Heating and cooking system

Abstract

This improves convenience in settings that use multiple heating and cooking units, such as restaurants. [Solution] The heating and cooking system 1 comprises a plurality of heating and cooking units 10 and a communication terminal 40. Each heating and cooking unit 10 includes a remaining amount detection unit 24 that detects the remaining amount of food in the pot while it is being kept warm, and a transmitting unit 32 that transmits a signal including the detection result from the remaining amount detection unit 24. The communication terminal 40 includes a display panel 41 that includes a plurality of display units 51 for individually displaying the status of the plurality of heating and cooking units 10, a receiving unit 45 that receives a signal from the transmitting unit 32, and a control unit 46 that causes the corresponding display unit 51 to display the remaining amount of food based on the detection result included in the signal received by the receiving unit 45.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rice cooker (cooking unit) in which four legs of a main body placed on a sink or a table are constituted by weight detection legs. In this rice cooker, the total weight of the equipment including the rice and water set in the pot can be measured by the weight detection legs when starting cooking and displayed on a measurement display unit. Also, during warming, it is possible to measure the total weight of the equipment including the cooked rice in the pot, and the remaining amount of cooked rice in the pot can be determined by subtracting the equipment weight of only the rice cooker from the total weight. Further, this configuration is not limited to a rice cooker and can also be applied to a cooker (heating cooking unit) for heating and cooking ingredients such as vegetables and meat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, since the weight including the contents in the pot can be detected and it is easy to determine the timing of starting cooking next, the convenience for the user can be improved. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider at all the operation in the case of using a plurality of heating cooking units such as in a restaurant.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking system that can improve convenience in a place where a plurality of heating cooking units are used such as in a restaurant.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a heating and cooking system comprising: a plurality of heating and cooking units that heat food in a pot and then keep the cooked food warm; and a communication terminal for displaying the status of the plurality of heating and cooking units, wherein each of the plurality of heating and cooking units has a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of cooked food in the pot while it is being kept warm, and a first transmitting unit that transmits a signal including the detection result by the remaining amount detection unit; the communication terminal is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of heating and cooking units and includes a display panel that includes a plurality of display units for individually displaying the status of the heating and cooking unit, a first receiving unit that receives a signal from the first transmitting unit, and a control unit that causes the corresponding display unit among the plurality of display units to display the remaining amount of cooked food based on the detection result included in the signal received by the first receiving unit.

[0007] The heating and cooking unit includes a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of food in the pot while it is being kept warm, and a first transmitting unit that transmits a signal including the detection result from the remaining amount detection unit. The communication terminal includes a display panel that includes multiple display units for individually displaying the status of multiple heating and cooking units, a first receiving unit that receives a signal from the first transmitting unit, and a control unit that causes the corresponding display unit to display the remaining amount of food based on the detection result included in the signal received by the first receiving unit. As a result, the user can understand the remaining amount of food in multiple heating and cooking units by looking at the display panel of the communication terminal. Therefore, the user can quickly determine which heating and cooking unit needs to be used next, thereby improving user convenience.

[0008] The first transmitting unit is capable of transmitting a signal including the operating status of the heating and cooking unit, and the control unit causes the operating status included in the signal received by the first receiving unit to be individually displayed on the corresponding display unit of the heating and cooking unit among the plurality of display units. As a result, the user can understand the operating status of the plurality of heating and cooking units by looking at the display panel of the communication terminal. Therefore, the user can quickly determine which heating and cooking unit is ready to cook from among the plurality of heating and cooking units, thereby improving user convenience.

[0009] The operating states of the heating and cooking unit include a first standby state in which cooking can be performed and a second standby state in which cooking cannot be performed. This allows the user to identify which heating and cooking unit is ready to start cooking from among multiple heating and cooking units by looking at the display panel of the communication terminal, thereby improving user convenience.

[0010] The heating and cooking unit has a second receiving unit that receives signals, and the communication terminal includes a second transmitting unit that transmits signals to each of the plurality of heating and cooking units, and a storage unit that stores information contained in the signals received by the first receiving unit. The control unit of the communication terminal transmits a request signal from the second transmitting unit to one of the plurality of heating and cooking units, and when the heating and cooking unit receives the request signal from the second receiving unit, it transmits a signal from the first transmitting unit that includes an operation log as the information, and the control unit of the communication terminal individually stores the operation log contained in the signal received by the first receiving unit in the storage unit. As a result, the manufacturer of the heating and cooking units can check whether the plurality of heating and cooking units are operating normally by looking at the operation logs stored in the storage unit. In addition, if a heating and cooking unit malfunctions, the faulty part can be easily identified by checking the operation log, and repair can be carried out quickly.

[0011] The heating and cooking unit is capable of cooking multiple types of dishes, and the display panel includes a total remaining amount display unit for displaying the total amount of food remaining in the heating and cooking units for the same dish among the multiple heating and cooking units. As a result, the user can understand the total amount of food remaining in the same dish that has been kept warm in the multiple heating and cooking units by looking at the display panel of the communication terminal. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether there is an excess or shortage of food, thereby improving user convenience.

[0012] The control unit displays the remaining amount of cooked food along with the warming time on the display unit. This allows the user to understand the priority order for serving cooked food from among the multiple heating units by looking at the display panel of the communication terminal. Therefore, food waste can be reduced, improving user convenience.

[0013] The communication terminal has a notification unit that alerts to excessive heating, and the control unit provides notification via the notification unit when the heating cooking unit exceeds a predetermined allowable heating time. This prevents the serving of unsuitable cooked food that has been cooked for too long, thereby improving user convenience.

[0014] The control unit reduces the base color area of ​​the corresponding display unit as the amount of food remaining in the heating unit decreases. This makes it easy to determine the amount of food remaining in a given heating unit by looking at the display panel of the communication terminal, thereby improving user convenience.

[0015] The control unit flashes the corresponding display unit when the remaining amount of cooked food falls below a predetermined level. This makes it easy for users to see when the remaining amount of cooked food in a designated heating unit is low by looking at the display panel of their communication terminal, thereby improving user convenience. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] This invention can improve convenience in settings where multiple heating and cooking units are used, such as restaurants. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing a restaurant using a heating and cooking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram of a heating and cooking system. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of a rice cooker, which is an example of a heating and cooking unit. [Figure 4]A diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the status of multiple rice cookers. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the display section of the rice cooking status. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the display section of the warming status. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the display section of the standby status. [Figure 8] The screen when receiving the operation log of the rice cooker [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the rice cooking process of the rice cooker. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the warming process of the rice cooker. [Figure 11A] A flowchart showing the information transmission process of the rice cooker. [Figure 11B] The continuation flowchart of Figure 11A. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the information display process of the tablet terminal.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described according to the drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 shows an example of a restaurant using the cooking system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the usage method of the cooking system 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration described below and can be changed as needed.

