Cooking system

Abstract

To provide a cooking system capable of detecting whether a lid for a cooking container is available without using an image photographed with a camera to support a user in heat cooking.SOLUTION: A cooking system comprises: a top plate on which a cooking container is mounted; a heating part which heats the cooking container mounted on the top plate; an upper temperature sensor which detects a temperature above the top plate; a lower temperature sensor which is arranged below the top plate and detects a temperature of the cooking container mounted on the top plate; a notification part; and a control part which determines whether there is a lid for the cooling container based upon detection results of the lower temperature sensor and the upper temperature sensor, and controls notification details of the notification part according to whether there is the lid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking system including a heating unit that heats a cooking container placed on a top plate. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a cooking device has been proposed that is equipped with a camera and detects whether a lid is on or not by applying pattern recognition technology such as a neural network to an image of a subject captured by the camera (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-068542 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when identifying an object using an image of the object taken by a camera, as in the case of the cooking device of Patent Document 1, pattern recognition technology and the like are required, which places a heavy burden on data processing. For this reason, there has been a demand for other technology that can detect the presence or absence of a lid on an object to be heated, without using an image taken by a camera.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a cooking system that can detect the presence or absence of a lid on a cooking container without using images taken with a camera, thereby assisting users in cooking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cooking system of the present disclosure comprises a top plate on which a cooking container is placed, a heating unit that heats the cooking container placed on the top plate, an upper temperature sensor that detects the temperature above the top plate, a lower temperature sensor that is positioned below the top plate and detects the temperature of the cooking container placed on the top plate, an alarm unit, and a control unit that determines whether or not a lid is present on the cooking container based on the detection results of the lower temperature sensor and the upper temperature sensor, and controls the content of the alarm from the alarm unit depending on the presence or absence of a lid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the presence or absence of a lid on a cooking container can be detected without using images captured by a camera, thereby assisting a user in cooking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a cooking system 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing a configuration example of a cooking assist device 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view showing a configuration example of a cooking assist device 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a cooking device 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server 30 according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual field F in the left-right direction of the cooking assist device 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a viewing area F in the front-rear direction of the cooking assist device 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating a viewing area F in a plan view of a cooking assist device 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating the temperature detection function of the upper temperature sensor 12 of the cooking assist device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change over time in the temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor 12 and the input power to the heating coil 23 of the cooking device 20 during a cooking process that includes only a lidless process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing the change over time in the temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor 12 and the input power to the heating coil 23 of the cooking device 20 during a cooking process including a process with a lid in accordance with the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of cooking assistance and heating cooking operations performed by the cooking system 100 according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cooking system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the form of the drawings shown below. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating directions (e.g., "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "rear," etc.) will be used as appropriate to facilitate understanding, but these terms are for the purpose of explanation and do not limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0010] Embodiment (Cooking system 100) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a cooking system 100 according to an embodiment. The cooking system 100 includes a cooking assistance device 10, a cooking appliance 20, and a server 30, and is a system that assists a user in cooking using the cooking appliance 20. The cooking assistance device 10 and the server 30, and the cooking appliance 20 and the server 30, are connected via a communication network. The cooking assistance device 10 is installed in a range hood 201 or on a wall 202 above the cooking appliance 20, and receives cooking instructions via voice input from the user, detects the temperature above the cooking appliance 20, and transmits voice information and temperature information to the server 30. The cooking assistance device 10 also outputs voice information to the user. The cooking appliance 20 operates based on operation instructions from the user and can also operate based on control signals from the server 30.

[0011] (Cooking aid device 10) Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a cooking assistance device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a cooking assistance device 10 according to an embodiment. The cooking assistance device 10 includes an audio module 11, an upper temperature sensor 12, a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, a power supply unit 15, a case 16, sound-absorbing material 17, and a power line 18.

[0012] The audio module 11 is a device in which an audio input unit 11a and an audio output unit 11b are integrated. The audio input unit 11a has a microphone and an audio processing circuit, acquires the user's voice, generates an analog audio signal, and converts the generated audio signal into digital data. The digital data of the audio signal generated by the audio input unit 11a is input to the control unit 14 via a bus. The audio output unit 11b has a speaker and an audio processing circuit, converts the digital audio data input from the control unit 14 into an analog audio signal, and outputs the converted analog audio signal. The audio module 11 is arranged so that it has directivity toward the front. Note that, in this embodiment, the audio module 11 in which the audio input unit 11a and the audio output unit 11b are integrated is shown, but the audio input unit 11a and the audio output unit 11b may also be separate devices.

[0013] The upper temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature above the top plate 21 of the cooking appliance 20 (see FIG. 1). The upper temperature sensor 12 is an infrared temperature sensor with multiple infrared detection elements arranged in a matrix. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper temperature sensor 12 is installed in the case 16 so that the viewing area F, which is the area where the temperature is detected, is located below the cooking assist device 10. In FIG. 3, the viewing area F is shown as an area surrounded by a dashed line, and the front-to-back viewing center FC1, which is the center of the viewing area F in the front-to-back direction, is shown by a dashed-dotted line. In the following description, the viewing area F of the upper temperature sensor 12 of the cooking assist device 10 may be referred to as the "viewing area F of the cooking assist device 10."

[0014] The communication unit 13 is a circuit that communicates with the server 30 via a communication network. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives signals in accordance with a predetermined communication standard.

