Heating cooking system, program, and method for receiving heating conditions

Abstract

To provide a heating cooking system, a program, and a method for receiving heating conditions that can prevent a user of an information terminal from performing unnecessary operations.SOLUTION: A heating cooking system transmits inquiry information for inquiring about a current state of a heating unit 25 in response to at least one of a plurality of procedures received by an input device 52, transmits heating unit state information representing the current state of the heating unit 25 in response to reception of the inquiry information, and displays a rejection state with priority over reception of condition-setting input when the heating unit state information indicates the rejection state in which the heating unit 25 rejects the reception of heating conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking system, a program, and a method for accepting heating conditions. [Background technology]

[0002] A rice cooker is known that includes a storage means for storing information about the hardness of the water contained in the food being cooked, a display means for displaying the water hardness information by category, and an operation means for operating the water hardness information displayed on the display means so that it can be selected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-045121 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The water hardness setting in a conventional rice cooker can be considered an example of a setting item that is set by navigating through hierarchical operation screens. For convenience, we will refer to setting items that are set by navigating through hierarchical operation screens or setting items that are set through multiple operations as "multi-operation setting items."

[0005] These multi-operation setting items simplify the operation of selecting the desired item from a large number of options by sequentially going through multiple options classified into mutually different types. For example, in the case of water hardness, by going through options related to region and prefecture, the operation of selecting one desired prefecture from 47 prefectures and setting the water hardness for that prefecture is simplified.

[0006] Recently, various cooking appliances, such as rice cookers and electric pressure cookers, are increasingly being equipped with the Internet of Things (IoT). For example, a cooking system is known in which a cooking appliance is communicatively connected to an information terminal. In the cooking system, the information terminal is used to set the cooking appliance, change the settings of the cooking appliance, and grasp the status of the cooking appliance.

[0007] For user convenience, the cooking system preferably provides a method for setting the multi-operation setting items directly on the cooking appliance, and a method for setting the multi-operation setting items from an information terminal.

[0008] However, when an attempt is made to change the settings of a cooking device from an information terminal, it may be preferable to maintain the settings of the cooking device without changing them, depending on the state of the cooking device. For example, while the cooking device is cooking an object, it is preferable to maintain the settings of the cooking menu currently being executed, such as the heating time. In such cases, it is preferable for the cooking device to not accept or reject the setting change and return a message to that effect to the information terminal.

[0009] On the other hand, when a person operating an information terminal (hereinafter referred to as the "terminal user") attempts to change a multi-operation setting item of a cooking appliance, the person performs multiple operations to set the multi-operation setting item and then transmits the changes to the cooking appliance.

[0010] Furthermore, if the terminal user finds out after sending the changes to the cooking appliance that the cooking appliance does not accept or rejects the setting changes, the terminal user may feel that the multiple operations required to set the multi-operation setting items have been in vain, which could significantly reduce the convenience of the cooking system.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking system, a program, and a method for receiving heating conditions that can prevent a terminal user from performing unnecessary operations on an information terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a heating cooking system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an input / output unit capable of accepting multiple inputs including a condition setting input that accepts the setting of heating conditions through multiple steps and a transmission command input that transmits the heating condition information describing the heating conditions, a first transmission / reception unit that transmits the heating condition information in response to the transmission command input, a second transmission / reception unit that can receive the heating condition information, and a heating unit that can perform cooking operations for the food to be cooked based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information, wherein the first transmission / reception unit transmits inquiry information inquiring about the current status of the heating unit in response to at least one of the multiple steps accepted by the input / output unit, and the second transmission / reception unit transmits heating unit status information that represents the current status of the heating unit in response to receiving the inquiry information, and when the heating unit status information received by the first transmission / reception unit indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit refuses to accept the heating conditions, the input / output unit displays the refusal state in priority to accepting the condition setting input.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a program according to an embodiment of the present invention provides an information terminal with an input / output function capable of accepting multiple inputs including a condition setting input that accepts the setting of heating conditions through multiple steps and a transmission command input that transmits the heating condition information describing the heating conditions, and a first transmission / reception function that transmits the heating condition information in response to the transmission command input, wherein the first transmission / reception function, in response to at least one of the multiple steps accepted by the input / output function, transmits inquiry information inquiring about the current state of a heating unit that can perform cooking operations for food based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information, and receives the inquiry information from a second transmission / reception function that transmits heating unit status information that represents the current state of the heating unit, and when the heating unit status information received by the first transmission / reception function indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit refuses to accept the heating conditions, the input / output function displays the refusal state in priority to accepting the condition setting input.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a method for accepting heating conditions according to an embodiment of the present invention accepts the setting of heating conditions through a plurality of steps, accepts a transmission command input for transmitting the heating condition information describing the heating conditions, and, triggered by at least one of the plurality of steps, inquires about the current state of a heating unit capable of performing cooking operations for the food to be cooked based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information, and if the heating unit state information representing the current state of the heating unit indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit refuses to accept the heating conditions, displays the refusal state in priority to the acceptance of the condition setting input. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a heating and cooking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an example of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a front view of an example of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a smartphone as an example of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing information update of the cooking system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first screen displayed on a display unit of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a third screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first sub-screen displayed on a display unit of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second sub-screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a third screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third sub-screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A cooking system, a program, and a method for receiving heating conditions according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Note that the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cooking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a cooking system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides information transmitted by a cooker 2 to the outside in a state in which the information terminal 3 can receive the information. The cooking system 1 may provide information transmitted by the information terminal 3 to the outside in a state in which the cooker 2 in the home can receive the information. The information transmitted by the cooker 2 to the outside includes the current state and current settings of the cooker 2. In other words, the cooking system 1 provides an environment in which the current state and current settings of the cooker 2 in the home can be checked from the information terminal 3 while away from home, and an environment in which the cooker 2 in the home can be remotely controlled. A user of the cooking system 1 can, for example, check the current state and current settings of the cooker 2 while away from home, and operate the cooker 2 according to the current state and current settings.

[0019] The cooking system 1 includes a cooker 2 used to cook an object to be heated, and at least one information terminal 3 used to check the operating status, including the cooking operation, performed by the cooker 2 and to remotely control the cooker 2. The cooking system 1 only needs to include at least the cooker 2 and the information terminal 3. The cooker 2 and the information terminal 3 may establish a direct two-way communication environment using short-range wireless communication 5 such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth, or may establish a direct two-way communication environment via a home Wi-Fi network or the like.

[0020] The cooking system 1 may include a cooking appliance 2, at least one information terminal 3, a server 7 that establishes communication between the cooking appliance 2 and the information terminal 3, and a storage device 8 that stores information for establishing communication between the cooking appliance 2 and the information terminal 3.

[0021] The cooking appliance 2, the information terminal 3, the server 7, and the storage device 8 are each communicatively connected to the network NW via a telecommunications network 11. The network NW may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a low power wide area network (LPWA), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other public or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0022] The telecommunications network 11 includes a short-range wireless communication network 5, an external communication network 12, an in-house communication network 13, and a relay device 15 that relays information between the external communication network 12 and the in-house communication network 13.

[0023] The external communication network 12 includes a network NW. The repeater 15, the server 7, and the information terminal 3 are connected to the network NW via a public telephone network, a mobile phone network, etc. The cooking system 1 provides the user with a simple communication environment between the cooker 2 and the information terminal 3 by using the Internet as an intermediary.

[0024] The local area network 13 is a wireless or wired telecommunications network including a repeater 15, and is a so-called intranet.

[0025] The repeater 15 is, for example, at least one of a wireless router and a modem.

[0026] The cooking appliance 2 is communicatively connected to an in-house communication network 13. The cooking appliance 2 can communicate with a server 7 via a relay device 15 installed in the user's residence. The cooking appliance 2 and the storage device 8 store a plurality of cooking menus used to cook an object to be heated by the cooking appliance 2. Each cooking menu has heating conditions for cooking the object to be heated. The cooking appliance 2 is, for example, at least one of a rice cooker and an electric pressure cooker that are mainly installed in the user's residence, and cooks an object to be heated that contains water.

[0027] The server 7 manages the cooking appliance 2. The server 7 manages, for example, information relating to the device registration of the cooking appliance 2, and information relating to the current state and current settings of the cooking appliance 2, including the operating status of the cooking appliance 2.

[0028] The server 7 also establishes a communication line via the network NW that allows two-way communication of information between the cooking appliance 2 and the information terminal 3. The server 7 is, for example, a cloud server, and is composed of at least one server device. The server 7 may also include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 7 is not limited to a cloud server, and may also be a computer in the user's residence, or may be a home router such as a wireless router.

[0029] The server 7 communicates with a large number of cooking appliances 2 and a large number of information terminals 3 via the network NW. The server 7 assigns an identifier to each of the multiple cooking appliances 2. The cooking system 1 establishes two-way communication between the information terminals 3 and the cooking appliances 2 using the identifiers managed by the server 7.

