Kitchen

Abstract

To effectively adjust the sound volume of a speaker provided in a kitchen.SOLUTION: Kitchen 1 includes a plurality of pieces of equipment such as sink 2, faucet 3, cooking apparatus 4, cooking space 5, and range hood 6, and includes speaker 7 provided in one of the plurality of pieces of equipment, and speaker controller 8 that adjusts a sound volume of speaker 7 based on an operation state of a piece of equipment different from the equipment in which speaker 7 is provided. For example, the speaker 7 is provided in the sink 2, and the speaker control unit 8 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 based on the operation states of the faucet 3 and the range hood 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to kitchens. [Background technology]

[0002] While working in the kitchen, such as cooking, the user may listen to music or the like.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes providing a speaker in the kitchen to play back sound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-74121 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, kitchens are equipped with noise-generating equipment, such as faucets and range hoods. When these equipment operate, it may be difficult to hear the sound from the speaker. Furthermore, when a speaker is installed, it may be difficult to hear the sound from the speaker due to the noise from equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is installed.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a kitchen in which the volume of a speaker installed in the kitchen can be effectively adjusted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a kitchen according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a kitchen composed of a plurality of pieces of equipment, and includes a speaker provided in one of the pieces of equipment, and a control unit that adjusts the volume of the speaker based on the operating state of an equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is provided.

[0008] This configuration makes it possible to adjust the speaker volume taking into account the operating state of equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is installed. This allows for effective volume adjustment of speakers installed in the kitchen. For example, even in a situation where the operation of equipment makes it difficult for a user to hear the speaker sound, the speaker volume is adjusted to match the operation, improving user convenience. Furthermore, the appropriate volume adjustment improves user comfort.

[0009] In addition, in the kitchen according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit receives a signal related to the operating status of an equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is installed, and adjusts the volume of the speaker.

[0010] According to this configuration, by receiving a signal relating to the operating state of the equipment, it is possible to appropriately adjust the volume.

[0011] In addition, in the kitchen according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, when an equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is installed starts operating, the control unit increases the volume of the speaker compared to before the operation started.

[0012] With this configuration, the volume of the speaker can be increased in accordance with the noise generated by the operation of the equipment.

[0013] In addition, in the kitchen according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when an equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is installed stops operating, the control unit reduces the volume of the speaker compared to before the operation stopped.

[0014] With this configuration, the volume of the speaker can be adjusted to an appropriate level even when the operation is stopped.

[0015] In addition, in a kitchen according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker based on the operating states of multiple pieces of equipment, including equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker is installed.

[0016] According to this configuration, the volume of the speaker can be adjusted more accurately based on the operating states of a plurality of pieces of equipment, thereby improving user convenience.

[0017] In addition, in a kitchen according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit increases the volume of the speaker relative to a reference volume value, and when the user changes the volume of the speaker after the volume has been increased, the control unit corrects the reference value in response to the change operation.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to adjust the volume by reflecting the user's change operation in the reference value.

[0019] In addition, in a kitchen according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit receives a signal related to an abnormal state of an equipment from an equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is installed, the control unit issues a notification using the speaker.

[0020] According to this configuration, by notifying the user of an abnormal state of the equipment through the speaker, the user can be more reliably aware of the abnormal state. For example, even if the volume of the alarm function of the equipment itself is difficult to hear, the reliability of the notification can be improved by notifying through the speaker.

[0021] Moreover, the kitchen according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure further includes a human presence sensor that detects a person, and the control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker based on the detection result of the human presence sensor.

[0022] According to this configuration, the use of the human sensor makes it possible to more appropriately adjust the volume of the speaker.

[0023] In addition, in the kitchen according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the human presence sensor is provided around the speaker, and the control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker depending on the situation of people around the speaker.

[0024] According to this configuration, the volume can be adjusted depending on the situation of people around the speaker, thereby further improving convenience for the user.

[0025] Moreover, the kitchen according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure further includes a microphone that detects ambient sounds, and the control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker based on the detection result of the microphone.

[0026] According to this configuration, the use of the microphone makes it possible to more appropriately adjust the volume of the speaker.