[0015] Control unit 14 acquires signals output from audio module 11, upper temperature sensor 12, and communication unit 13, and controls the operations of these units. Control unit 14 may be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, or may be configured with dedicated hardware that realizes some or all of its functions. Control unit 14 detects the temperature of the object to be heated at heating port 22 of cooking appliance 20 based on the temperature detected by upper temperature sensor 12. Control unit 14 in this embodiment also functions as a human detection unit that detects a human based on the temperature detected by upper temperature sensor 12.

[0016] The power supply unit 15 receives power from a commercial power source and supplies power to the audio module 11 and the upper temperature sensor 12. In this embodiment, the communication unit 13, the control unit 14, and the power supply unit 15 are mounted on a single circuit board, and this circuit board is connected to the commercial power source by a power line 18.

[0017] Case 16 is made of synthetic resin or the like and houses audio module 11, upper temperature sensor 12, communication unit 13, control unit 14, and power supply unit 15. As shown in Fig. 3, a portion of case 16 faces upper temperature sensor 12, and the portion facing upper temperature sensor 12 is made of a material that does not prevent infrared light from passing through. In addition, the portion of case 16 facing audio module 11 is preferably provided with an opening through which vibrations caused by audio can propagate. The rear surface of case 16 is preferably provided with an attachment member such as a hook or adhesive tape that can be attached to wall 202.

[0018] A sound-absorbing material 17 is provided on the upper surface of the case 16. The sound-absorbing material 17 is made of glass wool, urethane sponge, felt, or the like. By providing the sound-absorbing material 17 on the upper surface of the case 16, it is possible to prevent the sound of the ventilation fan of the range hood 201 installed above the cooking assist device 10 from being input to the voice input unit 11a.

[0019] (heating cooker 20) Cooking device 20 is a device equipped with a heating section that heats an object to be heated from below. In this embodiment, cooking device 20 is an induction cooking device that is incorporated into kitchen counter 200 for use. As shown in Fig. 1, cooking device 20 is equipped with top plate 21 on which a cooking vessel such as a pot or frying pan is placed, heating port 22, and heating coil 23.

[0020] The top plate 21 is made of, for example, a heat-resistant glass plate, and is placed on the kitchen counter 200. The top plate 21 is provided with heating ports 22 by printing, engraving, or the like, which indicate the positions where cooking containers are to be placed. In this embodiment, the heating ports 22 are provided on the left, right, and center of the top plate 21, but the positions and arrangement of the heating ports 22 are not limited to this, and it is sufficient that one or more heating ports 22 are provided.

[0021] A heating coil 23, which serves as a heating unit, is provided below the top plate 21, facing the heating port 22. A high-frequency magnetic flux generated by passing a high-frequency current through the heating coil 23 induces eddy currents in the heated object, such as a pot, and the Joule heat generated thereby heats the heated object, such as the pot, and the ingredients in the pot. Note that an electric heater may also be provided as the heating unit.

[0022] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of cooking device 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, cooking device 20 has control unit 24, operation display unit 25, communication unit 26, lower temperature sensor 27, inverter circuit 28, and cooking data 29.

[0023] Control unit 24 exchanges control signals with operation display unit 25 and communication unit 26. Control unit 24 also acquires temperature information detected by lower temperature sensor 27. Control unit 24 also controls inverter circuit 28, which supplies high-frequency current to heating coil 23, based on cooking data 29. Control unit 24 may be composed of a CPU and memory having a timer function, or may be composed of dedicated hardware that realizes some or all of its functions.

[0024] The operation display unit 25 has an operation unit and a display unit. The operation unit accepts operations from the user such as turning the power on and off, starting and stopping heating, or setting the heating output. The operation unit may be configured with, for example, a push button, a dial switch, or a capacitive touch switch. The display unit has an LCD display or LED, etc., and visually notifies information. The display unit notifies the operating status of the cooking appliance 20, such as the heating output and timer time, options for the user to input on the operation unit, and alerts and cautions to the user.

[0025] The communication unit 26 is a circuit that communicates with the server 30 via a communication network. The communication unit 26 transmits and receives signals in accordance with a predetermined communication standard.

[0026] Lower temperature sensor 27 detects the temperature of a cooking container such as a pot placed on top plate 21. Lower temperature sensor 27 is, for example, a contact-type temperature sensor, an infrared-type temperature sensor, or a combination of these. If lower temperature sensor 27 is a contact-type temperature sensor, lower temperature sensor 27 is provided so as to be in contact with the underside of top plate 21 and detects the temperature of the cooking container through top plate 21. If lower temperature sensor 27 is an infrared-type temperature sensor, lower temperature sensor 27 is provided below top plate 21 so as to face an infrared-transmitting window provided in top plate 21 and detects the temperature of the cooking container based on infrared rays emitted from the cooking container. If lower temperature sensor 27 includes both a contact-type temperature sensor and an infrared-type temperature sensor, the temperature of the cooking container may be detected by using the detection result of one to correct the detection result of the other.

[0027] Inverter circuit 28 receives a supply of DC voltage rectified by a rectifier circuit (not shown), and supplies a high-frequency current to heating coil 23 (see FIG. 1). The drive frequency of inverter circuit 28 is controlled by control unit 24.

[0028] The cooking data 29 is data of a control signal used to control the cooking device 20. When the cooking device 20 operates in the automatic cooking mode, the cooking data 29 is used to control the heating output and heating time of the heating coil 23. The cooking data 29 is stored in advance in the cooking device 20 and also obtained from the server 30.

[0029] (Server 30) 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server 30 according to the embodiment. The server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a voice recognition unit 33, a voice signal generation unit 34, voice data 35, recipe information 36, and a cooking data group 37.

