Cooking device

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker capable of preventing such a situation that food is heated and cooked while seasoning is attached to a food container.SOLUTION: A heat cooking device (1) includes a heat chamber (13), an image analyzer (22c) configured to recognize a seasoning (42) attached to a food container (41) disposed in the heat chamber, and a heat controller (22b) configured to start heat cooking of a foodstuff when the image analyzer does not recognize the seasoning, and not to start heat cooking of the foodstuff when the image analyzer recognizes the seasoning.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, convenience stores, for example, provide a service in which food such as sold lunch boxes is heated in a heating cooker such as a microwave oven and handed over to customers.

[0003] The optimum heating temperature and heating time for heating food varies depending on the type of food. Therefore, the cooking device shown in Patent Document 1 uses a camera to read an information code attached to the food and heats the food according to the content of the information code. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-349546 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, food containers may have small pouches attached that contain condiments (such as mayonnaise) for seasoning the food. In particular, when a liquid condiment is attached to a food container, heating the food container in a heating cooker while the condiment is still attached to the food container can cause the pouch to burst, leading to product loss.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a cooking device that can prevent situations such as cooking food with seasonings still on the food container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a heating cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a heating chamber, a recognition unit capable of recognizing seasonings attached to a container that holds food placed in the heating chamber, and a heating control unit that starts heating and cooking the food if the recognition unit does not recognize the seasoning, and does not start heating and cooking the food if the recognition unit recognizes the seasoning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent situations in which food is cooked with seasonings still on the food container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a top view and an enlarged view of a mounting member of a food container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a perspective view of a cooking device according to a first embodiment when viewed obliquely from below from the front and an enlarged view of a display portion of the cooking device. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device included in a cooking device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of the cooking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the process of the cooking device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] (Food containers) Prior to describing the cooking device 1, a food container 41 (container) that contains food 40, which is an object to be heated, will be described first. FIG. 1 shows a top view (reference numeral 1011) of the food container 41 according to the first embodiment and an enlarged view (reference numeral 1012) of the attachment member 43. As indicated by reference numeral 1011 in FIG. 1, the food container 41 is provided with an information code 70. A small bag containing a seasoning (hereinafter simply referred to as seasoning 42) is also attached to the food container 41. The seasoning 42 is not suitable for cooking with the food 40, and includes, for example, a liquid seasoning. The seasoning 42 is attached to the food container 41 by, for example, an attachment member 43 (such as tape).

[0011] 1, the information code 70 is a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)), but is not limited to this and the information code 70 may also be a one-dimensional barcode. The information code 70 is attached to the food container 41, for example, by printing or by a sticker. The information code 70 is attached to the lid of the food container 41, for example.

[0012] The information code 70 includes heating information for heating food. The heating information includes information indicating the type of food and / or information indicating the conditions for cooking the food. For example, the heating information includes information indicating the type of food, such as whether the food is a bento (or further the type of bento) or whether the food is a rice ball (or further the type of rice ball), as well as heating information including the heating time and high-frequency output wattage corresponding to the indicated food.

[0013] The information code 70 is photographed by a camera 31 (recognition unit) of the cooking device 1, which will be described later. The cooking device 1 acquires heating information from the photographed image including the information code 70 acquired by the camera 31. The cooking device 1 heats and cooks the food 40 placed in the heating chamber 13 in accordance with the heating information.

[0014] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 1012 in Fig. 1, a specific mark 80 is provided on the attachment member 43. The specific mark 80 is photographed by the camera 31 of the cooking appliance 1. The cooking appliance 1 recognizes the seasoning 42 based on the photographed image including the specific mark 80 acquired by the camera 31. In other words, the specific mark 80 is a mark that causes the cooking appliance 1 to recognize that the seasoning 42 is attached to the food container 41. When the cooking appliance 1 recognizes the seasoning 42, it notifies information for removing the seasoning 42 from the food container 41 (hereinafter also referred to as seasoning removal information).

[0015] 1, the specific mark 80 is the words "condiment included," but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a specific figure, pattern, etc. The specific mark 80 may be applied to the food container in which the condiment 42 is attached, or may be applied to the condiment 42 itself.