[0027] In addition, in the kitchen according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the microphone is provided around the speaker, and the control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker depending on the sound conditions around the speaker.

[0028] According to this configuration, the volume can be adjusted depending on the sound conditions around the speaker, thereby further improving convenience for the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the kitchen of the present disclosure, the volume of the speakers installed in the kitchen can be effectively adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of a kitchen. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a speaker control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in a speaker control unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a kitchen when a human sensor and a microphone are installed. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a volume adjustment process. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing flow of a part of the processing in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0032] === Implementation form === <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a kitchen 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment"). As shown in FIG. 1, the kitchen 1 includes a sink 2, a faucet 3, a cooking appliance 4, a cooking space 5, a range hood 6, a speaker 7, and a speaker control unit 8. The sink 2, the faucet 3, the cooking appliance 4, the cooking space 5, and the range hood 6 are each equipment that constitutes the kitchen 1. Note that other equipment may also be provided as equipment that constitutes the kitchen 1. The other equipment may be, for example, dishwashing equipment, storage equipment, etc.

[0033] The sink 2 is a tank-like fixture provided with a drain port through which water from the faucet 3 flows. Specifically, the sink 2 has a bottom surface 12 and side surfaces 13. The bottom surface 12 is the lowest surface of the sink 2. The bottom surface 12 is surrounded by the side surfaces 13 to form a tank shape. A drain port is provided in the bottom surface 12 for drainage.

[0034] The faucet 3 is a device that discharges water. Specifically, the faucet 3 discharges water toward the bottom surface 12 of the sink 2. The faucet 3 is, for example, an electronic faucet. For this reason, the faucet 3 is provided with a faucet control unit 21.

[0035] The faucet control unit 21 controls the discharge of water from the faucet 3. Specifically, the faucet control unit 21 controls the start and end of water discharge from the faucet 3 (opening and closing the faucet 3) based on the detection results of a sensor such as an infrared sensor provided on the faucet 3. For example, when a user brings their hand close to the faucet 3, the faucet control unit 21 causes water to be discharged from the faucet 3. The faucet control unit 21 may also control the amount of water discharged.

[0036] The cooking device 4 is a facility that cooks food using gas, electricity, etc. The cooking device 4 is, for example, an IH cooking heater, but the type is not limited thereto. The cooking device 4 is provided with a cooking control unit 22.

[0037] The cooking control unit 22 controls the cooking appliance 4. For example, the cooking control unit 22 controls the start and end of heating, the degree of heating (strength of heat), etc. For example, the cooking control unit 22 controls the cooking appliance 4 according to instructions from the user.

[0038] The cooking space 5 is, for example, a facility provided between the faucet 3 and the cooking device 4. The cooking space 5 is, for example, a cooking table.

[0039] The range hood 6 is a device that exhausts oily smoke, steam, hot air, exhaust gas, etc. generated during cooking to the outdoors. The range hood 6 is installed, for example, above the cooking device 4. The range hood 6 exhausts steam, etc. to the outdoors, for example, using a fan (not shown). The range hood 6 is provided with a range hood control unit 23.

[0040] The range hood control unit 23 controls the range hood 6. For example, the range hood control unit 23 controls the start and end of exhaust and the strength of the exhaust capacity. For example, the range hood control unit 23 controls the range hood 6 in accordance with instructions from the user.

[0041] The speaker 7 is a device that generates sound. The speaker 7 is provided in one of the pieces of equipment that make up the kitchen 1. In this embodiment, the speaker 7 is provided in the sink 2 as an example. The speaker 7 is, for example, an exciter (vibration speaker). The exciter generates sound by using an object that comes into contact with the body as a vibrating material.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of the kitchen 1 around the sink 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the speaker 7 is provided on the back side of the side portion 13 of the sink 2 (on the vertical surface behind the sink 2). The speaker 7 generates sound using the sink 2 as a vibrating material. In particular, by providing the speaker 7 on the sink 2, it is possible to generate sound with a high degree of realism and clarity.

[0043] In this embodiment, the speaker 7 is an exciter, but it may be a speaker with a vibrating material such as a cone already provided.

[0044] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the speaker 7 is provided in the sink 2 has been described as an example, but the facility in which the speaker 7 is provided is not limited to the sink 2.