[0030] The communication unit 31 is a circuit that communicates with the cooking assist device 10 and the cooking appliance 20 via a communication network. The communication unit 31 transmits and receives signals in accordance with a predetermined communication standard.

[0031] The control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to send and receive signals to and from the cooking assist device 10 and the cooker 20, and also controls the voice recognition unit 33 and the voice signal generation unit 34. Furthermore, the control unit 32 of this embodiment determines whether or not a lid is attached to a cooking container placed on the top plate 21, based on the temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor 12 (see FIG. 2) and the temperature detected by the lower temperature sensor 27 (see FIG. 4) provided on the cooker 20. The control unit 32 may be composed of a CPU and memory, or may be composed of dedicated hardware that realizes some or all of its functions.

[0032] The voice recognition unit 33 receives voice signals transmitted from the cooking assist device 10 via the communication unit 31, analyzes the received voice signals, and outputs them as text information. Voice recognition is performed using, for example, deep learning. The voice recognition unit 33 is realized by dedicated hardware or a general-purpose computer device.

[0033] The audio signal generation unit 34 generates an audio signal for the audio to be output by the cooking assist device 10. The audio signal generation unit 34 searches whether the target audio signal is stored in the audio data 35, and if so, extracts the target audio signal. If the target audio signal is not stored in the audio data 35, the audio signal is generated using the stored audio signal. The generated audio signal may be newly stored in the audio data 35.

[0034] The voice data 35 is time-series data of voice signals that are the source of the voices that the cooking assist device 10 utters to the user. For example, voice signals corresponding to predetermined text information such as "Hello, what would you like to cook today?", "Continue heating," or "Cooking finished" are stored as the voice data 35. Voice signals newly generated by the voice signal generator 34 may also be stored as the voice data 35.

[0035] Recipe information 36 is data on recipes that include ingredients and cooking methods. Recipes for each cooking menu, such as "gyoza," "curry," and "boiled fish," are stored in recipe information 36. A single cooking menu may include multiple recipes with different ingredients, cooking methods, or both.

[0036] The cooking data group 37 is a collection of cooking data, which is data of control signals used to control the cooking appliance 20. Each cooking data constituting the cooking data group 37 is associated with a recipe in the recipe information .

[0037] The communication unit 31, control unit 32, voice recognition unit 33, voice signal generation unit 34, voice data 35, recipe information 36, and cooking data group 37 that constitute the server 30 do not necessarily have to be physically implemented in a single device. The server 30 may be a cloud server. The voice data 35, recipe information 36, and cooking data group 37 are stored in memory.

[0038] (Temperature detection by cooking assistant device 10) Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the visual field F in the left-right direction of the cooking assistance device 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the visual field F in the front-rear direction of the cooking assistance device 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the visual field F in a plan view of the cooking assistance device 10 according to the embodiment. In Figs. 6 to 8, the outer edge of the visual field F is conceptually indicated by dashed lines, and the front-rear visual field center FC1, which is the center of the visual field F in the front-rear direction, and the left-right visual field center FC2, which is the center in the left-right direction, are indicated by dashed lines. Each diagram also shows a cooking container 300 and a user 301 who is the cook.

[0039] 6 and 8, the visual field F of the cooking assistant device 10 encompasses the top plate 21 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the cooking container 300 placed on the top plate 21 is also encompassed in the visual field F in the left-right direction.

[0040] 7 and 8, the viewing field F of the cooking assistant device 10 encompasses the top plate 21 in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the cooking container 300 placed on the top plate 21 is also encompassed in the viewing field F in the front-to-rear direction.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the viewing field F of the cooking assist device 10 is an area on the front side of the cooking appliance 20 in the front-to-rear direction, and includes a user area UF where the user 301, who is the cook, is present while cooking. In Figures 7 and 8, the user area UF is conceptually indicated by a two-dot chain line. The size of the user area UF is not particularly limited, but is an area extending approximately 30 cm to 80 cm forward from the front end of the cooking appliance 20.

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates the temperature detection function of the upper temperature sensor 12 of the cooking assistant device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9(a) shows a case where a cooking container 300 containing ingredients 302 is placed on the heating opening 22 without a lid, and FIG. 9(b) shows a case where a cooking container 300 with a lid 303 is placed on the heating opening 22. The upper part of FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an actual image, and the lower part of FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a thermal image based on the temperatures detected by the upper temperature sensor 12. The numbers and the shading of the rectangles in the background shown in the example thermal image in FIG. 9 indicate the detected temperatures of the respective infrared detection elements provided in the upper temperature sensor 12. Each infrared detection element of the upper temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of each area obtained by dividing the heating opening 22 and its surrounding area into multiple locations. The temperature detection range of the upper temperature sensor 12 also includes the area outside the outer edge of the heating opening 22, and the upper temperature sensor 12 also detects the temperature of the top plate 21 outside the cooking container 300.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the lid is removed and heating by the cooking device 20 begins, the temperatures of the cooking container 300 and ingredients 302 above the heating opening 22 rise. As shown in the example thermal image, the outside of the cooking container 300 is approximately room temperature, between 20°C and 40°C, and the area where this temperature is detected is shown as the first area R1 in FIG. 9. The cooking container 300 reaches a temperature of 100°C or higher, and the area where this temperature is detected is shown as the second area R2 in FIG. 9. The ingredients 302 inside the cooking container 300 are heated to room temperature to 100°C during normal cooking while containing water, so their temperature is lower than that of the cooking container 300, and the area where this temperature is detected is shown as the third area R3 in FIG. 9.