[0016] (Overview of cooking appliances) Next, features of the cooking appliance 1 for cooking objects to be heated, including the food container 41, will be described. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view (reference numeral 1021) of the cooking appliance 1 seen from diagonally below the front, and an enlarged view (reference numeral 1022) of the display unit 30 of the cooking appliance 1. As shown by reference numeral 1021 in FIG. 2, the cooking appliance 1 is, for example, a microwave oven, and has an operation panel 11 at the top of the front face and a front door 12 (door) below the operation panel 11. The front door 12 opens and closes the heating chamber 13 located behind the front door 12, and covers the front opening 13b of the heating chamber 13 when closed. In the first embodiment, the front door 12 is of a side-opening type that rotates around the end on the left side as viewed from the front, and has a handle 14 near the right end, which is the end opposite the center of rotation.

[0017] As shown by reference numeral 1021 in Fig. 2, heating chamber 13 is provided with camera 31 for photographing the interior of the chamber on top surface 13a of the chamber. Camera 31 photographs the interior of heating chamber 13. Camera 31 is capable of photographing at least food containers 41 placed in heating chamber 13. Camera 31 is used to recognize information codes and specific marks 80 attached to food containers 41.

[0018] The operation panel 11 is provided on the front surface of the control frame 15. The operation panel 11 is provided so that the front surface of the operation panel 11 is approximately flush with the front surface of the front door 12 in the front-to-rear direction of the cooking appliance 1. The operation panel 11 includes input keys that accept user operations, a display unit 30 that displays information to be notified to the user, and the like. The display unit 30 notifies the user of the status inside the heating chamber 13, the status of reading the information code, and the like. Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 1022 in FIG. 2, the display unit 30 displays information for removing the seasoning 42 from the food container 41 (the text "Have you removed the seasoning?").

[0019] Inside the control frame 15, a control board (not shown) is provided that controls the display unit 30 of the operation panel 11 and accepts user operations on the input keys and the like.

[0020] (Control device) 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device provided in the cooking appliance 1. The control device includes a control unit 22 that controls the operation of the cooking appliance 1. The control unit 22 is made up of, for example, a microcomputer, and has a CPU, ROM, and RAM.

[0021] 3, control unit 22 is connected to operation panel 11 (operation unit), heating operation unit 23, front door open / close detection unit 25 (open / close detection unit), and memory 52. ​​Front door open / close detection unit 25 is made up of, for example, a switch that turns on when front door 12 is closed, and detects the open state and closed state of front door 12. Heating operation unit 23 is an operation unit that heats food placed in heating chamber 13, and is, for example, a microwave output device or a heater.

[0022] The control unit 22 can communicate with the server 51, for example, using an internet line. Heating information corresponding to various types of food is registered in the server 51. The control unit 22 acquires heating information corresponding to the type of food from the server 51, which the image analysis unit 22c acquires by reading the information code, and controls the heating operation unit 23 so that the food is heated in accordance with the acquired heating information. The heating information corresponding to the type of food may be stored in the cooking appliance 1 itself. In this case, the cooking appliance 1 does not need to communicate with the server 51.

[0023] Control unit 22 includes notification control unit 22a, heating control unit 22b, and image analysis unit 22c (recognition unit). Image analysis unit 22c analyzes the captured image acquired by camera 31. Specifically, image analysis unit 22c determines whether the captured image includes an information code. If the captured image includes an information code, image analysis unit 22c recognizes that a food container 41 has been placed in heating chamber 13 and reads the heating information included in the information code.

[0024] Furthermore, image analysis unit 22c is capable of recognizing seasoning 42. Image analysis unit 22c determines whether seasoning 42 is attached to food container 41 placed in heating chamber 13. In this embodiment, image analysis unit 22c determines whether a specific mark 80 is included in the captured image. When image analysis unit 22c determines that a specific mark 80 is included in the captured image (i.e., when the specific mark 80 is recognized), it recognizes seasoning 42.

[0025] When image analysis unit 22c recognizes seasoning 42, notification control unit 22a notifies information for removing seasoning 42 from food container 41. Specifically, notification control unit 22a controls operation panel 11 so that display unit 30 displays information for removing seasoning 42 from food container 41 (the text "Have you removed the seasoning?"). This makes it possible to make the user aware that seasoning 42 is attached to food container 41 when the user attempts to heat-cook food 40 with seasoning 42 still attached to food container 41. In other words, it is possible to prompt the user to remove seasoning 42 from food container 41 before heat-cooking.

