the temperature sensor 8 detects the maximum temperature in the boiling maintenance step C from being brought forward, and suppresses the occurrence of a situation in which the boiling maintenance step C is not executed for the time required for gelatinization. Furthermore, the first suppression control includes a control that maintains pressure valve 11 in the open position during the boiling maintenance step C, in addition to the normal control. This makes it possible to suppress bumping in pot 4 during the boiling maintenance step C. Therefore, the first suppression control can suppress cracking of rice, which leads to starch leakage, during the boiling maintenance step C.

[0142] Returning to the explanation of step SF7, if the rice cooking control unit 101 determines that the category CL analyzed in step SF3 is not the second category CL2 (step SF7: NO), in other words, if it determines that the category CL analyzed in step SF3 is the third category CL3 or the fourth category CL4, it decides that the control in the rice cooking process will be the second suppression control (step SF10) and performs the rice cooking process with the second suppression control (step SF11).

[0143] Here, the second suppression control will be explained. The second suppression control is a control that suppresses deterioration in the texture and taste of cooked rice. The second suppression control differs from the first suppression control in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 6 in the boiling maintenance step C. That is, the second suppression control supplies a higher amount of power to the heating unit 6 in the boiling maintenance step C than the first suppression control. Specifically, in the second suppression control, the rice cooking control unit 101 makes the interval at which the power supply to the heating unit 6 is turned on longer than in the normal control. Furthermore, in the second suppression control, the rice cooking control unit 101 makes the period during which the power supply to the heating unit 6 is turned on longer than in the normal control.

[0144] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the rice cooker 1 comprises a heating unit 6 that heats the pot 4 that contains an object to be heated, including rice and water; a moisture content detection unit 102 that detects the moisture content of the rice; a first analysis unit 103 that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content of the rice based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102; a display unit 105 that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit 103; and a rice cooking control unit 101 that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit 103.

[0145] This allows the user to grasp information regarding the moisture content of the rice to be cooked, as the analysis results of the first analysis unit 103 are displayed. This helps the user to understand whether the rice to be cooked has deteriorated, and thus helps the user to avoid cooking deteriorated rice. Furthermore, since the rice cooking process is controlled taking the moisture content of the rice into consideration, it is possible to execute a rice cooking process that corresponds to deteriorated rice.

[0146] The first analysis unit 103 analyzes the change in the moisture content of the rice over time. The display unit 105 displays the change in the moisture content over time detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 as the analysis result of the first analysis unit 103.

[0147] This allows the user of rice cooker 1 to understand how the moisture content of the rice to be cooked is changing, as the change in moisture content of the rice over time is displayed. This further supports the user in understanding whether the rice to be cooked has deteriorated, and therefore further supports the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0148] The first analysis unit 103 analyzes the range of moisture content of rice divided into multiple categories CL, and determines the category CL to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 belongs. The display unit 105 displays the dryness state of the rice according to the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103.

[0149] This allows the user to understand the dryness state of the rice, which further supports the user in understanding whether the rice to be cooked has deteriorated or not, thereby further supporting the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0150] The display unit 105 displays the drying state of the rice as well as the means for suppressing the progress of the drying of the rice.

[0151] This allows the user to understand how to prevent the rice from drying out, and therefore supports the user in preventing the rice from deteriorating further, thereby further supporting the user in avoiding cooking deteriorating rice.

[0152] The display unit 105 displays the dryness state of the rice when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the fourth section CL4. The fourth section CL4 is the section CL with the smallest moisture content value of the rice.

[0153] This means that the rice dryness state is not displayed for all categories CL, which reduces the frequency with which the rice dryness state is displayed, and prevents users from feeling annoyed by the frequent display of the rice dryness state. Also, because the rice dryness state is displayed when the rice moisture content is in the fourth category CL4, it is possible to indirectly inform the user when it is time to purchase new rice, further supporting the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0154] Rice cooker 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 8 that detects the temperature of pot 4. Rice cooker 1 also has a second analysis unit 104 that analyzes whether a first timing at which temperature sensor 8 detects the maximum temperature during the rice cooking process is earlier by a predetermined value or more than a predetermined second timing at which the temperature of pot 4 reaches the maximum temperature during the rice cooking process. When second analysis unit 104 analyzes that the first timing is earlier than the second timing by a predetermined value or more, display unit 105 displays a message recommending that the moisture content of rice be detected.