[0045] The speaker control unit 8 controls the speaker 7. In particular, the speaker control unit 8 has a function of adjusting the volume of the speaker 7.

[0046] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the speaker control unit 8. As shown in FIG.

[0047] 3, the speaker control unit 8 includes a control device 30, a communication device 31, and a storage device 32. The control device 30 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 33 and a memory .

[0048] In the control device 30, the CPU 33 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 34 or the storage device 32, etc., thereby functioning as various functional components described below.

[0049] The communication device 31 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 31 is capable of communicating with, for example, various devices.

[0050] The storage device 32 is configured by a hard disk, etc. The storage device 32 stores various programs and various information required for executing processes in the control device 30, as well as information on the results of the processes.

[0051] The speaker control unit 8 can also be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose computer or microcomputer. The speaker control unit 8 may be configured with a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices. Fig. 3 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the speaker control unit 8, and the speaker control unit 8 may have other configurations.

[0052] <Functional configuration> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in the speaker control unit 8. As shown in Fig. 4, the speaker control unit 8 mainly includes a communication unit 40, a sound reproduction unit 41, a volume adjustment unit 42, and an abnormality notification unit 43.

[0053] The communication unit 40 communicates with, for example, a user's smartphone, television, etc. The communication is preferably performed by wireless connection, and the communication unit 40 receives an audio signal from the smartphone, television, etc.

[0054] The communication unit 40 also communicates with each piece of equipment that makes up the kitchen 1. Note that communication with each piece of equipment may be wireless or wired. In this embodiment, the communication unit 40 is connected to and communicates with each of the faucet 3, cooking appliance 4, and range hood 6, as an example. Note that the equipment with which communication is performed is not limited to the above.

[0055] Specifically, the communication unit 40 communicates with each of the faucet control unit 21, the cooking control unit 22, and the range hood control unit 23. That is, the speaker control unit 8 communicates with equipment (e.g., the range hood 6) different from the equipment in which the speaker 7 is provided (e.g., the sink 2). The communication unit 40 then acquires information relating to the operating status of each piece of equipment. For example, the communication unit 40 acquires information relating to the operating status of the faucet 3, information relating to the operating status of the cooking appliance 4, and information relating to the operating status of the range hood 6. The information relating to the operating status includes, for example, the operating status (on / off state) of the equipment and the operating mode of the equipment. The information relating to the operating status preferably includes information indicating the degree of operation, such as the strength of the exhaust capacity of the range hood 6.

[0056] Furthermore, the communication unit 40 acquires, from each piece of connected equipment, a signal related to an abnormal state of that equipment. That is, the communication unit 40 receives a signal related to an abnormal state of that equipment from equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker 7 is installed. For example, the equipment may be equipped with an abnormality detection function (error function, safety notification function, safety alarm function, etc.). Therefore, the communication unit 40 acquires a signal indicating that the equipment detected by the abnormality detection function is in an abnormal state.

[0057] The sound playback unit 41 plays sound from the speaker 7. When the sound playback unit 41 receives an audio signal from a smartphone, a television, or the like, it plays the audio signal from the speaker 7. This allows music played using a smartphone, television audio, and the like to be emitted from the speaker 7 in the kitchen 1. Note that an operation button or the like may be provided in the kitchen 1 for the speaker 7, allowing the volume to be increased or decreased, for example.

[0058] The volume adjustment unit 42 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7. Specifically, the volume adjustment unit 42 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 based on the operating state of equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker 7 is installed. That is, the volume adjustment unit 42 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 using information on the operating state of the equipment acquired by the communication unit 40. The volume adjustment may be performed using AI or may be performed according to a preset program.

[0059] Specifically, when the equipment starts operating, the volume adjustment unit 42 increases the volume of the speaker 7 compared to before the start of the operation. That is, the volume adjustment unit 42 increases the volume so that the sound of the speaker 7 is not difficult to hear due to noise generated by the equipment's operation. The amount of increase in volume is preferably set according to the equipment. For example, the larger the noise generated by the equipment when it operates, the larger the amount of increase in volume is preferably. Furthermore, the amount of increase in volume is preferably set according to the operating state (operation mode) of the equipment. For example, even for the same equipment, the larger the amount of increase in volume is preferably the larger the operation mode that generates the larger the noise is. For example, in the case of a range hood 6, the amount of increase in volume is larger when the exhaust capacity is strong than when the exhaust capacity is weak.