[0026] Notification control unit 22a may also notify information for removing seasoning 42 from food container 41 by means other than display (for example, by sound). Notification control unit 22a may continue to notify the above information from the time image analysis unit 22c acquires seasoning information until heating control unit 22b starts cooking, or may continue to notify the above information until a predetermined signal is input via operation panel 11.

[0027] Heating control unit 22b heats and cooks food 40 placed in heating chamber 13 according to the heating information included in the information code. Specifically, heating control unit 22b controls the heating operation of heating operation unit 23 so as to heat and cook food 40 placed in heating chamber 13 according to the heating information.

[0028] Furthermore, heating control unit 22b starts cooking food 40 when image analysis unit 22c does not recognize seasoning 42, and does not start cooking food 40 when image analysis unit 22c recognizes seasoning 42. Therefore, heating control unit 22b does not start cooking food 40 unless seasoning 42 is removed from food container 41. Therefore, cooking device 1 can prevent a situation in which food 40 is cooked with seasoning 42 still attached to food container 41.

[0029] Furthermore, after the notification control unit 22a notifies the user of information to remove the seasoning 42 from the food container 41, the heating control unit 22b does not start cooking the food 40 unless the front door 12 is detected by the front door open / close detection unit 25 as having been opened. Therefore, the heating control unit 22b does not start cooking the food 40 unless the user opens the front door 12 to remove the seasoning 42 from the food container 41. This increases the reliability of removing the seasoning 42 from the food container 41 before cooking. Note that the heating control unit 22b again determines whether the seasoning 42 is present when the front door 12 is opened after the notification of the seasoning removal information and then the front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that the front door 12 is closed. However, cooking may also be started when the front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that the front door 12 is closed. In other words, the image analysis unit 22c does not need to again determine whether the seasoning 42 is present after the notification of the seasoning removal information.

[0030] Furthermore, if image analysis unit 22c does not recognize seasoning 42, heating control unit 22b may start cooking of food 40 when a signal to start cooking is input via operation panel 11 (for example, when the start button on operation panel 11 is pressed). As a result, if image analysis unit 22c does not recognize seasoning 42, cooking of food 40 will not start until the user operates operation panel 11 (presses the start button). Therefore, cooking can be started at a timing desired by the user.

[0031] When front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that front door 12 is closed, camera 31 photographs the inside of heating chamber 13. When camera 31 photographs the inside of heating chamber 13, image analysis unit 22c analyzes the photographed image taken by camera 31. That is, every time front door 12 is closed, camera 31 photographs the inside of heating chamber 13, and image analysis unit 22c determines whether or not a food container 41 is present in heating chamber 13, and further whether or not condiments 42 are attached to food container 41.

[0032] (Operation of cooking device 1) Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the cooking device 1. An example of the operation of the cooking device 1 for heating a food container 41 and a food container in which no seasoning 42 is attached will be described below with reference to Fig. 4.

[0033] First, control unit 22 waits until front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that front door 12 has been closed (S1). The user opens front door 12, moves food container 41 to the inside of heating chamber 13, and places it in a predetermined position (on flat plate 13c) within heating chamber 13. The user then closes front door 12. At this time, front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that front door 12 has been opened. When front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that front door 12 has been closed (YES in S1), control unit 22 operates camera 31. That is, camera 31 takes an image of the inside of heating chamber 13 (S2).

[0034] Next, control unit 22 analyzes the captured image acquired by camera 31 (S3). Specifically, image analysis unit 22c of control unit 22 determines whether or not the captured image includes an information code. If the captured image includes an information code, image analysis unit 22c recognizes that food container 41 has been placed in heating chamber 13 and reads the heating information included in the information code.

[0035] Control unit 22 also determines whether the captured image includes specific mark 80. If it is determined that the captured image does not include specific mark 80 (NO in S4), control unit 22 starts cooking food 40 according to the heating information included in the information code (S5). In other words, if the captured image does not include specific mark 80, control unit 22 recognizes that no seasoning 42 is attached to the food container, and proceeds with cooking food 40 without reporting seasoning removal information.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined that the captured image contains specific mark 80 (YES in S4), control unit 22 notifies information for removing seasoning 42 from food container 41 (S6). Specifically, control unit 22 causes display unit 30 to display information for removing seasoning 42 from food container 41 (the text "Have you removed the seasoning?"). In other words, if the captured image contains specific mark 80, control unit 22 recognizes that seasoning 42 has been attached to the food container and notifies information for removing the seasoning.