[0155] According to this, when rice moisture content detection is required, a message is displayed recommending that rice moisture content detection be performed. This allows the user to easily grasp the timing when rice moisture content detection is required, thereby reducing the burden associated with moisture content detection.

[0156] The first analysis unit 103 analyzes the change in the moisture content of the rice over time. If the change in moisture content over time analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 indicates an increase in moisture content of a predetermined value or more, and indicates that the moisture content detection unit 102 has not detected the moisture content for a predetermined period of time or more since the increase.

[0157] According to this, when it is necessary to detect the moisture content of newly purchased rice, a message is displayed recommending that the moisture content of the rice be detected. This allows the user to easily grasp the timing when it is necessary to detect the moisture content of newly purchased rice, thereby reducing the burden associated with detecting the moisture content.

[0158] The first analysis unit 103 analyzes the change in the moisture content of the rice over time. If the change in moisture content over time analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 indicates that the moisture content has remained at or above a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time, the display unit 105 displays a message indicating that the moisture content of the rice is being appropriately maintained.

[0159] This can increase the motivation to maintain the moisture content of rice at an appropriate level, and further support the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0160] The rice cooking control unit 101 controls the rice cooking process based on the classification CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103.

[0161] This allows the rice cooking process to be carried out according to the moisture content of the rice, so that appropriate rice cooking can be carried out according to the moisture content of the rice.

[0162] If the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the first category CL1, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the rice cooking process using normal control, and if the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the second category CL2, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the rice cooking process using first suppression control, which suppresses deterioration in the texture and taste of the cooked rice.

[0163] This prevents deterioration in the texture and taste of cooked rice even when the rice has a low moisture content.

[0164] If the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the third category CL3 or the fourth category CL4, the rice cooking control unit 101 controls the rice cooking process using second suppression control to suppress deterioration in the texture and taste of the cooked rice. In addition to the control contents of the first suppression control, the second suppression control changes the power supplied to the heating unit 6 from normal control.

[0165] This prevents deterioration in the texture and taste of cooked rice even when the rice has a lower moisture content.

[0166] The control program 111 causes the processor 100 to function as a moisture content detection unit 102 that detects the moisture content of rice, a first analysis unit 103 that analyzes an analysis target related to moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102, a display unit 105 that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit 103, and a rice cooking control unit 101 that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit 103.

[0167] This provides the same effects as the rice cooker 1 described above.

[0168] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. [2-1.Configuration] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display system 1000. As shown in FIG. The display system 1000 includes a rice cooker 1, a server device 20, and a terminal device 40. The rice cooker 1, the server device 20, and the terminal device 40 are connected to a network NW. The network NW includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks. The terminal device 40 is an example of a "display unit."

[0169] The rice cooker 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a rice cooker communication unit 16 that communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The rice cooker communication unit 16 has communication hardware such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the server device 20 under the control of the control device 15. The communication standard of the rice cooker communication unit 16 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0170] By reading and executing the control program 111, the processor 100 of this embodiment does not function as the display unit 105, but instead functions as a rice cooker communication control unit 106 that communicates with the server device 20 via the rice cooker communication unit 16. When requested by the server device 20, the rice cooker communication control unit 106 transmits the analysis results of the first analysis unit 103 and information indicating the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 to the server device 20.

[0171] The server device 20 is a device that processes information with the rice cooker 1 and the terminal device 40 as clients. Note that in Fig. 12, the server device 20 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the server device 20 is composed of a single device.