[0044] 9(b), when the lid 303 is present, the temperatures of the cooking container 300 above the heating opening 22, the food material 302, and the lid 303 rise when heating by the cooking device 20 begins. In this case, too, the regions detected by the upper temperature sensor 12 are divided into different temperature zones: a first region R1, a second region R2 inside the first region R1, and a third region R3 inside the first and second regions R1 and R2. However, the lid 303, which comes into contact with the cooking container 300 and covers the entire top surface thereof, has a generally uniform temperature distribution, and the difference in temperature between the second region R2 and the third region R3 is smaller than when there is no lid as shown in FIG. 9(a).

[0045] Thus, when the lid is not installed, the temperature difference between the second region R2 and the third region R3 is large, and when the lid is installed, the temperature difference between the second region R2 and the third region R3 is small. Utilizing this knowledge, it is possible to make a primary determination as to whether the lid 303 of the cooking vessel 300 is installed or not, based on the temperatures of the regions detected by the upper temperature sensor 12.

[0046] The first region R1 to the third region R3 can be determined based on the detection results of the multiple infrared detection elements of the upper temperature sensor 12, for example, as follows: First, multiple adjacent infrared detection elements are grouped and the average value of the detected temperatures within the group is calculated, and the infrared detection elements included in the group are changed and the average value is calculated repeatedly, thereby identifying the first region R1 to the third region R3.

[0047] Furthermore, when making an initial determination of the presence or absence of the lid 303, the difference in temperature between the second region R2 and the third region R3 may be obtained using the average, minimum, or maximum temperature values ​​of the second region R2 and the third region R3. It is preferable to store the temperatures detected in each region over a predetermined period in chronological order, and if a value that is too low or too high compared to the stored temperatures is detected, it is not used as noise. Alternatively, multiple measurement points may be specified in each of the second region R2 and the third region R3, and the presence or absence of the lid 303 may be determined based on the results of comparing the temperatures at each measurement point.

[0048] (Detection of the presence or absence of a lid by the cooking system 100) Although the primary determination of the presence or absence of the lid 303 using the upper temperature sensor 12 of the cooking assist device 10 has been described, it may be difficult to determine the presence or absence of the lid 303 based on the temperature difference between the second region R2 and the third region R3 depending on the ingredients 302 in the cooking container 300, the heating output, and the heating time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of the lid 303 is determined additionally using the temperature detected by the lower temperature sensor 27.

[0049] First, using the cooking of frozen dumplings as an example, we will explain how the detected temperatures of the first to third regions R1 to R3 of upper temperature sensor 12 and the detected temperature of lower temperature sensor 27 change with or without lid 303. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the changes over time in the detected temperature of upper temperature sensor 12 and the input power to heating coil 23 of cooking device 20 during a cooking process that includes only a lidless step according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the changes over time in the detected temperature of upper temperature sensor 12 and the input power to heating coil 23 of cooking device 20 during a cooking process that includes a lidded step according to the embodiment. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the changes over time in the first temperature T1 of first region R1, the second temperature T2 of second region R2, the third temperature T3 of third region R3, and the lower temperature TL detected by lower temperature sensor 27. The cooking process for frozen dumplings shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 each consists of a first step and a second step. Before the first step begins, frozen dumplings are arranged in a frying pan, which is a cooking vessel. In the first step, an input power of 750 W is applied to the heating coil 23, and the dumplings are heated for 10 minutes. The heating time is measured by a timer (not shown) provided in the cooking device 20. In the second step, an input power of 1000 W is applied to the heating coil 23 with the cooking vessel 300 left uncovered to allow the moisture to evaporate, and heating is terminated when 5 minutes have elapsed and the maximum temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor 12 has reached 160°C. The two diagrams differ in that Figure 10 shows the state in which the first step is performed without a lid, while Figure 11 shows the state in which the first step is performed with a lid.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, when the first step begins, the frying pan and frozen dumplings are heated. While the second temperature T2 and the lower temperature TL rise rapidly, the third temperature T3 in the third region R3 where the frozen dumplings are located rises slowly. At the beginning of heating, the second temperature T2 is higher than the lower temperature TL. The first temperature T1 in the first region R1 outside the heating opening 22 hardly rises at all. As heating in the first step continues, moisture from the frozen dumplings diffuses into the frying pan, causing the second temperature T2 to drop and become close to the lower temperature TL, and heating continues.

[0051] Ten minutes after the start of the first step, the system transitions to the second step. In the second step, the input power increases, so the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the lower temperature TL all increase. Note that the first temperature T1 remains almost unchanged. Utilizing the knowledge gained from FIGS. 10 and 11, the presence or absence of the lid 303 is detected as in the first and second examples shown below.

[0052] (First example of detecting the presence or absence of a lid) As shown in Figure 11, in the first step with the lid on, the changes in the first temperature T1 and the lower temperature TL are almost the same as in Figure 10. However, because there is a lid, the changes in the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 detected by the upper temperature sensor 12 are smaller than those in Figure 10, and the values ​​are also smaller. Thus, when the lid is on, the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 are lower than the lower temperature TL.

[0053] Therefore, when the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 are lower than the lower temperature TL, it can be determined that the lid is in place. Specifically, when the higher of the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 (the second temperature T2 in this embodiment) is lower than the lower temperature TL by a threshold or more, it is determined that the lid is in place. That is, in FIG. 11, when the temperature difference ΔT between the second temperature T2 and the lower temperature TL is a threshold or more, it is determined that the lid is in place.