[0030] For ease of explanation, "information relating to the cooking appliance 2, including the device registration of the cooking appliance 2, the current status including the operating status of the cooking appliance 2, the current settings of the cooking appliance 2, and commands to change the current settings of the cooking appliance 2, and which is transmitted and received via the telecommunications network 11" will be collectively referred to as "cooker information" below.

[0031] The storage device 8 stores various types of information. The server 7 can refer to the information stored in the storage device 8. That is, the server 7 can receive the desired information in response to a specific request sent to the storage device 8. The information stored in the storage device 8 includes, for example, information sent from the information terminal 3.

[0032] The information terminal 3 is communicatively connected to at least one of the external communication network 12 and the local communication network 13. The information terminal 3 is a terminal device used by a user of the cooking system 1 to check the current status and current settings of the cooker 2 and to remotely control the cooker 2. The information terminal 3 may be a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a terminal device that is not suitable for portability and is permanently installed in the home, such as a personal computer or smart speaker. The information terminal 3 communicates directly and bidirectionally with the cooker 2 via short-range wireless communication 5 or via a repeater 15. The information terminal 3 is connected to the network NW via a public wireless line or a mobile phone line, and can also communicate bidirectionally with the server 7. The information terminal 3 obtains information regarding the current status and current settings of the cooker 2 from the server 7 and outputs the current status and current settings of the cooker 2 on the screen of the information terminal 3 or as audio from a speaker.

[0033] An information terminal 3 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal device acquires information with or without the intervention of a server 7 and outputs the status of the cooking appliance 2 on the screen of the information terminal 3. The information terminal 3 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal device also causes the linked cooking appliance 2 to execute processing in accordance with user operations. When the smart speaker detects that a speaker has uttered a specific word, it uses this as a trigger to identify the speaker's subsequent questions and requests using natural language processing, converts a reaction or response according to the identified content into voice and outputs it, or causes the linked cooking appliance 2 to execute processing in accordance with the identified content. A similar natural language processing function may be installed in a portable information terminal 3 such as a smartphone, or may be installed in the cooking appliance 2.

[0034] It is preferable that the information transmitted and received within the cooking system 1, including the cooker 2, information terminal 3, and server 7, is variable-length information with an amount of information appropriate to the needs. In other words, the information transmitted and received within the cooking system 1 may include all information related to the current state and current settings of the cooker 2, may include only a portion of the information related to the current state of the cooker 2, or may include only a portion of the information related to the current settings.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, the cooking device 2 according to this embodiment is a rice cooker 21 that cooks food containing rice and water to cook rice. Food is one type of food to be cooked. Rice cooker 21 comprises a rectangular main body 23 having a pot accommodating section that is open upward, a pot to be accommodated in the pot accommodating section, a heating section 25 capable of heating the pot accommodated in the pot accommodating section, a lid 26 that fits over the top of main body 23 to open and close the pot accommodating section, a hinge mechanism 27 that supports lid 26 on main body 23 so that it can be opened and closed, a lid opening operation section 28 that, when operated, unlocks the connection between lid 26 that closes the pot accommodating section and main body 23, a steam vent 31 that releases steam generated in the pot to the outside of main body 23, a display section 32 as an output device, an operation section 33 as an input device, a communication module 35 that can send and receive various information including cooker information, and a rice cooking control section 36 that controls the rice cooking operation of cooking rice and water placed in the pot to cook the rice.

[0037] The main body 23 has a substantially rectangular shape. The main body 23 has six sides: a front side, a back side, a left side side, a right side side, a top side, and a bottom side. The top side of the main body 23 has an opening.

[0038] Heating unit 25 has the function of cooking rice by cooking food containing rice and water. Heating unit 25 is, for example, a coil, and is arranged to face the lower outer periphery and bottom surface of the pot contained in the pot containing unit. Heating unit 25 generates an alternating magnetic field to electromagnetically heat the heating element of the pot.

[0039] Lid 26 covers and conceals main body 23 in a plan view of rice cooker 21. Lid 26 is rectangular and shorter (thinner in the vertical direction) than main body 23. Lid 26 has six sides: a front, a back, a left side, a right side, a top, and a bottom. The top side of lid 26 is substantially flat.

[0040] Hinge mechanism 27 connects main body 23 and lid 26 so that they can be opened and closed. Hinge mechanism 27 connects the top of the back of main body 23 to the bottom of the back of lid 26. Hinge mechanism 27 also includes a torsion spring that stores spring force in the direction of opening lid 26.

[0041] Lid-opening operation part 28 is located in the front half of the top surface of lid body 26. Pressing lid-opening operation part 28 unlocks main body 23 and lid body 26. When main body 23 and lid body 26 are unlocked, lid body 26 rotates around the axis of hinge mechanism 27 due to the spring force stored in the torsion spring of hinge mechanism 27 and opens.

[0042] The steam vent 31 is provided in the rear half of the top surface of the lid 26. The steam vent 31 discharges steam generated from the food being cooked inside the rice cooker 21 to the outside of the rice cooker 21.

[0043] The display unit 32 is a display that displays various information related to the rice cooker 21.

[0044] The operation unit 33 is located above the display unit 32. The operation unit 33 accepts operations such as starting cooking, setting a reserved time for cooking, and selecting a cooking course. Directly below the operation unit 33 is a control circuit board that controls operations and displays.

[0045] The operation unit 33 is, for example, a touch sensor including a plurality of key elements. Each key element includes, for example, a transparent electrode portion using a conductive polymer, a contact portion connected to a control circuit board, and pattern wiring connecting the transparent electrode portion and the contact portion. By pressing, touching, or bringing a fingertip close to any point on the display unit 32, the key element located directly above that point is operated.

[0046] The operation unit 33 may be a switch using a physical button provided on the side of the display unit 32.

[0047] Furthermore, the rice cooker 21 according to the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a memory unit 37 that stores multiple cooking courses, each of which has cooking conditions for cooking rice into cooked rice. The cooking conditions include, for example, the type of rice, the cooking method for cooking the rice into cooked rice, the hardness of the cooked rice, the cooking time for cooking the rice into cooked rice, and the hardness of the water contained in the food. Each cooking course includes at least two of these cooking conditions. The user of the rice cooker 21 can select cooking conditions such as the type of rice, cooking method, hardness, and cooking time using the operation unit 33. By executing a cooking course, the rice cooker 21 can further enhance the deliciousness of the rice. The cooking course is one type of cooking menu executed by the cooking device 2.

[0048] Rice cooker 21 accepts settings for rice cooking conditions through operation unit 33 as an input device and display unit 32 as an output device. Rice cooker 21 accepts settings for water hardness using the functions, operations, displays, and methods disclosed in JP 2023-045121 A, for example.

[0049] Then, based on the rice cooking course set by operating the operation unit 33, the rice cooker 21 performs the following operations: waiting for rice cooking, heating the rice and water, keeping the rice warm, and waiting for the reservation of rice cooking.

[0050] The states of rice cooker 21 include, for example, "standby," in which it is waiting without performing any process, "cooking," in which it is cooking rice and water to make cooked rice, "keeping warm," in which the temperature of the rice is maintained, and "reserving cooking," in which it is waiting until cooking begins at a predetermined set time. Any of the states that rice cooker 21 is currently executing, namely, "standby," "cooking," "keeping warm," and "reserving cooking," are included in the current state of rice cooker 21.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a front view of an example of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] 3, an information terminal 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a smartphone. The information terminal 3 includes, for example, a display unit 51 as an output device, an input device 52 that accepts user input, a communication module 53 that can send and receive various information, and a terminal control unit 55.

[0053] The display unit 51 is a display capable of displaying various types of information.

[0054] The input device 52 is, for example, a touch panel 52a provided over the display unit 51. The input device 52 may be a voice input unit 52b that accepts voice input.

[0055] For ease of explanation, the display unit 51 and the input device 52 will be collectively referred to as the input / output unit of the information terminal 3.

[0056] The communication module 53 is capable of communicating with the cooking appliance 2 via short-range wireless communication 5. The communication module 53 is connected to the network NW directly or via a repeater 15. The communication module 53 may be capable of communicating with the cooking appliance 2 and the server 7 via the network NW.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a smartphone as an example of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal control unit 55 of the information terminal 3 includes a CPU, a memory serving as a storage unit 57, a timer serving as a timekeeping unit, and an input / output interface.

[0059] An input port of the terminal control unit 55 is connected to the input device 52 and the communication module 53. An output port of the terminal control unit 55 is connected to the display unit 51 as an output device and the communication module 53.

[0060] The terminal control unit 55 receives, at an input port, an operation signal output by the input device 52. The terminal control unit 55 also receives, at an input port, information received by the communication module 53.

[0061] The terminal control unit 55 outputs a display control signal from the output port to the display unit 51. The terminal control unit 55 outputs information to the communication module 53 from the output port.

[0062] These functions of the terminal control unit 55 are realized by the CPU executing programs recorded in memory. The programs cause the terminal control unit 55 to realize, for example, a communication control function 58 and a display control function 59. The programs for realizing these functions in the information terminal 3 are hereinafter referred to as "management applications."