[0172] The terminal device 40 is a PC (Personal Computer) used by the user of the rice cooker 1 and is capable of displaying information. The terminal device 40 may be a tablet PC, laptop PC, or desktop PC. An application program capable of displaying the first screen G1 to the fifth screen G5 is installed in the terminal device 40.

[0173] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of display system 1000 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the operation relating to the display of the first screen G1 will be described.

[0174] When a predetermined trigger occurs (such as the start-up of an application program or an instruction to display the first screen G1), the terminal device 40 uses the function of the application program to request the information necessary to display the first screen G1 from the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives a request for information required to display the first screen G1 from the terminal device 40, it requests the rice cooker 1 to provide the chart CH2 and the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102. When the processor 100 of the rice cooker 1 receives a request for the diagram CH2 and the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102, the moisture content detection unit 102 detects the moisture content as described above, and the first analysis unit 103 generates the diagram CH2 as described above. Then, the rice cooker communication control unit 106 of the rice cooker 1 transmits the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 and the diagram CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103 to the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 and the chart CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103, the server device 20 transmits the received information to the terminal device 40. Then, the terminal device 40 displays the first screen G1 that displays the moisture content obtained by the moisture content detection unit 102 and the chart CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103.

[0175] Next, the operation relating to the display of the second screen G2 will be described. When a predetermined trigger occurs (such as when an application program starts up or when an instruction to display the second screen G2 is given), the terminal device 40 uses the function of the application program to request the information necessary to display the second screen G2 from the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives a request for information necessary to display the second screen G2 from the terminal device 40, it requests the rice cooker 1 to provide the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 and the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102. When the processor 100 of the rice cooker 1 receives a request for the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 and the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102, the processor 100 causes the moisture content detection unit 102 to detect the moisture content as described above, and the first analysis unit 103 to analyze the category CL as described above. Then, the rice cooker communication control unit 106 of the rice cooker 1 transmits the moisture content obtained by the moisture content detection unit 102 and the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 to the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102 and the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103, the server device 20 transmits the received information to the terminal device 40. Then, when the received section CL indicates the fourth section CL4, the terminal device 40 displays the second screen G2 that displays the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection section 102.

[0176] Next, the operation relating to the display of the third screen G3 will be described. When a predetermined trigger occurs (such as when an application program starts up or when an instruction to display the third screen G3 is given), the terminal device 40 uses the function of the application program to request the information necessary to display the third screen G3 from the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives a request for information required to display the third screen G3 from the terminal device 40, it requests the rice cooker 1 to provide the analysis result of the second analysis unit 104. When the processor 100 of the rice cooker 1 receives a request for the analysis results of the second analysis unit 104, the second analysis unit 104 performs the analysis as described above. Then, the rice cooker communication control unit 106 of the rice cooker 1 transmits the analysis results of the second analysis unit 104 to the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives the analysis result from the second analysis unit 104, it transmits the received information to the terminal device 40. Then, the terminal device 40 displays the third screen G3 according to the analysis result of the second analysis unit 104.

[0177] Next, the operation relating to the display of the fourth screen G4 will be described. When a predetermined trigger occurs (such as the start-up of an application program or an instruction to display the fourth screen G4), the terminal device 40 uses the function of the application program to request the information necessary to display the fourth screen G4 from the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives a request for information required to display the fourth screen G4 from the terminal device 40, it requests the rice cooker 1 for the chart CH2. When the processor 100 of the rice cooker 1 receives a request for the diagram CH2, the first analysis unit 103 generates the diagram CH2 as described above. Then, the rice cooker communication control unit 106 of the rice cooker 1 transmits the diagram CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103 to the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives the chart CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103, the server device 20 transmits the received information to the terminal device 40. Then, the terminal device 40 displays the fourth screen G4 in accordance with the change over time indicated by the chart CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103.