[0060] When the operation of the equipment is stopped (ended), the volume adjustment unit 42 reduces the volume of the speaker 7 to a level lower than that before the operation was stopped. For example, the volume adjustment unit 42 performs processing to return the volume to the level set by the user before the volume was increased.

[0061] Furthermore, the volume adjustment unit 42 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 based on the operating states of multiple pieces of equipment, including equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker 7 is installed. For example, the volume adjustment unit 42 sets the volume of the speaker 7 in accordance with the operating states of each piece of equipment, namely the faucet 3, the cooking appliance 4, and the range hood 6. For example, the volume adjustment unit 42 sets the amount of volume increase depending on the combination of the equipment that is operating. In this way, the volume adjustment unit 42 adjusts the volume taking into account the operating states of multiple pieces of equipment.

[0062] The volume adjustment unit 42 also adjusts the reference value X of the volume of the speaker 7. The reference value X is, for example, a volume set by the user, and is, for example, the volume of the speaker 7 when no adjustment is made by the volume adjustment unit 42. The volume adjustment unit 42 can increase or decrease the volume based on the reference value X. The volume adjustment unit 42 then sets a count value Y depending on the operating state of each piece of equipment and increases the volume by adding the count value Y to the reference value X. Furthermore, if the user performs an operation to change the volume of the speaker 7 after the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit 42, the reference value X may be corrected by the change operation. For example, if the user performs an operation to further increase the volume of the speaker 7 after the volume adjustment unit 42 has increased the volume, the volume adjustment unit 42 corrects the reference value X of the volume in an increasing direction. Furthermore, if the user performs an operation to decrease the volume of the speaker 7 after the volume adjustment unit 42 has increased the volume, the volume adjustment unit 42 corrects the reference value X of the volume in a decreasing direction. As a result, the user's operation is reflected in the reference value X.

[0063] Furthermore, the volume adjustment unit 42 can adjust the volume using various methods. For example, a volume adjustment response speed may be set. For example, the volume may be adjusted as an immediate response when the equipment starts operating or when the operation of the equipment is detected. Similarly, when decreasing the volume, it is preferable to adjust the volume as an immediate response. When adjusting the volume, the volume adjustment unit 42 may adjust the volume after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation state of the equipment changes or after the operation of the equipment is detected. For example, the volume adjustment unit 42 increases the volume of the speaker 7 when the equipment starts operating and the operation continues for a predetermined time. In other words, the volume adjustment is not performed when the equipment starts operating and then immediately ends. Similarly, when decreasing the volume, it is preferable to adjust the volume when the operation stops for a predetermined time. The volume adjustment response speed may be set for each piece of equipment. In other words, whether to respond immediately or not (waiting for a predetermined time to elapse) is set for each piece of equipment. For example, for equipment such as the range hood 6 or dishwasher that remains in operation for a while after starting, volume adjustment is set as an immediate response. On the other hand, for equipment such as the faucet 3 that may stop operating soon after starting (equipment that may be frequently turned on and off), it is preferable to adjust the volume after a predetermined time has passed since operation. In this way, the start timing of volume adjustment may be set according to the equipment.

[0064] The volume adjustment unit 42 may also adjust the volume using a motion sensor 51 and a microphone 52. Fig. 5 shows an example in which the kitchen 1 of Fig. 1 is further equipped with a motion sensor 51 and a microphone 52. Note that it is preferable that volume adjustment using the motion sensor 51 and the microphone 52 be combined with volume adjustment based on the operating status of the above-mentioned equipment.