[0020] First, referring to Figure 1, an overview of the restaurant using the cooking system 1 will be described.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the restaurant is divided into a kitchen 3 and a dining room 5. In the kitchen 3, a plurality of rice cookers 10 are installed on the shelf 4 in order to provide meals for a large number of customers. In the dining room 5, in addition to the tables 6, a shelf 7 is installed, and several rice cookers 10 are installed on the shelf 7 for customers who wish to have an extra serving of rice. The plurality of rice cookers 10 used in such a restaurant are an example of the cooking unit of the present invention.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 1, the shelf 4 in kitchen 3 is a three-tiered rack, and eight rice cookers 10 can be installed on each tier. However, the number of tiers in shelf 4 and the maximum number of rice cookers 10 that can be installed on each tier can be changed as needed. Multiple rice cookers 10 on the upper tier 4a of shelf 4 cook rice (food) of, for example, a "normal" hardness. Multiple rice cookers 10 on the middle tier 4b of shelf 4 cook rice of, for example, a "firm" hardness. Multiple rice cookers 10 on the lower tier 4c of shelf 4 cook rice, brown rice, or barley of, for example, a "soft" hardness. All configurations of the rice cookers 10, including cooking capacity, are the same. In the following explanation, the multiple rice cookers 10 in the upper row 4a may be referred to as the upper rice cooker group 10A, the multiple rice cookers 10 in the middle row 4b may be referred to as the middle rice cooker group 10B, and the multiple rice cookers 10 in the lower row 4c may be referred to as the lower rice cooker group 10C.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 1, shelf 7 in dining room 5 is a storage rack with a door, and three rice cookers 10 are installed on top. The maximum number of rice cookers 10 that can be installed on shelf 7 can be changed as needed. In the following description, the three rice cookers 10 may be referred to as 10a, 10b, and 10c from left to right to distinguish them. The entire configuration of rice cookers 10a to 10c, including their cooking capacity, is the same as that of the rice cookers 10 used in kitchen 3. The leftmost rice cooker 10a is used to keep warm rice cooked using the same menu as the upper rice cooker group 10A. The middle rice cooker 10b is used to keep warm rice cooked using the same menu as the middle rice cooker group 10B. The rightmost rice cooker 10c is used to keep warm rice cooked using the same menu as the lower rice cooker group 10C. However, all three rice cookers 10a to c may keep warm rice cooked using the same menu as the upper rice cooker group 10A, and the type of rice being kept warm can be changed as needed.

[0024] In kitchen 3, the staff, who are the users, serve rice from the rice cooker group 10A to 10C according to the customer's request. If a customer wishes to have more rice, they can have rice from the rice cooker 10a to 10c in dining room 5, according to their choice, served into a bowl. On the other hand, if the rice in rice cooker 10a runs out, the staff takes a rice cooker pot (pot) 11 from the designated rice cooker 10 in the rice cooker group 10A and replaces the rice cooker pot 11 in rice cooker 10a. The same procedure is followed if the rice in the other rice cookers 10b and 10c runs out. This allows for the provision of additional rice without making customers wait. Before opening, rice is also cooked in rice cookers 10a to 10c.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the heating and cooking system 1 of this embodiment, which is suitably usable in such restaurants, comprises a plurality of rice cookers (heating and cooking units) 10 and a tablet terminal (communication terminal) 40. There may be only one tablet terminal 40, but it is preferable to use two or more.

[0026] Multiple rice cookers 10 and tablet terminals 40 are each equipped with wireless communication units 31 and 43, and are connected to each other via wireless communication. In this embodiment, the status of multiple rice cookers 10, including the amount of cooked rice (remaining amount of cooked food) in the rice cooker pot 11, is individually displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (display panel) 41 of the tablet terminal 40 to improve convenience for store staff.

[0027] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the configuration of the rice cooker 10 and the tablet device 40.

[0028] (Rice cooker configuration) Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the rice cooker 10 comprises a rice cooking pot 11, a rice cooker body 12, and a lid 16. The rice cooker 10 further comprises an IH coil (heating unit) 15, a lid heater 18, a pot temperature sensor 20, a lid temperature sensor 21, a liquid crystal display unit 28, a plurality of switches including a cancel switch 29, and a control unit 35.

[0029] The rice cooker 10 of this embodiment further includes an opening detection unit 23 for detecting the opening of the lid 16, and an infrared sensor 24 as a remaining amount detection unit for detecting the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker pot 11. The rice cooker 10 also includes a wireless communication unit 31 for communicating with the tablet terminal 40.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the rice cooker pot 11 is cylindrical with a bottom and is detachably positioned in the storage compartment 13 of the rice cooker body 12.

[0031] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the rice cooker body 12 is provided with a hinge portion 14 on the rear side of the storage portion 13. The lid 16 is rotatably attached to the hinge portion 14 of the rice cooker body 12 and extends vertically when fully open relative to the rice cooker body 12. The lid 16 is provided with an inner lid 17 that can seal the opening of the rice cooker pot 11 when fully closed.

[0032] The IH coil 15 is located on the outer side of the housing section 13 inside the rice cooker body 12. The IH coil 15 has a configuration in which multiple windings are wound in a ring shape, and generates eddy currents by passing a high-frequency current through it, thereby inductively heating the rice cooker pot 11. The lid heater 18 is installed inside the lid 16 and heats the inside of the rice cooker pot 11 via the inner lid 17.

[0033] Both the pot temperature sensor 20 and the lid temperature sensor 21 are made of thermistors. The pot temperature sensor 20 is positioned to penetrate the housing 13 so as to contact the outer surface of the rice cooker pot 11, and indirectly detects the temperature of the cooked rice or cooked rice inside the rice cooker pot 11 by detecting the temperature of the rice cooker pot 11. The lid temperature sensor 21 is positioned inside the lid 16 and indirectly detects the temperature inside the rice cooker pot 11 via the inner lid 17.

[0034] The open detection unit 23 is configured to detect the opening of the lid 16 relative to the rice cooker body 12. The open detection unit 23 can use a tilt sensor that is placed inside the lid 16 and outputs a signal when the lid 16 is opened and does not output a signal when the lid 16 is closed. The open detection unit 23 may also be a tact switch that turns on when the lid 16 is opened, and can be changed as needed as long as it is a configuration that can detect the open / closed state of the lid 16.