[0178] Next, the operation relating to the display of the fifth screen G5 will be described. When a predetermined trigger occurs (such as when an application program starts up or when an instruction to display the fifth screen G5 is given), the terminal device 40 uses the function of the application program to request the information necessary to display the fifth screen G5 from the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives a request for information required to display the fifth screen G5 from the terminal device 40, it requests the rice cooker 1 for the chart CH2. When the processor 100 of the rice cooker 1 receives a request for the diagram CH2, the first analysis unit 103 generates the diagram CH2 as described above. Then, the rice cooker communication control unit 106 of the rice cooker 1 transmits the diagram CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103 to the server device 20. When the server device 20 receives the chart CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103, the server device 20 transmits the received information to the terminal device 40. Then, the terminal device 40 displays the fifth screen G5 according to the change over time indicated by the chart CH2 generated by the first analysis unit 103.

[0179] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the display system 1000 comprises a rice cooker 1 equipped with a heating unit 6 that heats a pot 4 containing an object to be heated, including rice and water, and a moisture content detection unit 102 that detects the moisture content of the rice, a first analysis unit 103 that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content of the rice based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 102, and a display unit 105 that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit 103.

[0180] This provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0181] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, the "first specific division" is the fourth division CL4, but the "first specific division" is not limited to the fourth division CL4. In other embodiments, the "first specific division" may further include the third division CL3, or may further include the second division CL2 and the third division CL3.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the rice dryness condition is displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the fourth section CL4. In other embodiments, the rice dryness condition may also be displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the third section CL3. In other embodiments, the rice dryness condition may also be displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the second section CL2. In other embodiments, the rice dryness condition may also be displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the first section CL1.

[0184] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the means for suppressing the progress of rice drying is displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the fourth section CL4. In other embodiments, the means may also be displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the third section CL3. In other embodiments, the means may also be displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the second section CL2. In other embodiments, the means may also be displayed when the section CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 is the first section CL1.

[0185] In the second embodiment described above, the processor 100 of the rice cooker 1 is configured to include a first analysis unit 103 and a second analysis unit 104 as functional units. In other embodiments related to the second embodiment, the processor of the server device 20 may function as the first analysis unit 103 and the second analysis unit 104. In this configuration, the server device 20 receives the first timing from the rice cooker 1 each time the rice cooker 1 cooks rice and stores the received first timing. The server device 20 also stores history data 112. When information necessary for screen display is requested by the terminal device 40, the first analysis unit 103 and the second analysis unit 104 of the server device 20 execute processing, and the server device 20 transmits the information necessary for screen display to the terminal device 40. In other embodiments, the rice cooker 1 receives the category CL analyzed by the first analysis unit 103 from the server device 20 and controls the rice cooking process according to the category CL.

[0186] In another embodiment, the light emitter 141 may be configured with two light emitters, one of which emits light in a first wavelength band and the other of which emits light in a second wavelength band. In this other embodiment, the light receiver 142 does not need to include the bandpass filter 1421.

[0187] In the above-described embodiment, the moisture content of rice is detected using the above-described formulas (1) to (3). In other embodiments, the moisture content of water may be detected using other formulas, or the moisture content of water may be detected based on the amount of light received by the light receiver 142 by referring to a table that defines the relationship between the amount of light and the moisture content.

[0188] In another embodiment, the second screen G2 may be displayed regardless of whether the section CL analyzed by the analysis unit 103 is any of the first section CL1 to third section CL3. In this other embodiment, the operation related to the display of the second screen G2 is executed according to a flowchart similar to that shown in FIG.

[0189] In other embodiments, the number of light-receiving sensors constituting the light receiver 142 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. When the number of light-receiving sensors constituting the light receiver 142 is three or more, an equation in which the number of pairs of regression coefficients and variables is increased corresponding to the number of light-receiving sensors is used to calculate the moisture content.

[0190] In other embodiments, the position where the rice in the storage container 13 is sensed does not have to be the placement portion 31D. The position where the rice in the storage container 13 is sensed may be a predetermined position in the rice cooker 1.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the "second specific division" is the second division CL2 is illustrated, but the "second specific division" is not limited to the second division CL2. In other embodiments, the "second specific division" may further include a third division CL3.