[0054] (Second example of detecting the presence or absence of a lid) As can be seen by comparing Figures 10 and 11 for the lower temperature TL, the second temperature T2, and the third temperature T3, the amount of change in each temperature during period (a), which is the initial heating period from the start of heating to time t1, differs depending on whether or not a lid is used. In Figure 10, where the lid is not used, the lower temperature TL and the second temperature T2 rise rapidly, while in Figure 11, where the lid is used, the lower temperature TL rises rapidly as in Figure 10, but both the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 rise relatively slowly. Thus, during period (a), when the lid is used, the amount of change in the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 is smaller than the amount of change in the lower temperature TL.

[0055] Therefore, in the initial stage of heating from the start of heating to time t1, if the amount of change in lower temperature TL is greater than the amount of change in second temperature T2 and the amount of change in third temperature T3, it is determined that the lid is in place. The amount of change in lower temperature TL is compared with the amount of change in second temperature T2 or third temperature T3, whichever is greater, and if the amount of change in lower temperature TL is greater than or equal to a threshold, it is determined that the lid is in place; otherwise, it is determined that the lid is not in place. Note that time t1 is predetermined according to the heating output of cooking appliance 20.

[0056] As mentioned above, the presence or absence of a lid can be primarily determined based on the temperature difference between the second region R2 and the third region R3. This is also shown in Figures 10 and 11. Specifically, during period (b) after time t1 has elapsed since the start of heating, the heating output is constant, and the lower temperature TL remains almost unchanged whether the lid is on or off. The second temperature T2 fluctuates significantly without the lid, but increases slowly and linearly with the lid. The third temperature T3 increases linearly without the lid, but increases more slowly with the lid than without the lid. As can be seen by comparing the temperature difference ΔTa between the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 shown in Figure 10 with the temperature difference ΔTb between the second temperature T2 and the third temperature T3 shown in Figure 11, the temperature difference ΔTa without the lid is larger than the temperature difference ΔTb with the lid. Therefore, the presence or absence of a lid can be detected by comparing the difference between the temperature difference ΔTa and the temperature difference ΔTb with a predetermined threshold.

[0057] In this way, the presence or absence of the lid can be determined based on the detection results of upper temperature sensor 12 and lower temperature sensor 27. Note that the presence or absence of the lid may be determined using both the result of the primary determination of the presence or absence of the lid and the result of the determination of the presence or absence of the lid based on the detection results of upper temperature sensor 12 and lower temperature sensor 27. For example, if both determination results are the same, the determination result is determined to be the presence or absence of the lid. In this way, the presence or absence of the lid can be detected more accurately.

[0058] (Operation of Cooking System 100) The cooking device 20 operates in either a manual cooking mode in which the user sets the heating output, heating time, etc. to perform cooking, or an automatic cooking mode in which cooking is performed under heating conditions determined for each set cooking menu. Here, the operation of the cooking system 100 when the cooking device 20 operates in the automatic cooking mode will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of cooking assistance and cooking operations by the cooking system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0059] (Step S1) The cooking system 100 accepts cooking menu settings. The user sets the cooking menu using the cooking appliance 20 or the cooking assistance device 10. When using the cooking appliance 20, the user uses the operation unit to select one of the cooking menus from a list displayed on the display unit of the operation display unit 25. The cooking menu input into the cooking appliance 20 is transmitted to the server 30 via the communication unit 26. When using the cooking assistance device 10, the user inputs the cooking menu by speaking. Specifically, the user may say something like, "I'll fry some frozen dumplings," and the cooking assistance device 10 acquires this voice. The cooking assistance device 10 generates an analog signal corresponding to the acquired voice, converts the analog signal into a digital audio signal, and transmits it to the server 30. The server 30 acquires the cooking menu input by voice by performing voice recognition based on the audio signal. Before the user speaks the cooking menu, the powered-on heating cooker 20 may transmit a power-on signal, and based on instructions from the server 30 that receives the power-on signal, the cooking assistance device 10 may output a voice message such as "What would you like to make?" to prompt the user to speak.

[0060] (Step S2) The cooking system 100 acquires a recipe corresponding to the cooking menu set in step S1. In this embodiment, the control unit 32 of the server 30 searches the recipe information 36 to acquire a recipe corresponding to the cooking menu.

[0061] (Step S3) Cooking appliance 20 acquires cooking data corresponding to the recipe. Specifically, control unit 32 of server 30 extracts cooking data corresponding to the recipe acquired in step S2 from cooking data group 37 and transmits the extracted cooking data to cooking appliance 20. In this way, cooking appliance 20 acquires cooking data. Note that cooking appliance 20 may use a cooking data group stored in advance, in which case cooking data corresponding to the cooking menu set in step S1 is extracted from the stored cooking data group.

[0062] (Step S4) The cooker 20 starts the cooking process based on the cooking data. Specifically, the control unit 24 saves the received cooking data as cooking data 29 (see FIG. 4) and controls the inverter circuit 28 based on the saved data. Note that before the cooker 20 starts heating, the cooking system 100 may execute a preparation process in which it provides the user with information about cooking preparations. For example, the server 30 transmits recipe information and audio output instructions to the cooking assistance device 10. The recipe information transmitted here is information for informing the user of the cooking steps and tasks, and the audio output instructions are audio information explaining the cooking steps. The cooking assistance device 10 then outputs audio explaining the cooking steps and tasks, for example, "Frozen dumplings: Automatic cooking mode will start on the left IH. Place the frying pan and arrange the frozen dumplings." In addition to the audio output, the cooker 20 may also display an explanation of the cooking steps and tasks.