[0063] The communication control function 58 controls the communication operation of the communication module 53. The communication control function 58 operates the communication module 53 to transmit various information from the information terminal 3 to the cooking appliance 2 directly without going through the server 7 or indirectly via the server 7, and to receive various information transmitted by the cooking appliance 2.

[0064] It is preferable that the cooking appliance 2, the information terminal 3, and the server 7 share the current state and current settings of the cooking appliance 2 without delay. Therefore, it is preferable that the cooking appliance 2, the information terminal 3, and the server 7 mutually transmit and receive information indicating the current state and current settings of the cooking appliance 2 at predetermined time intervals, for example, every five minutes. Therefore, the information terminal 3 and the server 7 individually acquire information from the cooking appliance 2 at predetermined time intervals and transmit the information to the cooking appliance 2. It is sufficient that at least the cooking appliance 2 and the information terminal 3 share the current state and current settings of the cooking appliance 2 without delay. It is preferable that the communication module 35 of the cooking appliance 2 transmits all or part of the information stored in the memory unit 37 to the information terminal 3 and the server 7 at predetermined time intervals. It is preferable that the communication module 53 of the information terminal 3 receives the information transmitted by the cooking appliance 2 at predetermined time intervals.

[0065] The display control function 59 controls the display operation of the display unit 51. The display control function 59 causes the display unit 51 to display various screens.

[0066] The display control function 59 displays a plurality of elements such as backgrounds and character strings on the display unit 51 based on, for example, various information received by the communication module 53. The display control function 59 displays, for example, information received by the communication control function 58 on the display unit 51. For ease of explanation, "a plurality of elements such as backgrounds, images, symbols, character strings, etc. that the display control function 59 displays on the display unit 51 based on various information received by the communication module 53" will be referred to as "display elements" hereinafter.

[0067] Incidentally, it is desirable for the cooking system 1 to have a function that allows the user to grasp the current state and current settings of the cooker 2 substantially in real time on the information terminal 3. Therefore, the cooking system 1 includes a cooker 2 that transmits information relating to the current state and current settings of the cooker 2 as periodic information at predetermined time intervals and also transmits information relating to the current state and current settings of the cooker 2 as irregular information at irregular intervals, and an information terminal 3 that receives the regular information and irregular information from the cooker 2 and updates the current state of the cooker 2.

[0068] Irregular information is information that is transmitted between two successive pieces of regular information that are transmitted at predetermined time intervals.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram relating to information updating in the cooking system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the cooker 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits periodic information (solid arrow Da) to the server 7 at predetermined time intervals, for example, every five minutes. The server 7 promptly transmits, i.e., transfers, the periodic information (solid arrow Db) received from the cooker 2 to the information terminal 3. The information terminal 3 running the management app promptly reflects the received periodic information in the management app. The operation in which the cooker 2 transmits periodic information and the information terminal 3 receives the periodic information and promptly reflects it in the management app is hereinafter referred to as the "periodic update function" of the cooking system 1. Furthermore, the operation in which the cooker 2 transmits irregular information (dashed arrow Dc) and the information terminal 3 receives irregular information (dashed arrow Dd) and promptly reflects it in the management app is hereinafter referred to as the "irregular update function" of the cooking system 1.

[0071] The current state and current settings of the cooker 2 include non-urgent state changes and setting changes, i.e., non-urgent state changes and non-urgent setting changes. For example, a state change such as the start of cooking corresponds to this. While these non-urgent items are transmitted from the cooker 2 to the information terminal 3 as periodic information, they do not necessarily have to be transmitted as non-periodic information. The cooking system 1 according to this embodiment can reflect even these non-urgent items in the management app of the information terminal 3 at predetermined time intervals using a periodic update function. The cooker 2 transmits periodic information at predetermined time intervals without any operation by the user, and the information terminal 3 promptly reflects the periodic information in the management app after receiving it.

[0072] The cooking appliance 2 and the information terminal 3 may directly exchange the periodic information (two-dot chain line arrow De) and the non-periodic information (two-dot chain line arrow Df) without going through the server 7.

[0073] Furthermore, the periodic information and irregular information are preferably variable-length information having an amount of information appropriate to the needs. That is, the periodic information and irregular information may include all or part of information regarding the current state and current settings of the cooking appliance 2, may include all or part of information regarding the current state of the cooking appliance 2, or may include all or part of information regarding the current settings.

[0074] Furthermore, when all or part of the information regarding the current state and current settings of the cooking appliance 2 is changed, the cooking appliance 2 and the information terminal 3 may quickly reflect this in the management app by sending and receiving irregular information, without sending and receiving regular information.

[0075] Furthermore, the cooker 2 may transmit irregular information (dashed dotted arrows Dc, Df) in response to an information request (dashed dotted arrow Ra) transmitted from the information terminal 3 to the cooker 2, or an information request (dashed dotted arrow Rb) transmitted from the server 7 to the cooker 2. If the management app, for example, wants to immediately obtain the current status of the cooker 2, the information terminal 3 may transmit an information request (dashed dotted arrow Ra) to the cooker 2, and the cooker 2 may immediately transmit irregular information (dashed dotted arrow Df) in response to the information request (dashed dotted arrow Ra) transmitted to the cooker 2. The information request is one form of information transmitted by the information terminal 3 or the server 7.

[0076] The heating conditions for the cooking menu and rice cooking course include at least one of water quality information, rice type, reservation time, and keep-warm time. The specific steps and operations for operating the information terminal 3 to set water hardness, which is an example of a heating condition and also an example of a multi-operation setting item, in the rice cooker 21 will be explained below in conjunction with the input / output interface.

[0077] The hardness of the water used for cooking the rice will be set to the average hardness of tap water in one of the 47 prefectures selected through options related to the region to which the prefecture belongs and options related to the prefecture.

[0078] The water hardness in this embodiment is an example of water quality information about the water contained in the food being cooked. In addition to water hardness, the water quality information may also be the calcium ion concentration, magnesium ion concentration, or pH value of the water. The rice cooker 21 can use these water quality information settings when selecting and executing a rice cooking course.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the first screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The first screen WS1 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a so-called top screen of the information terminal 3.

[0081] 6, when the management application is started, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays a first screen WS1 as an initial screen. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by a display control function 59.

[0082] The first screen WS1 includes a plurality of first display elements 71.

[0083] The multiple first display elements 71 include, from the top of the first screen WS1, a model identification string 71a, a setting screen call icon 71b, a support screen call icon 71c, a model icon 71d, a status display string 71e, a brand send button 71f, a remaining rice amount adjustment button 71g, a rice cooking history call button 71h, a course introduction call button 71i, and a background 71j.

[0084] The model identification string 71a displays the model identification of the rice cooker 21 selected as the target for management by the management app as a string, for example, "rice cooker." The model identification may be, for example, the model name, the model number, or a string arbitrarily set by the user.

[0085] The setting screen call icon 71b displays, for example, a combination of an image of a “gear” and the character string “settings.” When the setting screen call icon 71b is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to the setting screen.

[0086] The support screen call icon 71c displays, for example, a combination of an image of a "speech bubble" and the character string "support." When the support screen call icon 71c is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to the support screen.

[0087] The model icon 71d displays a large image that evokes the rice cooker 21 selected as the object of management by the management application.

[0088] The status display string 71e displays the current status of the rice cooker 21 selected as the target for management by the management app as a string, for example, "Stopped." The current status of the rice cooker 21 includes "Cooking" or "Running," in which the rice cooker is performing the rice cooking operation, as well as "Stopped," in which the rice cooker is not performing the rice cooking operation, and "Offline," in which communication between the rice cooker 21 and the information terminal 3 cannot be established. If a status other than "Offline" is displayed, the rice cooker 21 is online.

[0089] The stock send button 71f includes a first title string 71fa that displays "Send stock" as a character string, and a stock send screen call icon 71fb that displays, for example, ">" as an image. The first title string 71fa is displayed left-justified on the stock send button 71f, and the stock send screen call icon 71fb is displayed right-justified on the stock send button 71f.

[0090] The rice remaining amount adjustment button 71g functions as an adjustment input unit that accepts adjustment operations related to the remaining amount of rice. The rice remaining amount adjustment button 71g includes a second title string 71ga that displays "Rice Stock" as a string of characters, an inventory amount string 71gb, and a rice remaining amount adjustment input unit call icon 71gc that displays, for example, an image of a ">". The second title string 71ga is displayed left-justified on the rice remaining amount adjustment button 71g, the rice remaining amount adjustment input unit call icon 71gc is displayed right-justified on the rice remaining amount adjustment button 71g, and the inventory amount string 71gb is displayed immediately to the left of the rice remaining amount adjustment input unit call icon 71gc.

[0091] 5 displays the rice inventory amount by combining the word "approximately," a numerical value such as "10.00," and a unit such as "kg" representing kilograms. Inventory amount string 71gb corresponds to the display when the rice inventory amount grasped by cooking system 1 and stored in memory unit 57 is approximately 10.00 kilograms.