[0037] After notifying the user of the information to remove the seasoning 42 from the food container 41, the control unit 22 waits until the front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that the front door 12 has been opened (S7). After the front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that the front door 12 has been opened (YES in S7), the control unit 22 returns to S1. That is, the control unit 22 waits until the front door open / close detection unit 25 detects that the front door 12 has been closed. The user opens the front door 12, removes the seasoning 42 from the food container 41 according to the display on the display unit 30, and closes the front door 12. As a result, the control unit 22 does not recognize the seasoning 42 in S4, and cooking of the food 40 begins.

[0038] (Action and effect) With the above configuration, the cooking device 1 can determine whether or not seasoning 42 is attached to the food container 41. Furthermore, if the cooking device 1 recognizes seasoning 42, it does not start cooking the food 40. This prevents situations where food 40 is cooked with seasoning 42 still attached to the food container 41. This prevents product loss due to heating the seasoning.

[0039] Furthermore, when cooking appliance 1 recognizes seasoning 42, cooking appliance 1 notifies the user of information for removing seasoning 42 from food container 41. This makes it possible to make the user aware that seasoning 42 is attached to food container 41 when the user attempts to cook food 40 with seasoning 42 still attached to food container 41. In other words, the user can be prompted to remove seasoning 42 from food container 41 before cooking.

[0040] Furthermore, if the cooking appliance 1 determines that the captured image acquired by the camera 31 includes a specific mark 80, it recognizes the seasoning 42. This allows the cooking appliance 1 to recognize the seasoning 42 with a simple configuration in which the specific mark 80 is applied to at least one of the food container 41, the seasoning 42, and the mounting material 43. In particular, by applying the specific mark 80 to the mounting material 43, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of selectively applying the specific mark 80 to the food container 41 to which the seasoning is to be applied, or of applying the specific mark 80 to various types of seasonings.

[0041] [Modification] Instead of the above-described method of recognizing the seasoning 42 based on the specific mark 80 captured by the camera 31, the seasoning 42 may be recognized by the following method.

[0042] Memory 52 stores sample images of seasonings as a database. The sample images of seasonings are, for example, photographed images of the seasonings to be added to food containers 41 in advance. When camera 31 photographs the inside of heating chamber 13, control unit 22 (acquisition unit) acquires the sample images of the seasonings from memory 52. ​​Image analysis unit 22c determines whether or not a seasoning matching the sample image is present in the photographed image acquired by camera 31. When image analysis unit 22c determines that a seasoning matching the sample image is present in the photographed image acquired by camera 31, it recognizes seasoning 42.

[0043] Alternatively, the server 51 may store sample images of seasonings as a database. The control unit 22 (acquisition unit) acquires the sample images of seasonings from the server 51 via an internet line.

[0044] According to the above configuration, if the captured image acquired by camera 31 includes an image of seasoning 42 that matches a pre-registered sample image of the seasoning, cooking appliance 1 recognizes seasoning 42. This allows cooking appliance 1 to recognize seasoning 42 without adding additional information (such as specific mark 80) to food container 41. For example, there is no need to separately prepare attachment material 43 with specific mark 80 added, and any tape can be used to attach seasoning to food container 41.

[0045] [Variation 2] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing of the cooking device 1. As shown in Fig. 5, after executing S1 to S4 described above, if the cooking device 1 determines that the captured image does not include the specific mark 80 (NO in S4), the cooking device 1 may wait until it detects that the start button has been pressed on the operation panel 11 (S21). When it detects that the start button has been pressed on the operation panel 11 (YES in S21), the cooking device 1 starts cooking the food 40 (S5). This allows cooking to start at a timing desired by the user.

[0046] [Software implementation example] The functions of the cooking device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 22).