[0065] The motion sensor 51 is a sensor that detects people, and is preferably provided around the speaker 7. For example, the motion sensor 51 is provided in the facility where the speaker 7 is provided or in a facility adjacent to the facility. The motion sensor 51 may detect the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined range, or may detect the distance from the person. The detection result of the motion sensor 51 is acquired by the communication unit 40. The volume adjustment unit 42 then adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 according to the situation of people around the motion sensor 51 (the situation of people around the speaker 7). Specifically, the volume adjustment unit 42 increases the volume when a person is far from the speaker 7 (motion sensor 51). Furthermore, the volume adjustment unit 42 may decrease the volume or not adjust the volume using the motion sensor 51 when a person is near the speaker 7 (motion sensor 51). For example, it is determined whether a person is close to or far from the speaker 7 (human presence sensor 51) based on the presence or absence of a person within the detection range of the human presence sensor 51, a threshold value of the distance to the person, and the like.

[0066] The microphone 52 is a sensor that detects ambient sounds and is preferably provided around the speaker 7. For example, the microphone 52 is provided in the facility where the speaker 7 is provided or in a facility adjacent to the facility. That is, the microphone 52 detects sounds around the speaker 7. The detection result of the microphone 52 is acquired by the communication unit 40. The volume adjustment unit 42 then adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 according to the ambient sound conditions of the microphone 52 (the ambient sound conditions of the speaker 7). Specifically, the volume adjustment unit 42 increases the volume when the ambient sound around the speaker 7 (human presence sensor 51) is loud. The volume adjustment unit 42 may also adjust the volume by analyzing the ambient sound conditions. The analysis can be performed by, for example, AI or a predetermined program. For example, the volume adjustment unit 42 may decrease the volume of the speaker 7 when people are talking. The volume adjustment unit 42 may also decrease the volume of the speaker 7 when the television is on. In this way, even if sound is detected around the microphone 52 (around the speaker 7), the volume of the speaker 7 may be reduced depending on the situation, so that conversations and television sounds can be easily heard by the user.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 4, the abnormality notification unit 43 notifies of an abnormality in the equipment. Specifically, when the communication unit 40 receives a signal related to an abnormal state of the equipment, the abnormality notification unit 43 notifies using the speaker 7. The abnormality notification is preferably made at a volume adjusted by the volume adjustment unit 42. The abnormality notification may also be made at a volume that is increased beyond the volume adjusted by the volume adjustment unit 42. In other words, the abnormality notification may be made at a volume that is louder than the volume of the sound being played. The notification is preferably made in such a way that the equipment in the abnormal state can be identified, for example.

[0068] <Processing flow> 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the volume adjustment process according to this embodiment. Each of the following steps is started, for example, when the user turns on the power of the speaker 7. Each of the processes may also be started when the user starts playing sound from the speaker 7. Each of the processes may also be started when the user turns on the volume adjustment function. The order and content of the following steps may be changed as appropriate. In each of the following processes, the equipment connected to the speaker control unit 8 is equipment A and equipment B. Equipment A is, for example, the faucet 3, and equipment B is, for example, the range hood 6.

[0069] (Step SP10) The volume adjustment unit 42 stores a reference value X for the volume of the speaker 7. The reference value X is, for example, the volume of the speaker 7 set by the user. The reference value X may also be a preset initial value. The volume of the reference value X is, for example, a volume appropriate for the user when the equipment in the kitchen 1 is not operating. The volume adjustment unit 42 also initializes the count value Y to 0. Then, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0070] (Step SP11) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether or not the facility A is operating. If the facility A is not operating, the process proceeds to step SP13. If the facility A is operating, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0071] (Step SP12) The volume adjustment unit 42 adds 1 to the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP13.

[0072] (Step SP13) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether or not the facility B is operating. If the facility B is not operating, the process proceeds to step SP15. If the facility B is operating, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0073] (Step SP14) The volume adjustment unit 42 adds 1 to the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0074] (Step SP15) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether or not the count value Y is 0. If the count value Y is not 0, the process proceeds to step SP16. If the count value Y is 0, the process proceeds to step SP19.

[0075] (Step SP16) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether the count value Y is 1. If the count value Y is 1, the process proceeds to step SP17. If the count value Y is not 1 (i.e., if the count value Y is 2), the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0076] (Step SP17) The volume adjustment unit 42 changes the volume of the speaker 7 to the reference value X+count value Y (i.e., 1). As a result, the volume increases by the amount of the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP19.

[0077] (Step SP18) The volume adjustment unit 42 changes the volume of the speaker 7 to the reference value X+count value Y (i.e., 2). As a result, the volume increases by the amount of the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP19.