[0035] The infrared sensor 24 is a remaining amount detection unit for detecting the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker pot 11. The infrared sensor 24 is attached to the back of an opening 16a located near the hinge portion 14 inside the lid 16, and when the lid 16 is opened relative to the rice cooker body 12, it is possible to view the inside of the rice cooker pot 11 from above. The infrared sensor 24 comprises an emitting portion 25 that emits infrared rays (light) towards the inside of the rice cooker pot 11 and an incident portion 26 into which the reflected infrared rays are received, enabling optical detection of the remaining amount of cooked rice in the rice cooker pot 11. The infrared rays emitted from the emitting portion 25 form a detection range 25a that spreads out in a roughly conical shape inside the rice cooker pot 11. When infrared rays exceeding a predetermined threshold are incident on the incident portion 26, it outputs a signal, which is the detection result, to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 uses the detection result from the incident portion 26 to calculate the distance to the cooked rice.

[0036] However, the infrared sensor 24 may be attached to the hinge portion 14 of the rice cooker body 12. Also, the remaining amount detection unit may be configured using image analysis with a camera instead of the infrared sensor 24, or it may be configured with an ultrasonic sensor, and can be changed as needed as long as it is a configuration that can detect the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker pot 11.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the liquid crystal display unit 28 is attached to the lid 16. In a standby state where neither cooking nor warming is being performed, the control unit 35 displays multiple cooking menus on the liquid crystal display unit 28. During cooking, the remaining time until cooking is complete (hereinafter referred to as "remaining cooking time") is displayed, and during warming, the warming time (hereinafter referred to as "warming time") and the remaining amount of cooked rice are displayed. Multiple switches, including the cancel switch 29, are provided on the lid 16 so as to be located adjacent to the liquid crystal display unit 28. The cancel switch 29 is configured to stop (cancel) all processes, including the selection of the cooking menu, cooking, and warming.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the wireless communication unit 31 is configured for repeatedly communicating wirelessly with the tablet terminal 40, which will be described in detail later. The wireless communication unit 31 includes a transmitter (first transmitter) 32 and is capable of transmitting signals containing information about the rice cooker 10. The wireless communication unit 31 also includes a receiver (second receiver) 33 and is capable of receiving signals from the tablet terminal 40. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 31 is composed of a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy®) communication unit. However, the wireless communication unit 31 can be modified as needed, as long as it is configured to communicate wirelessly with the tablet terminal 40.

[0039] The control unit 35 consists of one or more microcomputers and other electronic devices and is mounted on a control board (not shown) located on the rice cooker body 12 or lid 16. The control unit 35 is connected to an IH coil 15, a lid heater 18, a pot temperature sensor 20, a lid temperature sensor 21, an open detection unit 23, an infrared sensor 24, a liquid crystal display unit 28, a number of switches including a cancel switch 29, and a wireless communication unit 31.

[0040] The control unit 35 includes a read-and-write memory 36, a timer 37 for measuring time and date, and a measuring unit 38 for measuring distance. The memory 36 stores programs for executing rice cooking, warming, and information transmission processes, as well as setting values ​​(temperature, time, etc.) used in the programs. The memory 36 also stores (registers) a different serial number for each of the multiple rice cookers 10, as well as an operation log. The timer 37 measures the execution time of the processes involved in rice cooking and warming, and the time for periodically transmitting information to the tablet terminal 40.

[0041] The measuring unit 38 measures the distance from the infrared sensor 24 to the cooked rice in the rice cooker 11 based on the detection time (detection result) or the angle of incidence (detection result) from the time the infrared emitter 25 of the infrared sensor 24 emits infrared rays until the infrared rays reflected by the incident part 26 of the infrared sensor 24 are incident. In other words, the measuring unit 38 and the infrared sensor 24 constitute a TOF (Time of Flight) or triangulation method distance measuring sensor that measures the distance to the cooked rice in the rice cooker 11. For example, the detection time is shortest when the rice cooker 11 is full and increases as the amount of cooked rice decreases. The angle of incidence is most obtuse when the rice cooker 11 is full and becomes acute as the amount of cooked rice decreases. Based on the detection time and the data table stored in the memory 36, the measuring unit 38 measures the distance from the infrared sensor 24 to the cooked rice in the rice cooker 11, that is, the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker 11.

[0042] The rice cooking process is performed by operating the rice cooking switch. During the rice cooking process, the control unit 35 controls the IH coil 15 and the lid heater 18 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21, according to a predetermined program, to cook the rice (ingredients) placed in the rice cooker pot 11. The rice cooking menu includes options for different rice hardness levels: "normal," "firm," and "soft." In addition to white rice, the rice cooking menu also includes options for "brown rice" and "barley," as well as "mixed rice." The rice cooking process for all of these menus includes a preheating step, a medium boiling step, a boil maintenance step, and a steaming step. While the rice cooking process is running, the control unit 35 displays the remaining cooking time on the liquid crystal display unit 28.

[0043] The keep-warm process is performed immediately after the rice cooking process. Alternatively, the keep-warm process is performed when the keep-warm switch is operated while the unit is in standby mode. During the keep-warm process, the control unit 35 controls the IH coil 15 and the lid heater 18 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21 to adjust the temperature of the cooked rice to a predetermined temperature. Also, during the keep-warm process, when the open detection unit 23 detects that the lid 16 is open, the control unit 35 repeatedly detects the amount of rice remaining in the rice cooker pot 11 using the infrared sensor 24 and the measuring unit 38 until the open detection unit 23 detects that the lid 16 is closed.

[0044] During the warming process, the control unit 35 displays the warming time measured by the timer 37 and the remaining amount of cooked rice detected by the infrared sensor 24 on the liquid crystal display unit 28. The amount of cooked rice displayed immediately after the start of the warming process is the cooking capacity determined during the intermediate cooking stage of the rice cooking process. The amount of cooked rice displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 28 as the lid 16 is opened and closed is the detection result immediately before the lid 16 is closed by the open detection unit 23. The warming process is terminated by operating the cancel switch 29.

[0045] The information transmission process is always performed as long as the power is connected. In other words, the information transmission process is performed in parallel with the rice cooking or warming process described above.

[0046] In the information transmission process, when the control unit 35 receives a request signal from the receiving unit 33 of the wireless communication unit 31, it transmits a signal containing the operation log of the rice cooker 10 along with the serial number from the transmitting unit 32 to the tablet terminal 40. The operation log includes the date, the menu cooked, the execution time of each step of the cooking process, the set temperature for keeping warm, the total cooking time, the total number of cooking cycles, the total cooking capacity, the total keep-warm time, whether there was an abnormality, and the type of abnormality.

[0047] Furthermore, in the information transmission process, when a predetermined periodic transmission time tr (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed, the control unit 35 transmits a signal including the operating status of the rice cooker 10 along with the serial number from the transmission unit 32 to the tablet terminal 40. The operating status includes the remaining cooking time, the keep-warm time, the remaining amount of cooked rice, a standby state where neither cooking nor keep-warming is performed, and an abnormal state where the rice cooker 10 cannot be operated. The standby state also includes a first standby state in which the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21 is lower than a predetermined threshold Tt (e.g., 70 degrees) and the rice cooking process can be performed, and a second standby state in which the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21 is higher than the threshold Tt and the rice cooking process cannot be performed.