[0092] The inventory quantity string 71gb can display the rice inventory quantity in the SI unit of kilograms or in the unit "go" based on the shakkanho system. The unit applied to the rice inventory quantity can be switched and selected on the setting screen that is displayed by touching the setting screen call icon 71b. When the unit applied to the rice inventory quantity is switched to "go" on the setting screen, the inventory quantity string 71gb displays the rice inventory quantity by combining the string "approximately," a numerical value such as "66.6," and a unit such as "go." The cooking system 1 converts units based on 1 go of rice = approximately 150 grams (g).

[0093] In Japan, rice is generally traded in kilograms and grams at stores where consumers can easily obtain it, while rice is consumed in "go" units when cooking rice in rice cookers 21. The inventory quantity string 71gb, which can be displayed by switching between units, can easily present users with inventory quantities that flexibly correspond to both the distribution and consumption patterns of rice in Japan.

[0094] The rice cooking history call button 71h displays, for example, an image resembling a heart mark combined with the text "Favorite rice cooking history." When the rice cooking history call button 71h is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 changes to a screen showing favorite rice cooking courses and the history of rice cooking courses used so far.

[0095] The course introduction call button 71i displays, for example, a small image resembling the rice cooker 21 in combination with the text "Course introduction." When the course introduction call button 71i is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to a screen introducing the rice cooking courses.

[0096] The background 71j uses a color (background color) to represent the current status of the rice cooker 21 selected as the object of management by the management app. For example, the color of the background 71j for "Running" or "Cooking rice" is a warm orange that evokes the image of the rice cooker being heated. The color of the background 71j for "Stopped" is achromatic light gray that evokes the image of the rice cooker being stopped. The color of the background 71j for "Offline" is achromatic dark gray that evokes the image of the rice cooker being offline.

[0097] That is, the information terminal 3 is provided with a display unit 51 that changes both the color of the status display character string 71e and the color of the background 71j (background color) based on the received irregular information and regular information to display the current status of the cooker 2. In other words, the information terminal 3 changes both the color of the status display character string 71e and the color of the background 71j to constantly update and present the current status of the cooker 2 to the user without requiring any operation by the user. Therefore, the cooking system 1 allows the current status of the cooker 2 to be grasped by an image that is intuitive and easily grasped.

[0098] Here, it is assumed that the setting screen call icon 71b on the first screen WS1 is touched.

[0099] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a second screen displayed on the display unit of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second screen WS2 shown in Fig. 7 is an example of a screen of a management application executed on the information terminal 3, and is an example of a settings screen displayed by touching the settings screen call icon 71b on the first screen WS1.

[0100] 7, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays the second screen WS2 in response to an operation received by the setting screen call icon 71b. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by a display control function 59.

[0101] The second screen WS2 includes a plurality of second display elements 73.

[0102] The multiple second display elements 73 include, for example, from the top of the second screen WS2, a previous screen return icon 73a that displays, for example, an image of "<", a first title string 73b that displays the word "Settings" as a string of characters, a notification setting screen call button 73c, a water hardness setting screen call button 73d, a monitoring notification setting screen call button 73e, and an inventory notification setting screen call button 73f.

[0103] When the return to previous screen icon 73a is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to return to the first screen WS1.

[0104] The notification settings screen call button 73c includes a second title string 73ca that displays "Notification Settings" as a character string, and a notification settings screen call icon 73cb that displays, for example, ">" as an image. The second title string 73ca is displayed left-justified on the notification settings screen call button 73c, and the notification settings screen call icon 73cb is displayed right-justified on the notification settings screen call button 73c. ​​When the notification settings screen call button 73c is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to a notification settings screen on which settings related to notifications can be made.

[0105] The water hardness setting screen call button 73d includes a third title character string 73da that displays "Water Hardness Setting" as a character string, a water hardness character string 73db that displays the current water hardness setting of the rice cooker 21, and a water hardness setting screen call icon 73dc that displays, for example, an image of ">". The third title character string 73da is displayed left-justified on the water hardness setting screen call button 73d, and the water hardness setting screen call icon 73dc is displayed right-justified on the water hardness setting screen call button 73d.

[0106] The water hardness string 73db is located between the third title string 73da and the water hardness setting screen call icon 73dc. The water hardness string 73db displays the water hardness setting value as a combination of a number, such as "120," and a unit, such as "mg / L" (milligrams per liter). The water hardness string 73db corresponds to the display when the water hardness setting value of the rice cooker 21 for the rice cooking course is 120 milligrams per liter. If the rice cooker 21 is currently "offline," the water hardness string 73db may display a different display than a number, such as "---" combined with a unit, such as "---mg / L." The water hardness string 73db allows the user to easily recognize the current water hardness setting of the rice cooker 21, while displaying another display, such as "---mg / L," allows the user to easily recognize that the rice cooker 21 is "offline" and cannot accept changes to the water hardness setting.

[0107] When the water hardness setting screen call button 73d is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to a water hardness setting screen for setting the water hardness.

[0108] The monitoring notification setting screen call button 73e includes a fourth title character string 73ea that displays "Monitoring notification setting" as a character string, and a monitoring notification setting screen call icon 73eb that displays, for example, ">" as an image. The fourth title character string 73ea is displayed left-justified on the monitoring notification setting screen call button 73e, and the monitoring notification setting screen call icon 73eb is displayed right-justified on the monitoring notification setting screen call button 73e. When the monitoring notification setting screen call button 73e is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to a monitoring notification setting screen on which settings related to monitoring notifications are made.

[0109] The stock notification setting screen call button 73f includes a fifth title string 73fa that displays "Rice Stock Quantity Notification Settings" as a string of characters, and a stock notification setting screen call icon 73fb that displays, for example, an image of ">". The fifth title string 73fa is displayed left-justified on the stock notification setting screen call button 73f, and the stock notification setting screen call icon 73fb is displayed right-justified on the stock notification setting screen call button 73f. When the stock notification setting screen call button 73f is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to a stock notification setting screen that notifies the user about the amount of rice in stock.

[0110] Next, it is assumed that the water hardness setting screen call button 73d on the second screen WS2 is touched.

[0111] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a third screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. The third screen WS3 shown in Fig. 8 is an example of a screen of a management application executed on the information terminal 3, and is an example of a water hardness setting screen displayed by touching the water hardness setting screen call button 73d on the second screen WS2.

[0112] 8, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays the third screen WS3 in response to an operation received by the water hardness setting screen call button 73d. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by the display control function 59.

[0113] The third screen WS3 includes a plurality of third display elements 75.

[0114] The multiple third display elements 75 include, for example, from the top of the third screen WS3, a previous screen return icon 75a that displays, for example, an image of "<", a first title string 75b that displays the string "Water hardness setting", a region input selection button 75c that displays the string "Prefecture", a numerical input selection button 75d that displays the string "Numeric input", a second title string 75e that displays the string "About water hardness", and a water hardness explanation button 75f that displays the letter "i" surrounded by a circle.

[0115] For convenience, the area where the return to previous screen icon 75a, first title string 75b, region input selection button 75c, numerical input selection button 75d, second title string 75e, and water hardness explanation button 75f are displayed is referred to as the first display area A1 of the third screen WS3.

[0116] When the return to previous screen icon 75a is touched, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions to return to the second screen WS2.

[0117] The area input selection button 75c and the numeric input selection button 75d accept an operation to switch the water hardness input method. Figure 8 illustrates a state in which the area input selection button 75c has been operated. At this time, it is preferable that the last operated button and the buttons operated before that be easily distinguishable. For example, the last operated button, i.e., the area input selection button 75c, is displayed in color, and the button operated before that, i.e., the numeric input selection button 75d, is displayed in achromatic color, or grayed out.

[0118] In the initial display state of the third screen WS3, it is assumed that either the region input selection button 75c or the numeric input selection button 75d has been operated. Figure 8 corresponds to the initial display state of the third screen WS3 when it is assumed that the region input selection button 75c has been operated.

[0119] The water hardness explanation button 75f accepts an operation to display an explanation about water hardness. When the water hardness explanation button 75f is touched, the display unit 51 pops up a water hardness explanation screen that displays an explanation about water hardness in text so as to overlap the third screen WS3.

[0120] When the region input selection button 75c is selected, the multiple third display elements 75 include, below the first display area A1 and from top to bottom, a first region selection button 75g, a second region selection button 75h, a third region selection button 75i, a fourth region selection button 75j, a fifth region selection button 75k, and a sixth region selection button 75l.

[0121] The area where the first region selection button 75g to the sixth region selection button 75l are displayed is called the second display area A2 of the third screen WS3 for the sake of convenience.

[0122] The first region selection button 75g includes a first region string 75ga that displays "Hokkaido / Tohoku" as a character string, and a first region selection icon 75gb that displays, for example, ">" as an image. The first region string 75ga is displayed left-justified on the first region selection button 75g, and the first region selection icon 75gb is displayed right-justified on the first region selection button 75g.