[0192] In the above-described embodiment, the "third specific division" is the third division CL3 and the fourth division CL4, but the "third specific division" is not limited to the third division CL3 and the fourth division CL4. In other embodiments, the "third specific division" may be only the fourth division CL4.

[0193] The processor 100 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The processor 100 may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, the processor 100 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0194] The configuration of the rice cooker 1 shown in Figures 2 and 22 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the rice cooker so that the functions of each unit are realized by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiments may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0195] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 16 to 21 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units do not limit the operations. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0196] The control program 111 of the above-described embodiment can also be non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium that is readable by the processor 100, for example. The recording medium can be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Alternatively, the control program 111 can be stored on a server or the like, and the rice cooker 1 can download the control program 111 from the server to achieve the above-described operation.

[0197] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0198] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0199] (Technology 1) A rice cooker comprising: a heating unit that heats a container that contains an object to be heated, which includes rice and water; a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of the rice; a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit; and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit. This allows the user to grasp information about the moisture content of the rice to be cooked because the analysis results of the first analysis unit are displayed. This helps the user understand whether the rice to be cooked has deteriorated, and thus helps the user avoid cooking deteriorated rice. Furthermore, because the rice cooking process is controlled taking the moisture content of the rice into consideration, the rice cooking process can be executed in a way that corresponds to deteriorated rice.

[0200] (Technology 2) The rice cooker according to Technology 1, wherein the first analysis unit analyzes the change in the moisture content over time, and the display unit displays the change in the moisture content over time detected by the moisture content detection unit as the analysis result. This allows the rice cooker user to understand how the moisture content of the rice is changing over time, as it displays the change in moisture content of the rice to be cooked. This further supports the user in understanding whether the rice to be cooked has deteriorated, and thus further supports the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0201] (Technology 3) The rice cooker according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the first analysis unit analyzes the range of moisture content divided into a plurality of categories to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit belongs, and the display unit displays the dryness state of the rice according to the category analyzed by the first analysis unit. This allows the user to understand the dryness state of the rice, which further supports the user in understanding whether the rice to be cooked has deteriorated or not, thereby further supporting the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0202] (Technology 4) The rice cooker according to Technology 3, wherein the display unit displays the state of dryness of the rice as well as a means for preventing the progress of the drying of the rice. This allows the user to understand how to prevent the rice from drying out, and therefore supports the user in preventing the rice from deteriorating further, thereby further supporting the user in avoiding cooking deteriorating rice.

[0203] (Technology 5) The rice cooker according to Technology 3 or Technology 4, wherein the display unit displays the dryness of the rice when the classification analyzed by the first analysis unit is a first specific classification, and the first specific classification is the classification with the smallest moisture content value. This reduces the frequency with which the rice dryness state is displayed, as the rice dryness state is not displayed for all categories, and prevents users from feeling annoyed by the frequent display of the rice dryness state. Also, because the rice dryness state is displayed when the moisture content of the rice is in the first specific category, it is possible to indirectly inform the user when it is time to purchase new rice, further supporting the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0204] (Technology 6) A rice cooker according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, comprising a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the container, and a second analysis unit that analyzes whether a first timing at which the temperature detection unit detects the maximum temperature in the rice cooking process is earlier by a predetermined value or more than a second timing that is determined in advance as the temperature of the container reaching the maximum temperature in the rice cooking process, wherein the display unit displays a message recommending that the moisture content be detected when the second analysis unit analyzes that the first timing is earlier than the second timing by the predetermined value or more. According to this, when it is necessary to detect the moisture content of rice, a message is displayed stating that it is recommended to perform the detection of the moisture content of rice. This allows the user to easily grasp the timing when it is necessary to detect the moisture content of rice, thereby reducing the burden associated with detecting the moisture content.