[0078] (Step SP19) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to change the volume of the speaker 7. If no change has been performed, the process returns to step SP10 and the process is executed again. When returning to step SP10, the same reference value X as in the previous process is stored and the process is executed. If a change has been performed, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0079] (Step SP20) The volume adjustment unit 42 corrects the reference value X in response to a volume change operation by the user. For example, the volume adjustment unit 42 corrects the reference value X by the amount of the volume operated by the user. Specifically, when the volume is increased by 1 by the user, the reference value X is increased by 1. Then, the process returns to step SP10, and the process is executed again. When the process returns to step SP10, the corrected reference value X is stored and the process is executed again.

[0080] For example, in the above flow, it is assumed that the reference value X is stored as "5" in step SP10. The volume of the speaker 7 is on a scale of 1 to 10. If only equipment A is operating, the count value Y is set to "1." In this case, in step SP17, the volume of the speaker 7 is adjusted to "6," which is the sum of the reference value X of "5" and the count value Y of "1." Then, it is assumed that the volume is increased by "1" as a volume change operation by the user in step SP19. In this case, the volume of the speaker 7 becomes "7," and in step SP20, the reference value X is corrected from "5" to "6," and when step SP10 is executed again, the reference value X is stored as "6." Then, when the process is executed again and only equipment A is operating, the count value Y is set to "1," and in step SP17, the volume of the speaker 7 becomes "7," which is the sum of the reference value X of "6" and the count value Y of "1." That is, the volume is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the facility A in response to the volume "7" of the speaker 7 when the user performs an operation to change the volume.

[0081] In this way, the volume adjustment process is performed. Note that the above flow ends when the power supply to the speaker 7 is turned off, etc.

[0082] <Processing flow> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of volume adjustment processing according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows an example of more specific processing for range R1 in the flow of FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, explanations of processing similar to that in FIG. 6 are omitted. Note that the order and content of each of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. In addition, in each of the following processes, the equipment connected to the speaker control unit 8 is assumed to be equipment A and equipment B. Equipment A is, for example, a faucet 3, and equipment B is, for example, a range hood 6, and equipment B generates a louder sound than equipment A when in operation.

[0083] The process proceeds from step SP10 to step SP11, where the volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether or not the facility A is operating, similar to step SP11 in Fig. 6. If the facility A is not operating, the process proceeds to step SP13. If the facility A is operating, the process proceeds to step SP31.

[0084] (Step SP31) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether the noise level of the equipment A is 1. The noise level is determined, for example, based on information about the operating state obtained from the equipment A. For example, if the water discharge volume of the faucet 3 as the equipment A is weak, the noise level is determined to be 1. If the noise level of the equipment A is 1, the process proceeds to step SP32. If the noise level of the equipment A is not 1 (if it is greater than 1), the process proceeds to step SP33.

[0085] (Step SP32) The volume adjustment unit 42 adds 1 to the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP13.

[0086] (Step SP33) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether the noise level of the equipment A is 2. For example, if the water discharge volume of the faucet 3 as equipment A is medium, the noise level is determined to be 2. If the noise level of the equipment A is 2, the process proceeds to step SP34. If the noise level of the equipment A is not 2 (if it is greater than 2), the process proceeds to step SP35. Note that the noise level of the equipment A is not 2 when, for example, the water discharge volume of the faucet 3 as equipment A is strong.

[0087] (Step SP34) The volume adjustment unit 42 adds 2 to the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP13.

[0088] (Step SP35) The volume adjustment unit 42 adds 3 to the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP13.

[0089] 6, the volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether or not the facility B is operating. If the facility B is not operating, the process proceeds to step SP15. If the facility B is operating, the process proceeds to step SP36.

[0090] (Step SP36) The volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether the noise level of equipment B is 1. The noise level is determined, for example, from information about the operating state obtained from equipment B. The noise level is an index corresponding to each piece of equipment. For example, if the exhaust capacity of the range hood 6 serving as equipment B is weak, the noise level is determined to be 1. If the noise level of equipment B is 1, the process proceeds to step SP37. If the noise level of equipment B is not 1 (if it is greater than 1), the process proceeds to step SP38. If the noise level of equipment B is not 1, for example, the exhaust capacity of the range hood 6 serving as equipment B is strong.