[0123] The second region selection button 75h includes a second region character string 75ha that displays "Kanto-Koshinetsu" as a character string, and a second region selection icon 75hb that displays, for example, ">" as an image. The second region character string 75ha is displayed left-justified on the second region selection button 75h, and the second region selection icon 75hb is displayed right-justified on the second region selection button 75h.

[0124] The third region selection button 75i includes a third region character string 75ia that displays "Hokuriku / Tokai" as a character string, and a third region selection icon 75ib that displays, for example, ">" as an image. The third region character string 75ia is displayed left-justified on the third region selection button 75i, and the third region selection icon 75ib is displayed right-justified on the third region selection button 75i.

[0125] The fourth region selection button 75j includes a fourth region character string 75ja that displays "Kinki" as a character string, and a fourth region selection icon 75jb that displays, for example, a ">" as an image. The fourth region character string 75ja is displayed left-justified on the fourth region selection button 75j, and the fourth region selection icon 75jb is displayed right-justified on the fourth region selection button 75j.

[0126] The fifth region selection button 75k includes a fifth region character string 75ka that displays "Chugoku and Shikoku" as a character string, and a fifth region selection icon 75kb that displays, for example, ">" as an image. The fifth region character string 75ka is displayed left-justified on the fifth region selection button 75k, and the fifth region selection icon 75kb is displayed right-justified on the fifth region selection button 75k.

[0127] The sixth region selection button 75l includes a sixth region character string 75la that displays "Kyushu and Okinawa" as a character string, and a sixth region selection icon 75lb that displays, for example, a ">" symbol as an image. The sixth region character string 75la is displayed left-justified on the sixth region selection button 75l, and the sixth region selection icon 75lb is displayed right-justified on the sixth region selection button 75l.

[0128] The six region selection buttons 75g to 75l in the second display area A2 are used to select the region to which the prefecture belongs when setting the water hardness based on the average hardness of tap water in that prefecture. When any of the region selection buttons 75g to 75l is touched, options for selecting the water hardness from the prefecture corresponding to the selected one of the region selection buttons 75g to 75l are displayed.

[0129] Here, it is assumed that the sixth region selection button 75l, which is identified by the display of "Kyushu and Okinawa", is touched.

[0130] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of the third screen WS3 displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. The third screen WS3 shown in Fig. 9 is an example of a screen of a management application executed on the information terminal 3, and is an example of a setting screen displayed by touching the sixth region selection button 75l on the third screen WS3.

[0131] 9, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays options related to prefectures in the second display area A2 of the third screen WS3 in response to an operation received by the sixth region selection button 75l. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by the display control function 59.

[0132] The third screen WS3 includes a plurality of third display elements 75.

[0133] The multiple third display elements 75 include, from top to bottom in the second display area A2, a region deselection icon 75m that displays, for example, an image of "<", a third title string 75n that displays the name of the currently selected region as a string of characters, for example, "Kyushu / Okinawa", a first prefecture selection button 75o, a second prefecture selection button 75p, a third prefecture selection button 75q, a fourth prefecture selection button 75r, a fifth prefecture selection button 75s, a sixth prefecture selection button 75t, a seventh prefecture selection button, and an eighth prefecture selection button.

[0134] When the region selection cancel icon 75m is touched, the second display area A2 of the third screen WS3 transitions to return to a state in which region selection buttons 75g to 75l are displayed.

[0135] The first prefecture selection button 75o includes a first prefecture string 75oa that displays "Fukuoka Prefecture 52 mg / L" as a string of characters, and a first prefecture selection icon 75ob that displays, for example, a ">" symbol as an image. The first prefecture string 75oa is displayed left-justified on the first prefecture selection button 75o, and the first prefecture selection icon 75ob is displayed right-justified on the first prefecture selection button 75o. The first prefecture string 75oa indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Fukuoka Prefecture is 52 milligrams per liter.

[0136] The second prefecture selection button 75p includes a second prefecture string 75pa, which displays "Saga Prefecture 44 mg / L" as a string of characters, and a second prefecture selection icon 75pb, which displays, for example, a ">" as an image. The second prefecture string 75pa is displayed left-justified on the second prefecture selection button 75p, and the second prefecture selection icon 75pb is displayed right-justified on the second prefecture selection button 75p. The second prefecture string 75pa indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Saga Prefecture is 44 milligrams per liter.

[0137] The third prefecture selection button 75q includes a third prefecture string 75qa that displays "Nagasaki Prefecture 45 mg / L" as a string of characters, and a third prefecture selection icon 75qb that displays, for example, a ">" symbol as an image. The third prefecture string 75qa is displayed left-justified on the third prefecture selection button 75q, and the third prefecture selection icon 75qb is displayed right-justified on the third prefecture selection button 75q. The third prefecture string 75qa indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Nagasaki Prefecture is 45 milligrams per liter.

[0138] The fourth prefecture selection button 75r includes a fourth prefecture character string 75ra that displays "Kumamoto Prefecture 69 mg / L" as a character string, and a fourth prefecture selection icon 75rb that displays, for example, a ">" symbol as an image. The fourth prefecture character string 75ra is displayed left-justified on the fourth prefecture selection button 75r, and the fourth prefecture selection icon 75rb is displayed right-justified on the fourth prefecture selection button 75r. The fourth prefecture character string 75ra indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Kumamoto Prefecture is 69 milligrams per liter.

[0139] The fifth prefecture selection button 75s includes a fifth prefecture string 75sa that displays "Oita Prefecture 52 mg / L" as a string of characters, and a fifth prefecture selection icon 75sb that displays, for example, a ">" symbol as an image. The fifth prefecture string 75sa is displayed left-justified on the fifth prefecture selection button 75s, and the fifth prefecture selection icon 75sb is displayed right-justified on the fifth prefecture selection button 75s. The fifth prefecture string 75sa indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Oita Prefecture is 52 milligrams per liter.

[0140] The sixth prefecture selection button 75t includes a sixth prefecture string 75ta that displays "Miyazaki Prefecture 40 mg / L" as a string of characters, and a sixth prefecture selection icon 75tb that displays, for example, a ">" as an image. The sixth prefecture string 75ta is displayed left-justified on the sixth prefecture selection button 75t, and the sixth prefecture selection icon 75tb is displayed right-justified on the sixth prefecture selection button 75t. The sixth prefecture string 75ta indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Miyazaki Prefecture is 40 milligrams per liter.

[0141] The seventh prefecture selection button includes a seventh prefecture character string that displays "Kagoshima Prefecture 49 mg / L" as a character string, and a seventh prefecture selection icon that displays, for example, a ">" symbol as an image. The seventh prefecture character string is displayed left-justified on the seventh prefecture selection button, and the seventh prefecture selection icon is displayed right-justified on the seventh prefecture selection button. The seventh prefecture character string indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Kagoshima Prefecture is 49 milligrams per liter.

[0142] The eighth prefecture selection button includes an eighth prefecture string that displays "Okinawa Prefecture 84 mg / L" as a string of characters, and an eighth prefecture selection icon that displays, for example, a ">" symbol as an image. The eighth prefecture string is displayed left-justified on the eighth prefecture selection button, and the eighth prefecture selection icon is displayed right-justified on the eighth prefecture selection button. The eighth prefecture string indicates that the average hardness of tap water in Okinawa Prefecture is 84 milligrams per liter.

[0143] As shown in Fig. 9, the first to eighth prefecture selection buttons 75o to 75t may not fit in the second display area A2 and may not be displayed at a glance. The second display area A2 displays, for example, six prefecture selection buttons (the first prefecture selection button 75o to the sixth prefecture selection button 75t). Therefore, it is preferable that the second display area A2 be able to scroll the display vertically. By scrolling the second display area A2 upward, the third to eighth prefecture selection buttons 75q to 75t are displayed in the second display area A2.

[0144] The first prefecture selection button 75o to the eighth prefecture selection button 75o are operated to set the water hardness to the average hardness of tap water in the prefecture.

[0145] The options related to regions and options related to prefectures may be stored in the memory unit 57 of the information terminal 3, or may be stored in the server 7 or the storage device 8. When the server 7 or the storage device 8 stores at least one of the options related to regions and options related to prefectures, the information terminal 3 can request the server 7 to present the options. In response to the request from the information terminal 3, the server 7 extracts the options related to regions and options related to prefectures and transmits the extracted options to the information terminal 3.

[0146] Here, it is assumed that the first prefecture selection button 75o, which is identified by the display of "Fukuoka Prefecture 52 mg / L," is touched.

[0147] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first sub-screen displayed on the display unit of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first sub-screen SS1 shown in Fig. 10 is an example of a screen of a management application executed on the information terminal 3, and is an example of a water hardness transmission screen displayed by touching the first prefecture selection button 75o on the third screen WS3. The first sub-screen SS1 is displayed as a pop-up so as to overlap the third screen WS3.

[0148] 10, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays the first sub-screen SS1 in response to an operation received by the first prefecture selection button 75o. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by the display control function 59.