[0205] (Technology 7) The rice cooker according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, wherein the first analysis unit analyzes the change in the moisture content over time, and the display unit displays a message recommending that the moisture content be detected if the change in the moisture content over time analyzed by the first analysis unit indicates an increase in the moisture content of a predetermined value or more and the moisture content detection unit has not detected the moisture content for a predetermined period of time or more since the increase of the predetermined value or more. According to this, when it is necessary to detect the moisture content of newly purchased rice, a message is displayed recommending that the moisture content of the rice be detected. This allows the user to easily grasp the timing when it is necessary to detect the moisture content of newly purchased rice, thereby reducing the burden associated with detecting the moisture content.

[0206] (Technology 8) A rice cooker according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 7, wherein the first analysis unit analyzes the change in the moisture content over time, and the display unit displays a message that the moisture content is being appropriately maintained when the change in the moisture content over time analyzed by the first analysis unit indicates that the moisture content has remained above a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time. This can increase the motivation to maintain the moisture content of rice at an appropriate level, and further support the user in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice.

[0207] (Technology 9) The rice cooker according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 8, wherein the first analysis unit analyzes the category to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit belongs, with the moisture content range being divided into a plurality of categories, and the rice cooking control unit is equipped with a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the category analyzed by the first analysis unit. This allows the rice cooking process to be carried out according to the moisture content of the rice, so that appropriate rice cooking can be carried out according to the moisture content of the rice.

[0208] (Technology 10) The rice cooker described in Technology 6, wherein the rice cooking control unit controls the rice cooking process using normal control when the classification analyzed by the first analysis unit is the classification with the largest moisture content value among the multiple classifications, and controls the rice cooking process using first suppression control when the classification analyzed by the analysis unit is a second specific classification other than the largest classification. This prevents deterioration in the texture and taste of cooked rice even when the rice has a low moisture content.

[0209] (Technology 11) The rice cooker described in Technology 7, wherein the rice cooking control unit controls the rice cooking process using second suppression control to suppress deterioration in the texture and taste of the cooked rice when the classification analyzed by the first analysis unit is a third specific classification having a lower moisture content than the second specific classification, and the second suppression control changes the power supplied to the heating unit from the normal control in addition to the control content of the first suppression control. This prevents deterioration in the texture and taste of cooked rice even when the rice has a lower moisture content.

[0210] (Technology 12) A program that causes a processor of a rice cooker equipped with a heating unit that heats a container that contains a heated object including rice and water to function as a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of rice, a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit, a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit, and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit. This provides the same effects as the rice cooker described in the first technique.

[0211] (Technology 11) A display system comprising: a rice cooker equipped with a heating unit that heats a container that contains an object to be heated, including rice and water, and a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of the rice; a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit; and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit. This provides the same effects as the rice cooker described in the first technique. [Industrial Applicability]

[0212] As described above, the rice cooker, program, and display system according to the present invention can be used to assist users in avoiding cooking deteriorated rice. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] 1 rice cooker 2 Rice cooker body 3 Lid 4 pots (containers) 5. Storage section 6 Heating section 7 Openings 8 Temperature sensor (temperature detection part) 10 Pressure suppression valve 11 Pressure valve 12 Pressure valve movement mechanism 13 Containment vessel 14 Detection unit 15 Control device 16 Rice Cooker Communication Unit 20 Server device 31 Outer lid 31A Hinge shaft 31B Exterior top surface 31C Third steam outlet 31D Placement section 32 Inner lid 32A First steam outlet 32B Second steam outlet 40 Terminal device (display unit) 61 First heating coil 62 Second heating coil 92 Display 100 processors 101 Rice cooking control unit 102 Moisture content detection unit 103 1st Analysis Department 104 2nd Analysis Department 105 Display section 106 Rice cooker communication control unit 110 memory 111 Control Program (Program) 112 Historical Data 121 PCB 122B Second light receiving sensor 131 Light emitter 141 Light emitter 142 Receiver 142A 1st receiver 142B 2nd receiver 1000 Display System 1421 Bandpass Filter 1421A 1st Bandpass Filter 1421B Second Bandpass Filter 1422 Light receiving sensor 1422A First light receiving sensor 1422B Second light receiving sensor 1423 PCB 1424 Sensor housing member 1425 bis CL classification CL1 1st division CL2 2nd category (2nd specified category) CL3 3rd category (3rd specified category) CL4 4th category (1st specified category, 3rd specified category) G1 1st screen G2 2nd screen G3 3rd screen G4 4th screen G5 5th screen J1 Moisture content information J2 Drying Condition Information J3 Means Information J4 Drying progress information J5 Recommendations J6 Proper Maintenance Information J7 Support Information L line