[0063] (Step S5) The cooking system 100 determines whether the currently running process includes the operation of covering a cooking container. Here, a cooking process is composed of one or more consecutive steps, and each step is specified as including or not including the operation of covering. In this embodiment, the server 30 determines whether the currently running process includes the operation of covering a cooking container based on a recipe corresponding to the cooking data transmitted to the cooking appliance 20.

[0064] (Step S6) The cooking system 100 detects whether a lid is on a cooking container. In this embodiment, the server 30 requests the cooking assistant device 10 and the cooker 20 to transmit the detection results of the upper temperature sensor 12 and the lower temperature sensor 27, respectively, and stores the transmitted detection results of the upper temperature sensor 12 and the lower temperature sensor 27. The server 30 then detects whether a lid is on a cooking container based on the acquired detection results. When a cooking process starts, the cooking assistant device 10 and the cooker 20 may periodically transmit the detection results of the upper temperature sensor 12 and the lower temperature sensor 27, respectively, to the server 30.

[0065] (Step S7) The cooking system 100 determines whether the presence or absence of a lid in the process determined in step S5 matches the presence or absence of the detected lid. If the process being performed includes the act of placing a lid and a lid is detected, or if the process being performed does not include the act of placing a lid and a lid is not detected (step S7: YES), proceed to step S9. If the process being performed includes the act of placing a lid and a lid is not detected, or if the process being performed does not include the act of placing a lid and a lid is detected (step S7: NO), proceed to step S8.

[0066] (Step S8) The cooking system 100 issues a notification to adjust the lid of the cooking container to a state appropriate for the process currently being performed. In this embodiment, the server 30 instructs the cooking assistance device 10 to issue a notification by voice and instructs the cooking appliance 20 to issue a notification by display. If the process requires a lid but the lid is detected as missing, the cooking assistance device 10 outputs a voice message saying "Please put the lid on," and the operation display unit 25 of the cooking appliance 20 displays the text "Please put the lid on." If the process does not require a lid but the lid is detected as present, the cooking assistance device 10 outputs a voice message saying "Please remove the lid," and the operation display unit 25 of the cooking appliance 20 displays the text "Please remove the lid." After the notification, the process returns to step S6.

[0067] (Step S9) The cooking system 100 determines whether or not a transition condition from the currently executed process to the next process is satisfied. In this embodiment, the server 30 determines whether or not the transition condition is satisfied based on a recipe corresponding to the cooking data currently executed by the heat cooker 20. In the case of the frozen dumpling cooking process exemplified in Figures 10 and 11, the transition condition from the first process to the second process is that 10 minutes have passed since the start of the process, so if 10 minutes have passed, the transition condition is satisfied (step S9: YES) and the process proceeds to step S10, and if 10 minutes have not passed (step S9: NO), the current process continues.

[0068] (Step S10) The cooking system 100 determines whether or not there is a next step. In this embodiment, the server 30 determines whether or not there is a next step based on a recipe corresponding to the cooking data being executed by the cooking appliance 20. If there is a next step (step S10: YES), the process proceeds to step S11, and if there is no next step, the process ends.

[0069] (Step S11) The cooking system 100 transitions to the next step, starts heating under the heating conditions specified for the next step, and returns to step S5. When transitioning to the next step, the cooking system 100 may notify the user of the work to be done in the next step or the heating details for the next step. For example, in the cooking steps for frozen dumplings illustrated in FIG. 11, when transitioning from the first step to the second step, the cooking assistance device 10 and the cooking appliance 20 may notify the user, such as "Proceed to the next step. Please remove the lid." Such notification allows the user to proceed smoothly with the work. Alternatively, transition to the next step may be made after receiving an instruction from the user to transition to the next step. For example, in step S11, the cooking assistance device 10 and the cooking appliance 20 may first notify the user, such as "If you wish to proceed to the next step, please select 'Proceed.'" When the user then inputs an instruction to transition to the next step by voice input or operation, the cooking system 10 transitions to the next step.

[0070] As described above, cooking system 100 of this embodiment includes top plate 21 on which a cooking container is placed, heating coil 23 for heating the cooking container placed on top plate 21, upper temperature sensor 12, lower temperature sensor 27, a notification unit, and a control unit. Upper temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature above top plate 21. Lower temperature sensor 27 is disposed below top plate 21 and detects the temperature of the cooking container placed on top plate 21. The notification unit of this embodiment is audio output unit 11b provided in cooking assist device 10 and operation display unit 25 provided in cooker 20. Control unit 32 of server 30 determines whether a lid is attached to the cooking container based on the detection results of lower temperature sensor 27 and upper temperature sensor 12, and controls the notification content of the notification unit depending on the presence or absence of the lid.

[0071] In a first example of detecting the presence or absence of a lid, the detection area of ​​upper temperature sensor 12 is defined as first area R1, second area R2, and third area R3, and it is determined that the lid is present when the second temperature T2 of second area R2 and the third temperature T3 of third area R3 detected by upper temperature sensor 12 are lower than the value of lower temperature TL detected by lower temperature sensor 27. Here, first area R1 is the outermost area of ​​the detection area corresponding to the heating opening of upper temperature sensor 12 and includes the area outside the heating opening, second area R2 is an area inside first area R1, and third area R3 is an area inside first area R1 and second area R2.