[0149] When the first prefecture selection button 75o on the third screen WS3 is touched, the first sub-screen SS1 pops up and is displayed overlapping the third screen WS3. While the first sub-screen SS1 is displayed, the third display elements 75 on the third screen WS3 are displayed in gray, for example, in light gray, and do not accept touch operations.

[0150] The first sub-screen SS1 includes a plurality of first sub-display elements 81.

[0151] The multiple first sub-display elements 81 include, for example, from the top of the first sub-screen SS1, a first title string 81a that displays the string "Do you want to send the water hardness?", a second title string 81b that displays the string "Fukuoka Prefecture 52 mg / L" in two lines of text, a cancel button 81c that displays the string "Cancel", and a send button 81d that displays the string "Send".

[0152] The first title character string 81a allows the user to easily recognize that the first sub-screen SS1 is a screen for transmitting the water hardness setting.

[0153] The second title string 81b allows the user to easily recognize that the water hardness setting value transmitted by the first sub-screen SS1 is 52 milligrams per liter. The display content of the second title string 81b matches the display content of the prefecture selection button that is touched on the third screen WS3. For example, when the second prefecture selection button 75p on the third screen WS3 is touched, the second title string 81b displays "Saga Prefecture 44 mg / L" in two lines of text.

[0154] When the cancel button 81c is touched, the information terminal 3 discards the water hardness setting value displayed by the second title character string 81b without sending it to the rice cooker 21, closes the first sub-screen SS1, and returns to the third screen WS3.

[0155] When the send button 81d is touched, the information terminal 3 sends the water hardness setting value displayed by the second title character string 81b to the rice cooker 21. The rice cooker 21 receives the water hardness setting value and, if it reflects the water hardness setting value in the rice cooking menu, sends a success response to the information terminal 3. This success response is one form of information sent and received by the cooking system 1. The information terminal 3 waits to receive the success response, and if it receives the success response within a predetermined waiting time, for example, within 5 seconds, it closes the first sub-screen SS1 and displays a sub-screen including a character string indicating that the water hardness setting has been reflected in the rice cooker 21, or returns to the third screen WS3 without displaying anything.

[0156] However, there are cases where the information terminal 3 does not receive a success response. For example, if the current state of the cooking appliance 2 is "offline" or if the cooking appliance 2 is executing a cooking menu, the information terminal 3 does not receive a success response. An "offline" cooking appliance 2 cannot receive information from the information terminal 3 in the first place, and therefore does not send a success response to the information terminal 3. The cooking menu of the cooking appliance 2 corresponds to the rice cooking course of the rice cooker 21. If the current state of the rice cooker 21 is "cooking rice," it is preferable that the rice cooker 21 not accept and reject a change in the water hardness setting, which may involve a change in the rice cooking course. In this case, the rice cooker 21 also does not send a success response.

[0157] However, if the user of the information terminal 3 finds out after sending the water hardness setting value to the rice cooker 21 that the rice cooker 21 does not accept or rejects the setting change, the user may feel that the multiple operations to set the multi-operation setting item have been in vain, which may significantly reduce the convenience of the cooking system 1.

[0158] Therefore, the cooking system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an input / output unit of the information terminal 3 capable of receiving multiple inputs, including a condition setting input for setting heating conditions through multiple steps and a transmission command input for transmitting heating condition information describing the heating conditions; a communication module 53 of the information terminal 3 as a first transmission / reception unit that transmits the heating condition information in response to the transmission command input; a communication module 35 of the rice cooker 21 as a second transmission / reception unit that can receive the heating condition information; and a heating unit 25 of the rice cooker 21 that can perform cooking operations for food based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information. The input for setting water hardness, one of the heating conditions, through multiple steps as shown in the second screen WS2 of FIG. 7 to the first sub-screen SS1 of FIG. 10 is an example of a condition setting input and also an example of an input of a multi-operation setting item. The information transmitted from the information terminal 3 to the rice cooker 21 by touching the send button 81d on the first sub-screen SS1 of FIG. 10 is an example of heating condition information describing water hardness, one of the heating conditions. Touching the send button 81d is an example of a transmission command input for transmitting the heating condition information.

[0159] Then, the communication module 53 of the information terminal 3 transmits inquiry information inquiring about the current state of the heating section 25 when at least one of the multiple steps received by the input device 52 is received, and the communication module 35 of the rice cooker 21 transmits heating section state information representing the current state of the heating section 25 when the inquiry information is received. The inquiry information is an example of the information provision request shown in Fig. 5. The heating section state information is one aspect of the current state of the cooking appliance 2, and corresponds to irregular information that is transmitted and received when the inquiry information is received.

[0160] Furthermore, when the heating unit status information received by the communication module 53 indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit 25 refuses to accept heating conditions, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 displays the refusal state in priority to accepting condition setting input.

[0161] The refusal state includes a state in which the rice cooker 21 is performing a rice cooking operation and the current state of the rice cooker 21 as recognized by the management app is "cooking rice," "operating," or "offline." For convenience, the refusal states do not include "stopped," "reserved," or "keep warm," and are considered to be permitted states in which the heating unit 25 permits the acceptance of heating conditions.

[0162] The display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 will be described when the heating unit 25 indicates a refusal state in which it refuses to accept the heating conditions. As an example of at least one of the multiple procedures accepted by the input device 52, it is assumed that the water hardness setting screen call button 73d on the second screen WS2 is touched.

[0163] In response to a touch operation received by the water hardness setting screen call button 73d on the second screen WS2, the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment transmits inquiry information inquiring about the current state of the rice cooker 21, that is, the current state of the heating unit 25. When the rice cooker 21 is online, it transmits heating unit state information in response to receiving the inquiry information.

[0164] The information terminal 3 receives the heating unit status information, and if this heating unit status information indicates an allowed state, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions from the second screen WS2 to the third screen WS3 shown in Figure 8, i.e., the water hardness setting screen, and begins accepting condition setting inputs, i.e., accepting the water hardness setting items.

[0165] On the other hand, when the information terminal 3 receives the heating unit status information and this heating unit status information indicates a rejection state, the screen displayed on the display unit 51 does not transition from the second screen WS2 to the third screen WS3 shown in Figure 8, but instead displays the rejection state, prioritizing the acceptance of condition setting input.

[0166] As described above, the heating and cooking system 1 that executes the operation of leaving the refusal state accepts the setting of heating conditions through a plurality of steps, accepts a transmission command input to transmit heating condition information describing the heating conditions, and, triggered by at least one of the plurality of steps, inquires about the current state of the heating unit 25 that can perform the cooking operation of the food to be cooked based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information, and, if the heating unit state information that expresses the current state of the heating unit 25 indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit 25 refuses to accept the heating conditions, embodies a method of accepting heating conditions that prioritizes the acceptance of the condition setting input and displays the refusal state.

[0167] The management app also provides the information terminal 3 with an input / output function capable of receiving multiple inputs including a condition setting input that receives heating condition settings through multiple steps and a transmission command input that transmits heating condition information describing the heating conditions, and a first transmission / reception function that transmits the heating condition information in response to the transmission command input. The first transmission / reception function, in response to at least one of the multiple steps received by the input / output function, transmits inquiry information inquiring about the current state of the heating unit 25 that can perform cooking operations for food based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information, and receives heating unit status information representing the current state of the heating unit 25 from the second transmission / reception function in response to reception of the inquiry information. If the heating unit status information received by the first transmission / reception function indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit 25 refuses to accept the heating conditions, the input / output function displays the refusal state in priority to acceptance of the condition setting input.

[0168] For ease of explanation, the operation of the information terminal 3 to display that the current state of the rice cooker 21 is the rejected state will be referred to as the "rejected state leaving operation."

[0169] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a second sub-screen displayed on the display unit of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second sub-screen SS2 shown in Fig. 11 is an example of a screen of a management application executed on the information terminal 3, and is an example of a screen that displays that the rice cooker 21 is in a rejected state. The second sub-screen SS2 is displayed as a pop-up so as to overlap the second screen WS2.

[0170] 11, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays the second sub-screen SS2 when the heating unit status information received by the information terminal in response to the inquiry information sent to the rice cooker 21 indicates a rejection status. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by a display control function 59.

[0171] While the second sub-screen SS2 is displayed, the second display elements 73 on the second screen WS2 are displayed in, for example, a light gray color and do not accept touch operations.

[0172] The second sub-screen SS2 includes a plurality of second sub-display elements 82.

[0173] The multiple second sub-display elements 82 include, for example, from the top of the second sub-screen SS2, a first title string 82a that displays "Cannot send due to operation" in two lines of text, and a confirmation button 82b that displays the string "OK."

[0174] The first title character string 82a allows the user to easily recognize that the rice cooker 21 is in a rejection state.

[0175] When the confirmation button 82b is touched, the information terminal 3 closes the second sub-screen SS2 and returns to the second screen WS2.