[0048] (Tablet device configuration) Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tablet terminal 40 includes a liquid crystal display unit 41, a touch switch 42, a wireless communication unit 43, and a control unit 46, and is connected to multiple rice cookers 10 in a communicative manner, and displays the status of the multiple rice cookers 10 on the liquid crystal display unit 41.

[0049] The liquid crystal display unit 41 can display a home screen 50 (see Figure 4) for showing the status of multiple rice cookers 10, and a data storage screen 54 (see Figure 8) for saving the operation log of the rice cookers 10. The liquid crystal display unit 41 is composed of a touch panel display and includes a touch switch 42 that detects user operation by changes in capacitance.

[0050] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, the wireless communication unit 43 is configured to repeatedly communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication units 31 of multiple rice cookers 10. The wireless communication unit 43 is composed of a BLE communication unit similar to that of the wireless communication unit 31. The wireless communication unit 43 includes a transmitter (second transmitter) 44 and is capable of transmitting a request signal to the rice cooker 10, including a command to request the transmission of an operation log. The wireless communication unit 43 also includes a receiver (first receiver) 45 and is capable of receiving signals from the rice cooker 10, including signals including the operating status and signals including the operation log.

[0051] The control unit 46 is composed of one or more microcomputers and other electronic devices and is connected to the liquid crystal display unit 41 and the touch switch 42. The control unit 46 includes a read-and-write memory 47 and a timekeeping unit 48 for keeping time. The memory 47 stores programs for displaying multiple screens on the liquid crystal display unit 41, including a home screen 50 (see Figure 4) and a data storage screen 54 (see Figure 8), programs for detecting operations by the touch switch 42 according to the screens 50 and 54, and setting values ​​used in the programs.

[0052] Now, with reference to Figure 4, the home screen 50 displayed by the control unit 46 will be described in detail.

[0053] Referring to Figure 4, the home screen 50 is configured to display the status of multiple rice cookers 10 individually. The home screen 50 has the same number of icons (display units) 51 as there are rice cookers 10. Referring to Figure 1 as well, the home screen 50 includes a first part 50a showing the status of the rice cooker 10 in kitchen 3, a second part 50b showing the status of the rice cooker 10 in dining room 5, and a third part 50c showing the total amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker 10 in kitchen 3.

[0054] In the first section 50a, icons 51 are displayed in the same arrangement as the rice cookers 10 installed on the shelf 4 in the kitchen 3. Specifically, the upper part of the first section 50a displays eight icons 51 corresponding to the rice cookers 10 of the upper rice cooker group 10A. The middle part of the first section 50a displays seven icons 51 corresponding to the rice cookers 10 of the middle rice cooker group 10B. The lower part of the first section 50a displays seven icons 51 corresponding to the rice cookers 10 of the lower rice cooker group 10C. These icons 51 are displayed by operating the setting operation unit 50d located in the upper right of the home screen 50 and registering the rice cookers 10 on a registration screen (not shown). The upper left part of each icon 51 displays the serial number 51a of the registered rice cooker 10. Here, one more rice cooker 10 can be installed on the far left of the middle shelf 4b and the lower shelf 4c of shelf 4. Therefore, the icon 51 can also be displayed in the middle and lower sections of the first part 50a, specifically in the positions indicated by the dashed lines, by installing and registering the rice cooker 10.

[0055] In the second section 50b, the same number of icons 51 as the rice cookers 10a to 10c installed on shelf 7 in the dining room 5 are displayed. These icons 51 are displayed by operating the setting operation unit 50d located in the upper right of the home screen 50 and registering the rice cooker 10 on the registration screen, similar to the icons 51 in the first section 50a. The serial number 51a of the registered rice cooker 10 is displayed in the upper left part of each icon 51.

[0056] In the third section 50c, total remaining rice icons 52A to 52C are displayed to show the total amount of rice remaining in the rice cookers 10 of the multiple rice cookers 10 that are using the same cooking menu. Specifically, the total remaining rice icon 52A, located on the far left in Figure 4, is configured to display the total amount of rice remaining in the eight rice cookers 10 of the upper rice cooker group 10A. The total remaining rice icon 52B, located in the center in Figure 4, is configured to display the total amount of rice remaining in the seven rice cookers 10 of the middle rice cooker group 10B. The total remaining rice icon 52C, located on the far right in Figure 4, is configured to display the total amount of rice remaining in the seven rice cookers 10 of the lower rice cooker group 10C. Each of the total remaining rice icons 52A to 52C consists of a rice cooker pot 11 with a three-digit number section 52a and the word "CUP". In Figure 4, the number "000" is written in the numerical section 52a, but in reality, the total amount of cooked rice remaining in each of the rice cooker groups 10A to 10C is displayed.

[0057] Next, we will explain in more detail the icons 51 displayed in the first part 50a and the second part 50b.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4, Icon 51 includes the rice cooking icon 51A, the stirring icon 51B, the keep-warm icon 51C, the first standby icon 51D, the second standby icon 51E, and the error icon 51F.

[0059] Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 5, the rice cooking icon 51A is displayed when the corresponding rice cooker 10 is performing the rice cooking process. The rice cooking icon 51A has a flame design on a red base. The rice cooking icon 51A is equipped with a remaining time display unit 51b that indicates the remaining cooking time in numbers.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 6, the stirring icon 51B is displayed immediately after the rice cooking process in the corresponding rice cooker 10 is completed and the process transitions to the keep-warm mode. The stirring icon 51B has an orange base with a rice paddle design. After the employee opens the lid 16 and stirs the contents of the rice cooker pot 11, and then closes the lid 16, the display switches from the stirring icon 51B to the keep-warm icon 51C.

[0061] Continuing to refer to Figures 1, 4, and 6, the keep-warm icon 51C is displayed when the lid 16 is opened or closed after the corresponding rice cooker 10 has entered the keep-warm mode. The keep-warm icon 51C has a yellow base with a steam design. The keep-warm icon 51C is equipped with a time display section 51c that indicates the keep-warm time in numbers.