Claims

1. A heating unit that heats a container that contains an object to be heated, including rice and water; a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of rice; a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit; and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit. Rice cooker.

2. the first analysis unit analyzes the change in the moisture content over time, the display unit displays, as the analysis result, the change over time in the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit. The rice cooker according to claim 1.

3. the first analysis unit analyzes the range of the moisture content divided into a plurality of ranges to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit belongs; The display unit displays the dryness state of the rice according to the classification analyzed by the first analysis unit. The rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display unit displays the state of dryness of the rice as well as a means for suppressing the progress of drying of the rice. The rice cooker according to claim 3.

5. The display unit displays the dryness state of the rice when the category analyzed by the first analysis unit is a first specific category, The first specific section is the section having the smallest moisture content value. The rice cooker according to claim 3.

6. a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the container; and a second analysis unit that analyzes whether a first timing at which the temperature detection unit detects the maximum temperature in the rice cooking process is earlier than a predetermined second timing at which the temperature of the container reaches the maximum temperature in the rice cooking process by a predetermined value or more, the display unit displays a message recommending execution of detection of the moisture content when the second analysis unit analyzes that the first timing is earlier than the second timing by the predetermined value or more. The rice cooker according to claim 1.

7. the first analysis unit analyzes the change in the moisture content over time, the display unit, when the change over time in the moisture content analyzed by the first analysis unit indicates an increase in the moisture content of a predetermined value or more and indicates that the moisture content detection unit has not detected the moisture content for a predetermined period or more since the increase of the predetermined value or more, displays a message recommending the execution of detection of the moisture content. The rice cooker according to claim 1.

8. the first analysis unit analyzes the change in the moisture content over time, the display unit displays a message that the moisture content is being appropriately maintained when the change over time in the moisture content analyzed by the first analysis unit indicates that the moisture content has been equal to or greater than a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time. The rice cooker according to claim 1.

9. the first analysis unit analyzes the range of the moisture content divided into a plurality of ranges to which the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit belongs; The rice cooking control unit controls the rice cooking process based on the classification analyzed by the first analysis unit. The rice cooker according to claim 1.

10. The rice cooking control unit is When the section analyzed by the first analysis unit is the section with the largest water content value among the plurality of sections, the rice cooking process is controlled by normal control, When the category analyzed by the first analysis unit is a second specific category other than the largest category, the rice cooking process is controlled using a first suppression control that suppresses deterioration in the texture and taste of cooked rice. The rice cooker according to claim 9.

11. The rice cooking control unit is When the category analyzed by the first analysis unit is a third specific category having a lower moisture content than the second specific category, the rice cooking process is controlled using a second suppression control that suppresses deterioration in the texture and taste of the cooked rice, The second suppression control changes the power supplied to the heating unit from the normal control in addition to the control content of the first suppression control. The rice cooker according to claim 10.

12. A rice cooker processor having a heating unit that heats a container that contains rice and water as a heated object, a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of rice; a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit; The first analysis unit functions as a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit. program.

13. a rice cooker including a heating unit that heats a container that contains an object to be heated, including rice and water, and a moisture content detection unit that detects the moisture content of the rice; a first analysis unit that analyzes an analysis target related to the moisture content based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the first analysis unit; and a rice cooking control unit that controls the rice cooking process based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit. Display system.

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