[0091] (Step SP37) The volume adjustment unit 42 adds 2 to the count value Y. Note that, since it is assumed that the noise generated by facility B during operation is louder than that of facility A, 2 is added to the count value Y even if the noise level of facility B is 1. Then, the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0092] (Step SP38) The volume adjustment unit 42 adds 3 to the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0093] 6, the volume adjustment unit 42 determines whether the count value Y is 0. If the count value Y is not 0, the process proceeds to step SP39. If the count value Y is 0, the process proceeds to step SP19.

[0094] (Step SP39) The volume adjustment unit 42 changes the volume of the speaker 7 to the sum of the reference value X and the count value Y. As a result, the volume increases by the amount of the count value Y. Then, the process proceeds to step SP19.

[0095] As shown in the flow of FIG. 7, a count value Y is set as the amount of adjustment of the volume in accordance with the equipment and the operating state (noise level) of the equipment.

[0096] <Action and effect> As described above, the kitchen 1 of this embodiment is a kitchen 1 made up of multiple pieces of equipment, and includes a speaker 7 provided in one of the pieces of equipment, and a speaker control unit 8 that adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 based on the operating state of an equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker 7 is provided.

[0097] This configuration makes it possible to adjust the volume of the speaker 7 taking into consideration the operating state of equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker 7 is installed. This makes it possible to effectively adjust the volume of the speaker 7 installed in the kitchen 1. For example, even in a situation where the operation of the equipment makes it difficult for the user to hear the sound of the speaker 7, the volume of the speaker 7 is adjusted in accordance with the operation, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, the appropriate volume adjustment makes it possible to improve user comfort.

[0098] In addition, in the kitchen 1, the speaker control unit 8 receives a signal relating to the operating state of a facility other than the facility in which the speaker is installed, and adjusts the volume of the speaker .

[0099] According to this configuration, by receiving a signal relating to the operating state of the equipment, it is possible to appropriately adjust the volume.

[0100] Furthermore, in the kitchen 1, when a piece of equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker 7 is provided starts to operate, the speaker control unit 8 increases the volume of the speaker 7 from before the operation started.

[0101] According to this configuration, the volume of the speaker 7 can be increased in accordance with the noise generated by the operation of the equipment.

[0102] Furthermore, in the kitchen 1, when an equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker 7 is provided stops operating, the speaker control unit 8 reduces the volume of the speaker 7 from the volume before the operation stopped.

[0103] According to this configuration, even if the operation is stopped, the volume of the speaker 7 can be adjusted to an appropriate level.

[0104] In addition, in the kitchen 1, the speaker control unit 8 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 based on the operating states of a plurality of pieces of equipment, including equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker 7 is installed.

[0105] According to this configuration, the volume of the speaker 7 can be adjusted more accurately based on the operating states of a plurality of pieces of equipment, which improves user convenience.

[0106] Furthermore, in the kitchen 1, the speaker control unit 8 increases the volume of the speaker 7 relative to the reference value X of the volume, and when the user changes the volume of the speaker 7 after the volume has been increased, the speaker control unit 8 corrects the reference value X in response to the change operation.

[0107] According to this configuration, the user's change operation can be reflected in the reference value X, and the volume can be adjusted.

[0108] Furthermore, in the kitchen 1, when the speaker control unit 8 receives a signal relating to an abnormal state of a facility other than the facility in which the speaker is installed from the facility, the speaker control unit 8 uses the speaker to make a notification.

[0109] According to this configuration, the user can be more surely aware of the abnormal state of the equipment by notifying the abnormal state of the equipment through the speaker 7. For example, even if the volume of the alarm function of the equipment itself is hard to hear, the reliability of the notification can be improved by notifying through the speaker 7.

[0110] The kitchen 1 further includes a human sensor 51 that detects the presence of a person, and the speaker control unit 8 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 based on the detection result of the human sensor 51.

[0111] According to this configuration, by using the human sensor 51, it is possible to adjust the volume of the speaker 7 more appropriately.