[0062] The base colored area 51d of the keep-warm icon 51C changes according to the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker 10. Specifically, when the amount of cooked rice is full, the entire base of the keep-warm icon 51C is colored. As the amount of cooked rice decreases, the base colored area 51d gradually decreases, and the upper part of the base becomes gray (a different color). In this embodiment, a keep-warm icon 51Ca is displayed when the amount of cooked rice is approximately 100%, a keep-warm icon 51Cb is displayed when the amount of cooked rice is approximately 70%, and a keep-warm icon 51Cc is displayed when the amount of cooked rice is approximately 30%. However, the remaining amount display by the keep-warm icon 51C may have four or more stages.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 7, the first standby icon 51D is displayed when the corresponding rice cooker 10 enters standby mode due to the operation of the cancel switch 29 and is ready to perform the rice cooking process. The first standby icon 51D has a light blue base with a design of cooked rice.

[0064] Continuing to refer to Figures 1, 4, and 7, the second standby icon 51E is displayed when the corresponding rice cooker 10 enters a standby state due to the operation of the cancel switch 29 and is unable to perform the rice cooking process. The state in which the rice cooking process is impossible is, as mentioned above, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21 is higher than the threshold Tt. The second standby icon 51E has a pink base with a picture of cooked rice. As time passes, the temperature of the rice cooker 10 decreases and the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21 falls below the threshold Tt, the display switches from the second standby icon 51E to the first standby icon 51D.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the abnormality icon 51F is displayed when the corresponding rice cooker 10 is in an abnormal state and unable to operate. The abnormality icon 51F has a flame design on a gray base. The abnormality icon 51F also displays the letters NO. In this embodiment, the abnormality icon 51F is displayed when temperature detection by the temperature sensors 20 and 21 is impossible. However, this does not apply when the rice cooker 10 is in an abnormal state and unable to operate.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the data storage screen 54 displayed by the control unit 46 will be explained in detail.

[0067] Referring to Figure 8, the data storage screen 54 is configured to receive operation logs from multiple rice cookers 10. The data storage screen 54 has the same number of icons 55 as there are rice cookers 10. Referring to Figure 1 as well, the data storage screen 54, like the home screen 50, has a first part 54a showing the rice cooker 10 in the kitchen 3, a second part 54b showing the rice cooker 10 in the dining room 5, and a third part 54c for performing data reception operations.

[0068] In the first section 54a, icons 55 are displayed in the same arrangement as the rice cooker 10 installed on shelf 4 in kitchen 3. The serial number of the registered rice cooker 10 is written on each icon 55. In the upper section of the first section 54a, eight icons 55 corresponding to the rice cookers 10 of the upper rice cooker group 10A are displayed. In the middle section of the first section 54a, seven icons 55 corresponding to the rice cookers 10 of the middle rice cooker group 10B are displayed. In the lower section of the first section 54a, seven icons 55 corresponding to the rice cookers 10 of the lower rice cooker group 10C are displayed.

[0069] Part 2, section 54b, displays the same number of icons 55 as the number of rice cookers 10a to 10c installed on shelf 7 in dining room 5. Each icon 55 displays the serial number of the registered rice cooker 10a to 10c.

[0070] The third part 54c includes a receive operation icon 56 and a stop operation icon 57. After operating the icon 55 of the first part 54a or the second part 54b, operating the receive operation icon 56 starts the reception of the operation log of the specified rice cooker 10. On the other hand, while receiving the operation log, operating the stop operation icon 57 stops the reception of the operation log.

[0071] When the control unit 46 detects the operation of the receive operation icon 56 on the data storage screen 54 via the touch switch 42, it sends a request signal containing the serial number from the transmission unit 44 to the designated rice cooker 10, and the receiving unit 45 stores the operation log received for each rice cooker 10 in the memory 47.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 46 switches the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 to one of icons 51A to 51F based on the operating state contained in the signal received by the receiving unit 45, and stores the received information for each rice cooker 10 in the memory 47.

[0073] Specifically, if the signal includes the remaining cooking time (as described in step S44), the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 is switched to the cooking icon 51A, and the remaining time display unit 51b is updated to the corresponding time.

[0074] If the signal contains information indicating that stirring is not complete (as described in step S47), the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 is switched to the stirring icon 51B.

[0075] If the signal includes the keep-warm time and the remaining amount of cooked rice (as described in step S48), the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 is switched to one of the keep-warm icons 51Ca to 51Cc, and the time display unit 51c is updated to the corresponding time. In addition, the total amount of cooked rice remaining for each of the rice cooker groups 10A to 10C is calculated, and the display of the numerical part 52a of the total remaining amount icons 52A, 52B, and 52C is updated.

[0076] If the signal contains information indicating that rice cooking is possible (as described in step S52), the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 is switched to the first standby icon 51D.

[0077] If the signal contains information indicating that rice cooking is impossible (as described in step S53), the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 is switched to the second standby icon 51E.

[0078] If the signal contains information indicating an abnormality (as described in step S50), the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 is switched to the abnormality icon 51F.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 46 will activate the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 as a notification unit to inform the staff if there is a rice cooker 10 that has been kept warm for an excessive amount of time, or if there is a rice cooker 10 with a low amount of cooked rice remaining. Specifically, when there is a rice cooker 10 that has exceeded the predetermined allowable warming time tt, the control unit 46 will flash the time display unit 51c of the warming icon 51C of the corresponding rice cooker 10. Also, when there is a rice cooker 10 with a rice remaining amount of 30% or less, the control unit 46 will flash the icon 51Cc of the corresponding rice cooker 10. However, the notification unit may also be configured to emit vibration or sound in addition to flashing the warming icon 51C, and the notification method can be changed as needed.

[0080] Next, we will specifically explain the control by the control unit 35 of the rice cooker 10 and the control by the control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40.

[0081] Figure 9 shows the rice cooking process by the control unit 35 of the rice cooker 10, Figure 10 shows the warming process by the control unit 35 of the rice cooker 10, and Figures 11A and 11B show the information transmission process by the control unit 35 of the rice cooker 10. Also, Figure 12 shows the information display process by the control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40.

[0082] (Rice cooking process in a rice cooker) As shown in Figure 9, in the rice cooking process, the control unit 35 displays the predetermined remaining cooking time for each rice cooking menu on the liquid crystal display unit 28 in step S1. Next, in step S2, it operates the IH coil 15 and performs a preheating process to maintain a predetermined preheating temperature. Then, in step S3, it determines whether the predetermined preheating time has elapsed, that is, whether the preheating process has finished. If the preheating process has not finished, it proceeds to step S4, updates the remaining cooking time, and returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the preheating process has finished, it proceeds to step S5.