[0072] The second example of detecting the presence or absence of a lid determines the presence or absence of a lid based on the difference between the amount of change in temperature detected by upper temperature sensor 12 and the amount of change in temperature detected by lower temperature sensor 27. This second example is effective during the initial heating period (a) shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0073] In this way, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of a lid on a cooking container can be detected without using an image captured by a camera, and a notification based on the detection result can be provided to assist the user in cooking. Since the presence or absence of a lid can be detected to assist in cooking under conditions appropriate for the cooking process, good cooking results can be achieved.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the automatic cooking mode in which the heating coil 23 is controlled according to a predetermined cooking process, if the cooking process includes the act of putting a lid on and it is determined that the cooking container has no lid, the control unit 32 notifies the cooking assist device 10 and the cooking appliance 20 to put on the lid. Therefore, even if the user forgets to put on the lid, the user knows that the lid should be put on, and this prevents the user from accidentally cooking without a lid.

[0075] Furthermore, in automatic cooking mode, if the cooking process includes the act of putting a lid on and it is determined that the cooking container has a lid, the heating output and / or heating time of heating coil 23 is controlled based on the detection result of lower temperature sensor 27. When the cooking container is covered, upper temperature sensor 12 is blocked by the lid and has difficulty detecting the temperature inside the cooking container, and the detected temperature with the lid is lower than the detected temperature without the lid (see Figures 10 and 11), so only the detection result of lower temperature sensor 27 is used for control. In this way, heating control can be performed even when the lid is on.

[0076] (Variation 1) The cooking system 100 may include a memory unit that counts the number of times cooking is performed using the heating coil 23, which is a heating unit, and stores the number of times cooking is performed, and when the number of times cooking exceeds a threshold, the notification unit may issue a notification urging the user to clean the upper temperature sensor 12. For example, the control unit 24 of the cooking appliance 20 counts the number of times cooking is performed and stores the number of times cooking in a memory unit (not shown) provided in the cooking appliance 20. When the number of times cooking exceeds the threshold, the cooking appliance 20 transmits a signal indicating that the threshold has been exceeded to the server 30, and the server 30 instructs the cooking assistant device 10 to issue an audio notification and the cooking appliance 20 to issue a visual notification. Alternatively, when the number of times cooking is performed exceeds the threshold, the cooking appliance 20 may issue a notification urging the user to clean using the operation display unit 25. Alternatively, the cooking appliance 20 may transmit a signal to the server 30 every time cooking is performed using the heating coil 23, and a memory unit (not shown) provided in the server 30 may store the number of times cooking is performed. In this case, when the number of cooking times exceeds the threshold value, the server 30 issues a notification to either or both of the cooking assistant device 10 and the cooking appliance 20 to prompt cleaning of the upper temperature sensor 12.

[0077] The case 16 of the cooking assistance device 10 is prone to becoming dirty due to oil splashes or oil smoke during cooking, but by encouraging the user to clean it, the case 16 is more likely to be kept clean, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the upper temperature sensor 12.

[0078] (Variation 2) The cooking assist device 10 of this embodiment is set so that the user area UF is included in the field of view F of the upper temperature sensor 12 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The multiple infrared detection elements of the upper temperature sensor 12 detect the temperature in each of the multiple areas into which the user area UF is divided. The control unit 14 determines the presence or absence of a user 301 based on the temperature detected in the user area UF. Specifically, for example, if a temperature equivalent to a person's body temperature is detected in a predetermined user area UF (for example, an area up to 50 cm from the front end of the top plate 21), the control unit 14 determines that a person is present.

[0079] The volume of the sound output by the sound output unit 11b of the cooking assist device 10 is made different depending on whether a person is detected in the user area UF or not. Specifically, when no person is detected, the sound output by the sound output unit 11b is made louder than when a person is detected. In this way, when the user is not near the cooking appliance 20, the notification is made in a louder voice, making it easier for the user to hear the voice.

[0080] Furthermore, when the cooking assistance device 10 detects a person based on the temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor 12, the audio output unit 11b may vary the volume of the sound output depending on the distance between the cooking assistance device 10 and the person. Specifically, because the upper temperature sensor 12 includes multiple infrared detection elements, the distance between the cooking assistance device 10 and the person can be detected based on the position of the infrared detection element that detected the person. When the distance between the person and the cooking assistance device 10 is large, the audio output unit 11b may output a louder sound than when the distance between the person and the person is small, thereby improving the user's ability to hear the sound. Instead of or in addition to varying the volume of the sound, the content of the output audio may be varied. For example, when the distance between the person and the cooking assistance device 10 is large, a specific sound such as a buzzer or chime may be output before the spoken audio, followed by the spoken audio. This allows the audio to be heard while the user, even if they are far from the cooking assistance device 10, is focused, thereby reducing the user's risk of missing a beat.

[0081] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 30 communicates with and controls the cooking assistance device 10 and the cooking appliance 20, but the functions of the server 30 may be performed by the cooking assistance device 10 or the cooking appliance 20. For example, the cooking assistance device 10 or the cooking appliance 20 may detect whether a lid is on or off for a cooking container. Also, the functions of the server 30 may be performed by the cooking assistance device 10 or the cooking appliance 20 without providing the server 30.

[0082] In addition, in the embodiment, the cooking assistance device 10 is provided with the voice input unit 11a, and an example has been shown in which the user can input cooking instructions by voice, but the cooking assistance device 10 may not be provided with the voice input unit 11a, and cooking instructions from the user may be received by operating the cooking appliance 20. In this way, the configuration of the cooking system 100 can be simplified.