[0176] In other words, before transmitting the setting value of a multi-operation setting item such as water hardness to the rice cooker 21, for example, when the water hardness setting screen call button 73d on the second screen WS2 in Fig. 7 is operated, the information terminal 3 inquires of the rice cooker 21 about its current status, and if the result of this inquiry shows that the rice cooker 21 is in a refusal state, the second sub-screen SS2 in Fig. 11 is displayed to inform the user that the rice cooker 21 is in a refusal state, and the procedure for setting the multi-operation setting item and the operation are interrupted. In this way, the cooking system 1 prevents the user from feeling frustrated when they learn, at the stage when the setting value of the multi-operation setting item has been transmitted to the rice cooker 21, that the rice cooker 21 is in a refusal state and will not accept the setting change or has rejected the setting change.

[0177] Next, a second example of the third screen WS3 will be described.

[0178] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of the third screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. The third screen WS3 shown in Fig. 12 is an example of a screen of a management application executed on the information terminal 3, and is a second example of a water hardness setting screen displayed by touching the water hardness setting screen call button 73d on the second screen WS2.

[0179] 12, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays the third screen WS3 in response to an operation received by the water hardness setting screen call button 73d. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by the display control function 59.

[0180] The third screen WS3 includes a plurality of third display elements 75.

[0181] The third display elements 75a to 75f displayed in the first display area A1 are the same as the third display elements 75a to 75f shown in FIG. 8, and a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0182] Figure 12 illustrates a state in which the numeric input selection button 75d has been operated. At this time, it is preferable to be able to easily distinguish between the last operated button and the buttons operated before that. For example, the last operated button, i.e., the numeric input selection button 75d, is displayed in color, while the button operated before that, i.e., the region input selection button 75c, is displayed in achromatic color, i.e., grayed out. Furthermore, Figure 12 corresponds to the initial display state of the third screen WS3 when it is assumed that the numeric input selection button 75d has been operated.

[0183] When the numeric input selection button 75d is selected, the multiple third display elements 75 include, from the top of the second display area A2, a current setting string 75u that displays the string "Current water hardness setting," a water hardness numeric input button 75v, and an annotation string 75w that displays the following four lines of text: "Water hardness can be set up to a maximum of 120 mg / L. Water hardness classification setting is a main unit function only."

[0184] The current setting character string 75u suggests that the character string displayed on the water hardness value input button 75v is the current water hardness setting value of the rice cooker 21.

[0185] The water hardness value input button 75v displays a combination of a rounded rectangular frame 75va, a symbol 75vb consisting of a combination of "△" and "▽" arranged vertically and left-justified within frame 209, and a water hardness text string 75vc, which displays the current water hardness setting of the rice cooker 21 as a string of characters, for example, "120 mg / L," right-justified within frame 209. When the water hardness value input button 75v is touched, a sub-screen for directly entering the water hardness value on the display unit 51 pops up.

[0186] Assume that the water hardness value input button 75v is touched.

[0187] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a third sub-screen displayed on the display unit of an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The third sub-screen SS3 shown in Fig. 13 is an example of a screen of a management application executed on the information terminal 3, and is an example of a water hardness transmission screen displayed by touching the water hardness numerical value input button 75v on the third screen WS3. The third sub-screen SS3 is displayed as a pop-up so as to overlap the third screen WS3.

[0188] 13, the display unit 51 of the information terminal 3 according to this embodiment displays the third sub-screen SS3 in response to an operation received from the water hardness value input button 75v. The display content of the display unit 51 is controlled by the display control function 59.

[0189] The third sub-screen SS3 pops up and is displayed overlapping the third screen WS3 when the water hardness value input button 75v on the third screen WS3 is touched. While the third sub-screen SS3 is displayed, each of the third display elements 75 on the third screen WS3 is grayed out, for example, in light gray, and does not accept touch operations.

[0190] The third sub-screen SS3 includes a plurality of third sub-display elements 83.

[0191] The multiple third sub-display elements 83 include, for example, from the top of the third sub-screen SS3, a first title string 83a that displays the string "Change water hardness"; a second title string 83b that displays the string "Please select your water hardness. It can be set up to 120 mg / L. If you select a value above 120 mg / L, it will automatically be set to 120 mg / L" in four lines of text; a numerical option 83c that displays multiple numerical values ​​as options arranged vertically so that one of the options can be selected; a cancel button 83d that displays the string "Cancel"; and a decide button 83e that displays the string "Decide."

[0192] The numeric options 83c are a user interface known as a drum roll or picker. The numeric options 83c allow the user to easily recognize the selectable options, i.e., the selectable numerical range and the change amount of the options. For example, the selectable numerical range in units of 100 milligrams is 0 milligrams to 100 milligrams, and options in units of 10 milligrams are presented as discrete values ​​in 10 milligram increments. Options in units of 1 milligram are presented as discrete values ​​in 1 milligram increments. The drum roll can be operated by tracing the options in the direction in which the options are arranged, either upward or downward on the display unit 51 in this embodiment, while visually checking adjacent options that are numerically consecutive. This allows the user to select an option while extremely easily grasping the selectable numerical range and the change amount of the options.

[0193] When the cancel button 83d is touched, the information terminal 3 discards the water hardness setting value displayed by the numerical option 83c without transmitting it to the rice cooker 21, closes the third sub-screen SS3, and returns to the third screen WS3.

[0194] When the decision button 83e is touched, the value selected in the numerical option 83c is sent to the rice cooker 21, the third sub-screen SS3 is closed, and the first sub-screen SS1 shown in Fig. 10 is displayed. At this time, the display content of the second title string 81b on the first sub-screen SS1 matches the display content of the numerical option 83c operated on the third sub-screen SS3. For example, if the numerical option 83c displays "050", the second title string 81b displays "50mg / L" as a character string.

[0195] When the send button 81d on the first sub-screen SS1 is touched, the information terminal 3 sends the water hardness setting value displayed by the numeric option 83c to the rice cooker 21. The rice cooker 21 receives the water hardness setting value and, if it reflects the water hardness setting value in the rice cooking menu, sends a success response to the information terminal 3. The information terminal 3 waits to receive the success response, and if it receives the success response within a predetermined waiting time, for example, within 5 seconds, it closes the first sub-screen SS1 and displays a sub-screen including a character string indicating that the water hardness setting has been reflected in the rice cooker 21, or returns to the third screen WS3 without displaying anything. If the information terminal 3 does not receive the success response, the information terminal 3 may execute an operation of leaving the screen in a refusal state.

[0196] In other words, the water quality information including water hardness includes first water quality information that classifies water quality information by region name and second water quality information that classifies water quality information by numerical value. The first water quality information classified by region name provides an environment in which the water hardness of the rice to be cooked can be set by selecting the name of the region even if the tap water hardness is unknown. The second water quality information classified by numerical value provides an environment in which the tap water hardness of the region in which the rice cooker 21 is used can be more accurately set, or the hardness of water available through channels other than the tap can be set.

[0197] The display unit 51 and the input device 52 switch between the third screen WS3 (Figure 8) that displays the first water quality information and the third screen WS3 (Figure 11) that displays the second water quality information with a single input operation, i.e., a single action, by touching either the region input selection button 75c or the numerical input selection button 75d.

[0198] When tap water is used for cooking rice, the information terminal 3 provides an environment in which water hardness can be set based on first water quality information classified by the name of the region, and when more accurate tap water hardness or water available through a route other than the tap is used for cooking rice, the information terminal 3 provides an environment in which water hardness can be set based on second water quality information classified by numerical value. In other words, the information terminal 3 provides an environment in which the user can set water hardness according to their purpose.

[0199] The timing for executing the refusal state leaving operation by the information terminal 3 is not limited to when the water hardness setting screen call button 73d on the second screen WS2 is touched. The information terminal 3 may execute the refusal state leaving operation at any timing when the screen displayed on the display unit 51 transitions by touch operation, such as when any of the first region selection button 75g to the sixth region selection button 75l on the third screen WS3 is touched, or when the water hardness value input button 75v on the third screen WS3 is touched. Setting water hardness is an example of a multi-operation setting item, and the timing for executing the refusal state leaving operation by the information terminal 3 can be applied to the setting of multi-operation setting items including the water hardness setting. Furthermore, the timing for executing the refusal state leaving operation by the information terminal 3 may be applied to all of the heating conditions of the rice cooker 21 that can be changed from the information terminal 3 through multiple operations, except for the heating conditions of the rice cooker 21 that can be changed from the information terminal 3 with a single operation.

[0200] The cooking system 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above executes a refusal state leaving operation to display the refusal state in priority to accepting condition setting input when the heating unit status information received by the communication module 53 indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit 25 refuses to accept heating conditions. Furthermore, the management application causes the information terminal 3 to execute a refusal state leaving operation when the heating unit status information received by the communication module 53 indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit 25 refuses to accept heating conditions. Furthermore, the heating condition acceptance method executes a refusal state leaving operation when the heating unit 25 indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit 25 refuses to accept heating conditions.

[0201] Therefore, the cooking system 1, management app, and method for accepting heating conditions can prevent a situation from occurring in which the cooker 2 does not accept or rejects a setting change when a setting value for a multi-operation setting item such as water hardness is sent to the cooker 2. In other words, the cooking system 1, management app, and method for accepting heating conditions can provide a high level of convenience by preventing the user from feeling frustrated when learning that the cooker 2 is in a rejection state and does not accept the setting change or has rejected the setting change when a setting value for a multi-operation setting item is sent to the cooker 2.