[0083] In step S5, the intermediate boiling process is performed to bring the water in the rice cooker pot 11 to a boil. During this intermediate boiling process, the control unit 35 determines the cooking capacity in the rice cooker pot 11 based on the temperature rise gradient of the pot temperature sensor 20. The execution time of the subsequent steps (remaining cooking time) is changed according to the determined cooking capacity. Next, in step S6, the control unit 35 determines whether the temperature detected by the lid temperature sensor 21 has reached a predetermined transition temperature, that is, whether the intermediate boiling process has finished. If the intermediate boiling process has not finished, the process proceeds to step S7, updates the remaining cooking time, and returns to step S5. On the other hand, if the intermediate boiling process has finished, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0084] In step S8, a boiling maintenance process is performed to maintain the temperature inside the rice cooker pot 11 at a boiling point. Next, in step S9, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the pot temperature sensor 20 has reached a predetermined transition temperature, that is, whether the boiling maintenance process has ended. If the boiling maintenance process has not ended, the process proceeds to step S10, the remaining cooking time is updated, and the process returns to step S8. On the other hand, if the boiling maintenance process has ended, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0085] In step S11, a steaming process is performed to allow the cooked rice in the rice cooker pot 11 to steam. Next, in step S12, it is determined whether the predetermined steaming time has elapsed, that is, whether the steaming process has finished. If the steaming process has not finished, the process proceeds to step S13, the remaining cooking time is updated, and the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if the steaming process has finished, the cooking process ends and the process moves to the keep-warming stage.

[0086] (Keeping the rice cooker warm) As shown in Figure 10, in the heat retention process, the control unit 35 first resets the timer 37 in step S20 and starts the process, displays the heat retention time (initially 0 minutes) on the liquid crystal display unit 28, and also displays the remaining amount of cooked rice, which is determined during the rice cooking process.

[0087] Next, in step S21, the IH coil 15 is turned on and off (temperature control process) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21, and then in step S22, the heat retention time is updated based on the time measured by the timer 37.

[0088] Next, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the cancel switch 29 has been operated. If the cancel switch 29 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S24; if the cancel switch 29 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0089] In step S24, it is determined whether the lid 16 has been opened based on the input signal from the opening detection unit 23. If the lid 16 has not been opened, the process returns to step S21 and the rice temperature control process is performed. On the other hand, if the lid 16 was opened in step S24, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0090] In step S25, infrared radiation is emitted from the emitter 25 of the infrared sensor 24. In step S26, it is determined whether or not infrared radiation reflected by the signal from the inlet 26 of the infrared sensor 24 has been incident. If infrared radiation has not been incident on the inlet 26, the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if infrared radiation has been incident on the inlet 26 in step S26, the process proceeds to step S27, where the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker 11 is calculated based on the time or angle of incidence from when the emitter 25 outputs infrared radiation until the inlet 26 detects the reflected infrared radiation.

[0091] Next, in step S28, it is determined whether the lid 16 has been closed based on the input signal from the open detection unit 23. If the lid 16 is closed, the process proceeds to step S29, where the remaining rice amount on the liquid crystal display unit 28 is updated to the amount calculated (determined) in step S27, and the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if the lid 16 is not closed in step S28, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0092] If the incident unit 26 does not detect infrared radiation in step S26, and if the closure of the lid 16 is not detected in step S28, then in step S30, it is determined whether or not the cancel switch 29 has been operated. If the cancel switch 29 has not been operated, the process returns to step S25, and the detection of the remaining amount of cooked rice in the rice cooker 11 by the infrared sensor 24 is repeated. On the other hand, if the cancel switch 29 has been operated in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0093] If the cancel switch 29 is operated in step S23 or S30, in step S31, induction heating (temperature control) by the IH coil 15 is stopped, and then in step S32, the liquid crystal display 28 is changed to the initial display (standby state with multiple rice cooking menus displayed), and the keep-warm process is terminated.

[0094] (Information transmission process for rice cookers) In the information transmission process shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the control unit 35 of the rice cooker 10 transmits a signal containing an operation log when it receives a request signal, and when it does not receive a request signal, it transmits a signal containing information corresponding to the operating status of the rice cooker 10 at regular transmission intervals tr.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11A, in step S40, the control unit 35 determines whether or not it has received a request signal from the receiving unit 45. It is determined which of the multiple rice cookers 10 the request signal is for by the serial number included in the signal. If a request signal is received, the process proceeds to step S41, where the operation log stored in memory 36 is read, and a signal containing the operation log along with the serial number is sent from the transmitting unit 32, before returning to step S40. On the other hand, if no request signal is received in step S40, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0096] In step S42, it is determined whether the periodic transmission time tr has elapsed. If the periodic transmission time tr has not elapsed, the process returns to step S40; if the periodic transmission time tr has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0097] In step S43, it is determined whether or not the rice cooking process is being performed. If the rice cooking process is being performed, the process proceeds to step S44, where the remaining cooking time is read, and a signal including the remaining cooking time along with the serial number is transmitted from the transmission unit 32, before returning to step S40. On the other hand, if the rice cooking process is not being performed in step S43, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0098] In step S45, it is determined whether or not the heat retention process is being performed. If the heat retention process is being performed, the process proceeds to step S46; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S49.

[0099] In step S46, it is determined whether the lid 16 has been opened at least once since the heat retention process was executed. If the lid 16 has not been opened, the process proceeds to step S47, where it is determined that stirring is incomplete, and a signal containing this determination along with the serial number is sent from the transmission unit 32, before returning to step S40. On the other hand, if the lid 16 has been opened at least once in step S46, the process proceeds to step S48, where the heat retention time and remaining rice quantity are read, and a signal containing the heat retention time and remaining rice quantity along with the serial number is sent from the transmission unit 32, before returning to step S40.

[0100] Steps S49 and beyond, as shown in Figure 11B, are performed in a standby state where neither cooking nor keeping rice warm is taking place. In step S49, it is determined whether temperature detection is possible using the temperature sensors 20 and 21. If detection is not possible, the process proceeds to step S50, where it is determined that there is a problem with the rice cooker 10. A signal containing this determination result, along with the serial number, is transmitted from the transmission unit 32, and the process returns to step S40. On the other hand, if the temperature of the rice cooker pot 11 can be detected by the temperature sensors 20 and 21 in step S49, the process proceeds to step S51.

[0101] In step S51, it is determined whether the temperature T detected by temperature sensors 20 and 21 is below the threshold Tt. If the detected temperature T is below the threshold Tt, the process proceeds to step S52, where it is determined that the rice cooking process can be performed. A signal containing this determination along with the serial number is sent from the transmission unit 32, and the process returns to step S40. On the other hand, if the temperature T detected by temperature sensors 20 and 21 in step S51 is higher than the threshold Tt, the process proceeds to step S53, where it is determined that the rice cooking process cannot be performed. A signal containing this determination along with the serial number is sent from the transmission unit 32, and the process returns to step S40.

[0102] (Information display processing on tablet devices) In the information display process shown in Figure 12, the control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 sends a request signal when there is an operation request to send an operation log. On the other hand, when the control unit 46 receives a signal from the rice cooker 10 via the receiving unit 45, it changes the corresponding rice cooker 10 icon 51 on the home screen 50 based on the information contained in the signal, and stores the received information in the memory 47 for each rice cooker 10.