[0112] In addition, in the kitchen 1, a human presence sensor 51 is provided around the speaker 7, and the speaker control unit 8 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 depending on the presence of people around the speaker 7.

[0113] According to this configuration, the volume can be adjusted depending on the situation of people around the speaker 7, thereby further improving convenience for the user.

[0114] The kitchen 1 further includes a microphone 52 that detects ambient sounds, and the speaker control unit 8 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 based on the detection result of the microphone 52.

[0115] According to this configuration, by using the microphone 52, the volume of the speaker 7 can be adjusted more appropriately.

[0116] In addition, in the kitchen 1, the microphone 52 is provided around the speaker 7, and the speaker control unit 8 adjusts the volume of the speaker 7 depending on the sound conditions around the speaker 7.

[0117] According to this configuration, the volume of the speaker 7 can be adjusted depending on the surrounding sound conditions, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0118] <Modification> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, designs obtained by appropriately modifying the above-described specific examples by a person skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these can also be included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure.

[0119] For example, in the above embodiment, the speaker control unit 8 communicates with each piece of equipment that makes up the kitchen 1, but the volume may also be adjusted by communicating with equipment other than the equipment that makes up the kitchen 1. Equipment other than the equipment that makes up the kitchen 1 includes, for example, an air conditioner, an electric fan, a television, a washing machine, etc.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the abnormality notification unit 43 issues a notification when it receives a signal related to an abnormal state of the equipment, but the notification method is not limited to the above. For example, the abnormality notification unit 43 may determine whether the equipment is in an abnormal state based on information related to the operating state of the equipment received by the communication unit 40. In this case, when it is determined that the equipment is in an abnormal state, the abnormality notification unit 43 issues a notification using the speaker 7.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the flow of Fig. 6 is ended when the power of the speaker 7 is turned off, for example. In this case, when the flow of Fig. 6 is executed again, it is preferable to perform processing using the reference value X immediately before the end of the previous execution of the flow. In other words, it is preferable to carry over the corrected reference value X.

[0122] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has been described as an example of setting the count value Y in accordance with the equipment and the noise level, the method of setting the count value Y is not limited to the above. For example, the closer the equipment is located to the speaker 7, the larger the count value Y may be set to be. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1: Kitchen 2: Sink (equipment) 3: Faucet (equipment) 4: Cooking equipment (equipment) 5: Cooking space (equipment) 6: Range hood (equipment) 7: Speaker 8: Speaker control unit (control unit)

Claims

1. A kitchen consisting of a plurality of facilities, a speaker provided in one of the plurality of pieces of equipment; a control unit that adjusts the volume of the speaker based on an operating state of the equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker is installed; A kitchen equipped with:

2. the control unit receives a signal related to an operating state of the equipment from the equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker is installed, and adjusts the volume of the speaker. The kitchen of claim 1.

3. When the equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is provided starts operating, the control unit increases the volume of the speaker to a level higher than before the start of the operation.

3. A kitchen according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the equipment other than the equipment in which the speaker is provided stops operating, the control unit reduces the volume of the speaker to a level lower than that before the operation stopped.

4. The kitchen of claim 3.

5. the control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker based on operation states of the plurality of pieces of equipment including the equipment different from the equipment in which the speaker is installed.

3. A kitchen according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the control unit increases the volume of the speaker relative to a reference value of the volume of the speaker, and when a user performs an operation to change the volume of the speaker after the volume has been increased, corrects the reference value in response to the operation to change the volume of the speaker.

4. The kitchen of claim 3.

7. When the control unit receives a signal related to an abnormal state of a facility different from the facility in which the speaker is installed, the control unit notifies the user by using the speaker.

3. A kitchen according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Human presence sensors that detect people, Further provided with The control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker based on the detection result of the human presence sensor.

3. A kitchen according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the human presence sensor is provided around the speaker, The control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker depending on the situation of people around the speaker.

9. The kitchen of claim 8.

10. A microphone that detects surrounding sounds, Further provided with The control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker based on the detection result of the microphone.

3. A kitchen according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The microphone is provided around the speaker, The control unit adjusts the volume of the speaker depending on the surrounding sound conditions of the speaker. The kitchen of claim 10.

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