[0202] Furthermore, the cooking system 1 according to this embodiment transmits the heating unit status information as periodic information at predetermined time intervals, and also transmits the heating unit status information as irregular information at irregular intervals in response to receipt of inquiry information. Therefore, the cooking system 1 can provide the user with an environment in which appropriate actions can be taken according to the current status of the cooker 2 and appropriate operation instructions can be given according to the current status of the cooker 2.

[0203] Furthermore, the cooking system 1 according to this embodiment executes the refusal state leaving operation based on the refusal state related to the heating conditions, including at least one of the water quality information, the type of rice, the reservation time, and the keep-warm time. In other words, the cooking system 1 can execute the refusal state leaving operation for various conditions that make up the heating conditions, not just water hardness.

[0204] Furthermore, the cooking system 1 according to this embodiment switches between a screen displaying first water quality information and a screen displaying second water quality information with a single operation. In other words, when tap water is used for cooking, the cooking system 1 provides an environment in which water hardness can be set based on first water quality information categorized by the name of a region. When more accurate tap water hardness or water obtainable through a route other than the tap is used for cooking, the cooking system 1 provides an environment in which water hardness can be set based on second water quality information categorized by a numerical value. Therefore, the cooking system 1 can provide an environment in which the water hardness can be set according to the user's needs.

[0205] Furthermore, the cooking system 1 according to this embodiment accepts input of conditions based on first water quality information that classifies water quality information by region name. Therefore, the cooking system 1 can provide a user with a highly convenient environment in which the user can indirectly select the hardness of the water used for cooking the food according to the region in which the cooker 2 is used, without having to go through the trouble of checking the hardness of the water used for cooking the food.

[0206] Furthermore, the cooking system 1 according to this embodiment accepts input of conditions based on second water quality information that classifies water quality information by numerical value. Therefore, the cooking system 1 can provide a user with a convenient environment in which the hardness of the water to be used for cooking can be directly selected.

[0207] Therefore, the cooking system 1, management application, and heating condition receiving method according to the present invention can prevent the user of the information terminal 3 from performing unnecessary operations on the information terminal 3.

[0208] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0209] 1...heating cooking system, 2...heating cooker, 3...information terminal, 5...short-range wireless communication, 7...server, 8...storage device, 11...telecommunications network, 12...external communication network, 13...in-house communication network, 15...repeater, 21...rice cooker, 23...main body, 25...heating unit, 26...lid body, 27...hinge mechanism, 28...lid opening operation unit, 31...steam vent, 32...display unit, 33...operation unit, 35...communication module, 36...rice cooking control unit, 37...memory unit, 51...display unit, 52...input device, 52a...touch panel, 52b...voice input unit, 53...communication module, 55...terminal control unit, 57...memory unit, 58...communication control function, 59...Display control function, 71...First display element, 71a...Model identification string, 71b...Settings screen call icon, 71c...Support screen call icon, 71d...Model icon, 71e...Status display string, 71f...Brand name sending button, 71g...Rice remaining amount adjustment button, 71h...Rice cooking history call button, 71i...Course introduction call button, 71j...Background, 71fa...First title string, 71fb...Brand name sending screen call icon, 71ga...Second title string, 71gb...Inventory amount string, 71gc...Rice remaining amount adjustment input section call icon, 73...Second display element, 73a...Previous screen return icon, 73 b...first title string, 73c...notification setting screen call button, 73d...water hardness setting screen call button, 73e...monitoring notification setting screen call button, 73f...stock notification setting screen call button, 73ca...second title string, 73cb...notification setting screen call icon, 73da...third title string, 73db...water hardness string, 73dc...water hardness setting screen call icon, 73ea...fourth title string, 73eb...monitoring notification setting screen call icon, 73fa...fifth title string, 73fb...stock notification setting screen call icon, 75...third display element, 75a...previous screen return icon, 75b...first Title string, 75c...region input selection button, 75d...numeric input selection button, 75e...second title string, 75f...water hardness explanation button, 1...first display area A, 75g...first region selection button, 75h...second region selection button, 75i...third region selection button, 75j...fourth region selection button, 75k...fifth region selection button, 75l...sixth region selection button, 2...second display area A, 75ga...first region string, 75g...first region selection icon, 75ha...second region string, 75hb...second region selection icon, 75ia...third region string, 75ib...third region selection icon,75ja...fourth region string, 75jb...fourth region selection icon, 75ka...fifth region string, 75kb...fifth region selection icon, 75la...sixth region string, 75lb...sixth region selection icon, 75m...region deselection icon, 75n...third title string, 75o...first prefecture selection button, 75p...second prefecture selection button, 75q...third prefecture selection button, 75r...fourth prefecture selection button, 75s...fifth prefecture selection button, 75t...sixth prefecture selection button, 75oa...first prefecture string, 75ob...first prefecture selection icon, 75pa...second prefecture string, 75pb...second prefecture selection icon, 75qa...third prefecture string, 75qb...third prefecture selection icon, 75ra...third Fourth prefecture character string, 75rb...fourth prefecture selection icon, 75sa...fifth prefecture character string, 75sb...fifth prefecture selection icon, 75ta...sixth prefecture character string, 75tb...sixth prefecture selection icon, 75u...current setting character string, 75v...water hardness numerical input button, 75va...frame, 75vb...symbol, 75vc...water hardness character string, 75w...annotation character string, 81...first sub-display element, 81a...first title character string, 81b...second title character string, 81c...cancel button, 81d...send button, 82...second sub-display element, 82a...first title character string, 82b...confirm button, 83...third sub-display element, 83a...first title character string, 83b...second title character string, 83c...numerical options, 83d...cancel button, 83e...decide button.

Claims

1. an input / output unit capable of receiving a plurality of inputs including a condition setting input for receiving the setting of heating conditions through a plurality of procedures and a transmission command input for transmitting the heating condition information describing the heating conditions; a first transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the heating condition information in response to the transmission command input; a second transceiver capable of receiving the heating condition information; a heating unit capable of performing cooking of the food to be cooked based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information; the first transmitting / receiving unit transmits inquiry information inquiring about a current state of the heating unit when at least one of the plurality of procedures received by the input / output unit is triggered; the second transmitting / receiving unit transmits heating unit status information representing a current status of the heating unit upon receiving the inquiry information; The input / output unit is a heating cooking system that, if the heating unit status information received by the first transceiver unit indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit refuses to accept the heating conditions, displays the refusal state in priority to accepting the condition setting input.

2. The heating cooking system described in claim 1, wherein the second transceiver unit transmits the heating unit status information as periodic information at a predetermined time interval, and also transmits the heating unit status information as irregular information at irregular intervals in response to receiving the inquiry information.

3. The heating unit has a function of cooking food containing rice and water to cook rice, The heating and cooking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating conditions include at least one of information on the quality of the water, the type of rice, a rice cooking course, a reservation time, and a keep-warm time.

4. The water quality information includes first water quality information and second water quality information, The cooking system according to claim 3 , wherein the input / output unit switches between a screen displaying the first water quality information and a screen displaying the second water quality information by one operation.

5. The cooking system according to claim 3 , wherein the first water quality information is classified by the name of a region.

6. The cooking system according to claim 3 , wherein the second water quality information is classified by numerical values.

7. The input / output unit If the water quality information has already been set for the heating conditions executed by the heating unit, the set water quality information is displayed; The heating cooking system of claim 3, wherein if the water quality information is not set in the heating conditions executed by the heating unit, or if an initial value of the water quality information is set in the heating conditions executed by the heating unit, another display is displayed.

8. On the information terminal, an input / output function capable of receiving a plurality of inputs including a condition setting input for receiving the setting of heating conditions through a plurality of procedures and a transmission command input for transmitting the heating condition information describing the heating conditions; a first transmitting / receiving function of transmitting the heating condition information in response to the transmission command input; The first transmitting / receiving function transmits inquiry information inquiring about the current state of a heating unit capable of cooking an object based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information, triggered by at least one of the plurality of procedures received by the input / output function, and receives from a second transmitting / receiving function, which transmits heating unit status information representing the current state of the heating unit, in response to reception of the inquiry information; The input / output function is a program that, when the heating unit status information received by the first transmission / reception function indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit refuses to accept the heating conditions, displays the refusal state in priority over accepting the condition setting input.

9. After going through multiple steps, the heating conditions are set, receiving a transmission command input for transmitting the heating condition information describing the heating conditions; Inquiring about a current state of a heating unit capable of performing a cooking operation of an object to be cooked based on the heating conditions described in the heating condition information, when at least one of the plurality of steps is performed; A method for accepting heating conditions, in which, when heating unit status information representing the current status of the heating unit indicates a refusal state in which the heating unit refuses to accept the heating conditions, the refusal state is displayed in priority over the acceptance of the condition setting input.

Images