[0047] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

[0048] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0049] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0050] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0051] 〔summary〕 A heating cooker according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a heating chamber, a recognition unit capable of recognizing a seasoning attached to a container for holding food placed in the heating chamber, and a heating control unit that starts cooking the food if the recognition unit does not recognize the seasoning, and does not start cooking the food if the recognition unit recognizes the seasoning.

[0052] According to the above configuration, the cooking device can determine whether or not a seasoning is attached to the container. Furthermore, if the cooking device detects the presence of a seasoning, it will not start cooking the food. This prevents situations where food is cooked with the seasoning still attached to the container. This prevents product loss due to heating the seasoning.

[0053] The cooking device according to aspect 2 of the present invention may be the cooking device according to aspect 1, further comprising a notification control unit that, when the recognition unit recognizes the seasoning, issues information for removing the seasoning from the container.

[0054] According to the above configuration, when a user attempts to cook food with seasonings still on the container, the cooking appliance can make the user aware that the container has seasonings on it, i.e., can urge the user to remove the seasonings from the container before cooking.

[0055] A heating cooker according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in accordance with aspect 1 or 2 above, further includes an operation unit that accepts user operations, and if the recognition unit does not recognize the seasoning, the heating control unit may start heating and cooking the food when a signal to start heating and cooking is input via the operation unit.

[0056] According to the above configuration, cooking can be started at a timing desired by the user.

[0057] A heating cooker according to aspect 4 of the present invention is the same as in aspect 2 above, further comprising an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door of the heating chamber, and the heating control unit may not start heating and cooking the food if it does not detect that the door has been opened after the notification control unit has notified information to remove the seasoning from the container.

[0058] According to the above configuration, the heating control unit does not start cooking the food unless the user opens the door to remove the seasoning from the container, thereby increasing the reliability of removing the seasoning from the food container before cooking.

[0059] In a heating cooker according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 4 above, a specific mark is provided on at least one of the container to which the seasoning is attached, the seasoning, and the attachment material that attaches the seasoning to the container, and the recognition unit may recognize the seasoning when it recognizes the specific mark.

[0060] According to the above configuration, the cooking device can be made to recognize the seasoning through a simple configuration in which a specific mark is provided on at least one of the container, the seasoning, and the attachment material.

[0061] In a heating cooker according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 4 above, an acquisition unit may further be provided that acquires sample images of seasonings stored as a database, and the recognition unit may include a camera that captures an image of the food placed in the heating chamber, and an image analysis unit that determines whether or not a seasoning that matches the sample image is present in the image acquired by the camera.

[0062] According to the above configuration, the cooking device can recognize the seasoning without adding additional information to the container.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Cooker 11 Operation panel (operation section) 12 Front door (door) 13 Heating cabinet 22 Control unit (acquisition unit) 22a Notification control section 22b Heating control section 22c Image analysis section (recognition section) 25 Front door open / close detector (open / close detector) 30 Display section 31 Camera (recognition unit) 40 Food 41 Food containers (containers) 42 Condiments 43 Mounting material 51 servers 52 memory 80 Specific Marks

Claims

1. A heating chamber and a recognition unit capable of recognizing a seasoning attached to a container containing food placed in the heating chamber; a heating control unit that starts cooking the food when the recognition unit does not recognize the seasoning, and does not start cooking the food when the recognition unit recognizes the seasoning.

2. The cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification control unit that, when the recognition unit recognizes the seasoning, issues information for removing the seasoning from the container.

3. further comprising an operation unit that accepts user operations; The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the recognition unit does not recognize the seasoning, the heating control unit starts cooking the food when a signal to start cooking is input via the operation unit.

4. Further provided is an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening / closing of the door of the heating chamber, 3. The cooking device according to claim 2, wherein the heating control unit does not start cooking the food if the opening / closing detection unit does not detect that the door has been opened after the notification control unit has notified information to remove the seasoning from the container.

5. A specific mark is provided on at least one of the container to which the seasoning is attached, the seasoning, and an attachment material that attaches the seasoning to the container; The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the recognition unit recognizes the seasoning when the specific mark is recognized.

6. further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring sample images of seasonings to be stored as a database; The recognition unit a camera that captures an image of the food placed in the heating chamber; The cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising: an image analysis unit that determines whether or not a seasoning that matches the sample image is present in the image acquired by the camera.

Images