[0103] Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, in step S60, the control unit 46 determines whether or not a request operation to send the operation log has been performed by the touch switch 42. If a request operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S61, where a request signal is sent from the transmission unit 44 along with the serial number of the corresponding rice cooker 10, and the process returns to step S60. On the other hand, if a request operation to send the operation log has not been performed in step S60, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0104] In step S62, the receiving unit 45 determines whether or not it has received a signal from any of the rice cookers 10. If no signal has been received, the process returns to step S60; if a signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S63.

[0105] In step S63, the serial number included in the signal is used to determine which of the multiple rice cookers 10 the signal is from. Then, in step 64, the information of the received rice cooker 10 is stored in the memory 47. In step S65, the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 on the home screen 50 of the liquid crystal display unit 41 is updated to one of icons 51A to 51F as described above, based on the received information. The total amount of remaining rice for each of the rice cooker groups 10A to 10C is calculated, and the display of the numerical part 52a of the total remaining amount icons 52A, 52B, and 52C is updated.

[0106] Next, in step S66, the control unit 46 determines whether there is a rice cooker 10 among the multiple rice cookers 10 that has exceeded the allowable keep-warm time tt. If there is a rice cooker 10 that has exceeded the allowable keep-warm time tt, the process proceeds to step S67, where the time display section 51c of the keep-warm icon 51C for all corresponding rice cookers 10 on the home screen 50 is blinked, and the process proceeds to step S68. On the other hand, if there is no rice cooker 10 that has exceeded the allowable keep-warm time tt in step S66, step S67 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S68.

[0107] In step S68, it is determined whether there is a rice cooker 10 among the multiple rice cookers 10 with a remaining rice amount of 30% or less. If there is a rice cooker 10 with a remaining rice amount of 30% or less, the process proceeds to step S69, where the keep-warm icons 51Cc for all corresponding rice cookers 10 on the home screen 50 are made to blink, and the process returns to step S60. On the other hand, if there is no rice cooker 10 with a remaining rice amount of 30% or less in step S68, step S69 is skipped and the process returns to step S60.

[0108] The heating and cooking system 1 configured as described above has the following features.

[0109] The rice cooker 10 includes an infrared sensor 24 that detects the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker pot 11 while it is being kept warm, and a transmitting unit 32 that transmits a signal including the detection result from the infrared sensor 24. The tablet terminal 40 includes a liquid crystal display unit 41 that includes multiple icons 51 for individually displaying the status of multiple rice cookers 10, a receiving unit 45 that receives a signal from the transmitting unit 32, and a control unit 46 that displays the amount of cooked rice on the corresponding icon 51C based on the detection result included in the signal received by the receiving unit 45. As a result, a store employee can understand the amount of cooked rice remaining in multiple rice cookers 10 by looking at the liquid crystal display unit 41 of the tablet terminal 40. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine which of the multiple rice cookers 10 needs to be used next, thereby improving user convenience.

[0110] The transmitting unit 32 of the rice cooker 10 is capable of transmitting a signal that includes the operating status of the rice cooker 10, and the control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 displays the operating status included in the signal received by the receiving unit 45 individually on the icon 51 of the corresponding rice cooker 10 from among a plurality of icons 51. As a result, the user can understand the operating status of multiple rice cookers 10 by looking at the liquid crystal display unit 41 of the tablet terminal 40. Therefore, the user can quickly determine which rice cooker 10 is ready to cook rice from among the multiple rice cookers 10, thereby improving user convenience.

[0111] The operating states of the rice cooker 10 include a first standby state in which cooking is possible and a second standby state in which cooking is not possible. This allows the user to identify which of the multiple rice cookers 10 is ready to start cooking by looking at the LCD display 41 of the tablet terminal 40, thereby improving user convenience.

[0112] The control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 sends a request signal from the transmission unit 44 to one of the multiple rice cookers 10. When the rice cooker 10 receives the request signal via the receiving unit 33, it sends a signal containing an operation log via the transmission unit 32. The control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 individually stores the operation log contained in the received signal via the receiving unit 45 in the memory 47. This allows the rice cooker 10 manufacturer to check whether multiple rice cookers 10 are operating normally by looking at the operation logs stored in the memory 47. Furthermore, if a rice cooker 10 malfunctions, the faulty part can be easily identified by checking the operation log, enabling quick repair.

[0113] The LCD display unit 41 of the tablet terminal 40 includes total remaining amount icons 52A, 52B, and 52C for displaying the total amount of rice remaining in the rice cookers 10 that are cooking the same menu among multiple rice cookers 10. This allows the user to understand the total amount of rice remaining in the multiple rice cookers 10 that are being kept warm with the same menu by looking at the LCD display unit 41 of the tablet terminal 40. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether there is a surplus or shortage of rice, thereby improving user convenience.

[0114] The control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 displays the remaining amount of cooked rice along with the warming time on the icon 51C. This allows the user to understand the priority order in which to serve the cooked rice from the multiple rice cookers 10 by looking at the liquid crystal display 41 of the tablet terminal 40. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of cooked rice wasted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0115] The control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 notifies the user via the time display unit (notification unit) 51c of the warming icon 51C when the allowable warming time tt has elapsed. This prevents the serving of unsuitable rice that has been cooked for too long, thereby improving user convenience.

[0116] The control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 reduces the display area of ​​the corresponding keep-warm icon 51C as the amount of cooked rice in the rice cooker 10 decreases. This makes it easy to determine the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker 10 by looking at the liquid crystal display 41 of the tablet terminal 40, thereby improving user convenience.

[0117] The control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 flashes a corresponding keep-warm icon 51Cc when the remaining amount of cooked rice falls below a predetermined level. This makes it easy for the user to see when the remaining amount of cooked rice in the designated rice cooker 10 is low by looking at the LCD display 41 of the tablet terminal 40, thereby improving user convenience.

[0118] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0119] For example, the communication terminal is not limited to a tablet device 40; it could be a smartphone or a wired personal computer. Furthermore, the display panel of the communication terminal is not limited to a touch panel display; it can be changed as needed, as long as it is capable of displaying the status of the rice cooker 10.

[0120] The remaining amount detection unit, which detects the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker pot 11, may be configured with a weight sensor that detects the total weight of the rice cooker 10, including the cooked rice in the rice cooker pot 11, instead of the infrared sensor 24. In this case, the detector including the weight sensor may be formed separately from the rice cooker 10 and connected wirelessly or via a wired connection for communication. In other words, the detector and the rice cooker 10 may constitute a single rice cooking unit (heating and cooking unit).