[0083] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the audio output unit 11b as a notification unit is provided in the cooking assist device 10 and the operation display unit 25 as a notification unit is provided in the cooking appliance 20, but the configuration and arrangement of the notification units are not limited to this. For example, a notification unit such as a smart speaker provided with an audio output unit may be provided separately from the cooking assist device 10 equipped with the upper temperature sensor 12, or the audio output unit may be provided in the cooking appliance 20. Furthermore, the cooking assist device 10 or a device such as a smart speaker may be provided with a notification unit that displays information.

[0084] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0085] (Appendix 1) a top plate on which a cooking vessel is placed; a heating unit that heats the cooking vessel placed on the top plate; an upper temperature sensor that detects the temperature above the top plate; a lower temperature sensor disposed under the top plate and configured to detect the temperature of the cooking vessel placed on the top plate; The notification department, a control unit that determines whether or not a lid is present on the cooking vessel based on the detection results of the lower temperature sensor and the upper temperature sensor, and controls the content of the notification by the notification unit depending on the presence or absence of the lid. Cooking system. (Appendix 2) In an automatic cooking mode in which the heating unit is controlled according to a predetermined cooking process, When the cooking process includes the operation of putting the lid on, if it is determined that the lid of the cooking container is absent, the control unit notifies the notification unit to put the lid on. 10. The cooking system of claim 1. (Appendix 3) In the automatic cooking mode, When the cooking process includes the operation of putting the lid on and it is determined that the lid is on the cooking container, the control unit controls one or both of the heating output and the heating time of the heating unit based on the detection result of the lower temperature sensor. 10. The cooking system of claim 2. (Appendix 4) When the detection area of ​​the upper temperature sensor is defined as a first area, a second area inside the first area, and a third area inside the first area and the second area, The control unit When the second temperature T2 of the second area and the third temperature T3 of the third area detected by the upper temperature sensor are lower than the value of the lower temperature TL detected by the lower temperature sensor, it is determined that the lid is present. A cooking system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The control unit The presence or absence of the lid is determined based on the difference between the amount of change in temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor and the amount of change in temperature detected by the lower temperature sensor. A cooking system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. (Appendix 6) A storage unit that stores the number of times cooking is performed using the heating unit, The control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification urging the user to clean the upper temperature sensor when the number of cooking times exceeds a threshold value. A cooking system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) a human detection unit that detects a human based on the temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor; the notification unit has a sound output unit that outputs sound, The volume of the sound output by the sound output unit differs depending on whether the human detection unit detects a human or not. A cooking system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) the human detection unit detects a distance between the detected human and the upper temperature sensor; The volume of the sound output by the sound output unit varies depending on the distance. 8. The cooking system of claim 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Cooking assistance device, 11 Audio module, 11a Audio input unit, 11b Audio output unit, 12 Upper temperature sensor, 13 Communication unit, 14 Control unit, 15 Power supply unit, 16 Case, 17 Sound absorbing material, 18 Power line, 20 Cooking appliance, 21 Top plate, 22 Heating port, 23 Heating coil, 24 Control unit, 25 Operation display unit, 26 Communication unit, 27 Lower temperature sensor, 28 Inverter circuit, 29 Cooking data, 30 Server, 31 Communication unit, 32 Control unit, 33 Voice recognition unit, 34 Voice signal generation unit, 35 Voice data, 36 Recipe information, 37 Cooking data group, 100 Cooking system, 200 Kitchen counter, 201 Range hood, 202 Wall, 300 Cooking container, 301 User, 302 Ingredients, 303 Lid, F Field of view area, FC1 Field of view center, FC2 Left and right visual field center, R1 1st area, R2 2nd area, R3 3rd area, UF user area.

Claims

1. a top plate on which a cooking vessel is placed; a heating unit that heats the cooking vessel placed on the top plate; an upper temperature sensor that detects the temperature above the top plate; a lower temperature sensor disposed under the top plate and configured to detect the temperature of the cooking vessel placed on the top plate; The notification department, a control unit that determines whether or not a lid is present on the cooking vessel based on the detection results of the lower temperature sensor and the upper temperature sensor, and controls the content of the notification by the notification unit depending on the presence or absence of the lid. Cooking system.

2. In an automatic cooking mode in which the heating unit is controlled according to a predetermined cooking process, When the cooking process includes the operation of putting the lid on, if it is determined that the lid of the cooking container is absent, the control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification urging the user to put the lid on. The cooking system of claim 1 .

3. In the automatic cooking mode, When the cooking process includes the operation of putting the lid on and it is determined that the lid is on the cooking container, the control unit controls one or both of the heating output and the heating time of the heating unit based on the detection result of the lower temperature sensor. The cooking system of claim 2 .

4. When the detection area of ​​the upper temperature sensor is defined as a first area, a second area located inside the first area, and a third area located inside the first area and the second area, The control unit When the second temperature T2 of the second area and the third temperature T3 of the third area detected by the upper temperature sensor are lower than the value of the lower temperature TL detected by the lower temperature sensor, it is determined that the lid is present. The cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit The presence or absence of the lid is determined based on the difference between the amount of change in temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor and the amount of change in temperature detected by the lower temperature sensor. The cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A storage unit that stores the number of times cooking is performed using the heating unit, The control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification urging the user to clean the upper temperature sensor when the number of cooking times exceeds a threshold value. The cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. a human detection unit that detects a human based on the temperature detected by the upper temperature sensor; the notification unit has a sound output unit that outputs sound, The volume of the sound output by the sound output unit differs depending on whether the human detection unit detects a human or not. The cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. the human detection unit detects a distance between the detected human and the upper temperature sensor; The volume of the sound output by the sound output unit varies depending on the distance. The cooking system of claim 7.

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