[0121] If the rice cooker 10 transmits a signal including the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker pot 11, and the tablet terminal 40 can display the amount of cooked rice in the rice cooker 10 corresponding to the liquid crystal display unit 41, then the other operating status of the rice cooker 10 may not be transmitted or displayed. Furthermore, the method of displaying the amount of cooked rice in the rice cooker 10 by the tablet terminal 40 can be changed as needed.

[0122] The operation log of the rice cooker 10 may be configured to be transmitted by the control unit 35 to the tablet terminal 40 when a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined time has arrived. In this case, the control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 may not be configured to send a request signal. In this case, the rice cooker 10 may not have a receiving unit 33, and the tablet terminal 40 may not have a transmitting unit 44.

[0123] The liquid crystal display unit 41 of the tablet terminal 40 may not be configured to include total remaining amount icons 52A, 52B, and 52C for displaying the total amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cookers 10 that are using the same cooking menu among the multiple rice cookers 10.

[0124] The tablet terminal 40 may be configured not to display the warming time on the warming icon 51C. Furthermore, even when the allowable warming time tt has elapsed, the device may be configured not to flash the time display section 51c of the warming icon 51C, and not to provide any notification. Similarly, even when the remaining amount of cooked rice falls below a predetermined level, the device may be configured not to flash the warming icon 51Cc, and not to provide any notification.

[0125] The tablet terminal 40 may display the estimated remaining amount of cooked rice after a unit of time has elapsed for each of the multiple rice cookers 10 on the home screen 50 or a dedicated schedule screen. The tablet terminal 40 may also display the scheduled time to start cooking for each of the multiple rice cookers 10, based on the remaining or estimated amount of cooked rice, on the home screen 50 or a dedicated schedule screen. Furthermore, it may be possible to input data such as season, day of the week, weather each day, number of customers each day, and sales, and the scheduled time to start cooking for each of the multiple rice cookers 10 may be displayed based on this aggregated data. Additionally, the control unit 46 of the tablet terminal 40 may set a daily cooking plan based on the aggregated data and display it on the liquid crystal display unit 41.

[0126] In the above embodiment, a rice cooker 10 was used as an example, but the heating appliance of the present invention may be a cooker used to heat and cook vegetables or meat as ingredients. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. Heating and Cooking System 3 Kitchen 4 shelves 4a Upper section 4b middle row 4c lower row 5 Dining Room 6 tables 7 shelves 10,10a~10c Rice cooker (heating unit) 10A Upper Rice Cooker Group 10B Middle Rice Cooker Group 10C Lower Rice Cooker Group 11. Rice cooker pot (pot) 12. Rice cooker body 13. Detention Unit 14. Hinge section 15 IH coils 16 Lid 16a Open hole 17 Inner lid 18. Lid heater 20. Pot temperature sensor 21 Lid temperature sensor 23 Open detection unit 24. Infrared sensor (remaining charge detection unit) 25. Ejection section 25a Detection range 26 Input part 28 LCD display section 29 switches 31 Wireless Communication Section 32 Transmitting Unit (First Transmitting Unit) 33 Receiving section (second receiving section) 35 Control Unit 36 memory 37 Timer 38 Measuring part 40. Tablet devices (communication devices) 41. LCD display unit (display panel) 42 Touch switches 43 Wireless Communication Section 44. Transmitter (Second Transmitter) 45 Receiving section (first receiving section) 46 Control Unit 47 memory 48 timers 50 Home screen 50a Part 1 50b 2nd part 50c 3rd part 50d Setting Control Unit 51 Icons (Display Area) 51A Rice Cooker Icon 51B Stirring icon 51C Keep Warm Icon 51Ca Keep Warm Icon 51Cb Keep Warm Icon 51Cc Keep Warm Icon (Notification Department) 51D First Standby Icon 51E Second Standby Icon 51F Anomaly Icon 51a Serial Number 51b Remaining time display section 51c Time display unit (notification unit) 51d Base colored area 52A, 52B, 52C Total remaining battery icon 52a Number part 54 Data saving screen 54a Part 1 54b Part 2 54c Part 3 55 icons 56 Receiving operation icon 57 Stop operation icon

Claims

1. Multiple heating units that cook the ingredients in the pot by heating and then keep the cooked food warm, A communication terminal for displaying the status of the plurality of heating and cooking units Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned heating and cooking units is: A remaining amount detection unit for detecting the amount of food remaining in the pot while it is being kept warm, A first transmitting unit that transmits a signal including the detection result from the remaining amount detection unit. It has, The aforementioned communication terminal is A display panel is provided for each of the aforementioned multiple heating and cooking units, and includes multiple display units for individually displaying the status of the heating and cooking units. A first receiving unit that receives a signal from the first transmitting unit, A control unit that causes the remaining amount of cooked food to be displayed on a corresponding display unit among the plurality of display units based on the detection result included in the signal received by the first receiving unit. A heating and cooking system having the following features.

2. The first transmitting unit is capable of transmitting signals including the operating status of the heating and cooking unit. The control unit causes the operating state included in the signal received by the first receiving unit to be individually displayed on the corresponding display unit of the heating cooking unit among the plurality of display units. The heating and cooking system according to claim 1.

3. The heating and cooking system according to claim 2, wherein the operating states of the heating and cooking unit include a first standby state in which cooking can be performed and a second standby state in which cooking cannot be performed.

4. The aforementioned heating and cooking unit has a second receiving unit that receives signals, The communication terminal includes a second transmitting unit that transmits signals to each of the plurality of heating and cooking units, and a storage unit that stores information contained in the signals received by the first receiving unit. The control unit of the communication terminal transmits a request signal from the second transmission unit to one of the plurality of heating and cooking units. When the heating cooking unit receives the request signal via the second receiving unit, it transmits a signal from the first transmitting unit that includes an operation log as the information. The control unit of the communication terminal individually stores the operation logs included in the signals received by the first receiving unit in the storage unit. The heating and cooking system according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned heating and cooking unit is capable of preparing multiple types of dishes. The heating cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display panel includes a total remaining amount display unit for displaying the total amount of food remaining from heating cooking units of the same cooking menu among the plurality of heating cooking units.

6. The heating and cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit displays the warming time together with the remaining amount of cooked food on the display unit.

7. The aforementioned communication terminal has a notification unit that alerts to excessive heating, The heating and cooking system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit provides notification via the notification unit when there is a heating and cooking unit that has exceeded a predetermined allowable heat retention time.

8. The heating cooking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit reduces the base colored area of ​​the corresponding display unit in accordance with the decrease in the amount of food remaining in the heating cooking unit.

9. The heating and cooking system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit flashes the corresponding display unit when the remaining amount of cooked food falls below a predetermined amount.

Images